As startup accelerators multiply, some argue that they do a better job of serving their own interests than those of the businesses they're supposed to help launch. But that suspicion glosses over the diverse range of business models that more and more accelerators are adopting—even though they may not be getting quite as much attention.

Traditionally, accelerators tend to see money as the driving force behind startups' success, and make cash their top focus. Talent and technology become secondary priorities. In reality, though, those two things are more often what leads to success for accelerators and startups alike—then the money follows.

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