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The 5 elements of a business accelerator that drive real impact

30 January 2025 Posted by Aoife O'Neill Strategic innovation

Business accelerators are everywhere, how to ensure yours stands out and delivers lasting results? It’s not just about trendy co-working spaces or networking events. What truly matters is driving tangible, meaningful outcomes that help start-ups thrive. Verhaert Strategic Innovation developed a model that focuses on real, measurable impact. Here’s how our approach stands out and why it can make a difference.

5 elements of a business accelerator that drive real impact

1. Fueling sales growth

Successful accelerators do more than offer advice, they provide start-ups with the tools, strategies, and connections to land real customers. Look at the success of the CASSINI Business Accelerator that Verhaert implements for the European Commission. In just one batch, start-ups generated 4.602 sales leads and closed 127 deals worth €24.4 million! That’s the power of structured sales training, targeted expert mentorship, and meaningful networks that open doors.

2. Unlocking growth capital

Funding is the lifeblood of any start-up to scale. A strong accelerator program actively connects founders with the right investors and guides them through the fundraising process. With CASSINI Business Accelerator, batch 2 start-ups raised an impressive €117 million in equity-based funding and another €20 million in private investment. Standouts like 10Lines, DCUBED, and Unseenlabs secured major funding rounds, proving that the right accelerator is a powerful catalyst for financial growth.

3. Driving job creation

Beyond sales and funding, a thriving accelerator has even broader impacts. At CASSINI, companies created 165 new full-time jobs in batch 2 alone. Beyond growing businesses, accelerators fuel economic growth by helping to create employment opportunities that benefit communities and entire industries.

4. Fostering diversity and inclusion

A truly impactful accelerator ensures that innovation is for everyone. Diversity is a key driver of creativity and success, and at CASSINI, 24% of new hires in batch 2 were women – marking an important step toward more diversity in the space industry. By fostering an inclusive environment, accelerators not only elevate businesses but also contribute to a more equitable innovation ecosystem.

5. Beyond the metrics

Numbers matter, yet, the real value of an accelerator goes deeper. The best programs focus on creating strong, supportive communities, offering lasting mentorship, and providing the foundation start-ups need to scale sustainably. It’s the intangible, long-term value that makes the difference between short-term success and lasting impact.

Business accelerators at their best

A business accelerator is only as good as the result it delivers. We’re talking revenue, investment, and job creation – the hard-hitting indicators of success. Through our partnership with CASSINI, Verhaert has shown that structured, results-driven programs are a game-changer for any start-up.

It’s about more than immediate wins. True success comes from fostering diversity and inclusion and providing long-term support that helps start-ups thrive for the long haul. These elements come together to create stronger, more resilient businesses capable of navigating marketing challenges.

At Verhaert Strategic Innovation, we’re dedicated to creating vibrant ecosystems where innovation can flourish. Where start-ups are empowered with the right tools, guidance, and supportive community they need to unlock their full potential. The goal isn’t just to hit milestones, it’s about shaping a journey that leads to lasting success and meaningful change in the world.

Tags: Business accelerationOpen innovationTechnology transfer

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