In this series, we have now talked about what an accelerator is, what to consider before joining one, and what to do during the program to get the most out of it. The two most important questions before joining were whether you even need to get into one, and if yes, which one. For maximizing value during the program, we shared nine tips. If you haven’t yet, check out part 1 and part 2 so you’ll make the right choices before applying and during the program!

If you have followed all the previous steps, the accelerator becomes your friend. But as a famous quote from Khalil Gibran says, “Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.”

After the accelerator

An accelerator’s job is to get startups off the ground, but they also want to help them stay afloat. If you want to enjoy the community, support, and other perks also after the program, make sure to give back as well. Don’t just contact your accelerator when you need something. Offer help, support, or contacts yourself. Offer your feedback at the least. Here are four ideas on what to consider after graduating from an accelerator program.

XcitED 2018 — xEdu’s Demo Day. ©xEdu

1. Check-in regularly

Most accelerators have regular check-ins with the alumni teams. But you don’t need to always wait for the Program Director to call you. As with any relationship, you may want to drop a quick email or visit the premises when you are passing by. A five-minute chat will get you up to date with the accelerator news, and the PD with what’s happening in your startup. In most cases, you will leave with a fresh thought or a new connection.

2. Ask questions

Accelerators often have perks and connections they don’t always openly advertise. Maybe there’s a startup event you want to participate in and hoping for a discount, or you want to get connected to a big company, but don’t know anybody there. Don’t hesitate to ask your accelerator — they just might have an answer for you.

If each startup brings something in, the whole community will benefit.

3. Offer help

Do not only ask for help but offer it yourself. Maybe you are organizing a cool startup event and can get discounts for your fellow accelerator teams. Maybe you’ve developed a relationship with an expert who could be a good addition to the accelerator’s mentor pool. If each startup brings something in, the whole community will benefit.

4. Remember your batch

Remember those teams that persevered and suffered through the program and startup life together with you? Don’t dismiss them right after the program. You can always rely on them, so at least make sure to check in with them through the communication channels you created together or organize a meetup. They will be your friends and allies forever.

Good luck with your startup and acceleration journeys!

Editors note: If you are looking for an accelerator, make sure to check out Kiuas, their application period is now open! If you’re not quite ready for an accelerator yet, see what AVP’s Impact Studio can offer you instead.