Observing Acceleration: Uncovering the Effects of Accelerators on Impact-Oriented Entrepreneurs

This book summarizes five years of learning from data collected as part of the Global Accelerator Learning Initiative. The authors present data describing impact-oriented ventures and accelerators that operate in both high-income countries and in emerging markets. Blending survey data with insights from sector experts, their various analyses shed light on the basic structure of accelerators, showing where they are having their most promising results. Unlike previous studies, this book does not focus on a few high-profile accelerators (like TechStars and Y Combinator) and startups (like AirBnB and Uber). Instead, it compares a range of accelerator programs that target specific impact areas, challenging regions, and marginalized entrepreneurs. Therefore, it serves as a valuable tool for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in the effectiveness of accelerator programs as tools that unleash the economic potential currently trapped in entrepreneurial dead spaces.

Peter W. Roberts is Professor of Organization & Management at Emory University, USA, and Academic Director of Social Enterprise @ Goizueta, Goizueta Business School. Before taking up his current position at Emory University, Peter served on the faculties of Columbia University, Carnegie Mellon University, and the Australian Graduate School of Management. His PhD is from the University of Alberta.

Saurabh A. Lall is Assistant Professor at the University of Oregon, USA in the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management. Saurabh has worked previously at the Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs (ANDE), a global network of organizations that propel entrepreneurship in emerging markets. His PhD is from the George Washington University.