Corporate accelerators are a new trend that has taken the tech world by storm. It’s no longer just startups looking to venture into the world of early-stage capital. Companies of all sizes and industries have begun using accelerators to help them become more innovative now, instead of waiting for their next funding round or new product idea.
In order to remain ahead of their competition, many companies have started incorporating accelerators into their business development strategy.
Acceleration is a key milestone in a company’s growth cycle, as we explain in this article, and the best corporate accelerator programs offer improved operational practices, lean startup processes, mentoring support, access to capital and co-working spaces.
Read on to know more about the best corporate acceleration programs and what they offer to startups.
What is a Corporate Acceleration Program?
Corporate accelerator programs are crucial to the creation and implementation of new products or services. Mentorship, technical product support, business development introductions, recruiting assistance, fundraising advisory, and (sometimes) cash investment are all things they offer.
As a result, numerous new solutions are frequently made available through such corporate accelerator programs. The Global Accelerator Report for 2016 shows that 11,305 businesses have received investments totaling more than $206.740 million as a result of corporate accelerator programs.
“Accelerate” refers to accelerating motion (in this case the growth of a brand new business). In this article, we introduce the top 10 best incubators in the world. The learning and execution processes are improved and advanced through accelerator programs. There are various sorts of accelerators available, each with a program designed specifically to promote innovation.
Corporate acceleration programs help growing organizations transform and adapt to the rapid pace of change. This transformation can happen quickly and smoothly through corporate acceleration programs that help companies accelerate the speed of their innovation.
Below we introduce top 10 best corporate accelerator programs in the world and how they work.
1. Google Launchpad Accelerator (US)
Launched in 2016, Google Launchpad is a program that connects entrepreneurs with mentors, technology experts and investment partners.
The Google Launchpad Accelerator focuses on tech firms that address regional and national barriers (local challenges). Projects can apply and work from the US, India, Brazil, and Indonesia as part of Google’s three-month acceleration program.
Program highlights:
- The program offers funding devoid of equity.
- The program lasts for 6 months in total, including a 3-month acceleration phase and post-program support for entrepreneurs serving emerging markets.
- Google offers assistance and guidance from more than 20 teams with a range of specialties, local mentors, and access to engineers.
- Opportunities for massive marketing, free training in Silicon Valley, and product credits from Google.
- Google Launchpad organizes pitch events where entrepreneurs from around the world present their business ideas to a panel of judges and an audience of potential investors.
2. M12 – Microsoft for Startups (US)
Microsoft Ventures is a corporate accelerator program that has been helping startups find success since 2012. M12’s portfolio of companies include Gunster, TrialPay, Civio, Acton, and SendGrid.
M12, formerly known as Microsoft Ventures, is one of the leading corporate startup accelerators that aids founders in utilizing Microsoft’s extensive global reach. The initiative is concentrated on high-level tech firms that help Microsoft’s clientele.
Program highlights:
- A “relationship manager” is assigned to each portfolio firm. To help the project grow more quickly, this well-connected expert investigates the demands of the business and links the team with the appropriate personnel.
- A group of experts with in-depth understanding of marketing, operations, investing, finance, and engineering provide support to Microsoft-sponsored businesses.
- Access to Microsoft technologies is available to all portfolio companies (Office, Azure, Github Enterprise, and others).
3. Unilever Ventures (UK)
Unilever Ventures is a corporate accelerator program that was launched in 2017 by the consumer goods company Unilever. Unilever is one of the world’s largest and most successful corporations, and their corporate accelerator program has received much attention in recent years.
The venture capital division of Unilever is called Unilever Ventures. They invest in early-stage entrepreneurs and give them access to the company’s network, resources, and skills through their very own accelerator program.
They assist founders who are building brands with the needs of the contemporary consumer in mind. They provide a venture capital team with the flexibility and global reach of Unilever.
Unilever’s primary focus is on disruptive technology in the personal care sector, with 104 investments and 16 successful exits.
4. G4A (Grant4Apps) Accelerator (Germany)
Launched in 2013, Bayer G4A, formerly known as Grants4Apps, first funded proposals pertaining to the healthcare industry. But as digital health advanced, G4A eventually branched out into behavioral science-related ventures. G4A is considered one of the best corporate accelerator programs in Europe.
Program highlights
- Despite having its headquarters in Germany, the company collaborates with healthcare startups in more than 35 nations.
- Each year, applications for the accelerator open in April. Following a selection procedure, a select few startups are chosen. The winning startups will then relocate to Berlin in November of the same year to take part in a 9-week program.
