Three months of flying
So, the Chinaccelerator program has finished. And my commitment to blog every week didn’t work out. Nor did it once a month.
Nonetheless, here’s a little cherry in the martini, icing on the cake, sauce on the pasta to summarise how it all went, learnings, tips for being part of an accelerator.
You’ll get what you make of it
Presented with endless opportunities, advice, documents, mentorship. You can choose to take it all on, or none. You can choose to leverage what you’re given and get what you want out of the program. You won’t be spoon fed. But you’ll be given the spoon. It’s up to you to put it in your mouth with the food.
Network Central
The networks you’ll be introduced to are invaluable. The relationships you’ll build with relevant, right people during your time in the accelerator are all worth it. You’ll speak to high level execs about partnerships. People it would generally take months for you to get in front of, if at all. The accelerator really accelerates relationships and helps you be known.
Life’s a pitch. Seriously.
I keep banging on about this. But you’ll pitch, and pitch, and pitch and pitch some more. You’ll love it. You’ll hate it. You’ll get an adrenaline rush from it. You’ll feel deflated and exhausted from it. All the pitch practice, the advice, the techniques are well worth it. In the end, you’ll be able to articulate your business much more coherently, concisely and confidently. You’ll be able to sell your business in a human way, so even a 3 year old can understand your business model.
Am I bi-polar?
It is a ride, sometimes with turbulence. A mix of emotions, feelings. Because it is such an accelerated experience (not to mention that I’m an emotional Italian). But even if you aren’t, it can still feel like you have bi-polar. The wins are great and make you super high and proud to exist. The losses hurt, burn deeply and can make you feel super shitty. But hey, that’s why we’re here. Most entrepreneurs love the challenge, the adrenaline.
Utilise the knowledge
You’ll be given so much knowledge, advice, from so many different people. Take those bits of advice, and take what you can utilise best. Whatever is best for you, your business, and sometimes even adapt it. Not all pieces of the puzzle will fit for you. Grab those that do, hold onto them, use them as best you can.
My three (ok, four) favourite parts of being part of Chinaccelerator
- Group therapy
Every Friday, having free counselling amongst the other teams. Getting advice, listening to others. Knowing your not alone.
2. Founders Stories
You’re in a space with total strangers you’ve never met before, spending the most time together you’ve spent in such a short period of time. Learning about their lives, their backgrounds, what made them who they are, is inspiring.
3. The Networks
The network of intelligent, highly respected people you get access to, support and advice from. It’s invaluable as a business and individual.
4. The laughs & friends
13 companies, 70 or so new friends, from around the world. And a bunch of people who have accepted my dismal KTV performances, and keep inviting me out for more.
So, what’s next? Programs over, that’s it, right?
Nope. This is just the beginning of the ongoing awesome startup journey. The accelerator has set a precedent for the pace and style in which we work together as a team. It’s helped us set some really achievable, defined goals we are all fiercely working towards. The product roadmap is big, and exciting. We can’t wait to keep sharing our progress as we keep expanding rapidly across Asia.
Cheers for the memorable and invaluable ride, Chinaccelerator! #batch9sofine
