Sprint Accelerator joins the Global Accelerator Network

Kansas City’s Sprint Accelerator recently joined a global group that will connect its startups to dozens of other accelerators around the world as well as a plethora of resources.

The revamped Sprint Accelerator — which announced a new focus in October to foster corporate partnerships with startups — is now a part of the Global Accelerator Network. The global network is comprised of more than 70 accelerator programs from six continents and that are located in more than 1,000 cities.

GAN will help not only founders in the Kansas City-based program but also the Sprint Accelerator itself, manager Doug Dresslaer wrote in a blog post.

“Our memberships gives us access to resources, industry data, mentors, investors and free perks that we can offer to the companies that have graduated from or are selected for future programs,” Doug Dresslaer wrote. “We also have access to other accelerator programs around the world to share best practices and create connections for our founders.”

Dresslaer added that GAN’s exchange program will allow Sprint Accelerator founders to visit other programs around the globe to make connections, access mentors and tap two weeks of free office space.

GAN partners have a track record of significant economic impact. Collectively, GAN Accelerator partners have helped spur 21,622 new jobs, while the accelerators’ startups have raised nearly $5 billion in financing. In addition, one out of 20 GAN accelerators startups have made an exit and 83 percent are still in operation.

To learn more about the changes to the Sprint Accelerator — including its partnership with Dairy Farmers of America — check out the changes here.