- The specific health issues that G4A seeks to address each year are shown here.
5. SPH Plug & Play (Singapore)
A media startup accelerator that has been created by Silicon Valley’s top accelerator, Plug & Play, Asia’s top media organization, and Singapore’s top technology fund. SPH Plug & Play accelerator is considered one of the leading corporate accelerator programs in Asia.
With a focus on advertising, e-commerce, marketplaces, mobile, news, and content distribution, SPH Plug & Play accelerator makes investments in new ventures.
The accelerator program, which has a media and technology theme, uses its media experience and resources as well as the top technology fund of the Singapore government to support its chosen firms. The accelerator offers SGD$30,000 in capital in exchange for 6% of the company.
6. Airbus BizLab (France)
Airbus’ Business Innovation Lab (BizLab) is a corporate accelerator program that was launched in 2016. One of the most well-known aerospace corporate accelerator programs, Airbus BizLab enables Airbus staff members and early-stage startups to turn their business ideas into reality.
Program highlights
- The accelerator places a strong emphasis on all phases of product development, from market research to MVP development and testing to achieving product-market fit.
- Every one of the four campuses has two annual calls, and they are not just seeking for businesses in the aeronautics sector. They have interests in blockchain, cybersecurity, data analytics, artificial intelligence initiatives, and more.
- Free office space, professional mentoring sessions, educational seminars, access to testing facilities, and a Demo Day are all provided under the program.
- Startups chosen to take part in the program receive equity-free funding of up to 45,000 euros to help them develop their idea.
7. PwC Scale Programmes (UK)
PwC Scale Programs is a group of 13 corporate accelerator programs that aid in the scaling of enterprises in a variety of industries, such as AI, insurtech, and health.
The majority of these programs have three requirements for applicants: the firm must have a product that has been proven, it must be making money, and it must be close to receiving a Series A investment or more.
For participation in PwC Scale Programs, no ownership stake in startups is required. Instead, depending on the program, they charge a flat price between £5,000 and £7,500.
Each of these 13 programs lasts for 10 to 12 weeks, and the majority of them require participants to give presentations to many different audiences, including PwC business leaders, expert coaches, and the corporate executive network of PwC.
8. Wayra Accelerator (Spain)
One of the most well-known centers for technological innovation worldwide is Wayra. Their global footprint, which includes more than 10 subsidiaries, strives to link deep-tech entrepreneurs with Telefonica’s network to develop cooperative commercial prospects.
Since the end of last year, the accelerator has collaborated with four additional venture capital firms to put a stronger emphasis on established startups with well-defined business plans.
Program highlights
- Strong preference towards “mature” firms developing solutions for the internet of things, cybersecurity, and blockchain.
- Support for chosen startup initiatives of up to $2 million.
9. Merck Accelerator (Germany & China)
If you’re looking for a program that bridges the gap between clinical research and commercialization, Merck’s accelerator program is worth considering.
Based in Germany and China, the Merck Accelerator helps teams develop their idea and product, while helping to select suitable partners and find funding. Furthermore, the program also helps to build a sales and marketing plan, which is crucial to product commercialization.
Participants are selected based on the quality and relevance of their idea and product and are then guided through three stages of development. At the start of the program, participants spend two weeks working in a team on developing a business model and product roadmap.
The program then switches to two weeks of individual mentoring, before finishing in a final two weeks of working in a team to complete the product roadmap.
10. Wells Fargo Startup Accelerator (US)
Wells Fargo is one of the largest financial services companies in the world and is also provides one of the most interesting corporate accelerator programs. Here, participants are able to work alongside the company to develop their product idea.
The organization assists its portfolio companies in achieving market success in the corporate sector by offering the essential resources.
Program highlights:
- The accelerator does not merely examine and support new projects during specific times of the year.
- After being chosen, a prospective business enrolls in a rigorous six-month program that offers support in the form of funding, connections, direction, and mentorship.
- Participating businesses are eligible to receive finance capital of up to $1,000,000 with Wells Fargo holding only a tiny portion of the stock. This could be actually an interesting offer for your startup!
Key takeaways
Acceleration is an important step in a company’s growth cycle, as we explain in this article. Corporate accelerators help growing companies transform and adapt to the rapid pace of change.
These programs can take a company from inception to full-scale operation. They can also help an organization’s entrepreneurs develop critical management skills required to lead their businesses.
Corporate accelerators are designed to help startups find funding, access to mentorship, and access to business partners. They can also help companies find funding, scale their businesses, and expand their reach. It’s important to understand the purpose of corporate accelerators and what they offer.
