Get Into an Accelerator
12 weeks · 3 milestones
Get accepted into YC, Techstars, or a top-tier accelerator program.
Milestone map
Milestone map
3 milestones
Identify 3–5 accelerator programmes that are a genuine fit for your stage and domain, and write the application for at least one. Accelerator applications reward clarity on three things: what you are building (specific product and customer), what traction you have (real numbers — not potential, but actuals), and why this team (what specific non-obvious advantage makes you the right people to build this). Most failed accelerator applications are rejected because the traction numbers are absent, or because 'why this team' defaults to credentials rather than earned insight. The application writing process itself is valuable independently of whether you are accepted — it forces precision about the business.
Proof required
Share a list of 3–5 target accelerators with a one-sentence justification for each (why this programme specifically is a fit for your business at this stage). Share your draft application for at least one programme — the full answers to the application questions, not a summary. If the application asks for traction, those numbers must be real (revenue, users, or validated demand).
What gets checked
- 3–5 accelerators named with specific fit rationale — not 'YC is a good accelerator' but 'YC funds B2B SaaS at our stage with global ambition, which matches our business; our two target companies are YC alumni'.
- Draft application is complete — all required questions answered.
- Traction numbers in the application are real and specific — any revenue, user, or validation numbers must match financial evidence available.