127 Reasons you should do the Startup Accelerator right now

We reckon The Startup Accelerator is the smartest investment you can make when launching a business. But we would say that, right? Don't take our word for it. Here are 127 reasons to grab a place, in the words of our past members...

N.B. Our Startup Accelerator course is the evolution of our Startup Tribe programme. The support, mindset, objectives, and fun are just the same.

127. It's fantastic and will give you momentum. Do it! - Valeska, May 2019

126. An intense course for people who have an idea and want to see where it could go in a supportive environment. An ideal investment, especially if you don't want to take any risk at the moment! - Alexei, May 2019

125. It gives you rocket fuel and a safety blanket at the same time. What more could you need to get you started? - Lucy, May 2019

124. This is an idea stage accelerator programme that lets you get your idea out of your head and into the real world. It’s amazing what you can achieve once you do that. - Rafik, May 2019

123. It’s a course for people who are thinking about doing something different, who are unsatisfied with their current job situation and want to change it. It’s for anyone who has an idea for a business but not quite sure how to start. - Lotus, May 2019

122. It's like doing an assault course (because it isn't easy!) with twenty strangers and two leaders. At each obstacle you're given advice, tools and wisdom on how to get over it. You and the strangers help each other out a lot and you quickly become a really strong team. The pace doesn't stop and it can be challenging, but it's really worth it when you get to the end. - Liam, May 2019

121. Learn how to test and start a business cheaply and easily, whilst gaining a community. It will instil a mindset that will let you flourish. - Paul, May 2019

120. ESC help you refine your why, test your ideas, and hold you accountable for 3 months to launch your MVP, go do it! - Sophie, May 2019

119. Fast track course to making your dreams come true. - Bianca, May 2019

118. It you want to scratch your entrepreneurial itch, but don't know anything about how to start a company then this is perfect. The mentors keep you in check and sure that you're not barking mad and the escapees give you that community you really need. - Rob, May 2019

117. I have described it to many people and always said if you have an inkling of what you want to do in life but are lacking the courage to do it then this is the course for you. - Hannah, May 2019

116. A brilliant all round introduction to setting up your own business, will give you your mojo back! - April, January 2019

115. A really hands on way to bring an idea to life. A great investment. - Sophie, January 2019

114.The most supportive, empowering and transformative experience I have ever had. Do it! - Yolanda, January 2019

113. It is a 12-week course with about 30 people all wanting to start their own businesses, in almost every industry and type. It is structured to help you understand more about yourself and why you're wanting to do this, it helps to structure your business journey so you focus on the right stuff at the right time, and it gives you tools and knowledge you just can't get online - and trust me, I've done a lot of research to know. It was recommended to me by someone who did the career change course, as the people at Escape really 'get it', and care about you and your success. Plus the people on your course are absolutely awesome, its an incredible feeling knowing you're going on this journey with others who are all in the same boat. - Charlie, January 2019

112. The best way to learn to turn your mad hatter ideas into a reality! :-) - Sam, January 2019

111. Definitely worth the investment. Great community and accelerator takes a holistic view including personal development and journey and not just starting a business and generating revenue. - Suresh, September 2018

110. Mindblowing, scary, energizing, terrifying at times, exposing, horizon-expanding. - Nancy, September 2018

109. Learn everything there is to learn about starting a business, and build some of your strongest friendships along the way! - Laura, September 2018

108. Transformational. You have to experience the immersion in this unstoppable wave of positive energy. And all the practical tools and hacks are there. - Frances, September 2018

107. A super practical, fun and inspirational 12-week course equupping you with all the skills, tools and self belief required to get your idea out into the world! Not to mention the amazing other escapees and support from the wonderful escape leaders. - Suha, September 2018

106. The startup accelerator is a great vehicle to drive you from zero to a working business in 10 weeks. The program makes you accountable from day one, shores up a validated idea with a working business model and sets you up well for success. Outside of the course material and working on your project, you will meet a network of great people and be challenged emotionally to confront fears, doubts and feeling of inadequacies. As a direct result, I've found myself making strides forwards in my day job as well as developing a business.  If you are thinking 'I need to make a change in my life', join the course! - Freddie, September, 2018 

