This paper presents a rigorous quantitative meta-analysis, synthesizing evidence from 21 primary studies and 68 effect sizes to assess the impact of accelerator participation on new venture performance. The results demonstrate a statistically significant positive effect, with key moderating factors—including program duration, cohort size, sponsorship type, and regional context—significantly influencing outcomes. The study further highlights the presence of selection biases within accelerator programs and provides theoretical as well as practical insights into how accelerators contribute to both the financial and operational success of new ventures.

This work was developed by the Chair of Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (Jun.-Prof. Dr. Nikolaus Seitz and Dr. Martina Buratti), in collaboration with the University of Augsburg (Prof. Dr. Erik E. Lehmann and Julie Kurrle, M.Sc.).

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https://link.springer.com/epdf/10.1007/s10961-025-10218-6?sharing_token=QgONSMuCTY-SCSrb1alY9Pe4RwlQNchNByi7wbcMAY4vqPhNSrH-Qn3xGnoGOTvXNSng0YVmTTuf21AVsgo7lqbkVv1dLHCWDtXkVrM1L_Y4oM7HONRxpq9VT33F4hLn4e5Hs2ObcTnVGgfahCYwJY4BMgl5KtP8Jtb89P4HziU%3D