
Our clients represent Michigan’s driving industries, ranging from high tech and mobility to manufacturing and life sciences.

Ann Arbor SPARK Entrepreneurial ServicesĪnn Arbor SPARK provides both types of programs to entrepreneurs with businesses headquartered in the region. There are even some incubators with built-in accelerator programs, such as Ann Arbor SPARK. Many incubators have varying space options - from desks to suites - that can fit your company’s needs as it grows.įinally, it is common for a business to simultaneously be part of an incubator and an accelerator. If you’re looking for something long-term that can serve as a collaborative work environment for your entire team, then an incubator is an ideal fit. If you have yet to meet the accelerator’s requirements, an incubator may help you achieve those goals.Īnother method is assessing how long you anticipate using the facility. Additionally, many accelerators have competitive application processes. Accelerators are ideal for businesses in the startup stage with a minimum viable product (MVP).
INCUBATOR VS STARTUP FULL
Incubators provide space and resources for the full spectrum of startups, from early stage to growth stage. The primary way of identifying if you should join an incubator or an accelerator is the stage of your startup.
INCUBATOR VS STARTUP HOW TO
How to Choose Between an Incubator and an Accelerator Build camaraderie with other founders who are at the same business journey phase.Achieve key milestones while being mentored by experts.Participate in a focused, disciplined program designed specifically for your industry or sector.Through one-on-one mentorship, startups are able to overcome common challenges in a shorter timeframe. Most accelerators work with angel investors, venture capitalists (VCs), seasoned founders, and industry experts to advise and form collaborative partnerships with other entrepreneurs. The economic focus is placed on building the portfolios of companies in each cohort and helping these companies scale at a more rapid pace. Companies may be accepted into the accelerator through an application process, during which the cohort progresses through the program at the same time.

INCUBATOR VS STARTUP PROFESSIONAL
Accelerators function as a catalyst for high growth among startups by providing professional levels of promotion, education, and capital that might otherwise take years to achieve independently.Īccelerators frequently have clearly defined start and end dates, lasting no longer than one year and typically anywhere between three and six months. Startups selected to participate will have a minimum viable product (MVP), may have formed a prototype, and may have already received pre-seed funding. Structured support from mentors and industry experts.Īccelerators are purposefully designed for startup companies whose development falls anywhere between the idea and growth stages.Collaboration and co-creation among participating startups.Access to desk space, coworking space, or startup studios.Use of a physical business address versus your residential address or a PO box.Many incubators also function as not-for-profit entities. Strong relationships with regional players at universities and venture capital firms can help to further nurture a talent pipeline that supports innovation and regional prosperity. Though companies can mature out of an incubator after achieving significant milestones, there is no set start or end date in duration for companies to participate. Incubators are heavily focused on regional economic development and funded through a combination of public sources and private grants.

They typically serve multiple early stage startups with companies representing a wide range of disciplines. Incubator programs are designed for startups refining their business plan as they navigate challenges from the idea stage through the growth stage. While ‘incubator’ and ‘accelerator’ are often used interchangeably, there are ways to distinguish the two. Joining a startup incubator or business accelerator program provides an ideal environment to make these strategic connections possible, increasing the odds of long-term success. The development of an early stage company often includes engaging with the startup community, finding experienced mentors and advisors, and getting connected to funding sources. Overview of Servicesįor entrepreneurs, growing a startup is a multifaceted process. Whether you are launching your first startup, a seasoned entrepreneur, or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, our services can help you succeed.
