A tier list of the most important startup accelerators from around the world
These programs don't invest: only provide advice
These programs require you to pay
When I joined DreamIt, the first startup accelerator on my journey, I had no idea it would become such a pivotal moment in my life. What most people don’t know is that I was technically homeless during those final weeks, secretly sleeping in the office. It's a part of my journey that I’ve kept to myself until now.
I’ve been through several startup accelerators: 500 Startups, DreamIt Ventures (twice), and Startup Chile. I was also in the final rounds of interviews for Y Combinator (YC), Wayra, and Techstars, and even won the audience pick at Seedstars World. My experience is extensive, but it’s not something I often talk about. To some in the Bay Area, going through multiple accelerators might seem unnecessary—why give away so much equity when you’ve already gained the knowledge and resources from one program?
But my journey wasn’t without its challenges. I want to share my mistakes so you don’t end up diluting your equity pointlessly or, worse, finding yourself living on a couch. I'll also explain how we managed to get accepted into all of these programs and what you should consider when evaluating your options.
Before diving into the startup accelerator list, let’s clarify some terms. Most well-known names like Y Combinator and Techstars fall under the category of startup accelerators. These programs aren’t created equal, and it’s essential to understand their differences.
Y Combinator, for instance, practically invented the startup accelerator concept. As of 2024, they offer a $500,000 investment to each company in their program. This amount is unparalleled; other accelerators like 500 Startups in San Francisco offer $150,000 for a 6% equity stake.
The idea behind an accelerator isn’t too different from a VC fund. A partner raises a fund from investors, who trust their judgment, and then deploys that capital into startups. The difference is that while VCs make a few big bets, accelerators make many smaller bets and provide support to help those companies succeed.
Accelerators often get away with offering smaller investments because of the value they bring to the table. When evaluating a startup accelerator list, you should consider not just the size of the check but also the program’s reputation and success rate. Success can be a tricky metric—whether it's an exit, an IPO, or the amount of money raised by companies.
For example, while Slidebean has been around for ten years and is considered successful, we're not a huge company. So, is that a failure? Reputation matters because it impacts your ability to raise money after the program.
Carrying the YC alum badge, for instance, doesn’t guarantee you’ll raise a future round, but it significantly helps. The further down the accelerator list you go, the less weight that nametag carries.
I believe there are three main reasons I ended up participating in multiple accelerators:
1. Money:
My first company was funded through a Kickstarter campaign, but we needed more capital. Getting into an accelerator that offered $25,000 seemed like a no-brainer at the time. However, that money doesn’t last long, especially when building a product. I learned the hard way when I ended up half-homeless during DreamIt because the funds ran out quickly.
2. Crash Course in Startups:
Accelerators offer a startup crash course that is invaluable. The terminology, the business strategies, and the insights you gain are not something you learn in business school. For instance, while business school might teach you Net Revenue Retention (NRR), startups often focus on Churn instead. Understanding these nuances is crucial, and being immersed in an environment where everyone speaks the startup language helps you learn faster.
3. Network Building:
The third reason is network building. Accelerators are a bridge to fast-track your startup network, connecting you with future investors, team members, advisors, and even potential job opportunities if your startup doesn’t pan out.
For someone like me, who was born and raised in Costa Rica and had little exposure to the US startup scene, these connections were vital. I missed my first shot at building a network during my initial accelerator experience, but when I started Slidebean, we decided to bootstrap a product first before seeking out funding or accelerators.
If you’re looking at a startup accelerator list and wondering which program is right for you, here are a few tips:
1. Understand the Deadlines:
Stay on top of application deadlines. The easiest way to do this is to subscribe to newsletters or services that track these deadlines.
2. Focus on Traction:
Traction beats everything. Proof that your business works is what will make your application stand out. Revenue or Monthly Active Users are the best indicators of traction. Sign-ups or beta users are considered vanity metrics.
