The Accelerator Group, specialized in mentoring and business development, reached a valuation of R$729 million with its latest equity sale. The operation was exclusive to members of the Giants program, a network that already includes over 700 entrepreneurs. Although the equity percentage was not disclosed, the valuation was calculated based on a multiple of 9 times the projected operating margin (EBITDA) for 2024, which is R$81 million.
Marcus Marques, the Group’s founder, highlighted the importance of this move for the company’s trajectory. According to him, the equity sale reinforces the trust entrepreneurs place in the project. “We are getting closer to R$1 billion in valuation. Many entrepreneurs trust our growth, governance, and ability to deliver value. That’s why, in addition to being clients in the Giants program, they are now also shareholders of Acelerador,” he stated.
In 2023, the group had already recorded a 62% growth, reaching R$125 million in annual revenue. The projection for 2024 is that operating profits will reach R$81 million, a 25% increase compared to the previous year. The Giants program, a pillar in the strategy, offers mentoring, training, and an exclusive network, accessible after the Acelerador Empresarial immersion.
Business model and expansion
The Accelerator Group adopted a business model that combines practical education and entrepreneurial mentoring in a single program. This structure attracts entrepreneurs looking to expand their operations and empower their teams. Among the initiatives, the Giants program stands out for bringing together hundreds of members, forming the largest network of entrepreneurs in a high-value program in Brazil. With annual investments ranging from R$229,000 to R$400,000 per company, the initiative offers mentoring, training for managers and employees, as well as opportunities to generate new business.
Entry requires participation in the Acelerador Empresarial immersion, a three-day experience led by Marcus Marques. This approach to training and networking has driven the growth of participating companies and solidified the program’s importance as part of the Group’s ecosystem. The recent novelty was the introduction of a mergers and acquisitions model (also known as mergers and acquisitions, or M&A) where Giants members can acquire equity stakes, becoming partners with access to additional benefits.
This approach had already been tested a year earlier, when the first round of equity sales raised the group’s valuation from R$450 million to the current R$729 million. The process was conducted by XR Advisor, a specialist in private equity. Rodolfo Oliveira, CEO of XR, commented that the positive response from clients in both rounds demonstrates the potential for continued growth.
“The Accelerator Group is already a success case in the private equity market, and this is proven by the clients’ response, who showed strong interest in the acquisition offer in both rounds conducted. All equity stakes sold out quickly, and I believe the group will surpass R$1 billion in valuation,” he projects.
Plans for 2025
The Accelerator Group’s next steps include expanding its operations internationally and developing new educational programs. The company also plans to host events in over 50 cities and launch a digital platform that will accelerate business growth across the country.
Building a partnership model to retain talent is another ongoing initiative. Since its founding five years ago, the Group has proven efficient in its growth strategies and aims to continue transforming companies with the mission of boosting the market. Marcus Marques concludes that the essence of the work goes beyond the numbers, emphasizing that the purpose is to accelerate Brazil.
“Our differentiation lies not only in growth and unique delivery but also in our true and genuine mission to transform companies so they can transform Brazil. The numbers are just a consequence of the value we are delivering to our audiences: clients, employees, partners, and society,” Marques concludes.
