Benchmark Study 2019 – 2020

Programs in this group primarily focus on supporting early-stage client startups in becoming viable and scalable businesses. Generally characterized by quality-controlled intakes of client startups and regular time-bound exits, they provide an array of support services and infrastructure through a systematic process. Such programs usually support client startups for one to five years.

Programs in this group share a set of characteristics that distinguish them from business incubators and other forms of capacity development services. They are generally fixed-term cohort-based programs, normally (but not always) focusing on catalyzing later-stage client startup growth. They provide intensive mentorship, training, networking, and access to investment. Intake of new client startups is often highly competitive, with regular time-bound exits, generally no later than six months after joining the program.

Of the 364 benchmarked incubators and accelerators, 116 programs provide both incubation and acceleration services. For the purpose of this study, these hybrid programs are categorized as either business incubators or business accelerators depending on their primary target audience and service portfolio focus.

• University

  Incubators and accelerators that derive their business objectives primarily from one or more universities, by which they are often operated and primarily financed.

• Public

  Incubators and accelerators that derive their business objectives primarily from one or more public entities by which they are often operated and primarily financed.

• Private

  Incubators and accelerators that develop their business objectives largely independently, often operate autonomously, and primarily finance their own operations.

• Corporate

  Incubators and accelerators that derive their business objectives primarily from one or more for-profit corporations, by which they are often operated and primarily financed.