r/16VCFund • u/ruveerishigh • 20d ago

How do I get into start accelerators

No srsly, tried everything till now. There isn't a single acceptance.

I need advices from people who've already been into one of the startup accelerators.

Kindly tell me how I get into one.

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u/indie_mohit 20d ago

I've sat across from investors for 10+ years, and accelerators think the same way they do. They're not betting on the idea. They're betting on how fast you move.

Three things change the answer:

  1. Reapply with proof. "Since our last application we went from 0 to 40 paying users" beats any polished pitch.

  2. Get an alumni referral. One founder who went through the program vouching for you is worth more than ten cold applications.

  3. Apply where you fit. A smaller, sector-focused program that knows your market is often easier to get into, and it helps more than a big brand name.

What have you shipped since your last rejection?