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Company incubator, or business incubator, is an organization that supports early-stage ventures by providing space, resources, mentorship, and access to networks. Incubators aim to raise the odds that startups survive the critical initial years and reach product-market fit. They may be standalone programs or attached to universities, corporations, non-profits, or government initiatives, and may focus on specific industries or geography. Selection is usually competitive and project-based.

Operations and models: Programs typically run from several months to a few years. Funding approaches vary: some offer non-dilutive support, others take an equity stake or provide seed capital. The goal is to help teams develop products, validate markets, build business foundations, and prepare for external funding.

Services and facilities: Common offerings include shared office space, labs or maker facilities, administrative support, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, workshops on product, business, and legal topics, and access to professional networks, customers, and investors. Many programs end with a demo day or investor pitch event.

Impact and limitations: Research indicates incubators can improve survival and early growth, though outcomes depend on program quality and ecosystem strength. Limitations include reliance on ongoing funding, variable mentorship quality, and the potential for equity dilution. Incubators complement accelerators by focusing on longer-term development and infrastructure rather than short-term rapid scaling.