Starting a business is a challenging journey, and that is where a business accelerator comes in. They offer startups the necessary resources, mentorship, and network connections to accelerate their growth and increase their chances of success. Entrepreneurs seeking support with product development or simply gaining the tools and resources needed to scale their business should think about participating in an accelerator program. If this is you, you’re in the right place. We researched the top 40 business accelerator programs for startups to choose from.
What Is an Accelerator Program?
A business accelerator is a program intended to assist startups grow by providing funding in exchange for equity in the company. Accelerators require startups to have a minimal viable product or a fixed staff before applying.
1. Y Combinator
Number 1 on the list of Top 40 business accelerator programs is Y Combinator. It is one of the most popular startup accelerator programs, and it has produced multiple success stories, including Airbnb, DoorDash, and Coinbase, to mention a few.
Y Combinator provides early-stage seed capital to a new batch of entrepreneurs twice a year. It collaborates closely with the companies it invests in during the biannual, three-month accelerator program.
2. TechStars
Founded just a year after Y Combinator, TechStars is another venture capital and startup accelerator that paved the path for others to follow. The main difference between TechStars and Y Combinator is that TechStars caters to tech startups. Startup entrepreneurs who finish TechStars’ 90-day accelerator program will have lifelong access to the company’s global network of resources.
3. 500 Global
With different funding options, 500 Global, a venture capital firm deals with early- and seed-stage business acceleration. Credit Karma and Udemy are among their success stories, and the accelerator now funds entrepreneurs in 60 countries worldwide.
Their flagship accelerator program, situated in San Francisco, lasts four months. It gives founders access to the company’s community, investors, and mentors, as well as free office space, assistance, and international connections.
Apply to their accelerator program here
4. Plug and Play Tech Center
Plug and Play Tech Centre is one of the most active venture capital firms based in Silicon Valley. It has locations in several countries, including Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Mexico, Brazil, China, India, and Japan.
Startups admitted into the Plug and Play Tech Centre can look forward to a 12-week program intended to promote innovation and connect promising tech companies with blue-chip corporations.
Apply to their accelerator program here
5. Google For Startups
Google for startups is a global program comprised of ten to fifteen entrepreneurs who collaborate to help each other accomplish their entrepreneurial goals is on the list of the Top 40 business accelerator programs. Furthermore, our accelerator provides one-on-one mentorship and a bespoke experience for each company, ensuring that each startup’s specific needs are satisfied.
Apply to their accelerator program here
6. MassChallenge
MassChallenge is a global non-profit startup accelerator that promotes innovation and entrepreneurship via collaboration and development. Startups accepted into the MassChallenge accelerator program participate in four months of curriculum, mentorship, and exhibition events meant to promote growth, investment, and third-party collaboration.
Apply to their accelerator program here
7. Endless Frontier Labs (EFL)
Endless Frontier Labs (EFL) is a nine-month accelerator program that supports science and technology-based innovations and the founders who create them.
EFL is created for early-stage and seed-stage firms and offers creators mentoring from experts like notable entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists. EFL is a 100% free program that does not need equity from startups participating in the accelerator program.
Apply to their accelerator program here
8. SOSV
SOSV is a multi-stage venture capital investment company that organises global accelerator programs lasting three to six months. It supports and works with 150 new entrepreneurs each year and provides over 1,000 mentors worldwide.
Apply to their accelerator program here
9. Alchemist Accelerator
Alchemist Accelerator is a startup accelerator specifically tailored for enterprise-focused startups—those that sell their products or services to other businesses rather than individual consumers. Any startup with an enterprise business model is eligible to apply. It offers a unique opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded founders and mentors focused on enterprise solutions. The program is structured to guide startups through the process of fundraising and gaining customer traction, providing a clear path to success.
Apply to their accelerator program here
10. Founders Factory
Founders Factory aims to help entrepreneurs launch and grow successful businesses in a variety of industries and places throughout the world. They offer access to an active community and a network of top-tier corporate partners, all to make a substantial effect on the startup ecosystem.
Apply to their accelerator program here
11. NFX
This venture firm is dedicated solely to accelerating pre-seed and seed-stage startups. The company calls its network of founders and startups the “NFX Guild,” fostering a collaborative platform where entrepreneurs can connect, network, and work together.
