It's not easy for startups to find the right accelerator program. Many are aimed at very specific industries, technologies, or application areas. Impact programs seek startups with a social or ecological approach. Some programs require participants to contribute equity in the company for their services, while others are free of charge. Some corporate accelerators operate according to the venture client model and aim to introduce their parent company to startups as pilot clients. Others seek inspiration, ideas, and new solutions.
Accelerator programs are divided into six categories
The Ecosystem Company, which is also behind the startup poster ‘It takes a city to raise a startup', would like to provide an overview of the German accelerator landscape with a guide. Accelerator Guide is available for free download and presents 56 accelerator programs on 200 pages. These are divided into six categories: 'General' includes classic accelerators that operate according to the model of earlier American programs, such as TechfoundersThe 'Vertical' category includes programs that are aimed at a specific industry, such as EIT Food or Starburst'Corporate' includes programs from corporations such as the Seven Accelerator from Prosiebensat1 and Wayra. Government-backed programs include publicly supported accelerators such as the Media Lab Bayern. In the 'University & Research' section, successful organizations such as UnternehmerTUM, the LMU IEC and that SCE'Social & Impact' includes, among other things, Respond listed.
In addition to a short description, the accelerators are presented on two to four pages, including contact details, service offerings, framework data, and target group.