3. Show Your Understanding:
It’s crucial to demonstrate that you understand what you’re doing, from KPIs to customer insights and market strategies. Show that you not only speak startup but also understand your industry better than your competitors.
4. Don’t Apply Too Early:
Finally, don’t apply too early and don’t apply just for the money. Accelerators are looking for a match between the expertise they offer and the needs of your company. Highlighting this match in your application is key to getting accepted.
Y Combinator (YC) is one of the world’s most renowned startup accelerators, founded in 2005 by Paul Graham, Jessica Livingston, Robert Morris, and Trevor Blackwell. YC has been instrumental in shaping the modern startup ecosystem by providing early-stage companies with seed funding, mentorship, and a robust network of industry connections. The program, based in Silicon Valley, runs two batches per year, each lasting three months. During this time, selected startups receive funding in exchange for a small equity stake, typically around 7%, along with invaluable advice and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts.
YC's influence extends beyond funding. Startups are immersed in an intensive environment where they refine their ideas, build products, and develop business strategies. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where startups present their progress to a room full of investors, often securing additional funding and partnerships.
Over the years, YC has helped launch some of the most successful tech companies in the world, including Airbnb, Dropbox, Reddit, Stripe, and Coinbase. These companies have collectively transformed entire industries and are now valued in the billions. YC's impact is also evident in its alumni network, which fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continued growth.
YC's mission is to "create and help startups that will grow into successful companies." The organization continuously evolves, offering resources like the Startup School and Y Combinator Continuity, which supports companies as they scale beyond the early stages. Through its pioneering approach, YC has set the standard for startup accelerators worldwide, playing a key role in driving innovation and entrepreneurship on a global scale.
The Techstars San Francisco Accelerator is a premier 13-week program situated in the heart of one of the world’s most influential tech hubs. This accelerator is designed to propel early-stage startups into successful businesses by providing them with $120K in seed funding, access to a vast array of resources, and invaluable mentorship from seasoned industry leaders.
What sets the San Francisco program apart is its integration within the rich and dynamic tech ecosystem of the Bay Area. Participants are immersed in a community that is home to some of the world’s most innovative companies and brightest minds. This environment fosters collaboration, innovation, and rapid growth, allowing startups to benefit from proximity to potential customers, partners, and investors.
Throughout the program, startups receive tailored mentorship that addresses their unique challenges and goals. This mentorship is delivered through one-on-one sessions, workshops, and group activities that help founders refine their business models, improve their product-market fit, and prepare for future fundraising rounds. Additionally, the program provides access to a global network of Techstars alumni, investors, and corporate partners, creating opportunities for collaboration, networking, and partnership that extend well beyond the 13-week program.
Another key feature of the Techstars San Francisco Accelerator is its emphasis on community. Founders are encouraged to engage with the local startup scene, attend events, and build relationships with other entrepreneurs in the area. This community-driven approach not only provides emotional and practical support but also opens doors to new opportunities and ideas.
Plug and Play Tech Center is a global innovation platform and accelerator headquartered in Silicon Valley, California. Founded in 2006, it has grown into one of the most influential and extensive startup ecosystems in the world. Plug and Play connects startups with major corporations, investors, and industry leaders across various sectors, providing them with the resources and mentorship needed to accelerate growth and scale their businesses.
The platform operates a series of vertical-specific accelerator programs, covering industries such as fintech, insurtech, health tech, mobility, IoT, and more. Each program is designed to match startups with corporate partners that can offer strategic support, funding opportunities, and market access. Plug and Play also hosts regular events, including pitch days and networking sessions, allowing startups to showcase their innovations and connect with potential investors and clients.
With a presence in over 30 locations worldwide, including key hubs in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Plug and Play has a truly global reach. The platform supports thousands of startups annually, helping them raise billions in funding and secure partnerships with leading corporations. Some of the world’s most successful companies, like PayPal, Dropbox, and LendingClub, have gone through Plug and Play’s accelerator programs, highlighting its significant impact on the startup ecosystem.
