Accelerator application guide
To prepare an accelerator application, check the program's eligibility, explain what your company does, support your claims with measured results, and introduce your founding team. Follow the current application form's instructions for written answers and video.
This guide combines 886 Studios' application advice with current ikigai Launchpad program details. It is a preparation checklist, not an application form or a statement that applications are open.
Use the checklistBefore you apply
Before you apply to an accelerator, make sure you are prepared to join one. Go through this checklist and ask yourself some questions.
Do you have a cofounder?
Some accelerators prioritize startups with a cofounder. If you don’t have one, begin to plan how you might get one and brainstorm what you would look for in a cofounder.
Is your LinkedIn professional?
Accelerators and potential investors do check your LinkedIn. Be authentic and transparent about work experience, technical skills, and portfolio. Keep photos and language professional.
Has your resume been updated?
Make sure your resume is up to date with the projects you are currently working on. This makes it easier for accelerators to track your professional timeline.
Are you working full-time on this startup?
Accelerators are looking for dedication from founders. Ask yourself how much time you currently spend on your company and whether other work may be distracting.
Can you communicate your pitch well?
Be prepared for questions in English. It is helpful to send a pre-read before meetings, use slides and graphics wisely, and practice the flow.
What do you hope to gain from the program?
Different programs fit different industries and stages. Consider whether you want mentors, demo day practice, community, rigorous coursework, or other outcomes.
For ikigai Launchpad, a co-founder is not required. Solo founders can apply, but the founding team needs credible technical or domain capability. Read the program requirements before deciding whether it fits your team.
Choose a program that fits
After going through the checklist, you may decide to apply to an accelerator. Depending on your company stage, industry, and timeline, the program you choose should fit your startup needs.
Compare each program's stage, location, time commitment, investment terms, and support. For an overview of local options, use the Taiwan startup ecosystem database.
What is ikigai Launchpad?
ikigai Launchpad is 886 Studios' 10-week, in-person accelerator in Taipei for early-stage founders building for a global market. Founders can apply from anywhere and should be working full-time, or ready to do so. All co-founders are expected to join on site for the core program.
At ikigai Launchpad, we invest US$100,000 for 8% through a SAFE, with no additional program fee. See our program details.
Our next batch is Spring 2027. We haven’t announced application dates or the deadline yet. Check our program page for updates.
Looking for workspace and a founder community rather than an accelerator investment? Launch Station is a separate, invitation-only, 90-day builder residency in Taipei with no cost or equity.
Write clear application answers
Accelerators get pitched many interesting startups with a lot of potential. If the person reading your application can’t understand the concept based on your explanation, they may pass. Knowing how to answer application questions is a valuable skill.
The STAR method
For behavioral or personal questions, organize your answer around situation, task, action, and result. Keep the situation and task short, spend the most time on your actions, and reflect on what happened and what you learned.
Be straightforward
When a question asks a simple “what,” do not add filler or marketing-speak. Add detail only when it is relevant and necessary.
Use honest numbers
Be truthful with market size, runway, revenue, expenses, and other metrics. Accelerators may check your data and ask how you calculated it. Use our burn rate and runway guide to prepare your cash figures and assumptions.
Explain the competition
Do not claim you have no competition. Competition can be any alternative a customer uses. We care more about your plan to overcome obstacles than an unrealistic claim that none exist.
Before you submit, ask someone unfamiliar with your company to read the application. Can they describe the customer, the problem, and what you are building? Replace any claim they cannot understand with a specific explanation. Keep forecasts separate from results you have already measured.
Prepare your introduction video
Many accelerator applications ask for a short introduction video describing your team and startup. The goal is clarity, not production value.
If a one-minute video is requested, use the checklist below. Follow the current form's length and upload instructions if they differ.
- Keep the video to one minute.
- Upload it to YouTube, allow embedding, and mark it as unlisted if needed.
- Make sure the audio quality is clear.
- Try not to read from a script; it should sound like a face-to-face conversation.
- Make explanations simple and easy to understand.
- Make sure all co-founders are included.
- Do not add special effects or background music.
- Do not use the video as a full product demo. Explain the team’s passion, why this idea, and why this journey.
Application FAQs
What should I prepare for accelerator applications?
Prepare a clear company description, current founder profiles and resumes, measured business results, and an explanation of why the accelerator fits your team. If a founder video is requested, follow that application's length and upload instructions. Each accelerator sets its own requirements; this preparation guide does not replace its application form.
Can I apply to ikigai Launchpad without a co-founder or company entity?
Yes. We welcome solo founders, and you don’t need an incorporated company to apply to ikigai Launchpad. Your founding team still needs credible technical or domain capability. If accepted, you’ll typically need to establish a US entity to receive funding.
Read Who can apply.
Can international founders apply to ikigai Launchpad?
Yes. We welcome founders from anywhere. The 10-week core program takes place in person in Taipei, and all co-founders are expected to join on site. Founders should be working full-time, or ready to work full-time, and able to attend the batch in Taipei.
When can I apply to the next ikigai Launchpad batch?
Our next ikigai Launchpad batch is Spring 2027. We haven’t announced application dates or the deadline yet. Check our program page for updates.
Read Application dates.
What business numbers should I prepare for an accelerator interview?
For your interview with us, prepare your monthly operating expenses, runway, any funding received, and user or revenue metrics where applicable. Be ready to explain how you calculated each figure. Report measured results honestly and keep forecasts separate from results you have already achieved.
Do I need a pitch deck for the first ikigai Launchpad interview?
No. Your first ikigai Launchpad interview is a 20-minute conversation with us. You don’t need a pitch deck. Come ready to discuss your team, the problem you’re solving, what you’re building, your progress, and what you’ve learned from users. Bring your questions for us, too.
Read Interview details and the Interview Guidebook.
Prepared by 886 Studios. Program details reviewed on . First interview guidance updated on . Refer to your interview invitation for the details of your interview.
Check your next step
Review the current program details and application timing before you apply. Use the preparation checklist now so your answers are ready when the next application window is announced.
Review the program