105. I had a great experience on the start up accelerator.... It is definitely worth all the time, money & effort ... I would highly recommend it to anyone thinking about joining. Met a great bunch of like minded people all driven towards finding what matters to them and was inspired each week.  Brilliant teachers & mentors dedicated to supporting & motivating everyone. They don't give up on you (even when you give up on yourself) & will do whatever it takes to support you. I was amazed to see how far they go to help. - Rei, July 2018 

104. Fabulous experience. Really stripped away all of the stumbling blocks and inner gremlins and allowed me to concentrate on my core idea and it’s validity. A great way to be held accountable and push your project further. Learnt about new tools and met a wonderful group of inspiring people. Ben and Emma did an awesome job of keeping the energy levels up and keeping the course on track. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. - Philippa, April 2018 

103. An incredible course which creates real momentum over 10 weeks. So many tips and tricks to get us up and running quickly and expert advice from tutors to help prepare us for the road ahead. On top of that, a group of 40 great people that provide lots of moral support to each other each week and even beyond the end of the course. - Zoe, April 2018

102. Excellent course if you need some structure to test ideas and build a business. All the key skills are covered. Course facilitators were very knowledgeable, supportive and great fun to be with. Lots of tools to bootstrap your business idea without spending loads of money. - Caroline, April 2018

101. It was an utterly brilliant programme, not only for the content itself and for lighting a fire under us to get out there and do it, but for trivialising and demystifying all things start-up. As with many things in life, starting a business is often sold as insurmountable, but Escape gave us the truth. The collaboration and sharing with the rest of the cohort was priceless, too. It's a rare thing to have so many like-minded people in one room moving towards a common goal. - Jeremy, Nov 2017 

100. If you'd have told the me before Escape I was in the position I'm now in post Escape, I would have laughed in your face in disbelief. This course changed my life and I can't wait to spend every day doing something I love. My life and work will finally be integrated, and I know I'll feel I'm adding value you every day. I can't thank you enough. It's an investment in a better life. You can't put a price on that. - Camilla, Nov 2017 

99. Both Skye and Ben are super enthusiastic and very encouraging. I'd say I'm naturally a realist/pessimist/glass half empty kind of person, but their enthusiasm and passion is infectious. It has given me more confidence in myself and my abilities. I've also really really enjoyed the community aspect and how easy it has been to offer help to others. - David, Nov 2017 

98. What an awesome experience. It has actually changed my life, my mindset and I have launched my business. I felt totally supported during the process - even during the down times. - Martine, Nov 2017 

97. The essential lessons about how to start a business, given in an encouraging and supportive environment that also pushes you outside your comfort zone and into the world. - Mark, Nov 2017 

96. I think it was one of the best things I did this year. I know I project a lot of outward confidence, but I believe this course allowed me to feel inwardly more confident. The tribe leaders were just so great at being reassuring, I felt very at ease in this 'safe space'. I just cannot say thank you enough. - Char, Nov 2017 

95. Most of all, it gave me a different mindset. I have always spent a lot of time planning before doing, and waited for something to be perfect before talking about it or putting it out there, but now I feel (and surprise myself each time) that I am more focused and brave to just do things- professionally and personally. - Federica, Dec 2017 

94. Life changing. Genuinely. I feel so excited about my future after being really nervous about the financial outlay. The most important part of the course is you. Your time, your energy, your effort, but most importantly - the fact that you really care about making a difference to our lives. - Josh, Aug 2017 

93. The startup accelerator has been THE best things I have done in my career to date. I would never have quit my full-time job and had the confidence to do what I am doing without the help of the Escape leaders, but also the Escape members around me. I was starting to get into a bit of a rut with my career, but I feel genuinely excited about what lies ahead of me. - Kat, Dec 2017 

92. A whirlwind of entrepreneurial learnings, life and mindset hacks, sustained and exhausting effort, and serendipitous introductions and moments. Loved it. - Emily, Aug 2017 

