INCUBATE THIS!

So as fast as start-up companies have been popping up, incubators and accelerator programs are appearing out of thin air.

All though we have not launch yet, a lot of people are approaching Beau Exchange and we need a fairy tech mother to make sure we don't screw up. This week we are speaking with the incubator New Me, which is a cool program for minorities (ethnicity mostly direct African descent or Latin and women).

Really the two years in business school was enough but we really want to help of an expert and don't mine being in the lions den of all the lovely investors even if just to get our feet wet. We specifically has interest in New Me because it would be a great way to encourage others to start tech companies, create diversity in Silicon Valley and really provide opportunity for those with less access. If we blow up to be what so many expect us to, it would be great exposure for New Me as well.


With the different programs there to "help" you, the logically thought is well I choose a program that best fit my company culture, vision and overall good vibes. NO NO and ehhh NO. List below is what you should consider when approached or looking for an accelerator or incubator.

1. Do you research because incubators may have specific industries or technologies that they accept
2. Be prepared to leave home for a while (MAYBE) many of the programs are in California, London, Chile, Germany, Sweden and the average program is about four mouths. 
3. DO KNOW YOU COULD NEGOTIATE THE AGREEMENT! You do not have to accept the terms. If a program offer $40,000 for 10% of the company do know you don't have to accept that offer. I recommend a lawyer like ours SCJ Legal here in NYC.
4. Make sure you get your time with the mentors, advisers and even your peers.
5. Make sure you have all of the material they need for the application, for example two minute video, legal docs, or business plan. 
6. You have to understand that just because you are in a program does not guarantee that you are going to get investment and you're going to blowup into the next Youtube
7. If you are not going to use a program to help grow your company just have a group of advisers and cold call every person with money and a danger side.