Apply to their accelerator program here
12. Startupbootcamp
Provides both accelerator and scale programs designed to assist startups at various stages. With specialized industry programs available worldwide, startups everywhere can access the resources they need to launch and expand their businesses.
Apply to their accelerator program here
13. AngelPad
AngelPad, a seed-stage accelerator with headquarters in New York and San Francisco, consistently ranks as the No. 1 accelerator according to MIT’s Seed Accelerator Benchmark since 2015. Startups in the program typically attract an impressive average investment of $14 million.
Apply to their accelerator program here
14. Seedcamp
Seedcamp is one of Europe’s largest business accelerator funds. They emphasize startups with ambitious global aspirations that employ technology to succeed. They have supported over 400 industry-changing companies, including nine unicorns in Europe.
Apply to their accelerator program here
15. Union Kitchen
Union Kitchen is an accelerator program tailored specifically for food and beverage startups, helping them bring new products to market while also developing a scalable business model. The program is divided into four stages: launch, product-market fit, growth, and scale.
Apply to their accelerator program here
16. Capital Factory
Founded in Austin, Texas, Capital Factory invests in multi-stage startups and aims to expand opportunities by creating a larger network. They host over 900 tech-focused events and provide a coworking space of over 81,000 square feet. Capital Factory also connects entrepreneurs with over 150 top tech mentors in Texas.
Apply to their accelerator program here
17. Startup Chile
The Chilean government created Startup Chile to attract foreign entrepreneurs and investors, aiming to create jobs and drive economic growth. With over 11,000 applications from 133 countries and $40 million invested in over 800 startups, the program has made a significant impact.
Apply to their accelerator program here
18. Wayra
Wayra positions itself as the world’s most global, connected, and tech-driven innovation project, focusing on digital startups. Active in nine countries, Wayra invests $50,000 in each selected company, with a strong emphasis on technological disruption. Best known for digital and tech startups.
Apply to their accelerator program here
19. Microsoft Accelerator
Microsoft’s Accelerator program supports startups with a global reach, providing mentorship, connections, and resources. They focus on cloud-based startups, helping them grow from conception to exit and offering up to $150,000 in Azure credits. The accelerator gives access to startup-friendly offers from Microsoft partners.
Apply to their accelerator program here
20. AlphaLab
Located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, AlphaLab invests early in tech startups, offering a hands-on program. They have a vast mentor network and provide educational sessions with industry leaders, focusing on areas like sales, digital marketing, and customer acquisition.
Apply to their accelerator program here
21. Boost VC
Boost VC has invested in over 250 firms. They focus on startups with international appeal and exceptional concepts. They seek teams that can carry out their vision and have a long-term view of their company.
Boost VC provides a three-month onboarding program that helps entrepreneurs use their demo day to get access to stronger networks and investments.
Apply to their accelerator program here
22. MetaProp
MetaProp, the world’s first venture capital firm focused on property tech, operates out of New York City. They support their portfolio companies with resources, advice, and connections, and offer a startup incubator program. MetaProp is also committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in the industry. MetaProp is best known for real estate startups and property tech startups.
23. The Company Lab (CO.LAB)
This program supports the growth of six startups per cohort, twice a year, providing them with access to a network of experienced mentors, technologists, industry experts, venture capitalists, and local corporate partners. Each selected startup receives a $20K investment on their current round’s terms, with an additional $100K funding consideration at the end of the program.
Apply to their accelerator program here
24. Village Capital
Village Capital focuses on helping entrepreneurs address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Their unique model allows entrepreneurs in the program to decide which startups receive investment. This peer-selection approach fosters collaboration and brings fresh, diverse ideas to the forefront.
Apply to their accelerator program here
25. Lair East Labs
Based in New York, Lair East Labs is recognized as one of Crunchbase’s top 100 startup accelerators. They emphasize startups with an international mindset, aiming to disrupt the global market with innovative solutions. Startups receive a $150,000 investment to kickstart their growth.
Best known for investing in startups seeking an international network and tech startups
Apply to their accelerator program here
26. Boomtown Accelerators
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Boomtown Accelerators takes a unique approach by fostering external relationships rather than solely promoting internal innovation. They design and implement customized turnkey programs that align with a company’s strategy.
