Incubators vs Accelerators??

Stephen G. Barr
May 16, 2015
1 min read

Startup founders looking to start off on the right foot often turn to a startup accelerator or startup incubator for help.

The terms "accelerator" and "incubator" are often assumed to represent the same concept. However, there are a few key distinctions that first-time founders should be aware of if they are planning on signing up.

Accelerators and incubators both offer entrepreneurs good opportunities early on. Founders get help to quickly grow their business and they often better their chances of attracting a top VC firm to invest in their startup at a later point. Still, the programs are different frameworks for startup success.

Let's start by breaking down the goals of each of these types of programs. Accelerators "accelerate" growth of an existing company, while incubators "incubate" disruptive ideas with the hope of building out a business model and company. So, accelerators focus on scaling a business while incubators are often more focused on innovation.