Through its comprehensive approach, combining funding, mentorship, and networking, Plug and Play continues to be a driving force in fostering innovation and helping startups succeed on a global scale.
AngelPad is a leading startup accelerator in the United States, renowned for its hands-on approach to nurturing early-stage tech companies. Founded in 2010 by ex-Googler Thomas Korte, AngelPad has quickly become one of the most respected and selective accelerators in the world. The program is designed to provide startups with the essential resources, mentorship, and guidance needed to refine their business models, develop market-ready products, and secure early-stage funding.
AngelPad’s 10-week program is particularly focused on achieving product-market fit and developing effective customer acquisition strategies. Startups selected for the program receive personalized mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts, who offer invaluable advice on navigating the challenges of early growth. The program emphasizes a deep understanding of customer needs and iterative product development, ensuring that startups can effectively meet market demands.
AngelPad’s success is evident in its impressive track record, having launched over 150 companies with a focus on B2B, SaaS, and marketplace startups. Many of these companies have gone on to raise significant funding and achieve successful exits, including notable alumni such as Postmates, Cruise Automation, and Buffer.
What sets AngelPad apart is its commitment to maintaining a small cohort size, allowing each startup to receive tailored support and in-depth guidance. This approach fosters a highly supportive environment, helping startups build a solid foundation for long-term success. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where startups pitch their refined business plans to a select group of investors.
Techstars NYC Accelerator is a dynamic 13-week, in-person program in New York City, tailored to support early-stage startups in various sectors, including FinTech, Enterprise SaaS, Health & Wellness, Efficient Transactions, and PropTech. The accelerator is distinguished by its personalized mentorship, focusing on individual startup needs rather than a generic, one-size-fits-all approach. The program provides $120K in initial funding to each startup, along with access to over $2M in perks and resources.
A unique aspect of Techstars NYC is the hands-on support that continues beyond the program. This extended guidance is crucial for startups as they navigate the complexities of scaling their businesses. Participants benefit from access to a vast network of Techstars alumni, investors, and industry leaders, which can open doors to further opportunities for growth and partnership.
Moreover, the program emphasizes a strong, collaborative community where founders can learn from each other and build long-lasting relationships. The business associates provided by the program work closely with startups to accelerate growth, whether it's refining their business model, improving customer acquisition strategies, or preparing for fundraising rounds.
The NYC accelerator is part of the larger Techstars ecosystem, which has a global reach, providing startups with a platform to scale internationally if desired. Techstars' reputation as a top accelerator means that startups graduating from the program are well-positioned for success, equipped with the tools, knowledge, and connections necessary to thrive in the competitive startup landscape.
500 Global, formerly 500 Startups, is a leading venture capital firm and startup accelerator with a mission to support early-stage companies and help them scale globally. Founded in 2010, 500 Global has invested in over 2,700 companies across 77 countries, establishing itself as one of the most active seed investors worldwide. The firm’s global reach and commitment to fostering entrepreneurship are evident as it engages with startups in emerging and established markets.
500 Global provides a range of programs designed to support startups at various stages of development. Their flagship 4-month accelerator program offers startups seed funding, mentorship, and access to a vast network of industry experts, corporate partners, and investors. Through a structured curriculum, startups receive guidance on critical aspects of business growth, including product development, market fit, growth hacking, and fundraising. The program concludes with a Demo Day, where startups present their business to investors, creating opportunities for further investment.
In addition to the accelerator, 500 Global manages multiple venture funds that invest across various regions and industries. The firm’s sector-agnostic approach enables it to support companies in diverse fields, including fintech, health tech, e-commerce, and deep tech. This broad investment strategy allows 500 Global to capitalize on a wide range of opportunities and assist startups in navigating various market challenges.
500 Global is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, actively investing in underrepresented founders, and fostering an inclusive culture within the startup ecosystem. With its extensive global presence and network, 500 Global continues to play a significant role in helping startups grow.
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