Identifying Collaboration Challenges Between Accelerators and Digital Startups in Iran

Accelerators have emerged as pivotal players within entrepreneurial ecosystems, significantly contributing to the growth and development of startups, particularly digital ones. By providing crucial resources like financial support, mentorship, and networking opportunities, accelerators empower startups during their formative stages. However, the effectiveness of these collaborations is often hindered by various challenges. This research delves into these challenges within the context of Iran's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Employing a qualitative research approach, this study utilizes in-depth interviews with twelve managers from both accelerators and digital startups to gain rich insights into the collaborative dynamics. Thematic analysis was employed to identify and categorize the challenges encountered. Findings reveal that the challenges can be broadly classified into four main categories: internal barriers within accelerators, internal barriers within startups, relational barriers between the two parties, and external environmental barriers. The internal challenges within accelerators, for instance, relate to factors such as limited resources, lack of specialized expertise, and bureaucratic constraints. Startups, on the other hand, face challenges such as a lack of experienced founders, inadequate market knowledge, and difficulties in scaling. Relational barriers often stem from misaligned expectations, cultural differences, and communication breakdowns. Finally, environmental barriers include factors such as a lack of supportive government policies and a limited investment ecosystem. By identifying these challenges, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers, accelerator managers, and entrepreneurs. Understanding these barriers is crucial for fostering more effective collaborations and ultimately, enhancing the overall health of Iran's entrepreneurial ecosystem. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on accelerator programs, providing a context-specific analysis of the challenges faced in a developing country setting.