An accelerator can make or break a startup. Accelerators offer many benefits to startups, including mentorship, business acceleration, and investor exposure often leading to funding. But, if you are considering an accelerator, do your homework before making your decision and choosing an accelerator program. To learn more about accelerator programs, and the difference between accelerators and incubators, read Globig’s article on the Top Accelerators and Incubators in China. Globig works with some great accelerators worldwide, including two top UK accelerators. Here are our top accelerator picks in the UK.
Techstars: Techstars is one of the largest accelerators in the world, with programs worldwide. Techstars mostly funds tech-oriented companies. Companies that are accepted into the Techstar program receive up to $1 million in perks, including, but not limited to, back office services, marketing services, wireless internet access, and analytical tools. Globig’s CEO and Founder, Anke Corbin, is a mentor with Techstars in Boulder, Colorado.
Ignite: Ignite is an angel-led accelerator program. Ignite has programs in Manchester, Edinburgh, and London. Ignite also offers a free pre-accelerator program over four weekday evenings. Learn more about Ignite and doing business, accelerators, funding, and culture in the UK, listen to Globig’s interviews of Martyn Davies, the program director of Ignite.
Wayra: A part of Telefonica Open Future, Wayra UK prides itself on being committed to UK-based startups, including those founded by migrant entrepreneurs and people from diverse backgrounds. In 2017, Wayra is helping 50 UK startups develop through partnership, coaching, masterclasses, 1-on-1 meetings, and by providing office space.
Seedcamp: Seedcamp is a successful investment fund that invests in startups in three different ways: 1) a structured equity deal (very similar to an accelerator deal), 2) a structured warrant, or 3) an initial seed investment. Seedcamp also provides startups with founder feedback, an academy for founders and their teams, office hours which consist of 1-on-1 meetings, and a trip to the US to learn from startup companies that have climbed their way to success.
BBC Worldwide Labs: BBC collaborates with digital media and technological startups. They look for startups that have a global vision and a product that is ready to go. They offer mentors, office space, and a potential commercial partnership with BBC Worldwide to finalists. The BBC accelerator program offers only six companies each year the opportunity to go through its six month program.
Collider: Collider is an accelerator that is focused on marketing and advertising startups. They aim to help startups create sustainable, rapidly growing businesses. The Collider Academy is a 4-month intensive that takes startups all the way, starting with an introduction and ending with demonstration day.
Startupbootcamp: Startupbootcamp is one of the largest startup support organizations in the world. They have programs on a number of continents and boast a large global network. Each city offers a unique program that is industry specific. London programs include IoT and connected devices, FinTech, InsurTech. They offer a 3-month program where startups have the opportunity to meet with over 100 partners, investors, and mentors. Startupbootcamp is supported by some major global companies, including Amazon, Cisco, Google Cloud Platform, and Intel.
Accelerator Academy: Focused on entrepreneurs and startups in the tech, media, and telecom sector (TMT). Accelerator academy is a 3-month long program that takes place on weekends and in the evenings.
Although an accelerator program is a great way to accelerate your business, the competition is tough and it is not right for every company. Globig made the decision to join a local accelerator program in the spring of 2016 after careful consideration. To learn more about Globig’s decision to participate in an accelerator program, read our COO Ann Stewart Zachwieja’s article, The Startup Dilemma: Do We Have Time To Accelerate? MergeLane is a Yes. If you are considering an accelerator program, make sure you’ve done enough research on how it will benefit your company and choose the best program for your company.
Related Articles and Content You Might Like:
Podcast: Doing Business in the UK
Globig in 48 Hours – London: Globig recently went to London to get an insider view of what makes the London ecosystem a great place to startup or expand into. The first few videos are already posted in our YouTube channel. Subscribe to the channel to see new videos and other content as it is published.
Additional Resources:
Accelerometer researches and ranks the best accelerators and incubators in the UK.
Tech London is London’s official guide to the tech and startup community, including jobs, events, news, accelerators, resources, workspaces and more.
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