Orchestrating Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Kathmandu: The Lead Role of Impact-Accelerators

This chapter investigates the role of impact accelerators in Kathmandu, Nepal. Such impact accelerators are important intermediary institutions in developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem. They support enterprises and have the potential to transform the economic infrastructure of developing economies. The research explores accelerators’ influence on developing entrepreneurial networks, financial capital, and skills. It takes a case study approach to understand the impact of the accelerator by conducting semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs, mentors, accelerator managers, and critical ecosystem actors. The findings indicate that the accelerators contribute to enterprise development by supporting entrepreneurs primarily by building business skills. For example, through training in business and accounting fundamentals, providing mentoring support, and enhancing collaborative cohort dynamics. However, an unstable policy environment, low investment support, a lack of a talented workforce, and low collaboration among entrepreneurial ecosystem actors restrict the effectiveness of the accelerator's programs. The findings highlight areas of potential interest for policy-making.