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Read This Before Applying to a Startup Accelerator
May 20, 2025
Services
Read This Before Applying to a Startup Accelerator
May 20, 2025
Services
Read This Before Applying to a Startup Accelerator
May 20, 2025
A while back, I gave a talk during Baltimore Innovation Week about how early-stage founders should think about accelerators. The session was focused on Accelerate Baltimore, but most of what I shared applies broadly to any accelerator program.
I want to revisit those ideas here — because too many founders treat their accelerator application like a college essay. They’re vague, self-promotional, overly optimistic, and they ignore the key components those who are evaluating applicants are actually looking for.
So here’s a clearer, more practical approach to applying (and benefiting) from the experience — whether you get accepted or not.
Accelerators Are Valuable. If Used Correctly.
First, let’s be clear about the why.
An accelerator isn’t just about getting a small check or office space. It’s about sharpening your pitch, building early momentum, connecting with investors and mentors, and maybe most importantly — learning to sell your idea.
Done right, applying to an accelerator forces you to clarify what you’re building, who it’s for, the market potential, why they’ll buy, and how you’ll grow. Even if you don’t get in, the process is worth doing.
Basically, it’s no different from pitching to an investor.
But if you want to increase your chances of getting in, here are a few ways to improve your application — and your chances of actually benefiting from the experience.
1. Be Concise, Clear, and Specific
This is the most common issue I see: founders ramble. They over-explain. They use jargon. They assume their audience knows way more than they actually do.
Accelerators get flooded with applications. If the person reviewing yours can’t quickly understand what you do, who you serve, the size of the problem, and how you solve it — you’re done.
You need to:
Clearly describe who your customer is.
Name the problem they face.
Describe how common (and expensive) the problem is.
Explain how you solve it — and what makes your approach better than current options.
Bad example:
We’re a data-driven platform that leverages AI to optimize workflows.
Better:
We help outpatient clinics reduce patient no-shows by 40% through automated SMS and email reminders that integrate with their scheduling software.
No one ever lost points for being too clear.
2. Know What You Want
Too many founders treat accelerators like a lottery ticket. But the best applicants treat them like a strategic partnership.
Ask yourself what exactly are you hoping to get out of the program?
Mentorship?
Funding?
Accountability and coaching?
Introductions to potential customers?
Regulatory guidance?
Help closing a first sale?
If you don’t know what you want, the accelerator has no way to know if they’re the right fit for you — or if they can help at all.
Spell it out. Show that you’ve done your homework and have a plan.
3. What’s Your Contribution
Accelerators want founders who engage. That means contributing, helping others, and sharing your expertise. Active, involved founders enhance the accelerator’s effectiveness, and thus its reputation, allowing it to attract better startups.
You can help.
Even if you’re early in your journey, you certainly have something valuable to offer — UX design skills, marketing experience, tech chops, or just a willingness to support others.
Express those assets. Get them to recognize the value you bring to the table.
Programs want teams who will show up, not just soak up.
4. What Will You Do with the Money?
This gets overlooked.
Most accelerators offer some amount of seed funding. In the case of Accelerate Baltimore, it was a $50,000 convertible note.
And we wanted to know that money would be used strategically.
Don’t say “we’ll pay ourselves for a few months.” Or buy $20,000 in radio ads. (That happened...)
That’s not what they want to hear.
Instead, say:
We’ll hire a developer to finish the MVP.
We’ll launch a paid pilot with 3 health systems.
We’ll test our CAC by running a paid LinkedIn campaign targeting health plan execs.
Be specific. Be tactical. Show you know how to use capital efficiently.
5. Build Relationships Early
Founders who engage with accelerator staff before submitting their application are more likely to get selected.
Go to info sessions. Ask questions. Show up to community events. If possible, have a quick conversation with the program manager beforehand.
It doesn’t have to be a long conversation — but familiarity helps. You might get some tips (like these.) And if they know your name, your application won’t be read cold.
6. Include a 1-Minute Intro Video
Most applications include an option to upload a short video. Do it.
Keep it simple:
Introduce yourself.
Explain what your business does.
