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Ask HN: How are accelerators of any value?

by jimsojim on 12/16/18, 4:29 PM with 2 comments

Principally, how is an accelerator (like YC), as an institution, any different than universities? which just capitalizes on the selection bias. What is the net value added of the "education"? OR is it just a signalling factor and access to the alumni network. Considering the slim chances of success with any startup, do these accelerators really make a difference for the majority of startups?

  • by RNeff on 12/16/18, 6:16 PM

    YC runs a free, online Startup School each year. All of the videos are available at https://www.startupschool.org/ Watch them, and see if you learn anything.

    The actual onsite program has an acceptance rate in single digit percentage. The last invitation-only Demo Day held at the Computer History Museum was completely full. See https://techcrunch.com/2018/08/20/here-are-the-63-startups-t... and https://techcrunch.com/2018/08/21/all-59-startups-that-launc...

    So yes to all of your questions: great education; great connections to alumni; great connections to VCs and mentors; and YC staff have tons of experience.

  • by PaulHoule on 12/16/18, 4:45 PM

    In the case of YC the proof is in the pudding. I don't think any other accelerator has anywhere near as good of a record.

    Of course YC's location gives their companies an access to exits that you couldn't get in say Fresno, CA or Paramus, NJ.