South Dakota's top accelerators and incubators handpicked for you

Learn from South Dakota's foremost start-up experts who know the ins and outs of scaling start-ups.

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Choosing The Right Accelerator

Start-ups are hard. Choose an accelerator that guides you in the right direction.

Patrick Collison, Founder of Stripe

"I doubt that Stripe would have worked without YC. It's that simple."

Patrick Collison, Founder, Stripe

Chris Lynch, Founder of Atlas Venture

"Accelerators claim they are in it for the long haul — I call bullshit"

Chris Lynch, Founder, Atlas Venture

Raj Aggarwal, Founder of Localytics

"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

Strategic depth in their thinking

Understand your equity’s true worth

Two-way communication > Interview

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.

South Dakota's Top Accelerators By Neighborhoods

Comparing Accelerators

NameAerial ScoreAddress#InvestmentsDetails
Falls Fintech4.4101 S Phillips Ave Unit 104, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USA1Learn more
Startup Sioux Falls2.1100 E 6th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104, USALearn more

This page covers the top accelerators and incubators in South Dakota.

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) Falls Fintech

Falls Fintech - a prominent start-up growth supporter in South Dakota

Falls Fintech is a dynamic accelerator program designed for early-stage financial technology startups to fast-track their path to market success. The 12-week program offers a specialized focus on fintech innovation, covering domains such as payments, financial services, and technology. Participants benefit from tailored support, mentorship, and an elite network of industry-leading companies, providing exposure and potential partnerships. Upon program completion, fintechs gain access to the Central Payments Open*CP Fintech API Marketplace, unlocking a wide network of industry players for scaling and collaboration. Alumni testimonials highlight the 'family-first' atmosphere, valuable contacts, and quick market readiness provided by the institution. Notable founders like Donald Hawkins from Kinly, Michael Gauthier from Frugl, and Fonta Gilliam from Wellthi have lauded the program's benefits. Led by experienced leaders, the high-intensity curriculum ensures participants receive valuable insights and knowledge. With a focus on Fintech and General Tech, Falls Fintech is a valuable platform for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to thrive in the competitive landscape.

Falls Fintech's Website
External Link Icon

2) Startup Sioux Falls

Startup Sioux Falls - supporting South Dakota's best founders

Dedicated to simplifying the entrepreneurial journey, the company offers various programs for business founders at different stages. The flagship initiative, CO.STARTERS Core Accelerator, spans 10 weeks and takes place at a Downtown Sioux Falls facility. This comprehensive accelerator is tailored for new business owners, seasoned entrepreneurs launching products, and those aiming for sustainable systems. The program consists of 11 sessions, culminating in a final Startup Pitch Night. It covers essential aspects such as self-assessment, customer validation, marketing strategies, and creating effective business structures. While valued at $3,300, participants can join for just $600, which includes essential materials worth $200 and 30 hours of expert coaching valued at $3,000. Additionally, there is a specialized Software Accelerator Program for individuals with software business ideas. Both initiatives aim to provide entrepreneurs with the confidence, support, and industry connections needed to thrive. The organization has received positive feedback from past participants who commend its role in fostering momentum and business success. Furthermore, it supports various industries including General Tech, Mobile Apps, and SaaS (Software as a Service), positioning itself as a key player in the startup ecosystem of Sioux Falls.

Startup Sioux Falls's Website
External Link Icon

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.

Business management skills

Reaching the top is relatively easy. Staying there for years is difficult.

Accelerator brand power

Like Ivy-League credentials, your start-up’s story benefits from an accelerators’ brand.

Developing business sense

Which metrics will make or break your start-up?- You can have 100k users and still fail.

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.

Rome wasn't built in 12-16 weeks

Every business needs a strong foundation, but while some businesses can figure the basics in 3 months, others need > 1 year.

Are you really important for them?

An accelerator or investor can hedge their bets by investing in multiple start-ups, but as a founder your start-up is your only bet.

FAQs About Start-up Accelerators

Author Bio

Michael Li

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

If you would like to share any feedback/suggestion to make this page better, please write to us at support@aerialops.io

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Accelerators and Incubators in south-dakota

Looking for the best accelerators in South Dakota? Accelerators can provide your startup with invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help you succeed. With a thriving startup culture in the state, accelerators play a crucial role in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape. Consider factors such as the accelerator's track record, industry focus, and mentor network when choosing the right accelerator for your startup. Notable startups from South Dakota that have benefited from accelerators include EatWell, an innovative food delivery service, and Samespace, a leading conversational AI platform. These success stories highlight the impact that accelerators can have on the growth and success of startups. So, if you're looking to take your startup to the next level, consider partnering with one of the top accelerators in South Dakota to accelerate your growth and success.

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