Tell them why you want in.
Don’t over-produce it. Record it on your phone. Be authentic, clear, and enthusiastic.
Why? Because it puts a face to the name. It’s another touch. And that makes you more memorable.
7. Apply to the Right Accelerators
Not every program is a fit. Some focus on specific sectors (like health tech or fintech), some on geography, and others on stage or traction.
Make sure you’re a match before applying. If you’re pre-revenue, don’t waste time on programs that only want companies with traction. If you’re building a deep-tech platform, don’t apply to an accelerator that’s all about DTC consumer brands.
And check the structure — is it virtual? In-person? Do they take equity? Is relocation required?
Pick the right horse before you run the race.
8. If You’re Rejected, Ask for Feedback
This one’s easy to skip — but incredibly valuable.
If you don’t get in, don’t disappear. Follow up. Ask for a short call or email them to learn why you weren't selected…and what you could do to improve. You won’t always get it, but when you do, it can be invaluable.
Founders often apply multiple times before being accepted. And each iteration is a chance to improve the pitch, tighten the story, and build rapport.
Final Word: Sales Matters
No matter what kind of startup you’re building — your survival depends on sales.
Accelerators can give you mentorship, community, and funding. But they can’t sell your product for you. That’s your job.
So whether you get into the program or not, focus on generating revenue. Learn how to pitch.
Talk to customers. Make the ask. Deliver results.
Funding is nice. But traction, customer acquisition, and revenue are better.
And if you’re applying to one soon? I wish you good luck. And reach out if I can help.
A while back, I gave a talk during Baltimore Innovation Week about how early-stage founders should think about accelerators. The session was focused on Accelerate Baltimore, but most of what I shared applies broadly to any accelerator program.
I want to revisit those ideas here — because too many founders treat their accelerator application like a college essay. They’re vague, self-promotional, overly optimistic, and they ignore the key components those who are evaluating applicants are actually looking for.
So here’s a clearer, more practical approach to applying (and benefiting) from the experience — whether you get accepted or not.
Accelerators Are Valuable. If Used Correctly.
First, let’s be clear about the why.
An accelerator isn’t just about getting a small check or office space. It’s about sharpening your pitch, building early momentum, connecting with investors and mentors, and maybe most importantly — learning to sell your idea.
Done right, applying to an accelerator forces you to clarify what you’re building, who it’s for, the market potential, why they’ll buy, and how you’ll grow. Even if you don’t get in, the process is worth doing.
Basically, it’s no different from pitching to an investor.
But if you want to increase your chances of getting in, here are a few ways to improve your application — and your chances of actually benefiting from the experience.
1. Be Concise, Clear, and Specific
This is the most common issue I see: founders ramble. They over-explain. They use jargon. They assume their audience knows way more than they actually do.
Accelerators get flooded with applications. If the person reviewing yours can’t quickly understand what you do, who you serve, the size of the problem, and how you solve it — you’re done.
You need to:
Clearly describe who your customer is.
Name the problem they face.
Describe how common (and expensive) the problem is.
Explain how you solve it — and what makes your approach better than current options.
Bad example:
We’re a data-driven platform that leverages AI to optimize workflows.
Better:
We help outpatient clinics reduce patient no-shows by 40% through automated SMS and email reminders that integrate with their scheduling software.
No one ever lost points for being too clear.
2. Know What You Want
Too many founders treat accelerators like a lottery ticket. But the best applicants treat them like a strategic partnership.
Ask yourself what exactly are you hoping to get out of the program?
Mentorship?
Funding?
Accountability and coaching?
Introductions to potential customers?
Regulatory guidance?
Help closing a first sale?
If you don’t know what you want, the accelerator has no way to know if they’re the right fit for you — or if they can help at all.
Spell it out. Show that you’ve done your homework and have a plan.
3. What’s Your Contribution
Accelerators want founders who engage. That means contributing, helping others, and sharing your expertise. Active, involved founders enhance the accelerator’s effectiveness, and thus its reputation, allowing it to attract better startups.
You can help.
Even if you’re early in your journey, you certainly have something valuable to offer — UX design skills, marketing experience, tech chops, or just a willingness to support others.
