STARTUP ACCELERATORS:

Here's one way to do find the best programs: A new ranking financed by RICE University (where Yael Hochberg, the lead author, is an entrepreneurship professor). Taking into account data from 150 accelerator programs on factors such as valuation, exits, fundraising, survival, founder satisfaction, and alumni network, the study ranked Y Combinator and AngelPad as the nation's top programs. AngelPad, based in New York and San Francisco, does not have a Dropbox or Airbnb in its portfolio like YC, but it boasts such portfolio companies as Postmates, Buffer, and Mopub. Other notable programs include Alchemist, Amplify LA, Chicago New Venture Challenge, Mucker Lab, StartX, and TechStars.