The Acelerador Group, a company specializing in corporate education and mentorship for entrepreneurs, founded and led by Goiás-based entrepreneur Marcus Marques, is on track to surpass R$160 million in revenue in 2024, with an operating margin (EBITDA) above 50%, which could result in profits nearing or even exceeding R$85 million.
From January to September 2024, the company has already generated R$122 million in revenue, with plans to add another R$45 million in the last quarter, totaling up to R$167 million this year.
Several factors explain the growth in 2024. According to Marcus, a significant part is due to the inauguration of the new headquarters, which boosted branding, credibility, and positioning. “Now, we have more space to scale our Business Accelerator classes. Previously, we accommodated 200 entrepreneurs; today, we can host over 400 per class. Additionally, we now have a state-of-the-art facility to host events of various formats for up to 1,000 people,” he highlights.
The new headquarters in Alphaville spans 5,000 square meters and was built with a total investment of approximately R$50 million. The property has already been appraised at R$90 million by certified evaluators. “The new headquarters solidifies the growth momentum the group has achieved over the years. We went from an annual revenue of R$4 million in 2020 to over R$160 million projected for 2024. We had just six employees at the end of 2020 and will reach 200 by the end of this year,” he notes.
Structure designed for the accelerators
There are two structures within the 5,000m²: the office for employees and the event center, called ‘Office Acelerador’ and ‘Espaço Acelerador.’ Both spaces feature cutting-edge, comfortable amenities to provide students and clients with meaningful experiences.
Employees have access to an on-site gym, an indoor garden in the middle of the office for relaxation, facial recognition systems, meeting rooms with technological resources like digital whiteboards, ergonomic chairs, and workstations designed to foster satisfaction and engagement in daily work.
The gym and the internal Acelera Saúde program, which encourages the ‘Aceleradores’ (the affectionate term for employees), aim to motivate teams to exercise more, eat better, and adopt healthier lifestyle habits.
Group diversifies revenue to accelerate growth
The ‘Espaço Acelerador’ also operates as a business unit and revenue stream for the group by renting out the entire facility for third-party events. The space features two auditoriums equipped with advanced technology, including over 150m² of LED panels, high-end sound systems, and specialized lighting. There is also an industrial kitchen and parking.
Another growth driver for Acelerador in 2024 was the launch of the ‘Tour Acelera Brasil,’ where Marcus personally visits cities across Brazil to deliver the ‘Acelere Sua Empresa’ workshop. The expectation is that 25 cities will host the workshop this year alone. “It’s a winning strategy that has already generated over R$20 million in revenue this year. My social media audience is geographically diverse, so this connection opportunity helps us scale enrollment in the Business Accelerator immersion. Those who don’t live in São Paulo now attend the course at our headquarters due to this positive initial experience,” emphasizes the management expert.
According to Marques, the combination of a new headquarters that accommodates more students brings greater credibility, brand strength, and conversion. “The expansion strategy of hosting smaller events across Brazil is contributing to yet another successful year for the Acelerador Group. Both the revenue and profitability targets are very likely to be achieved,” he concludes.
