Membership in the Global Accelerator Network includes a wide variety of benefits, perks, and services detailed below.
Developing Your Accelerator and Supporting Your Companies
Network members have access to members-only professional development opportunities, including workshops, conference calls, and webcasts hosted by the Network. Recorded videos and presentations from top mentors, previous investor day pitches, special Network-only perks, and much more are all available to Network Members.
Receive Member Discounts, Upgrades and Special Perks
Each company funded by a Global Accelerator Network member can receive over almost $100,000 in free perks offered from over 25 of the best vendors in the world. Through membership in the Network, members receive deals, discounts and upgrades which they may offer to their portfolio companies. These perks come from some of the top companies in the world including Microsoft, SoftLayer, Amazon Web Services, Rackspace and many more. For instance each of your founders can access for free:
- $60,000 in Microsoft Azure Credits
- $12,000 in SoftLayer Hosting Services*
- $10,000 in PayPal Transaction Credits
- $6,000 in Rackspace Hosting Credits
- $5,000 in Public Relations Support from the Metzger PR Firm
- $3,000 in Human Resources Support from Premier Employer Services
- $1,000 in Amazon Web Services Credits
*SoftLayer is also a Platinum Sponsor of the Global Accelerator Network
Attend the Annual Member Conference
Global Accelerator Network members are invited to attend the exclusive annual Member Conference. This members-only event creates a unique atmosphere that fosters networking and the sharing of information and best practices specific to the acceleration model.
Attend the Annual Founders Conference
Network members are invited to attend and send their company founders to the exclusive Annual Founder’s Meeting hosted and organized by the network. Founders benefit from the experiences of a wider network of start-ups. The Network also facilitates other opportunities for cross-program company promotion on an opt-in basis.
Receive More Applications
Members of the Network receive thousands of applications annually, and one of the stated goals of the Network is to ensure that applicants eventually land in high quality accelerator programs. The Global Accelerator Network has created and released the unified application for seed accelerators, which encourages applicants to become aware of and easily cross-apply to other accelerator programs.
Easily Process Applications
Network members who use the unified application for seed accelerators may also opt-in to use the members-only application processing system free of charge. This back-end solution allows for easy and efficient processing of the high volume of founders’ applications received.
Demo Day Attendance Benefits
Members are welcome to send attendees to any other Network member’s Demo Day event, subject to availability. This increases attendance at Demo Day events for all members of the Network.
Communicate Easily with your Peers
The Global Accelerator Network provides its members with a communication platform to discuss accelerator-related topics. Members may also opt to receive emails from the Network describing Network-specific deals, highlights, and updates. This is a proven method to quickly build meaningful relationships, share best practices, and gain valuable lessons about the accelerator process.
Connect with new Mentors and Investors
The Global Accelerator Network and our members receive inquiries from potential new investors and mentors. As appropriate, we collect these leads for members on an opt-in basis and pass them to members based on fit and interest.
Increase Your Program’s Visibility
Members of the Network receive a listing on the Global Accelerators Network website and others, such as Accelerato.rs. Members have access to contact information for all other member organizations, providing excellent networking opportunities.
Get More Social Media and Press Exposure
The Network serves as a united voice for the seed accelerator industry and works with the media around the world. When contacted, the Network facilitates introductions and relationships between the press and members. Additionally, the Network will push and support member events, initiatives and news via its official Facebook and Twitter accounts and provide content marketing through the Network blog.
Leverage the Network Brand
Members of the Network may display the Network Member badge for websites and promotional materials, further enhancing their own credibility and demonstrating their use of best practices.
Get a Jump Start on your Program
The Network offers access to years of accumulated know-how contained in a detailed online Playbook and budget documents. Here, we describe the best practices and procedures that are used to run top accelerator programs, in great detail. Network members also receive access to redacted legal documents including sample Operating Agreements and agreements used for companies funded by other member organizations. These items are offered exclusively to Network Members as part of our JumpStart package (additional fees apply).
Get Access to Premium Consulting Services
Network members also have exclusive access to additional service offerings provided by other Network Members (additional fees may apply). These include:
- On-site “fly on the wall” observation during live operating locations of other Network members.
- Off-site individualized training and consulting at your location.
- “Turnkey” development and support of your program.
- Application review and screening.
Membership Criteria
The following are the minimum criteria for Global Accelerator Network members. The Network filters network members on a quality basis.
- Program must use short-term, mentorship model.
- Program must not charge entrepreneurs.
- Program must provide seed funding to founders.
- Program must receive its own funding from sponsors, grants or private investors.
- Program must maintain an independent primary brand.
- Program must publish its management team and mentor bios on the website and be willing to share with the Network.
- Membership is open to both for-profit and non-profit organizations.
- There are no restrictions on geography.
- Prospective and new programs are encouraged to apply.
Please contact us for information about our low annual membership dues and questions about the Network.
If you would like to offer a perk to the companies going through a Global Accelerator Network program, please contact us.
