This study compares incubated and non-incubated start-ups in India based on resources secured and performance achieved. The data was collected by 146 incubated start-ups and 84 non-incubated start-ups using two different questionnaires on a simple random basis. The study was based on a resource-based view and a knowledge-based view. The results indicate a substantial disparity between incubated and non-incubated start-ups in resource accumulation and performance outcomes. The study's findings showed that all incubated start-ups were able to secure more resources in shorter time frame than non-incubated start-ups. Consequently, this leads to better performance by the incubated start-ups compared to the non-incubated start-ups on every basis. This study can help understand the need for incubators in developing economies like India, where there is a need for start-ups for growth and development. To support start-ups effectively, government policies should prioritise the establishment of more incubators nationwide.