Accelerator programs are usually associated with early-stage venture. They also generate meaningful private equity deal flow for investors who participate as mentors.
Why mentorship works
Mentors see hundreds of companies a year, build relationships with founders before they are ready to transact, and learn which sectors are quietly compounding.
The deal flow
Some accelerator alumni grow into lower-middle-market businesses with $5 million-plus EBITDA, exactly the size most independent private equity sponsors target. Others introduce mentors to non-accelerator companies in their networks.
Time commitment
Two to four hours a month per program is enough to be useful and to be remembered. Investors who treat mentorship as a transaction get filtered out quickly.
Solender's involvement
Solender Capital regularly speaks with and mentors at accelerator programs around the country, both to give back and to stay close to the next generation of operators.
If you are evaluating a transaction in this space and want a candid second look, Solender Capital is happy to compare notes. Reach out through our contact page and share what you are working on.