Five things founders wish they knew before joining an accelerator
You’ve probably heard the stories of founders walk into an accelerator with a scrappy product and big dreams, and walk out with investor meetings, a sharper strategy, and a team that feels unstoppable.
But here’s the thing: most founders have a few “I wish I’d known this sooner” moments along the way. We’ve collected the top five we hear most often from our alumni, so you can start your accelerator journey one step ahead.
August 13, 2025
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1. You wear many hats.. but you don’t have to wear them all at once
In the early days, you’re CEO, sales team, marketer, product manager, customer support — and the person who remembers everything from booking important meetings to buying more coffee.
An accelerator doesn’t take those hats away, but it does help you prioritise which ones to wear, and when. You’ll get mentors who’ve been in your shoes, guiding you on where to focus so your time (and your sanity!) stretch further.
2. Investor access isn’t just about pitch decks
Most founders think accelerator = perfecting my pitch. And yes, that's definitely part of it, but the real value is in understanding how investors think, what they care about at your stage, and how to build relationships that last beyond a demo day.
You’ll get real conversations (not just rehearsed ones), and the chance to pressure-test your business model before you’re in the spotlight.
3. Progress isn’t linear — and that’s okay
Some weeks, you’ll hit milestones you didn’t think were possible. Other weeks, you’ll throw away half your roadmap after a mentor asks a specific question. That’s not failure, it’s the whole point.
The accelerator is built for iteration. You get to test, adjust, and sharpen your direction without losing momentum.
4. Your community keeps you sane
Founding a company can be lonely, even with a co-founder. There will be days when nothing works and you wonder if you should’ve just stayed in your old job or chosen the safe path.
That’s when having other founders around you, plus a network of alumni, becomes invaluable. You get honest feedback, unexpected collaborations, and help that goes beyond business goals.
5. You don’t have to feel ready to apply
This is the most common surprise: many successful accelerator founders started when their product was still a prototype, or their business model was half-formed.
The program is designed to meet you where you are and help you get where you’re going, faster and with fewer wrong turns.
The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is now.
Still unsure? Shoot us a message!
Deciding to join an accelerator is a big move, and you probably have questions. Whether you want to know if your startup is at the right stage, how the program works day-to-day, or what to expect after demo day, we’re happy to chat.
Send us a message at hello@startuplab.no, and we’ll help you figure out if this is the right next step for you and your company.
📅 Applications close September 14.
Apply to the Startuplab Accelerator and join a community that’s been through the highs, the lows, and everything in between, together.
1. You wear many hats.. but you don’t have to wear them all at once
In the early days, you’re CEO, sales team, marketer, product manager, customer support — and the person who remembers everything from booking important meetings to buying more coffee.
An accelerator doesn’t take those hats away, but it does help you prioritise which ones to wear, and when. You’ll get mentors who’ve been in your shoes, guiding you on where to focus so your time (and your sanity!) stretch further.
2. Investor access isn’t just about pitch decks
Most founders think accelerator = perfecting my pitch. And yes, that's definitely part of it, but the real value is in understanding how investors think, what they care about at your stage, and how to build relationships that last beyond a demo day.
You’ll get real conversations (not just rehearsed ones), and the chance to pressure-test your business model before you’re in the spotlight.
3. Progress isn’t linear — and that’s okay
Some weeks, you’ll hit milestones you didn’t think were possible. Other weeks, you’ll throw away half your roadmap after a mentor asks a specific question. That’s not failure, it’s the whole point.
The accelerator is built for iteration. You get to test, adjust, and sharpen your direction without losing momentum.
4. Your community keeps you sane
Founding a company can be lonely, even with a co-founder. There will be days when nothing works and you wonder if you should’ve just stayed in your old job or chosen the safe path.
That’s when having other founders around you, plus a network of alumni, becomes invaluable. You get honest feedback, unexpected collaborations, and help that goes beyond business goals.
5. You don’t have to feel ready to apply
This is the most common surprise: many successful accelerator founders started when their product was still a prototype, or their business model was half-formed.
The program is designed to meet you where you are and help you get where you’re going, faster and with fewer wrong turns.
The best time to start was yesterday. The next best time is now.
Still unsure? Shoot us a message!
Deciding to join an accelerator is a big move, and you probably have questions. Whether you want to know if your startup is at the right stage, how the program works day-to-day, or what to expect after demo day, we’re happy to chat.
Send us a message at hello@startuplab.no, and we’ll help you figure out if this is the right next step for you and your company.
📅 Applications close September 14.
Apply to the Startuplab Accelerator and join a community that’s been through the highs, the lows, and everything in between, together.
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