Taking the steps for your own startup can be as exciting as it is challenging..In this article, we will talk about the best startup accelerators and programs that support startups and enable them to access the mentorship they need in the early stages. Our list also includes several leading corporate startup programs, such as IBM for Startups, Siemens for Startups, and many others, as alternatives to traditional startup accelerators.
If you are looking to find startup accelerators around the world, check out our Global Map of Startup Accelerators, featuring more than 2,000 accelerators worldwide.
What are Startup Accelerators?
Let’s start with the definition of accelerator programs:
Startup accelerators are fixed-term, cohort-based programs that help early-stage companies and entrepreneurs accelerate the growth of their businesses. These programs offer a range of support services and resources, typically in exchange for equity or a small investment in the company.
Being connected to the ecosystem, learning from the mistakes of others, networking with experienced stakeholders, knowing how to secure funding and what options are available for it is as valuable as gold when establishing your own startup. Accelerator programs can provide you with these resources and therefore are one of the most crucial parts that hold the ecosystem together. They enable you to quickly get acquainted with the ecosystem and adapt to it.
The Top 20 Startup Accelerators
Y Combinator
Focus: Global
Equity Taken: 7% for $125k + uncapped for $375k
Y Combinator (YC) is a startup fund and program. Since 2005, YC has invested in 5,000 companies including Airbnb, DoorDash, Stripe, Instacart, Dropbox, and Coinbase. The combined valuation of YC companies is over $600B. YC hosts two 3-month programs. The overall goal of YC is to help startups really take off. They arrive at YC at all different stages. Some haven’t even started working yet, and others have been launched for a year or more. But whatever stage a startup is at when they arrive, our goal is to help them to be in dramatically better shape 3 months later. You can apply here
Techstars
Focus: Global
Equity Taken: 6% for $120k
Techstars is on a mission to invest in an unprecedented number of startups per year. Techstars do this by operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, as well as by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. Founded in 2006, Techstars is on a mission to invest in an unprecedented number of startups per year. They do this by operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, as well as by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. You can apply here.
500 Startups
Focus: Global
Equity Taken: 6% for $150k
500 Startups is a venture capital firm on a mission to discover and back the world’s most talented entrepreneurs, help them create successful companies at scale, and build thriving global ecosystems. 500 supports startups via their Seed Accelerator Programs which emphasize digital marketing, customer acquisition, lean startup practices, and fundraising for pre-Seed companies. 500 Startups further contributes to the development of innovation ecosystems by supporting startups and investors through educational programs, events, conferences, and partnerships with corporations and governments around the world. You can apply here.
Merck
Focus: Global
Equity-Free
Merck is one of the biggest Pharmaceutical Manufacturing companies and they have an accelerator program called, Merck Accelerator. This program supports startups in the fields of healthcare, life science, performance materials and additional search fields. You can apply here.
Seedstars
Focus: Global
Equity Taken: Exact percentage varies depending on the specific program and investment deal
Seedstars is a global organisation with a mission to impact people’s lives in emerging & frontier markets through technology and entrepreneurship. They have different accelerator programs in different locations. The acceleration program is structured around 1:1 mentoring aimed at tailored support, while formats include weekly workshops, bootcamps, KPI sessions, and social activities. You can apply here.
Plug & Play
Focus: Global
Equity Taken: 0-5% depending on investment
Plug & Play have been accelerating startups, matchmaking them with corporate clients, and investing in them since 2006. 30+ Unicorns, 2,000+ startups in their portfolio and they have more than 300+ VC in their ecosystem. You can apply here.
The Founder Institute
Focus: Global
Equity Taken: 2.5% equity (warrant)
The Founder Institute is a network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, their structured accelerator programs have helped over 7,500 entrepreneurs raise over $1.85BN in funding, based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries. They helped early-stage startups like Udemy, which is now one of Silicon Valley’s most recognized excited Unicorn. Gagan Biyani, the founder of Udemy, says, “Without the Founder Institute, Udemy may have never raised any money.” You can apply here.
AngelPad
Focus: Local (NYC & SF)
Equity Taken: 7% for $120k
AngelPad is a seed-stage accelerator program based in NYC and San Francisco. Since 2010 they have launched more than 150 companies and ranked Top U.S Accelerator by MIT’s Seed Accelerator Benchmark. During the program, they helped startups from finding product market fit, defining a target market to getting first validation for the company. AngelPad startups can be found in almost any tech vertical: SaaS, Marketplaces, Core Technology, Advertising, API, Mobile, Healthcare, AI, Data, B2B, B2C – even Drones. You can apply here.
Startup Chile
Focus: Global
Equity-Free
Start-Up Chile (SUP) is a business accelerator program created by the Chilean Government for high-potential tech entrepreneurs. These entrepreneurs are aiming to reach global markets (both domestic and foreign) and view Chile as an asset to their businesses. Start-Up Chile is a public accelerator. However, their work is not only focused on promoting national businesses, they also welcome startups from all over the world. SUP entrepreneurs are revolutionizing the Latin American ecosystem. Today, the valuation of the SUP portfolio reaches $2 million, and continues to grow. You can apply here.
