Discover Rhode Island's best accelerators for your start-up
Choose an accelerator/incubator that provides your start-up with the right guidance to scale with confidence.
Choosing The Right Accelerator
Start-ups are hard. Choose an accelerator that guides you in the right direction.
"I doubt that Stripe would have worked without YC. It's that simple."
Patrick Collison, Founder, Stripe
"Accelerators claim they are in it for the long haul — I call bullshit"
Chris Lynch, Founder, Atlas Venture
"The network we built with Techstars was incredibly valuable during and after the program."
Raj Aggarwal, Founder, Localytics
What truly matters
Domain expertise > Funding amount
Accelerator’s brand power
Two-way communication > Interview
Look for partners not investors
Discover your perfect match
No accelerator or incubator is perfect for every start-up. Your business’s context and constraints matter. Identify your perfect match by answering this short questionnaire.
Rhode Island's Top Accelerators By Neighborhoods
Comparing Accelerators
This page covers the top accelerators and incubators in Rhode Island.
However if geography isn’t a hard constraint, and you are only looking for the best incubators and accelerators across the US, check here.
Brief Overview Of Different Accelerators
1) MassChallenge - Rhode Island Accelerator
This global nonprofit startup accelerator has a mission to advance high-potential startups across various industries without taking any equity. The Rhode Island program, part of this expansive network, supports approximately 30 high-growth startups each year, providing them access to an extensive array of resources and mentorship. The initiative has successfully accelerated over 2,344 startups worldwide, which together have raised more than $5 billion in funding and generated upwards of $2.7 billion in revenue, creating over 136,000 jobs overall. Focusing on blue technology, the accelerator encompasses fields related to oceanography, autonomy, connectivity, and sustainability, aligning with the states unique geographical identity as 'The Ocean State.' Collaborations with founding partners such as the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and Verizon Foundation enhance its ability to foster innovation. At the culmination of the 20-week program, top startups may receive shares of over $500,000 in cash prizes. Notable founders who have contributed to this initiative include Akhil Nigam, Amir Eldad, and Cait Brumme, among others, all dedicated to solving pivotal challenges through entrepreneurship.
2) RevUp Capital
An accelerator specializing in revenue-driven B2B and B2C companies, this organization focuses specifically on those in the $1M-$10M growth range. Adopting a non-equity, non-dilutive investment model, it provides a founder-focused approach that emphasizes the critical resources needed for success. The institution not only invests but also supports its portfolio companies by helping them develop data-driven growth engines. Founded by industry leaders Allan Tear, Bill Cesare, and Melissa Withers, it operates across various sectors, including fintech, general tech, and personal finance. This comprehensive support structure is designed to equip founders with the necessary tools to conquer their respective growth curves.
3) Brown Innovation for Health
Brown Innovation for Health, also known as NEMIC, is a Med Tech and Digital Health Accelerator Program designed to support early-stage health technology startups. The program offers a comprehensive 6-month intensive business curriculum that guides entrepreneurs through the startup-to-commercialization journey. Focusing primarily on digital health innovations, it encompasses various sectors, including medical technology and healthcare software. Successful applicants benefit from funding and robust support throughout the program. In addition to mentorship and educational resources, the organization provides networking opportunities with industry experts, investor introductions, and educational workshops on critical business topics. This accelerator program is particularly attractive to innovators within the healthcare tech, mobile apps, SaaS, and ecommerce industries. Key figures associated with this initiative include founders Chris Fanini, Dan Veltri, and David Rusenko, who contribute to the accelerator's vision and mission of enhancing healthcare through technology.
4) Social Enterprise Greenhouse
Dedicated to fostering inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, the organization promotes just, equitable, and resilient communities. Operating primarily in Rhode Island, it creates positive social and economic impacts by supporting social entrepreneurs and enterprises. They offer three accelerator cohorts annually: the Impact Accelerator, focused on a diverse range of social impacts; the Health & Wellness Accelerator, centered on health-related initiatives; and the Food Accelerator, concentrated on the food sector. Since its inception in 2010, 96 social enterprises have graduated from the program, with an impressive 86% of these enterprises remaining operational, demonstrating its effectiveness. The network provides valuable tools, funding, and connections to help social enterprises thrive, alongside access to a year-long advisory network. Their Signature Accelerator program has gained national recognition, further establishing its impact in the social entrepreneurship landscape. The institution plays a crucial role in improving lives within its communities and continues to nurture the growth of social impact ecosystems to support a broad range of initiatives.
