What do Postmates, Airbnb, and Twitch all have in common? They’re wildly successful startups that got a major boost by joining accelerator programs.

Now, you don’t need to be chasing unicorn status to benefit from an accelerator. There are countless programs out there, each with different benefits, requirements, and growth expectations—so finding the right fit for your business is key.

So, why join an accelerator? The short answer: being prepared is the best way to get funded. Accelerators push you to get your ducks in a row—fast. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what I’ve seen founders do well (and not so well) when it comes to joining and making the most out of accelerator programs.

I’ve been through an accelerator myself, and I’ve mentored at several across Southern California. I can confidently say that the right accelerator, paired with real effort, can change the game for your startup.

A good program should offer:

• Strong mentorship

• Access to seasoned founders and industry experts

• A direct line to investors
  
  

Bottom line: if you’re serious about growing your startup and raising money to grow, joining an accelerator might be the best decision you ever make.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
💡 How to find the right accelerator program
📈 What you can expect to gain
⚠️ What mistakes to avoid
💥 And how to truly maximize your experience

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Join the wait list for my spring 2025 Get Ready to Pitch workshop where you'll get the coaching, tactics, and materials to be ready to pitch any investor! https://www.seedmoneypodcast.com/waitlist2025

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About Your Host

Jayla Siciliano, Shark Tank entrepreneur turned real estate investor, excels in building brands, teams, and products. CEO of a bi-coastal luxury short-term rental company, she also hosts the Seed Money Podcast where she’s on a mission to help early-stage entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality!

Connect:

Website: https://seedmoneypodcast.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaylasiciliano/

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The information in this podcast is educational and general in nature and does not take into consideration the listener's personal circumstances. Therefore, it is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial, legal, or tax advice.