We hear a lot about accelerators, but how do we choose the right one? Just as important, how do we prepare for and make the most out of an accelerator once we have one?

During this panel, you’ll hear from Boston-based accelerators, where we’ll cover questions like:

• How does each accelerator operate?

• What are the strengths and weaknesses of each?

• What types of companies do they accept?

• What resources do they provide to their startups?

• How can participants get the most out of the program?

• What can participants do in advance to be accepted?

• And, once accepted, how can participants prepare to make the most of the program?

We’re asking the hard questions—so you can make the best decision for you, your team, and your company. Come join us!

This event is part of the Founders & C-Suite Track at Startup Boston Week 2019. And is perfect for companies in the Early Stage.

Our Speakers:

Ross Palley, Program Manager, Founder Institute

Ross Palley is currently the program manager at Founder Institute, an idea-stage accelerator and startup launch program. Founders Institute is the only program of its kind that accepts solo-founders and founders with day jobs, and that shares equity with all participants.

Hannah Perry, Program Director, MassChallenge

As program director at MassChallenge, Hannah Perry leads all program planning and operations for the Boston accelerator. As a not-for-profit startup, MassChallenges takes zero equity from its participants, while also providing them with a network of mentors and connections to help participants grow their company.

Simone LaPray, Executive Director, TiE Boston

Simone is responsible for building out and maintaining the TYE and ScaleUP curricula for TiE Boston. As Executive Director, Simone continues to connect entrepreneurs with each other and stakeholders in the entrepreneurial world through TiE Boston. TiE Boston is a non-for-profit organization that has over 12,000 members and 62 chapters worldwide.

Aaron O'Hearn, Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Techstars Boston

Before becoming an entrepreneur-in-residence at Techstars Boston, Aaron was the Director of Techstars in 2017 and 2018. Techstars accelerator portfolio includes more than 1,500 companies with a market cap of $13.9 billion. Their programs connect their portfolio companies to entrepreneurs, experts, mentors, alumni, investors, community leaders, and corporate programs.

Our Moderator:

Nathan Johnson, Ph.D., Associate Research Scientist in Bioinformatics and Data Analysis, Harvard Medical School

With a strong background in microbiology, Nathan has a strong background as a research assistant for Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Harvard Medical School. He is also passionate about Boston's startup community and is on the programming team for Startup Boston Week 2019.

This is a Startup Boston Week event.

Startup Boston Week is a free, five-day series of events celebrating, educating, and connecting entrepreneurs in Boston. Taking place from September 16th-20th, 2019 Startup Boston Week brings entrepreneurs, company leaders, innovators, and industry experts together to foster collaboration and fuel growth in Boston's startup ecosystem.

Thank you to our event partners!

About Matter:

Matter is a Brand Elevation Agency unifying public relations, social media, creative services, and search and digital marketing into strategic, content-rich communications campaigns that inspire action and build value. With 15 years of experience working with companies ranging from startups to large enterprises, we understand the fast speed and challenges inherent in marketing a new brand. Whether you’re building a business or growing a brand, we can help you achieve the success you deserve.

About CIC Boston:

One of Boston's largest innovation communities, CIC provides office and coworking space, and supports a variety of important programs in Boston's startup scene including Venture Cafe, District Hall, and MassRobotics.