Articles

Most alumni networks fail for the same reason: they try to create community after the program ends. The strongest communities already exist before graduation because founders still have reasons to help each other, solve problems together, and stay connected. If those relationships aren't forming organically during the program, an alumni Slack channel won't fix it. Community isn't built afterward—it's revealed.

For years, I treated consulting engagements as if I were part of the client's team. The results were theirs, but so was the learning—or so I acted. Looking back, I left valuable business development capital on the table: frameworks, processes, patterns, and case studies that could have become assets. Before your next engagement, decide what will be yours when it's over. If you can't name it at the start, you'll struggle to claim it at the end.

On day two of a new startup program, I found myself staring at a task list that seemed to belong to four different people. The breakthrough came from a simple question: what will this project actually be judged on? Once I identified the core outcome, everything else fell into place. A project without an organizing principle isn't a project yet—it's a list of things that could go wrong.

The most dangerous meeting in any cohort is the one where everyone says things are going well. Six weeks since the last issue. I've been heads-down on a client project, and something from that work keeps coming back to me. Halfway through the cohort, the mid-year check-in is smooth. The program manager says it's on track. The sponsor says it's on track. The board rep says it's on track. Three people. Three definitions of "on track." What's actually happened is that everyone h

Discover why traditional innovation programs often fail by focusing on inspiration instead of listening. This newsletter explores how innovation coach Suzanne Vos redefines the approach by treating resistance as valuable information. Learn about the Theory of Change Builder tool to strengthen your program's foundation. Get insights from real-world experiences and actionable strategies to ensure your program is evidence-based rather than assumption-driven.

In this edition of "You're selecting for the wrong things," we explore how AI will transform programs, emphasizing the importance of selecting founders for irreplaceable qualities. Tune in to Tom Chi's insights on the four skills robots can't replicate and download our free Founder Selection Rubric to enhance your selection process. Discover how to evaluate founders beyond traditional metrics and ensure your accelerator programs effectively support entrepreneurial growth.

Explore the challenges of innovation in organizations, highlighted in this newsletter. Learn how a large pharmaceutical company transformed its approach to foster genuine innovation. Discover tools like the Theory of Change Builder to effectively design and communicate your innovation programs. Understand the tension between governance and speed in innovation centers, and reflect on whether your program empowers participants to question existing practices.

In this newsletter, "Most People Never Ship Anything That Matters," we explore the mindset that separates those who merely talk about ideas from those who execute them. Learn from Marcel Botha's experience in rapidly producing 3,000 ventilators during COVID and discover strategies to shift your focus from activity to tangible outcomes. Plus, download our Demo Day Planning Kit to optimize your launch events for real success. Don't just plan; ship something that matters!

In this newsletter, "Your playbook is lying to you," we explore the pitfalls of applying outdated frameworks in innovation. Discover insights from Luuk Eliens on why Western executives fail in China and learn the importance of contextual adaptation in program management. This issue also features the Mentor Matching Framework, a tool designed to enhance mentorship alignment in accelerators. Join us in questioning inherited strategies and adapting to your unique environment for

Discover why specializing your accelerator can enhance engagement and attract the right startups. This article explores the myths surrounding niche programs, highlighting how focused messaging and targeted partnerships lead to improved results. Learn the key questions to determine if your accelerator is ready to specialize and get actionable tips to refine your positioning. Stand out in a crowded market and become the obvious choice for founders in your chosen sector.

Discover why founders often disengage from programs and learn how to keep them engaged. This article reveals the core motivations behind their participation, emphasizing the importance of delivering real value. By understanding what founders truly want—investor access, credibility, and targeted help—you can refine your program's value proposition. Use our simple formula to craft a compelling offer that resonates and stands out in a crowded landscape of accelerators.

While AI can streamline repetitive tasks like application management and scheduling, it's essential to maintain human connection in areas like onboarding and mentorship. The guiding principle is to automate the repeatable and humanize the relational. By applying the 3C Test—assessing tasks as clerical, creative, or conversational—managers can find the right balance, enhancing efficiency while fostering meaningful relationships.

Yaniv shares critical lessons learned from launching an accelerator program. He emphasizes the importance of aligning stakeholders' goals, as misunderstandings can lead to chaos rather than strategic outcomes. With the introduction of the Accelerator Model Canvas, Yaniv offers a framework to design programs effectively, focusing on ten essential building blocks to ensure that everyone has a shared understanding and direction from day one.

Yaniv emphasizes the power of storytelling in program management. He argues that while facts are important, compelling narratives are essential for connecting with audiences, driving engagement, and securing funding. The article outlines strategies for crafting a narrative, engaging communities through stories, and presenting impact effectively to potential investors. By sharing authentic experiences and highlighting meaningful outcomes, programs can inspire support and creat

Yaniv explores the importance of building sustainable impact in startup programs over mere growth metrics. He emphasizes the need to balance short-term wins with long-term sustainability, measure both impact and growth, and learn from successful programs like EIT Food and Innovate UK's Global Incubator Programme. The key takeaway is that while growth captures attention, true change comes from focusing on meaningful outcomes that create lasting legacies in the entrepreneurial

Yaniv emphasizes the importance of data in driving successful startup programs. He outlines three actionable steps: tracking key metrics like engagement and success rates, using data to identify trends and optimize outcomes, and utilizing effective tools for easy data collection. The message is clear: without measurement, you're merely guessing, and informed decisions based on reliable data lead to significant improvements in program efficiency and effectiveness.

Market expansion isn’t copy-paste. Help startups adapt, build local partnerships, and navigate new markets with the right strategy.

Failure isn’t the enemy—it’s feedback. Learn fast, use data to pivot, and turn setbacks into opportunities for growth.

Great programs thrive on mentors & partners. Find the right people, set up strong structures, and build a network that fuels success.

Great programs aren’t magic—they’re built on systems. Scale impact with workflows, tools, and templates that keep things on track.