What is a business accelerator?

Reading time: 4 min

    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
      Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

      Starting a new business introduces several challenges. With growing competition and a rise in digital technology, a brilliant idea is no longer enough to disrupt markets and guarantee success. New entrepreneurs need access to capital, mentoring and resources in order to make their mark in their chosen sector. Put simply, accelerators are there to prevent startups from early failure.

      Accelerators are organisations that offer support services and funding opportunities for startups. They enrol startups in programmes that offer mentoring, office space and resources. More importantly, business accelerator programmes offer access to capital and investment, in return for startup equity. These accelerator programmes usually last around three or four months, meaning projects are often very intensive.

      Accelerators can be very similar to co-working spaces.The first contact point for visitors coming to many accelerators is an open space full of startups that can interact with each other.

      It’s worth noting that most business accelerators will expect to take some equity from your business?—?this is usually up to a maximum of 10%. However, many will use this to provide your business with courses on growth and fundraising, designed to accelerate your existing development.

      UK business accelerators

      1. Seedcamp

      Seedcamp’s focus is on Europe, but they are open to founders and companies all over the world. They usually look to invest in companies in a prototype or pre-revenue stage and are often the lead investor. Funding: £100,000 for 7.5% for pre-seed investment.

      Startup: TPH

      2. Startupbootcamp FinTech

      Startupbootcamp FinTech are a service focused accelerator programme looking for companies innovating in blockchain, mobile security and SME finance solutions.

      Funding: €15,000 for 6–8% in equity.

      Startup: Enterprise Bot

      3. The Sirius Programme

      The Sirius Programme is a government-backed accelerator programme which supports graduate entrepreneurs from across the globe to relocate their businesses to the UK. Funding: £35,000 in cash and £20,000 in services in exchange for 10% equity.

      Startup: Wibbu

      4. TechStars

      TechStars is one of the world’s most successful accelerators. Their London base is open to all kinds of digital technology, and usually focuses on early-stage deep-tech or other sector startups.

      Funding: €15,000 with an optional convertible note of €70,000 (the first sum in exchange for between 6 and 10% equity).

      Startup: Osper

      5. Emerge Education

      Emerge Education is an accelerator for the education industry. Alongside investment, they will provide up to three desks free of charge at Edspace in Hackney in London. It is not necessary to provide a business plan?—?you just need to fill in their online application form.

      Funding: £40,000–100,000 (3–8% equity taken)

      Startup: Wonde

      Irish business accelerators

      Sprint

      Based in Cork, the Sprint accelerator programme is aimed at early-stage businesses, entrepreneurs and UCC-based researchers. They have attracted businesses from various areas, including MedTech, nutrition and I.T.

      Startup: Skellig Surgical

      Enterprise Ireland?—?Competitive Start

      Enterprise Ireland’s Competitive Start Fund is designed to accelerate growth of businesses with the potential to succeed globally. The programme helps businesses achieve significant milestones in development, including producing prototypes and acquiring venture capital.

      Propellor Venture Accelerator http://ryanacademy.ie

      The Ryan Academy is a collaboration between Dublin City University and the family of Ryanair founder, Tony Ryan. They offer a range of programmes, including the Propellor Venture Accelerator. This is aimed at early-stage technology firms, and provides mentors, development plans and €45k in exchange for 7.5% equity.

      Like what you see? Share with a friend.

      Ready to grow your business?

      close-blue.svg

      Clever finance tips and the latest news

      Delivered to your inbox monthly
      Join the 95,000+ businesses just like yours getting the Swoop newsletter.
      Free. No spam. Opt out whenever you like.

      Newsletter

      Clever finance tips and the latest news

      Delivered to your inbox monthly

      Join the 95,000+ businesses just like yours getting the Swoop newsletter.

      Free. No spam. Opt out whenever you like.

      Our offices:

      Disclaimer: Swoop Finance Pty Ltd (ABN 52 644 513 333) helps Australian firms access business finance, working directly with firms and their trusted advisors. We are a credit broker and do not provide finance products ourselves. All finance and quotes are subject to status and income. Applicants must be aged 18 and over and terms and conditions apply. Guarantees and Indemnities may be required. Swoop Finance Pty Ltd can introduce applicants to a number of providers based on the applicants’ circumstances and creditworthiness, we may receive a commission or finder’s fee for effecting such introductions. Swoop Finance Pty Ltd does not provide any kind of advice and in giving you information about providers products, we are not making any suggestion or recommendation to you about a particular product. Offers of finance are subject to a separate assessment process by the provider and subject to their terms and conditions. If you feel you have a complaint, please read our complaints section which is contained within our terms and conditions.

      © Swoop 2025

      Looks like you're in . Go to our site to find relevant products for your country. Go to Swoop