Are startup accelerators still worth it in 2025?

Lately there’s been a growing wave of skepticism around VCs, Y Combinator, and accelerators in general. And to be fair: I get it.

We now live in an age where almost everything you need to learn can be found online. The gatekeepers are fewer, the knowledge is everywhere, and solo builders have never been more empowered.

But I think a lot of these takes overlook what I see as the real value of accelerators:

– The people. You’re not just learning: you’re entering an alumni network filled with top-tier founders who are open to helping others from the same ecosystem. That network alone can change the trajectory of your startup.

– The pressure. Being in that environment creates external momentum. You feel the push to build, iterate, and ship fast. That kind of accountability is hard to replicate on your own.

– The signal. It might be a “soft” benefit, but having YC or another respected accelerator on your resume still opens doors. Investors, partners, and press take notice.

So yeah: information is free. But context, accountability, and community still matter. A lot.

What’s your take? Have accelerators lost their edge or are they just evolving with the times?👇