AcceleratorCON Aims to Bridge Funding Gap for Startups

Esosa Ighodaro, co-founder of CoSign, is leveraging her experience in fundraising and entrepreneurship to create opportunities for startups through AcceleratorCON. This event, taking place in Brooklyn, NY on November 8, is designed to connect startups with accelerators in a unique pro-sports style draft, facilitating meaningful networking to promote investment.

Ighodaro’s journey includes raising $1.4 million while participating in the Seamless Accelerator program, which she credits as pivotal for first-time entrepreneurs. "Most successful businesses have strong support systems, and accelerator programs often provide that kind of support," she mentions. Through AcceleratorCON, she aims to empower budding entrepreneurs by giving them access to the right networks and resources.

Despite growing numbers of accelerators—over 3,200 identified—statistics indicate that only a small fraction of venture capital is directed toward female and Black founders. Ighodaro believes that direct connections with investors can radically change this scenario. She previously faced barriers in accessing funding due to a lack of established networks, highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach in the investment sector.

Research from Harvard Business Review supports Ighodaro’s findings, showing that startups that engage in accelerator programs tend to raise between 50-170% more than their counterparts and have better survival rates. Ighodaro is focused on expanding these opportunities for underrepresented groups, stating that participation in accelerators not only enhances funding chances but also facilitates crucial mentorship and resource access.

She recognizes the isolation felt by founders like herself in lacking support structures, which she addressed by co-founding Black Women Talk Tech—a community aimed at creators in the tech space. The upcoming AcceleratorCON is seen as the next step in enhancing visibility and access to opportunities across diverse founding groups.