Startup Wise Guys
Focus: Global
Equity Taken: €100,000 in exchange for a negotiated equity
Startup Wise Guys is a global accelerator fund for passionate B2B startup founders and they are based in Estonia. Their portfolio has had 20+ exits and €460M raised by portfolio companies. Startup Wise Guys accelerator fund in the region with over 35+ programs, an international community of 800+ founders and an established market in CEE and CIS countries. You can apply here.
MassChallenge
Focus: Global
Equity-Free
A nonprofit, MassChallenge connects startups, experts, corporations, and communities to grow and transform businesses and economies. Their unique equity-free model allows them to accelerate high-impact startups with bold, disruptive ideas from non-traditional backgrounds. They offer a variety of programs, accelerators, and partnerships throughout the year to those who share the same vision of transformative innovation. You can apply here.
Alchemist Accelerator
Focus: Local (San Francisco)
Equity Taken: Approximately 5%
The Alchemist Accelerator is a startup accelerator focused on supporting enterprise-focused startups. It is a venture-backed initiative focused on accelerating the development of early-stage ventures that monetize from enterprises. It has accelerated 650+ startups, 50%+ startups funded after graduating and has $3.9B+ total funding. With a strong emphasis on enterprise solutions, Alchemist has the longest-standing program focused on the enterprise, world’s best enterprise mentor & investor network and access to global markets and expertise. You can apply here.
Gener8tor
Focus: National (USA)
Equity Taken: Varies; typically takes equity
Gener8tor is a nationally-ranked venture capital firm and accelerator that brings together startup founders, investors, corporations, job seekers, universities, musicians and artists. The gener8tor platform includes more than 75 programs spanning startup accelerators, corporate programming, speaker series, conferences, skills accelerators and fellowships. Gener8tor believes that everyone deserves opportunities, regardless of race, place or gender. And that is what they consider to be their mission. You can apply here.
Forum Ventures
Focus: Global
Equity Taken: 4% warrant
Forum Ventures is committed to the entrepreneurial journey from zero to one and beyond. With a maniacal focus on the founder experience, they believe that by becoming an extension of their portfolio companies’ founding teams, they can build the next generation of successful B2B SaaS companies together. They have 10 years of experience, 430 companies funded and $1B follow-on funding. You can apply here.
StartX
Focus: Local (Stanford)
Equity-Free
StartX is the premier startup community, accelerator, and fellowship program for over 2,500 Stanford founders, offering support without requiring equity. With $40B+ total valuation, $24M+ raised on average, 165 Companies valued at over $100M and 18 companies valued at over $1B they offer community, mentorship, resources, peer-to-peer education, grant funding, and support. StartX empowers the best Stanford entrepreneurs to build a better future. To join the founder community, founders must first be admitted to their full-time accelerator or student fellowship program. You can apply here.
SOSV
Focus: Global
Equity Taken: Percentage depends on the program and investment stage
SOSV is a global venture capital firm and accelerator that focuses on helping early-stage startups with deep tech and impactful solutions. With over $1 billion in assets under management, SOSV specializes in industries like life sciences, climate technology, hardware, and software, offering both funding and hands-on support to drive innovation and scalability. SOSV operates world-class accelerator programs, including IndieBio (life sciences) and HAX (hard tech). These programs provide startups with mentorship, resources, and access to a vast global network of investors and corporate partners. You can apply for HAX here and for IndieBio here.
Sequoia Arc
Focus: Global
Equity Taken: Varies (specific terms not disclosed)
Arc is a company building immersion designed to help Sequoia’s pre-seed and seed-stage founders build businesses that endure. Accelerate your journey with access to Sequoia’s 50+ years of experience partnering with category-defining legends. Elevate your game by joining their exceptional community of outliers. Applications for Arc Spring ’25 will open on February 3rd, 2025. You can apply here.
Boost VC
Focus: Global
Equity Taken: 7% for $500k
Boost VC is the most active Deep Tech investor on the planet, averaging one deal per week. They invest into emerging and frontier categories on the edges of the map. They lead Pre-Seed rounds with $500k checks, or write $50k Founder Start checks as well. Their portfolio ranges from Space, Bio/Health, Climate, Robotics, Crypto, AI, VR/AR. You can apply here and pitch for pre-seed here.
Entrepreneur First
Focus: Global
Equity Taken: Varies (equity stake not fixed)
Entrepreneur First is a global accelerator and talent investor focused on empowering exceptional individuals to create groundbreaking startups. EF connects participants with a curated peer group to find co-founders and provides mentorship, resources, and access to a world-class network of investors and successful entrepreneurs. The program helps founders fast-track their growth, turning ambitious ideas into globally impactful companies. Notable alumni include startups like DeepMind and Tractable, with many raising significant funding soon after the program. Backed by leaders like Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn) and Patrick Collison (Stripe), EF supports founders in building companies that shape the future. You can apply here.
