Introduction to the Types of Programs Feature
AcceleratorApp offers two main types of programs, User Programs and Startup Programs, to accommodate the distinct structural needs of different participant types within your ecosystem. This architectural distinction allows you to manage resources, track operational metrics, and assign tailored activities based on specific group or organizational attributes.
Understanding this difference solves the challenge of mixed tracking requirements inside an incubator or accelerator. User Programs isolate and target individual users or community members independently. They are ideal for running mentorship networks, training tracks for potential founders, student cohorts, or volunteer initiatives. Conversely, Startup Programs focus entirely on the startup entity as a single corporate unit. These are tailored for standard accelerators, incubators, and startup boot camps where company-level tracking, historical milestones, and corporate metrics are required. Because startup company profiles and founder profiles are separate entities inside AcceleratorApp, this structural separation ensures you can run high-level venture analytics while still supporting individual founders with personal tasks and coaching sessions.
Where to Find Program Types and Assignments
To configure your primary program structures, click on the Startups module in the top navigation menu, and select Programs from the left sidebar. For participant assignment, you will utilize the Startups Management dashboard, the Users Management settings panel, or active Applicant Acceptance pages.
Click here to learn more about How to Create Programs
Step by Step
1. Select your tracking entity
Determine whether the cohort you are managing requires tracking at the individual participant level (User Program) or at the aggregate company level (Startup Program).
2. Assigning Startup Programs to Existing Ventures
- Open the Startups module from the top navigation menu
- Click on Startups tab, and select the Startups Management section.
- Filter target startups using bulk checkboxes
- Check the boxes next to the names of the specific startups you want to assign or remove from your chosen Startup Program.
- Bulk assign or remove the program
3. Assigning Startup/Users Programs During Applicant Acceptance
- Manage pending applications for acceptance
- Navigate to your active application funnel and locate the application records ready to be formally accepted into your ecosystem
- When executing the acceptance action, use the program dropdown menu to select the specific Startup Program(s) the startups/users will join upon onboarding.
4. Assigning User Programs to Existing Individuals
- Navigate to your Users Management section
- Click on the Settings gear icon
- Select and save the program assignment
Best Practices
Verify program type restrictions early: Remember that Startup Programs can only house startup profiles, whereas User Programs are reserved exclusively for independent ecosystem users (like individual mentors or non-founder community members). This cannot be changed after data begins populating.
Update acceptance templates beforehand: Always review and refresh the custom acceptance email linked to your program before batch-accepting applicants to ensure automated communications contain the correct program details.
Leverage bulk management for re-cohorting: Use the checkboxes in the Startups Management dashboard to quickly re-cohort or graduate multiple companies simultaneously rather than opening individual profiles one-by-one.