Apply to their accelerator program here
27. StartX
StartX, a nonprofit startup accelerator linked to Stanford University, stands out with its approach to fostering tech and MedTech entrepreneurship. It offers comprehensive guidance across all stages, from idea development to scaling, providing invaluable support for Stanford-affiliated startups.
Apply to their accelerator program here
28. Mucker Capital
Mucker Capital offers a solution for entrepreneurs who are not in Silicon Valley but want access to the same resources and networks. They are looking for firms that have a scalable business strategy and can show early traction. They are headquartered in Los Angeles but have operations in New York City and Chicago.
Apply to their accelerator program here
30. Berkeley SkyDeck
Berkeley SkyDeck, based in Berkeley, California, hosts over 300 startups annually through three programs tailored to the startup’s stage. Their affiliation with Berkeley University provides unique resources and access to a global network of over 500,000 alumni. Invests majorly in tech startups and robotic startups. So far Berkely has achieved 17 successful exits.
Apply to their accelerator program here
31. LaunchPad LA
Their four-month accelerator program includes funds, free office space, and a large network of mentors, investors, and advisers. Launchpad LA is a flexible venture in terms of the companies they choose to work with. They give $25,000 – $100,000 in exchange for 6% equity, and office space and provide access to a network of mentors, investors, and advisors.
Apply to their accelerator program here
32. Amplify LA
Amplify.LA, a pre-seed fund based in California, specializes in early-stage investments, helping tech entrepreneurs build scalable and successful companies. While they focus on technology, their support goes beyond funding, offering free office space, discounted services, and access to a vast mentor network of industry experts. They’re also dedicated to assisting startups in raising additional capital as they grow.
Although they prefer to support companies based in LA, Amplify.LA has invested in startups from other states and even internationally.
Apply to their accelerator program here
33. Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator
Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator is a seed accelerator that debuted in January 2011. ERA offers two four-month startup accelerator programs each year, the first beginning in January and the second in June.
Apply to their accelerator program here
34. DreamIt Ventures
Dreamit Ventures is an accelerator and venture fund that focuses on helping startups in health tech, secure tech, and urban tech scale rapidly. Based in Philadelphia, they provide a 14-week program that connects startups with top mentors, investors, and potential customers. In addition to mentorship, Dreamit offers strategic advice on growth and business development and helps startups secure additional funding. Although they have a strong presence in the U.S., their support extends globally, attracting founders from around the world.
Apply to their accelerator program here
35. Startup Wise Guys
Startup Wise Guys is an early-stage investor, focusing on B2B SaaS, fintech, cybersecurity, and sustainability startups. They offer an intensive three-month program designed to accelerate the growth of tech startups. Participants receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, along with seed funding, and access to a vast network of investors.
Apply to their accelerator program here
36. Fit 4 Start
Fit 4 Start is a startup accelerator program that focuses on early-stage tech companies, particularly in the fields of ICT, health, and space. The program offers selected startups equity-free funding, personalized coaching, and access to a wide network of investors and industry experts.
Apply to their accelerator program here
37. BirdHouse
Birdhouse Ventures is a seed-stage venture dedicated to supporting early-stage startups with a focus on innovative technology and disruptive business models. It stands out for its hands-on approach, providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and operational support.
Apply to their accelerator program here
38. Distill Ventures
Distill Ventures is a London-based accelerator and venture fund focusing on consumer brands and startups. They provide seed funding, strategic guidance, and access to a network of industry experts and investors. Their goal is to help early-stage companies scale rapidly and achieve significant growth.
Apply to their accelerator program here
39. Sting Accelerate
Sting Accelerate, based in Stockholm, Sweden, is a leading startup accelerator program that focuses on scaling high-impact ventures. It provides startups with essential resources, including funding, office space, and access to a broad network of mentors and investors. The program emphasizes technology-driven and high-growth companies, helping them to refine their business models and accelerate their path to market success.
Apply to their accelerator program here
40. APX
APX Accelerator, based in Berlin is a leading accelerator program designed to support early-stage startups. The programe offers a comprehensive six-month program that includes seed funding, mentorship, and access to a broad network of industry experts and investors
Apply to their accelerator program here
Navigating entrepreneurship can be daunting, but participating in a business accelerator program can significantly enhance your chances of success. The Top 40 business accelerator programs we explored offer invaluable resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities tailored to accelerate your startup’s growth.
Related See: 27 Top Venture Capital Firms in the World