255. What Most Startup Support Gets Wrong — and How to Fix It

Tech for Non-Techies

From accelerators to corporate venture capital, most startup support structures fail to deliver. Investor and entrepreneur Andrew Ackerman explains why — and what founders and corporates should do instead.

With over 70 investments and hundreds of founders mentored, Andrew brings rare perspective from both sides of the table. Andrew is a serial entrepreneur who has founded two companies, led an accelerator, and now advises startups, VCs and corporates.

He’s also the author of The Entrepreneur's Odyssey — a novel-style guide to what startup life really feels like.

You will learn:

• Why most accelerators fail: Discover how many support programs offer flashy promises without delivering tangible outcomes like revenue or pilot deals.

• Rethinking venture capital: Understand why fundraising is often pursued for validation rather than strategic fit — and why most startups don’t necessarily need VC money.

• Corporate innovation pitfalls: Learn how misaligned incentives and internal politics transform innovation programs into mere theatre rather than engines of growth.

• The value of tailored support: Find out how startups can benefit from support structures designed as platforms that evolve with their specific stage and needs.

• What to do instead: Get practical insights on structuring your support programs, whether you’re a founder, a corporate team, or an investor.

Chapters 00:00 The Illusion of Tech Startups 02:43 Understanding Startup Support Systems 06:48 Challenges in Corporate Innovation 10:05 The Value of Accelerators 16:58 The Glamour of Fundraising 22:12 The Reality of Startup Life

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