91. You have created something so special. There are not many businesses (despite their Manifestos) that can change peoples life so dramatically and give them the confidence to take something forward. My life had 2 paths at the start of escape, I enjoy my job and could have quite easily stayed put and worked my way up the way society tells you too. Escape gave me the confidence to believe in myself and push through the downs. I genuinely feel I have flourished in the past weeks. - Harry, Aug 2017 

90. First I had no idea how to afford this course, but I just had this feeling that this was the right time and the right thing to do. So I managed (and it was very scary to make such a big financial investment), and I feel like it was one of the best decisions. I saw it as an investment in myself and I believe that this is the most important thing, investing in your own happiness, development, and growth. It's identity capital. So I still feel like it was absolutely worth it. - Dec 2017 

89. Breaking it down each week and moving along the startup process really helped make it easy to digest, I liked being given some time to work on own idea during the sessions as this can be difficult when there is a day job involved, the consistent energy from course leaders was really great and uplifting. The tools were more than amazing. - Has, Aug 2017 

88. It was just so brilliant. The community and networks I now have are SO valuable to me. It's also nice to just be around other entrepreneurs because we are all feeling the same way. - Holly, Dec 2017 

87. It gives you the best possible chance of building real momentum and confidence quickly. It's also an important investment in building connections with like-minded people. - Andy, Aug 2017 

86. I couldn't have wished for a better experience, the whole team were friendly and welcoming right from the start. I am extremely lucky to have met you all and been part of such a fantastic group. I can't imagine how much money I would have spent between April and now on web developer and social media if it hadn't been for this course. - Serena, Aug 2017 

85. You won't know you need it until you start. I didn't think I needed it. I know I could do most of what it takes to start a business, but for some reason, I just wasn't doing it. Having the escape team and other tribe members there to show you simpler, quicker and more effective ways of solving any issue that you come across was so valuable. - Natasha, Aug 2017 

84. The 1:1 surgeries were a big help to just take the time to talk things through in real depth with someone, the evening workshops were facilitated so well that I'm sure everyone misses them, and the small motivational pieces "when-you-feel-stuck" etc. helped to create a sense of community that cared and really wanted to help each other out. - Jonny, Aug 2017 

83. It breaks your idea down into important yet manageable steps and introduces you to so many tools to help. You'll meet so many great people and yes, even find a tribe in the City. - Martha, Aug 2017 

82. My mentor was so amazing, great to speak to someone who had done a similar thing. Great contact. - Lizzie, Aug 2017 

81. I have been thinking about measuring it in terms of Return on Capital Invested... All I can say is that having the opportunity to test my concept, obtain 'real' feedback and have a new network of like-minded individuals to share the journey ahead with is very hard to put a price on. - Oliver, Aug 2017 

80. This program was exactly what I needed - for years, I've had ideas in my head but get caught up in the details or the "what if it doesn't work" fear. At Escape, was forced to get something out on paper. If I've learned anything at escape it's just how very capable I am as a person and business person. - Lauren, Aug 2017 

79. I have come away with a website, tested ideas, and customers. And a new found confidence that I could do this all again with a different idea and I wouldn't be as nervous to put myself out there... Trying to do this alone would have been much more expensive and I doubt as successful. I would probably be sat here still thinking about designing a website and a logo and maybe going to find a supplier for plants at the flower market and that would be it- thinking and thinking and driving myself crazy whereas this has helped me to actually DO. - Sarah, Aug 2017 

78. This is a practical hands-on course that uses real-world tools to evaluate and launch your idea. - Ced, Aug 2017 

77. Don't underestimate the power of having like-minded people who aren't child prodigy entrepreneurs (like Zuckerberg) but people who you know and hang out with, but are talented beyond their day jobs. The transition from rat race and Sunday blues to being your own boss is a process - but is not onerous when you have brilliant guidance, fantastic tools, and support of peers! - Louise, Aug 2017 

