Resource:How to select a business incubator for your consumer product

Introduction

When selecting a startup incubator to attend or create, the most important thing is considering what are the most desirable outcomes from the incubator. For those pursuing a biomedical company, for example, lab space may be the most important thing - while for those creating a social media app, large quantities of people and eyes to test out the prototype and give feedback might be more important.

Need and Goal

a) When selecting a startup incubator to attend or create, the most important thing is considering what are the most desirable outcomes from the incubator. For those pursuing a biomedical company, for example, lab space may be the most important thing - while for those creating a social media app, large quantities of people and eyes to test out the prototype and give feedback might be more important.

b) The goal is to not only discover an incubator that mimics and supports what you want your company to be, but to also choose an incubator based on the network that it presents. If you are looking to build a large network, it might be useful to look for incubators in larger cities with larger networks surrounding it. Location itself is not something you should rank high in the list of things you need to consider when choosing an incubator, but it definitely does come into play when considering the network you want to build for your company.

Potential Unexpected

Either way, any incubator will bring valuable experience, as unexpected relationships will form, and unplanned goals will be met out of serendipity, as long as you are open to them. The most efficient way to use your time is to pick an incubator which will have the most opportunities for the types of relationships/resources you are chasing.

Network (Who You Want to be Connected With)

a) Reach out as early as possible to individuals you respect and aspire to be like.  The earlier you reach out the more time these relationships have to grow and develop.  Mentorships can often form, giving you support and guidance when brainstorming, planning, and launching your start-ups.  These connections can also be extremely useful when trying to secure a business incubator.  Connecting with a business incubator or accelerator through a mutually known individual can create a friendlier initial interaction and increase your chances of being selected. Either way, never be afraid to ask someone to coffee, ask for help, or to update someone on your process.

b) The University Innovation Fellows network is one of the greatest tools available to us.  Once we are accepted into the program we will connect and form relationships with some of the most engaged and creative young minds around the country.  When Elliot traveled to Cork, Ireland with Indiebio to quick start Spira he took two other fellows with him as team members.  Allow UIF to open your horizons to different individuals and ways of thinking, and truly use the community to its full potential.

Team Members (What Sorts of People You are Looking For)

a) Based on Skills/Weaknesses

 Within a business, it is important to have individuals with varying and diverse skill sets. What is one person’s weakness is most likely another’s strength.  Elliot himself stated that he is more of the creative mind but lacks in organizational and communicative skills. He has planned for a diverse team, and found a cofounder at Spira, to fill in these gaps.  The company benefits from everyone’s talents.  Additionally, if the individual has well-developed technical skills, and is an expert in some field, it is much easier to teach them how to sell then to teach someone who knows how to sell the desired technical skills.

b) Based on Your Needs as a Company If your company already has a creative leader (like Elliot) but not people who can implement those creative ideas into physical designs, or someone who can organize, you need to find those people as well. This goes hand-in-hand with strengths and weaknesses, but you do need to find others that can not only complete your personality in the workfield, but also get the tasks done based on their skill set. 

c) Based on Fits (How to Vet People)

Do a small task with them whether it be a little engineering project, a small part of something to do with the startup, or just going and playing video games together to see how they work with you, and to predict what future interactions will be like. The most common reason why startups fail is because of issues with the people working for them.  Therefore choose your teammates wisely and make sure they have similar goals in mind.

--This can become tricky when money and financial aspects come into play. It is essential to have team members sign an agreement, and all be on the same    page, before the business or product takes off.

Risk and Reward '(cost, equity, money, time vs payoff, networks, funding, prototyping material, experience)'

a) Technically, it will not cost you money to reach out to businesses in hopes they could be your incubator. However, in order for them to be swayed to accept, sometimes there is money involved. “Give before you receive” is a phrase Elliot stood by, and it basically means to find what that business wants or needs, and make an offer to help them get these things in hopes that this gesture will make them want to give to you in return. This could be as simple as designing something for them with your own resources, or as extensive as flying them out to run a 5K in your state (yes, Elliot did offer to do that). However, this money will be nothing compared to the experience you gain, and hopefully the profit you make from starting up your company.

b) Timewise, this might take a while. It could take weeks to months before convincing a company that your product is worth the investment. Elliot aimed for 3 main incubators and accelerators when working on his company Spira. Once securing an incubator the process of invention and testing begins almost immediately. Once you are in an accelerator program, all day everyday is spent on the product. There is a lot of time put into this, but it is worth it once you find the right incubator for your business.