A Productive Newsletter: Accelerator Design
The Spirit of Giving
Welcome to the end of another year. Like the authors of the other newsletters you're getting right about now, I've been doing some reflecting. I'll save you time and not list out our accomplishments this year. Instead, I'll dive right into the results of that reflection ;)
The truth is that we've learned so much in our four years of designing and implementing acceleration programs. One of the primary things we've learned is how disruptive and harmful poorly designed accelerator programs can be for the startups they purport to serve. Entrepreneurs think twice about applying to programs that could take their eyes off the ball - and they should be! Time and attention are precious resources that can't be spent on programs that won't convert them into meaningful growth.
So, 2019 is going to be a full year of giving for us and we're starting now. We're going to start sharing all the lessons we've learned in creating truly impactful accelerator programs for corporations, foundations, and governments. We think we've come up with a great model to build programs that truly accelerate startups and create massive value for the entities that run the programs, but we're not deluded enough to assume we have all the answers.
Below are links to the first two posts in a new series dissecting the "Anatomy of an Accelerator", using our work with the AT&T Aspire Accelerator as an example. This is meant to start conversations, so please reach out if you agree, disagree, find a typo, or want to learn more about our work!
Sourcing the Best EdTech
AT&T will be opening up applications for the 5th cohort of the Aspire Accelerator in January. They've asked us to help them find the best EdTech talent out there that might benefit from their program. So, we're hoping you know someone :)
AT&T is looking for both for- and non-profit startups who have a technology-enabled intervention. They're particularly interested in interventions in the PreK-12 age range that help specifically build student skills.
The program is accompanied by $100k of investment and does not require relocation. Applications don't open until January 7th, but if you know someone that fits the bill and could benefit from the program, please refer them directly to me.
What Are We Reading?
The "Dirty Secret" of Educational Innovation
My wife is fond of pointing out that "If you build it, they won't necessarily come" and that's what I was thinking about when reading this. Just making data available to the public does not mean they'll make responsible conclusions from it. When I look at this report and apply a portfolio lens to the Dept of Education's Investing in Innovation Fund investments, I see some real bright spots.
Only 1 of 67 programs studied had negative effects. For a program investing in innovative delivery of education, this is a huge win
18 had positive gains in learning. If you had a fund and 26% of your portfolio was over performing, you'd be thrilled
Another 18 were thrown out because of problems with the study. That means that a full 36 of the programs are delivering at least the average learning, and could be delivering in other ways. Maybe they focus on more sensitive populations, maybe they deliver with cheaper tech-enabled methods, etc...
I recommend anyone interested read the excellentreport. It's an exciting time for innovation in education!
Where Will We See You Next?
We're thrilled to be working with DirecTV Latin America again this year on enabling a mini-acceleration workshop in January! The three winners of a "Best Use of Technology in Sustainability" prize will be flying up to the Bay Area where we are putting together a bunch of programming to help them get to the next level. If you're around onWednesday, January 30thand would like to meet the best and brightest startups working on Sustainablity, let us know!
