Being accepted to a startup accelerator can mean access to expert support and resources, increased exposure, and ample opportunities for growth. In fact, the top three accelerators (Techstars, Y Combinator, and 500 Startups) account for nearly 10% of Series A recipients. However, getting into one of the top accelerators is no small task. It can take years to build up the experience and traction needed to validate your startup and get noticed by elite accelerators.

Topics
• Benefits vs drawbacks of accelerators
• Value of business traction
• How to highlight your expertise
• Choosing the right metrics to demonstrate your value
• Crafting a clear, concise value prop

Chris DeVore is Managing Director of Techstars Seattle, the region’s most selective startup accelerator, and also Managing Partner of Founders’ Co-op, the Pacific Northwest's leading seed-stage venture capital fund. Over the past decade Chris has helped over 200 Pacific Northwest startups raise over $1 billion in investor capital. Chris holds a BA from Yale and attended the MBA program at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. Read more about Chris DeVore on LinkedIn.

Format
Fundamentals for Startups is a weekly one-hour lecture series featuring notable experts who share startup-related information, experience, and insights with our entrepreneurial community. From raising capital to scaling to exit strategies, these seasoned guest speakers deliver valuable content designed to help startups and entrepreneurs thrive. Lectures are typically 30-40 mins, followed by open Q&A. Light refreshments will be served. These lectures are open to the public and you do not have to be currently affiliated with the UW or a startup to join. We hope to see you there!

Each lecture is filmed, live streamed, and archived on CoMotion’s YouTube Channel. Can't join us? Watch this talk live, day of at the link below. Also, check out our Fundamentals for Startups playlist.