Express those assets. Get them to recognize the value you bring to the table.
Programs want teams who will show up, not just soak up.
4. What Will You Do with the Money?
This gets overlooked.
Most accelerators offer some amount of seed funding. In the case of Accelerate Baltimore, it was a $50,000 convertible note.
And we wanted to know that money would be used strategically.
Don’t say “we’ll pay ourselves for a few months.” Or buy $20,000 in radio ads. (That happened...)
That’s not what they want to hear.
Instead, say:
We’ll hire a developer to finish the MVP.
We’ll launch a paid pilot with 3 health systems.
We’ll test our CAC by running a paid LinkedIn campaign targeting health plan execs.
Be specific. Be tactical. Show you know how to use capital efficiently.
5. Build Relationships Early
Founders who engage with accelerator staff before submitting their application are more likely to get selected.
Go to info sessions. Ask questions. Show up to community events. If possible, have a quick conversation with the program manager beforehand.
It doesn’t have to be a long conversation — but familiarity helps. You might get some tips (like these.) And if they know your name, your application won’t be read cold.
6. Include a 1-Minute Intro Video
Most applications include an option to upload a short video. Do it.
Keep it simple:
Introduce yourself.
Explain what your business does.
Tell them why you want in.
Don’t over-produce it. Record it on your phone. Be authentic, clear, and enthusiastic.
Why? Because it puts a face to the name. It’s another touch. And that makes you more memorable.
7. Apply to the Right Accelerators
Not every program is a fit. Some focus on specific sectors (like health tech or fintech), some on geography, and others on stage or traction.
Make sure you’re a match before applying. If you’re pre-revenue, don’t waste time on programs that only want companies with traction. If you’re building a deep-tech platform, don’t apply to an accelerator that’s all about DTC consumer brands.
And check the structure — is it virtual? In-person? Do they take equity? Is relocation required?
Pick the right horse before you run the race.
8. If You’re Rejected, Ask for Feedback
This one’s easy to skip — but incredibly valuable.
If you don’t get in, don’t disappear. Follow up. Ask for a short call or email them to learn why you weren't selected…and what you could do to improve. You won’t always get it, but when you do, it can be invaluable.
Founders often apply multiple times before being accepted. And each iteration is a chance to improve the pitch, tighten the story, and build rapport.
Final Word: Sales Matters
No matter what kind of startup you’re building — your survival depends on sales.
Accelerators can give you mentorship, community, and funding. But they can’t sell your product for you. That’s your job.
So whether you get into the program or not, focus on generating revenue. Learn how to pitch.
Talk to customers. Make the ask. Deliver results.
Funding is nice. But traction, customer acquisition, and revenue are better.
And if you’re applying to one soon? I wish you good luck. And reach out if I can help.
A while back, I gave a talk during Baltimore Innovation Week about how early-stage founders should think about accelerators. The session was focused on Accelerate Baltimore, but most of what I shared applies broadly to any accelerator program.
I want to revisit those ideas here — because too many founders treat their accelerator application like a college essay. They’re vague, self-promotional, overly optimistic, and they ignore the key components those who are evaluating applicants are actually looking for.
So here’s a clearer, more practical approach to applying (and benefiting) from the experience — whether you get accepted or not.
Accelerators Are Valuable. If Used Correctly.
First, let’s be clear about the why.
An accelerator isn’t just about getting a small check or office space. It’s about sharpening your pitch, building early momentum, connecting with investors and mentors, and maybe most importantly — learning to sell your idea.
Done right, applying to an accelerator forces you to clarify what you’re building, who it’s for, the market potential, why they’ll buy, and how you’ll grow. Even if you don’t get in, the process is worth doing.
Basically, it’s no different from pitching to an investor.
But if you want to increase your chances of getting in, here are a few ways to improve your application — and your chances of actually benefiting from the experience.
1. Be Concise, Clear, and Specific
This is the most common issue I see: founders ramble. They over-explain. They use jargon. They assume their audience knows way more than they actually do.
