It is of great importance for start-up companies to shorten their innovation time, which can be achieved by acceleration. More and more researchers report on heterogeneity among business accelerators regarding the characteristics of acceleration programs, while little is known from these findings about the use of methods, models or practices that are recognised in the literature as being suitable for the new product development/launch processes in the accelerated start-ups. This thesis explores which ones are used in the ABC Accelerator program and how this program effected the product development/launch process in the accelerated start-ups. In the thesis the theoretical background in this field and past researches on other business accelerator programs are broadened with qualitative research findings, carried out by half-structured interviews with eleven ABC alumni members. Research shows that although ABC Accelerator does not accept any general frame for new product development/launch for accelerating start-ups, its program includes many already established methods, models and practices. It also offers motivational and supporting environment, wide-range entrepreneurial knowledge and contacts, which can directly or indirectly effect those processes.
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