I get asked this question a lot. In the explosion of startup accelerators, it makes sense. Raising money is hard. Really hard. Doesn\u2019t matter what the tech news blogs say, its hard.<\/p>\n
Especially if you aren\u2019t in New York or San Francisco.<\/p>\n
As a young entrepreneur, applying to YC or Techstars or 500startups or <insert 1000 other accelerators here> looks like free money. If you can get it. Thats really hard too. Well for some of the accelerators. For others, its super easy.<\/p>\n
Oh, and mentors, lots and lots of mentors. Some great; some not so good. Some are dicks; some are super cool.<\/p>\n
Space to work, a group of other companies to work with, and the ability to join a network of founders that understand the difficulties that you face.<\/p>\n
So why wouldn\u2019t you join an accelerator?<\/p>\n
The most common comment I hear is age. Yes, there is a belief that accelerators are for the young. And, more so, for the inexperienced.<\/p>\n
Often, you hear Techstars and the rest counter with the founders \u201cof age\u201d that have been successful in the program. Good selling strategy, right?<\/p>\n
Here are the facts about an accelerator:<\/p>\n
Bottom line. Should you do an accelerator?<\/p>\n
Maybe. It\u2019s really your decision.<\/p>\n
But, if you get in, and decide to do it, then do it 120%. Work harder than everyone else. Push yourself and your team. Become great. Don\u2019t be one of the forgotten companies.<\/p>\n
And if you decide that you don\u2019t need an accelerator, well then, thats cool too. Prove to the world that you don\u2019t.<\/p>\n
This post is a version<\/a>\u00a0of a post the first appeared on the Learn To Duck<\/a> blog.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I get asked this question a lot. In the explosion of startup accelerators, it makes sense. Raising money is hard. Really hard. Doesn\u2019t matter what the tech news blogs say, … <\/p>\n