76. Initially, I was quite scared to put in so much money but it's possibly been the best money I've ever spent. The tools, advice, motivation, and contacts you get are so good. Makes it all worthwhile. - Beth, Aug 2017 

75. More valuable than my MBA! What you get out of the course could never be replicated in a normal classroom environment. - Dom, Aug 2017 

74. You can take weeks or months to learn some of the things which are taught, but the support of the group is something you cannot do on your own. Having like-minded people around you, encouraging you, but also being brutally honest is soooo refreshing. Friends and family may tell you not to do something as they are worried about you, but it is misplaced good intention. Best thing I have done for myself in years!! GET INVOLVED!! - Scott, Nov 2016 

73. This is the kick you need to stop musing about all those ideas you have and actually get shit done. - Martina, Nov 2016 

72. Life changing. - Hershil, Nov 2016

71.The course starts out as an investment in your professional growth and ends up being an investment in your moral, social and professional growth. - Nov 2016 

70. 12 weeks to change the course of next 4249.6 weeks of life (based on average UK life expectancy). - Usman, Nov 2016 

69. Enlightening, motivating and liberating. - Nov 2016 

68. It's not just a course about starting your own business, it's also a course about enjoying your life. - Alice, Nov 2016 

67. It's all about the mindset, being surrounded by a great group of people who can help you. - Nov 2016 

66. An intense 3-month experience designed to teach you everything you need to know about starting a business along with 50 other like-minded individuals. - Tommaso, Nov 2016 

65. If you have a business idea you are really passionate about growing, the Startup Tribe will help you grow it and quickly. You will meet an incredible group of people who you will help grow their ideas and they will help with yours. You will have fun, learn, realise more about yourself, passions and ultimately what you want from your life. - Maddie, Nov 2016 

64. A tribe for life, a proven toolset to apply to any business idea and a course full of curiosity and learning by doing. - Depesh, Nov 2016 

63. A life-changing experience that is hard to explain until you lived it. If you are even considering it, just do it, you will NOT regret it. Such a positive vibe. - Sophie, Nov 2016 

62. A community of entrepreneurs, would-be-preneurs and overall great people to help get your idea and crystallize it. The stage before an accelerator, crystal-lator. - Ramz, Nov 2016  

61. It's a fantastic investment in taking positive action to make changes in your life and surrounding yourself with a community of supportive people. One of the best decisions I have made in years. Will provide you with an alternative route to that comfort blanket you call your existing career! - Catherine, Nov 2016 

60. Community. It's beyond words- something so great you have to experience yourself and may very well be the best community you ever come across. - Whitney, Nov 2016 

59. If you've ever wanted to demystify what it takes to start a business, do this. If you've ever worried about doing it alone, do this. If you've ever wanted to break your mound and meet great people who could inspire you to wake up and get shit done... do this. - Andrea, Nov 2016 

58. I have already been recommending it to friends - I just tell them they HAVE TO DO IT. - Cem, Nov 2016 

57. A great investment...go for it! - Nov 2016 

56. Inspiring. Gives a sense of reality. Increases your confidence and the tools you need to get something launched. - Arthur, Nov 2016 

55. A thought-provoking whirlwind of discovery, for anyone that wants to scratch that startup itch. - Ashley, Nov 2016 

54. You will learn your why, how and what if you only are open and willing to do something different then they will guide you through. You will learn a new way of doing things by simply trusting and motivating each other, the community is the core value of this programme. - Sara, Nov 2016 

53. 3 months working with a big group of people to find your own way through starting a business. - Harry, Nov 2016

52. An inspiring and practical experience - a time when you will make concrete steps towards getting out of your own way and making your startup dream a reality. With a good dose of magic and adventure mixed in! - Rachelle, Nov 2016  

51. The pace is hectic, they move you along fast and you have to run to keep up. There is a mountain of support all around you though, which helps make it easier. You will learn an awful lot in a very short period, about business, tech and about yourself. - Asher, Nov 2016 