5) MagpieX MedTech Accelerator
Founded in 2020 and located in Providence, Rhode Island, this specialized fund is dedicated to accelerating early-stage medical and digital health businesses. The accelerator runs a focused 3-month program that provides tailored support in collaboration with the New England Medical Innovation Center (NEMIC). To date, it has made 3 investments in promising startups, including notable companies such as SMöLTAP and Lenoss Medical. SMöLTAP, which focuses on therapeutic devices, received seed funding in July 2022 and is currently generating revenue. Lenoss Medical, funded in March 2021, operates in the Other Devices and Supplies category and is also generating revenue. Co-founded by Adi Dhandhania, with Maey Petrie serving as the Program Manager, this institution is pivotal in fostering innovation within the healthcare technology sector, providing crucial support to startups during their formative stages.
6) New England Medical Innovation Center
The New England Medical Innovation Center is a prominent accelerator located in Rhode Island, specializing in medical technology, healthcare technology, and digital health solutions. This intensive six-month program is free for residents, students, companies, and employees from Rhode Island. Participants receive up to $20,000 to engage in critical activities aimed at making their startups investable. Each cycle accommodates 5-10 qualified participants who develop their business models and test their solutions while accessing a bi-weekly advisory network of investors and service providers. Since its inception in 2018, the institution has advised over 280 startups, collectively raising more than $84 million in funding. It has been awarded a total of $930,000 in grants to support its programs and pre-seed investments for startups. Additionally, over 800 office advisory hours have been provided through its Med Tech Leadership Programs. The organizations commitment to fostering healthcare innovation is evident, with notable testimonies from participants highlighting substantial improvement in business strategy and resource identification. It serves as a critical hub for medical technology innovators in the New England region, advancing healthcare solutions at every stage of development.
Top Reasons Start-ups Participate In Accelerators
Critical Industry connections
A good connection at an FMCG/AI giant can help you 10x more than connecting with 100 retailers.
Rapid learning curve
There’s a reason accelerators are called accelerators. It’s a fast ride.
Developing business sense
Which metrics will make or break your start-up?- You can have 100k users and still fail.
Investor connect
Accelerators give an opening to many locked doors.
Why an accelerator might not be right for you
It's usually helpful to consider potential pitfalls. Some common misconceptions
Are the alumni actually helpful?
An accelerator's alumni network can play a big role in your longer term growth. But ask around and figure if any of them gave back even a couple of hours in the past year.
Correlation isn't causation
What worked for Airbnb might not work for you. If the accelerator playbook was 100% full-proof, they would have been running a start-up and not an accelerator. After all, everyone's chasing a unicorn.
It isn't about the exits
Accelerators and investors care much more about getting a return rather than building a business. However that's not a luxury founders can afford.
FAQs About Start-up Accelerators
Author Bio
Michael Li
For the last 10+ years Michael has helped start-ups of all scales and sizes succeed. A 2X entrepreneur, he is now working on Aerial to help founders avoid costly mistakes. He regularly writes for publications like the Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, Harvard Business Review and others.
Last updated date 4/5/2024
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Accelerators and Incubators in rhode-island
Looking for the best accelerators in Rhode Island? Accelerators can provide your startup with invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help you succeed. Choosing the right accelerator can make a significant impact on the growth of your business. Rhode Island has a thriving start-up culture with a supportive community and access to top-notch resources. The state offers a unique environment for entrepreneurs to thrive and grow their businesses. When looking for accelerators in Rhode Island, consider factors such as industry expertise, mentorship quality, funding opportunities, and networking connections. It's essential to find an accelerator that aligns with your business goals and values to maximize your chances of success. Some notable start-ups from Rhode Island that have excelled include Andera, Swipely, and Upserve. These success stories demonstrate the potential for growth and success that accelerators in Rhode Island can offer. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business looking to scale, Rhode Island accelerators can provide the support and resources you need to take your business to the next level.
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