Startupbootcamp
Focus: Global
Equity Taken: 6-8% equity
Startupbootcamp is a leading global network of industry-focused startup accelerators that provides early-stage companies with the tools, resources, and networks necessary to scale rapidly and succeed in competitive markets. Founded in 2010, Startupbootcamp has grown to support startups across various industries, including fintech, healthtech, smart energy, digital health, IoT, and more. You can apply here.
Bonus: The Top 10 Startup Program
Startup programs, often initiated by established corporations, serve as a bridge between startups and established industry players. They facilitate the exchange of expertise, technologies, and resources between startups and corporations, typically with the aim of accelerating innovation. Corporate startup programs can take various forms, including innovation labs, or open innovation initiatives. These programs often provide startups with access to corporate resources, mentorship, and industry insights, allowing them to gain valuable knowledge and leverage the established infrastructure and market reach of the sponsoring corporation.
IBM for Startups
IBM for Startups is a no-cost and equity-free startup program, open to startups, software developers and organizations with a startup network. By joining the program, participants gain access to IBM’s AI resources such as Watsonx platform, as well as an opportunity to partner with IBM while building their solutions. You can apply here.
Siemens for Startups
Siemens for Startups is a global platform providing the tools for startups to collaborate, grow, and connect with industry experts to accelerate their journey. Through various programs and products, Siemens links startups to the right networks and tools, enabling them to expand, scale, and partner in delivering groundbreaking innovations. The program offers access to scalable software solutions, mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate on proof of concepts with Siemens. Startups can benefit from Siemens’ extensive suite of tools which provides qualified startups with software and resources to move from digitalization to realization. You can apply here.
3Dexperience Lab
The 3DEXPERIENCE Lab by Dassault Systèmes is an open innovation laboratory aimed at transforming society collaboratively and socially. It merges collective intelligence with a cross-collaborative approach to foster entrepreneurship and strengthen the future of creation. Startups participating in the program gain access to Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform, technical skills, and mentoring—the same resources that have transformed the design, engineering, and manufacturing of many products today. Additionally, the Lab provides a dedicated cloud environment and hosting, support and mentoring, and connections to a strong network and extended global ecosystem. The program focuses on projects that address themes such as City, Life, Lifestyle, Internet of Things, FabLab, and Ideation. You can apply here.
Ansys Startup Program
The Ansys Startup program caters to early-stage startups facing budget constraints. Ansys offers complete access to Multiphysics simulation software and high-performance computing, facilitating rapid and cost-effective execution of engineering projects. With over 2,100 startups across 58 countries selecting Ansys, spanning industries like autonomous tech, high-tech, energy, aerospace, automotive, 5G, and healthcare, you gain access to a diverse ecosystem poised for innovation. You can apply here.
Microsoft for Startups
Microsoft for Startups is designed to help B2B startups scale by providing access to Microsoft’s cloud, AI, and sales resources. It offers co-selling opportunities, technical support, and access to Azure credits. Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub speeds up innovation for startups by offering access to top-notch AI services, expert advice, and the necessary tech for building a future-ready startup. Connect with expert engineers one-on-one at any stage to get help on various topics, from learning about AI to selecting the right products, optimizing infrastructure, cutting costs, improving performance, to creating a roadmap for success. You can apply here.
Samsung Mobile Advance
Samsung Mobile Advance is a program made for startups to team up with Samsung and turn their innovative ideas into reality. Submit a proposal for a pilot product to show how your tech can enhance Samsung’s products. If selected, you get grant funding and support to build a proof-of-concept. This could lead to partnerships and investment opportunities. Open to startups in Europe, US, Canada, Israel, China, Japan, and India with innovative technologies. You can apply here.
Google for Startups
Google for Startups provides diverse programs supporting startup growth. Selected startups receive tailored Google assistance for specific goals. Their mission is to foster inclusive startup communities globally.They offer varied programs connecting startups to the right people, products, and practices for growth, regardless of stage or vertical. You can apply here. You can apply here.
You can explore an expanded list of top corporate startup programs and accelerators in this article.
How to Prepare to Apply for Accelerators & Startup Programs
The process often begins with an online application form. This form usually requests basic information about the startup, such as the team members, business idea, target market, revenue model, and any existing traction or milestones.
Many accelerators require applicants to submit a pitch deck, which is an overview of the startup, including its problem statement, solution, market size, competitive analysis , revenue model, and other key details.
Another potential step while applying for a startup program or accelerator can be a video pitch. This is an opportunity for founders to present their business in a more dynamic format, allowing the accelerator team to get a better sense of the team’s passion and the startup’s value proposition.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for interviews. The purpose is to dive deeper into the details of the startup, assess the team’s capabilities, and evaluate how well the startup aligns with the goals of the accelerator program.
If you will go through an interview process, we recommend reading comments and advice from founders who have previously participated in the interview. You can find numerous resources on the internet about this; here’s an example: YC Interview Guide.