50. The bucket list must to change the way you think about your career. - Patricia, Nov 2016 

49. A practical experience for people who are keen to explore entrepreneurial ideas and actually do something about them, equipping you with tools and wisdom that could help on all future ventures. - Nikhil, Nov 2016 

48. A complete priority for anyone feeling there is more for them and they are in any danger of not reaching their potential on their current path. - Alice, Nov 2016 

47. Meet your tribe, build confidence, find the tools you need, start something. - Nov 2016 

46. A community experience of like-minded crazy entrepreneurs all gunning for it! - Will, Nov 2016 

45. One of the best things I have done. - Jack, July 2016 

44. It will help you clear your head, get shit done and have fun along the way. - Sego, July 2016 

43. I would describe it as a great opportunity to clear the way to your escape path. - July 2016 

42. Kind of a startup accelerator with people from so many different backgrounds. From zero idea to an actual product in weeks. - Thomas, July 2016 

41. To teach you to overcome all the mental steps and challenges you need to start your own business. - Vicky, July 2016 

40. If you don't know anything about business, lack the idea and want to surround yourself with like-minded people then attend ETC you will learn all of these things and more. - Adelaide, July 2016 

39. A programme that gives you a realistic view of what life as an entrepreneur might look like. How far you go on it is down to you. Worthwhile even if you realise that business is not for you, as no doubt you will make some other discoveries during the process. - Roya, July 2016 

38. It’s going to be super amazing, tough, challenging and totally worth it. - Anne-Laure, July 2016 

37. We were shown lots of tools to use in a business and reminded of the importance of action. Encouraged to take '3 small steps' a week. Inspiring talks by all sorts of people, about different ways of earning a living that is not a standard 9-5, but seems to be really living a life. - Wendy, July 2016 

36. A great crash course that will help with the mindset and provide the tools required to generate, analyse, and execute on an idea. - James, July 2016 

35. Uplifting, inspirational, educational, confidence-giving, morale-boosting. - Claire, July 2016 

34. A community that valued my skills and passions and helped me to explore ways to turn them into a job. - Andrea, July 2016 

33. A useful way to get yourself into the swing of progressing your idea. - July 2016 

32. An opportunity to meet like-minded people, learn the nuts and bolts of what it takes to turn an idea into reality, and have lots of fun along the way! - Fiona, July 2016 

31. I would absolutely 100% encourage anyone to investigate. I really enjoyed it, met interesting people and gained highly relevant insights about the attitude and process for a start-up. The only caveat I would make is that only "radiators" should apply (the concept being that the world is divided into drains and radiators of energy - or cynics and idealists). But you wouldn't want any drains anyway! - Simon, July 2016 

30. Practical, inspiring, opens doors and minds! - July 2016 

29. A hands-on, creative, and dynamic course that will give you the prompt you need to get sh*t done. Expect some madness but mostly expect knowledge, fun and lots of support. - Sass, July 2016 

28. Amazingly inspiring to take action yourself and a great to establish a network of friends and supportive people that know you on a completely different level than anyone else in your life. - Madlen, July 2016 

27. A once in a lifetime opportunity. - Leila, July 2016 

26. It's an amazing experience, with evening workshops and weekend sessions, where you go from a business idea to a product and may even start making your first sales! It's really fun as well, you have leaders, mentors, and other participants to support you, and it's very hands-on. - Justina, July 2016 

25. An amazing rollercoaster ride. I've been thinking about startups and ideas for years and this is exactly what I needed to kick start my journey. - Dan, July 2016

24. Don't look back and think 'What if?' - John, July 2016

23. Incredible opportunity to learn in a safe space with other people who understand what you're dreaming of and want to see you make it. A chance to start-small and build up. A lot of fun! - Dinny, July 2016 

22. Empowering, inspiring, fun, thought-provoking, challenging, fantastic and it has changed everything! - Charlie, July 2016 

21. An altruistic experience for those looking to begin a startup life but aren’t sure how to start it. It’s a support network which also guides you toward practical steps on how to begin your startup journey. - Laura, July 2016 

20. A fantastic all-around experience to learn practical skills of launching a business which you wouldn't learn at university. - Alex, July 2016 

