The Essential Startup Toolkit: 10 Tools Every Accelerator Recommends

The Tools That Top Accelerators Swear By

When you join an accelerator, you get more than mentorship and funding. You get access to a curated toolkit that has been battle-tested by hundreds of startups before you.

We surveyed 38 accelerator programs to compile the definitive list of tools they recommend most frequently to their portfolio companies.

1. Notion — The Operating System

Every accelerator we spoke to recommends Notion as the central hub for documentation. From investor updates to team wikis, Notion has become the default workspace.

2. Stripe — Payment Infrastructure

For any startup processing payments, Stripe remains the gold standard. Its developer-friendly APIs and extensive documentation make it the clear choice.

3. Linear — Issue Tracking

Linear has rapidly overtaken Jira as the preferred project management tool for startups. Its speed and thoughtful design make it a joy to use.

4. Slack — Team Communication

Despite the rise of alternatives, Slack continues to dominate as the communication tool of choice. Its integration ecosystem is unmatched.

5. Mercury — Banking

Mercury has become the default banking choice for startups. Its founder-friendly features and clean interface set it apart from traditional banks.

What Makes a Great Startup Tool?

The best tools share common traits:

• Speed: Startups move fast. Tools that slow you down get replaced.
• Simplicity: Complex onboarding is a non-starter. The best tools are intuitive.
• Scalability: Tools should grow with you from 2 to 200 employees.
• Integration: No tool exists in isolation. API-first design matters.

The tools you choose in your first year will shape your company culture for years to come.

Our Recommendation

Start with the essentials and add tools as your needs evolve. Over-tooling is just as dangerous as under-tooling.