Accelerators get flooded with applications. If the person reviewing yours can’t quickly understand what you do, who you serve, the size of the problem, and how you solve it — you’re done.
You need to:
Clearly describe who your customer is.
Name the problem they face.
Describe how common (and expensive) the problem is.
Explain how you solve it — and what makes your approach better than current options.
Bad example:
We’re a data-driven platform that leverages AI to optimize workflows.
Better:
We help outpatient clinics reduce patient no-shows by 40% through automated SMS and email reminders that integrate with their scheduling software.
No one ever lost points for being too clear.
2. Know What You Want
Too many founders treat accelerators like a lottery ticket. But the best applicants treat them like a strategic partnership.
Ask yourself what exactly are you hoping to get out of the program?
Mentorship?
Funding?
Accountability and coaching?
Introductions to potential customers?
Regulatory guidance?
Help closing a first sale?
If you don’t know what you want, the accelerator has no way to know if they’re the right fit for you — or if they can help at all.
Spell it out. Show that you’ve done your homework and have a plan.
3. What’s Your Contribution
Accelerators want founders who engage. That means contributing, helping others, and sharing your expertise. Active, involved founders enhance the accelerator’s effectiveness, and thus its reputation, allowing it to attract better startups.
You can help.
Even if you’re early in your journey, you certainly have something valuable to offer — UX design skills, marketing experience, tech chops, or just a willingness to support others.
Express those assets. Get them to recognize the value you bring to the table.
Programs want teams who will show up, not just soak up.
4. What Will You Do with the Money?
This gets overlooked.
Most accelerators offer some amount of seed funding. In the case of Accelerate Baltimore, it was a $50,000 convertible note.
And we wanted to know that money would be used strategically.
Don’t say “we’ll pay ourselves for a few months.” Or buy $20,000 in radio ads. (That happened...)
That’s not what they want to hear.
Instead, say:
We’ll hire a developer to finish the MVP.
We’ll launch a paid pilot with 3 health systems.
We’ll test our CAC by running a paid LinkedIn campaign targeting health plan execs.
Be specific. Be tactical. Show you know how to use capital efficiently.
5. Build Relationships Early
Founders who engage with accelerator staff before submitting their application are more likely to get selected.
Go to info sessions. Ask questions. Show up to community events. If possible, have a quick conversation with the program manager beforehand.
It doesn’t have to be a long conversation — but familiarity helps. You might get some tips (like these.) And if they know your name, your application won’t be read cold.
6. Include a 1-Minute Intro Video
Most applications include an option to upload a short video. Do it.
Keep it simple:
Introduce yourself.
Explain what your business does.
Tell them why you want in.
Don’t over-produce it. Record it on your phone. Be authentic, clear, and enthusiastic.
Why? Because it puts a face to the name. It’s another touch. And that makes you more memorable.
7. Apply to the Right Accelerators
Not every program is a fit. Some focus on specific sectors (like health tech or fintech), some on geography, and others on stage or traction.
Make sure you’re a match before applying. If you’re pre-revenue, don’t waste time on programs that only want companies with traction. If you’re building a deep-tech platform, don’t apply to an accelerator that’s all about DTC consumer brands.
And check the structure — is it virtual? In-person? Do they take equity? Is relocation required?
Pick the right horse before you run the race.
8. If You’re Rejected, Ask for Feedback
This one’s easy to skip — but incredibly valuable.
If you don’t get in, don’t disappear. Follow up. Ask for a short call or email them to learn why you weren't selected…and what you could do to improve. You won’t always get it, but when you do, it can be invaluable.
Founders often apply multiple times before being accepted. And each iteration is a chance to improve the pitch, tighten the story, and build rapport.
Final Word: Sales Matters
No matter what kind of startup you’re building — your survival depends on sales.
Accelerators can give you mentorship, community, and funding. But they can’t sell your product for you. That’s your job.
So whether you get into the program or not, focus on generating revenue. Learn how to pitch.
Talk to customers. Make the ask. Deliver results.
Funding is nice. But traction, customer acquisition, and revenue are better.
And if you’re applying to one soon? I wish you good luck. And reach out if I can help.
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