Advanced Accelerator

Launching our pilot cohort in 2025, our Advanced Accelerator Program will aim to empower high-potential, early stage startups with the support and resources they need to scale quickly and successfully.

The Advanced Accelerator Program is designed to guide high-potential, early stage startups through a two-year journey of growth, mentorship, and strategic support. Throughout the program, founders will gain access to a physical location at the Village, tailored resources and funding that will help them scale their ventures and achieve long-term success.

Here’s what to expect over the two years:

Mentorship and Coaching
Founders will work closely with experienced mentors and industry experts who will provide guidance on everything from product development to scaling operations.

Access to Subsequent Funding Rounds
Startups will be connected with investors and have opportunities to secure subsequent funding for future funding rounds to fuel their growth.

Custom Curriculum
Participants will engage in hands-on workshops and training sessions focused on market validation, sales strategy, customer acquisition, and business development.

Pilot Launch and Early Traction
Throughout the first year, startups will launch their MVP (Minimum Viable Product), gain market traction, and gather valuable customer feedback to refine their product or service.

Access to Interns
Startups will also benefit from the Undergraduate Internship Program, gaining access to highly qualified student interns who will assist with operations, research, and other key business functions.

Advanced Growth Strategy
In the second year, the focus shifts toward scaling the business. Founders will develop strategies to expand into new markets, build partnerships, and secure larger funding rounds.

Team Building and Leadership Development
Startups will receive support to strengthen their teams, recruit top talent, and refine leadership skills.

Access to Resources and Networks
Founders will have continued access to investor networks, shared resources, and additional services to support their scaling efforts.

Post-Acceleration Preparation
By the end of the second year, startups will be ready for post-acceleration, equipped with the tools and resources to grow independently, seek Series X funding, and expand into new markets.

Coming 2026
Access to Workforce: As part of the program, founders will have access to a skilled workforce through the Workforce Development Program, launching in 2026. This will provide a pipeline of talent trained in advanced tech, manufacturing, and other in-demand skills.
Introduction to the Application Process

Beginning in early 2025, applications for the inaugural pilot cohort of our Advanced Accelerator Program will open. We are seeking visionary founders with innovative ideas, who have a strong handle on their business models, and a clear growth strategy - but need the funding and resources to get their business to launch.

The process will feature a blind screening approach to ensure fairness and focus on the merits of each application:

Submit Your Application
You will submit an overview of your startup, including your business model, traction, and goals.

Blind Screening
All identifying information will be redacted from your application before review. Our expert panel will evaluate applications based solely on innovation, market potential, scalability, and team strength, ensuring a focus on the substance of your startup.

Interview Process
Shortlisted founders will be invited for interviews to further assess their readiness for the program.

Founder Due Diligence Period
Up to ten (10) founders will undergo a three-month behavioral diligence process to ensure alignment with the program’s goals. During this period, qualified founders will also receive a $25,000 non-dilutive grant from Partners on Prospect to support their startup journey.

Final Selection
Up to ten (10) founders will then be invited to join the pilot cohort, gaining access to mentorship, $250,000 in performance-based seed investment funding, and the resources necessary to scale their ventures.
The Founder Due Diligence Period is a critical step in the selection process for our Advanced Accelerator Program. This phase ensures that selected startups are well-positioned for success and that founders are equipped to lead their companies through rapid growth.

During this period, we will:

Access to Non-Dilutive Grant
Founders who are admitted to the due diligence process will receive a $25,000 non-dilutive grant from Partners on Prospect, providing immediate financial support without giving up equity during the critical, initial three months.

Assess Business Viability
We will conduct a deeper evaluation of each founder’s startup, including its financial health, market potential, and overall business strategy.

Evaluate Founder Commitment and Grit
We will examine the founder’s dedication to their startup’s mission and long-term success, ensuring they are fully invested in driving their business forward.

Confirm Alignment with Program Goals
This period allows us to ensure that selected startups align with the program’s objectives and are ready to take advantage of the resources and mentorship available.

The Founder Due Diligence Period is designed to prepare founders for the intensive accelerator experience while providing them with initial funding to kickstart their journey. This step helps ensure that only startups with high potential and committed leadership are selected for the program.
A core component of the Advanced Accelerator Program, startups will receive a $250,000 performance-based seed investment over the two year program. This funding is designed to fuel early-stage growth and help startups achieve critical milestones.

Here’s how it works:

Performance Milestones
The $250K seed investment will be distributed in stages, contingent upon startups meeting specific performance-based milestones. These milestones will be predetermined with the startup's mentor, and may include product development, customer acquisition, market traction, or other key growth targets.

The fund allocation will be broken down as follows, with example performance metrics:

Initial Allocation (40%): Upon entering the program (following successful completion of the founder due diligence period).

Midway Allocation (30%): Based on startup progress (e.g., additional customer acquisition, scaling product features).

Final Allocation (30%): Upon hitting key revenue targets, or completing a successful product launch.

Requirement to Remain in Connecticut and an Opportunity Zone
To qualify for and retain the seed investment, admitted startups will be required to establish and maintain their headquarters in Connecticut and within a designated Opportunity Zone (OZ) for at least ten years. This ensures the program's economic benefits remain local and contribute to the growth of Connecticut’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Flexible Use of Funds
Startups can use the seed funding for a variety of essential business needs, including, but not limited to:

Operations

Payroll

Tooling and equipment

Product development

Marketing and customer acquisition

Other activities critical to the successful launch and growth of the startup

Equitable Support for Founders
To promote equitable access, particularly for parent founders, up to 10% of the funding ($25,000) may be allocated toward qualified child care costs, helping to reduce barriers and create a more inclusive entrepreneurial environment.

Equity Investment
The seed funding will be provided in exchange for a set equity amount, giving startups the capital they need to scale while offering investors a stake in the company’s future success.

Ongoing Support
Startups that receive the seed investment will continue to have access to mentorship, strategic guidance, and resources to help them meet the performance milestones required for future investment opportunities.
Participants in the Advanced Accelerator Program will gain access to an extensive network of mentors, industry experts, investors, and peer entrepreneurs. This ecosystem of support is designed to help startups overcome challenges, forge strategic partnerships, and tap into new opportunities.

Startups will also benefit from a wide range of resources, including:

Mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

Access to Capital through a network of investors and funding opportunities.

Expert Services such as legal, marketing, and operational support to strengthen business foundations.

Collaborative Workspace to foster innovation and teamwork among cohort members.

Ongoing Workshops and Training designed to equip founders with the skills and knowledge to scale their ventures.

Designed to guide high-potential, early stage startups through a two-year journey of growth, mentorship, and strategic support.

Throughout the program, founders will gain access to a physical location at the Village, tailored resources and funding that will help them scale their ventures and achieve long-term success.

Two Years at the Village

Beginning in early 2025, applications for the inaugural pilot cohort of our Advanced Accelerator Program will open.

We are seeking visionary founders with innovative ideas, who have a strong handle on their business models, and a clear growth strategy - but need the funding and resources to get their business to launch.

Application Process

A critical step in the selection process for our Advanced Accelerator Program. This phase ensures that selected startups are well-positioned for success and that founders are equipped to lead their companies through rapid growth.

Founder Due Diligence Period

A core component of the Advanced Accelerator Program, startups will receive a $250,000 performance-based seed investment over the two year program.

This funding is designed to fuel early-stage growth and help startups achieve critical milestones.

Seed Investment

Participants in the Advanced Accelerator Program will gain access to an extensive network of mentors, industry experts, investors, and peer entrepreneurs. This ecosystem of support is designed to help startups overcome challenges, forge strategic partnerships, and tap into new opportunities.