This episode digs into incubators vs. accelerators for hardware founders, featuring Raphaele Leyendecker, Managing Director at Techstars Sustainability Paris, climate-tech entrepreneur, and investor in 75+ startups.

If you’ve wondered when to join which program—and how to actually get value without wrecking your cap table—this one’s for you. In this episode, you’ll discover:

🐣 Incubator vs. accelerator—what’s the difference, and when to choose each (incl. TRL ≥ 4 guidance for hardware).

📈 Traction over fundraising: LOIs, paid pilots, and revenue beat pitch-only decks.

🧱 Build vs. outsource: how to avoid outsourcing your core know-how and protect IP.

💸 Equity & terms: when dilution is worth it, and how to evaluate program fit (incl. market expansion).

🚫 Common pitfalls: accelerator-hopping, joining too early, fantasy timelines.

🔁 Pivoting & solo founders: when pivots make sense; why solo is OK only with a real team.

👉 If you’re a hardware founder, engineer, or product builder, this one’s packed with battle-tested advice, real stories, and frameworks to help you build better.

This episode is generously brought to you by our sponsor Onshape, the only cloud-native product development platform. Onshape combines professional-grade CAD with built-in PDM and real-time collaboration tools—all in one system, with no downloads required. Through the Onshape Startup Program, eligible hardware startups receive free access to Onshape Professional for one year, including integrated CAM. Apply now at onshape.pro/thebuildercircle.

This episode is brought to you by Scale For ClimateTech, empowering climate tech companies to scale from prototype to production.

Building a climate tech hardware startup? Ready to move from prototype to scalable manufacturing?

Scale For ClimateTech is now accepting applications for Cohort 7. This free, 6-month program connects you with hands-on manufacturing training, direct supply chain access, and one-on-one support from over 40 industry experts.

They've supported 102 climate tech companies on their scaling journey. Companies like Voltpost and Amogy have leveraged New York State's advanced manufacturing ecosystem to accelerate commercialization.

Applications close November 14th. Learn more and apply at https://forclimatetech.org/scale-for-climatetech/

Scale For ClimateTech is supported by NYSERDA and administered by SecondMuse in partnership with NextCorps.

DISCLAIMER The Builder Circle by Pratik” and “Pratik Development LLC” are independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by any other company. All views expressed are solely those of the hosts and guests. Content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Listeners are responsible for their own decisions and should consult qualified professionals. By listening, you agree we are not liable for any outcomes related to the application of this content.