2013-05-10 | Wouter Kneepkens Share this article:

After the successes of startup events in Amsterdam (Hackers & Founders, Pitchrs) and Rotterdam (Rotterdam startups), yesterday marked the first Utrecht startup drinks. At the event Jean-Pierre Pequito, co-founder Amiquo (UtrechtInc & Rockstart), and Bas van Ooyen, co-founder Owlin (Inqubator & Rockstart), held a fire-side chat, discussing the pros & cons of incubators & accelerators.



Accelerators vs. incubators

JP: “Incubators are typically better equip to handle startups in a very nascent stage. They form a great, cheap, supportive environment to develop your idea, spend time and customer development and produce your first MVP. Accelerators are better suited to later stage startups, with a first product, that they can then help you rapidly develop into something worthwhile.”

BvO: “We used our accelerator as an inspiring and cheap office space. Our experience is that the incubator was a lot more relaxed, while the accelerator really put the pressure on, which help us to increase our pace and success. Another point that stands out is the amount of quality mentors you get access to via an accelerator.”

Added value of accelerators

BvO: “Accelerators and the associated network open doors that you as individual startup would not be able to open, or would take you longer to open. The drive, focus and speed required from you by the accelerator itself was extremely useful in our case. Finally we met our current investors via Rockstart too.”

JP: “I agree that the mentors are the biggest added value of the accelerator offering. I’ve been able to meet with a lot of inspiring more experienced founders that can help us by preventing us from making the mistakes they made.”

The advice does not come cheap at 8% equity…

BvO: “It is true that 8% of your equity seems like and sounds like a lot. In our case it was well worth it, since it helped us make Owlin a success and attract investment. Without the accelerator we’d be out of business.”

What about the negatives of being in an accelerator?

JP: “Obviously the 8%, but next to that I wouldn’t say there are a lot of drawbacks from being in an accelerator. Maybe that the program itself takes a lot of your time, but the input you get can be well worth it.”

BvO: “At times your in a workshop or meeting where you realise you’re wasting your time. You learn to see this quickly and to end meetings like these as fast as socially possible to conserve your time. The “fun factor” might be another negative to mention, a lot of the activities seem fun, so you’re more likely to participate even though you or your co-founder could better stay at the desk to focus on the product.“

After the chat with / by Jean-Pierre and Bas there was plenty of time for the startup enthusiasts to get to know each other while having a beer. The next Utrecht startup drinks is scheduled for next month. If you’d like to present something get in touch. If you want to be present, sign up to the Meetup.

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