A startup accelerator can bring incredible value to an ecosystem. They help high-potential companies grow fast, opening up new product gating mechanisms and often forming strategic partnerships that give them access to additional seed funding or other forms of external capital. Some accelerators offer monetary prizes for the winner, which drives innovation. Accelerators also provide mentorship, demo days for public sales pitches before a vast audience of investors and advisors at venture firms, training in how to get your company off the ground like managing cash flow or setting up meetings with potential partners.