19. If you are confused or scared about doing something of your own, then this is the best thing you could invest your money in! - Daniela, July 2016 

18. It's the best experience of your life. It will change the way you think completely. You'll come out the other side feeling empowered to be you and follow your own path. - Jahaan, April 2016 

17. Just fucking do it. There is no possible way you could not think it was awesome. - Grace, April 2016 

16. I would say it is an amazing way of pushing oneself forward, great tools, great community (including speakers, mentors, ...). - Virginie, April 2016 

15. You'll find a supportive network of unique individuals with a common goal. You will support each other and help each other to grow on whatever your mission is. You'll get equipped with heaps of tools and tips and get to test it. You'll get to execute, execute, execute. Try, fail, try, succeed in a safe, open environment. If you come from societies where individualism is supported more than community, then you'll know what I'm talking about. - April 2016 

14. A fantastic opportunity to gather and learn to use the mental and practical tools for anyone who is tempted to start a business or at least to explore taking control of their career path in a very different way. - Chris, April 2016 

13. A bunch of crazy, driven, beautiful people coming together to change the world, or at least the work part of it! - Ben, April 2016 

12. An amazing opportunity to expand your entrepreneurial mindset and grow, connect with a network of talented and inspiring individuals from all different realms of the workforce, and let go of the inhibitions that are hindering your progress. You'll certainly leave a different person than you started. - Adria, April 2016 

11. Puh.... If you are considering to start a business, you should definitely apply because you will get a group of like-minded people and a safe environment for testing your business idea. It was a remarkable period in my life and I will never forget this experience! - Daniela, April 2016 

10. Do it! A great experience and one you won't regret. You will learn so much about yourself and how you can change your life for the better. You will also meet amazing people that make the experience what it is. - Jo, April 2016 

9. I'd say it's not your average course. You will embark on a journey, that will change your perspective in life for the better. I’ve come out of the course feeling reborn. It depends on how much you want to put into the tribe, is how much you will get out of it. Immerse yourself completely, challenge your fears and show people the real you and you will reap the rewards. As soon as you enter the Startup Tribe, you're exposed to the most fantastic network of contacts, mentors, successful entrepreneurs who genuinely want to help you and the energy that is created in just one room in the middle of Bank will blow your mind. I've never been amongst 50 people who just want to help each other succeed. - Jaz, April 2016 

8. It gives you the knowledge to help you create your own thing - whether that be a business or side project but more importantly it provides you with a community who support you, call you out and push you to do more. - Charlotte, April 2016 

7. What are you waiting for? Do it! - Michelle, April 2016 

6. The best bunch of like-minded go-getters I've met. - Valentina, April 2016 

5. I already have highly recommended to 2 friends. I would say it is an amazing course designed to support you in taking solid, practical steps towards starting your own business. At the same time, you meet loads of interesting people with fascinating backgrounds and even more exciting futures. And have great fun along the way. It's an immersive Start-Up experience ;-) - Caz, April 2016 

4. It's practical, action-oriented and you will see tangible benefits, but more than that, it's a mindset, community, holistic experience that will change your life if you make the most of it. You are accountable to yourself and everyone else in the tribe and if you commit to that, you will achieve more than you thought you were capable of. Dive in. - Stacey, April 2016 

3. A journey of invaluable lessons to help you build a business, an unexpected self-discovery and deeper understanding of you. A community experience that goes beyond your expectations if you are willing to lean in. 14 weeks of fun and inspiration. And getting shit done! - Charlotte, April 2016 

2. Startup Tribe helps you learn about yourself, figure out your passions and the directions you can take them in, and gives you the tools to create a new working life. It's full-on and requires dedication, but it's also full-on love, support, fun, and knowledge. Embrace the occasional emotional roller coaster and you'll get more out of it than you'll ever anticipate. - Amber, April 2016 

1. It was a brilliant journey learning both about yourself, what you want and how to start up a business, part theory, part practical and you get to meet an amazing group of people. - Jamil, April 2016