Graduating from a top accelerator or incubator can be as career-defining for a startup founder as an elite university diploma. The intensive programmes, which are often just a few months long, help startups refine and grow before a “pitch day” to potential investors and press. Such schemes provide mentorship, money and networking, often in exchange for equity in the company.. Graduating from a top accelerator or incubator can be as career-defining for a startup founder as an elite university diploma. The intensive programmes, which are often just a few months long, help startups refine and grow before a “pitch day” to potential investors and press. Such schemes provide mentorship, money and networking, often in exchange for equity in the company..