---
title: "Should founders join incubators?"
description: "Discover 7 key benefits of startup incubators and accelerators, from education to networking. Data-driven analysis for founders evaluating accelerator programs."
categories: ["startups"]
keywords: ["startup incubators","accelerators","Theory Ventures","Tomasz Tunguz","entrepreneurship education","networking for startups","fundraising assistance","business development","startup resources","venture capital"]
ai_summary: "Explore the key benefits of startup incubators and accelerators for founders in the entrepreneurial ecosystem."
date: 2012-09-26
lastmod: 2026-07-30
canonical_url: https://www.tomtunguz.com/should-founders-join-incubators/
author: "Tomasz Tunguz"
---

<p>Yesterday, I spoke at Columbia Business School. We had a conversation about the role of incubators and accelerators (or the moniker of your choice) within the startup ecosystem. </p>

<p>Given the volume of first time entrepreneurs and the broad growth of interest in entrepreneurship, I think these programs are invaluable. To entrepreneurs, these programs offer up to seven value propositions, listed in order of importance, as I see it. </p>

<ol>
<li>
<strong>Education</strong> - Examples include General Assembly runs a <a href="http://generalassemb.ly/education/">substantial education program</a> and YCombinator operates <a href="http://startupschool.org/">Startup School</a> and <a href="http://www.firstgrowthvn.com/">First Growth’s Venture Network</a>
</li>
<li>
<strong>Startup-in-a-box</strong> - TechStars offers <a href="http://www.techstars.com/program/perks/">legal help to incorporate a company, PR and marketing support for launch,  banking partners,  business development contacts, developer tools discounts</a> all with the goal of eliminating as much friction as possible and helping founders focus on product/market fit discovery and execution. </li>
<li>
<strong>Networking</strong> - Within each program, founders develop relationships with like-minded entrepreneurs and most programs offer guest speakers typically luminaries and previously successful founders to speak about their startup experiences. 500Startups, among others, <a href="http://500.co/mentors/">offers mentor networks</a>. </li>
<li>
<strong>Fund raising assistance (aka Demo Day)</strong> - These events are designed to <a href="http://tomtunguz.com/how-i-would-raise">build auction pressure in financings</a> by generating simultaneous investor interest. </li>
<li>
<strong>Ramen funds</strong> - Most programs offer between $10k to $150k in ramen money. It’s just enough to get someone started. </li>
<li>
<strong>Office space</strong> - Only a few incubators offer office space and many of them at a fee. General Assembly in New York and Founder’s Den in San Francisco are two great examples. </li>
<li>
<strong>Brand</strong> - Every graduate of an accelerator program can use the the brand of the program as proof of credibility. </li>
</ol>
<p>These incubators/accelerators are the graduate schools for entrepreneurship and have a very important role in the ecosystem. They may not be right for every company, but these incubators build the hubs of successful entrepreneurship communities. And I hope they continue to thrive. </p>