Startups need to pick up speed: Business acceleration methodology

Aim. The work aimed to identify distinctive methods of business acceleration, applied to accelerate the development of technology entrepreneurs in Russia.
Objectives. The work seeks to characterize the methods used in Russian acceleration programs; to evaluate the effectiveness of the methods for supporting technology entrepreneurs, used by business accelerators; and to classify the methods of acceleration programs based on the instruments used.
Methods. The work employed comparative analysis, generalization, classification, as well as systemic and structural approaches. Data from secondary expert interviews and statistical reports on the results of graduate clients of Russian accelerators were used. The work also analyzed the works of Russian and international scientists studying acceleration programs.
Results. It was established that the startup development in acceleration programs is accelerated due to seven distinctive methods that form the business acceleration methodology. These include constant external support, rapid hypothesis testing, expansion of social bonds, increase in effective working hours, provision of a ready-made methodology, access to capital sources, and increased availability of other resources. The methodology helps entrepreneurs save time, optimize business processes, and focus on the growth points of their business. Based on the study results, an expanded classification of support methods used in Russian acceleration programs was created based on the tools used.
Conclusions. Acceleration of startup development in accelerators occurs due to a specific methodology that helps reduce time expenditures on business processes and increase operational efficiency. According to the results of acceleration programs in 2015–2020, the technology companies increased the value of a number of business indicators such as revenue, average receipt amount, and number of clients, as well as accelerated the transaction cycle, employed the capital, and reached quickly the break-even point relative to natural market conditions. The study results have not only scientific but also practical value for organizers and participants of acceleration programs. In order to implement the research potential of the Russian acceleration program market, it becomes necessary to study further their methodology and effectiveness in 2022–2025. Future studies plan to evaluate the application of the identified methods in various types of acceleration programs (state, university, corporate), as well as compare the methodology applied in the Russian and international acceleration backgrounds.

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