Top Startup Accelerators in Colorado in 2025
Colorado is no longer just a mountain state — it's a magnet for innovation. In 2025, the Centennial State stands out as one of America's fastest-growing startup ecosystems, combining world-class talent, funding opportunities, and a supportive community across Boulder, Denver, Fort Collins, and beyond. Whether you're building a SaaS platform in Boulder or launching a clean energy venture in Colorado Springs, the state's accelerators are designed to fuel your growth. From globally recognized names like Techstars to niche programs focused on cannabis, AI, and impact-driven tech — Colorado has something for every founder. Here's your curated guide to the top startup accelerators in Colorado in 2025. —
Quick list of top startup accelerators in Colorado
- Boomtown Accelerators: Healthtech, sportstech, and media-focused program with deep industry ties.
- Innosphere Ventures: Supports B2B and science-based startups with funding and scale-up support.
- MergeLane: Invests in companies with at least one woman in leadership; part accelerator, part fund.
- Catalyze CU: University-backed program for CU Boulder founders building research-driven startups.
- CanopyBoulder: Leading accelerator for cannabis tech startups with investor connections.
- Exponential Impact: Tech-forward program focused on cybersecurity, blockchain, and AI.
- Founder Institute Colorado: Pre-seed accelerator for early-stage tech founders in Denver and beyond.
- SCAPE: Rural Colorado accelerator supporting agtech and regional businesses.
- EforAll Colorado: Equity-free program helping diverse local founders launch community-focused ventures.
- Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator: Deep tech commercialization program for CU-based research teams.
How to find the right accelerator in Colorado
Choosing the right accelerator depends on your startup's stage, industry, and goals. Use this checklist to evaluate your fit:
- Location: Denver and Boulder have most programs, but don't miss others in Springs or Durango
- Focus area: Healthtech? Climate? CPG? Choose based on sector specialization
- Funding model: Some accelerators take equity, some provide grants or mentorship-only
- Community: Consider where you want to build relationships for the long term
- Follow-on network: Programs with strong alumni and VC ties offer better post-accelerator support
Use the Papermark Investor Database to search accelerators by city, category, and stage.
How to send your pitch deck to startup accelerators in Colorado
To get accepted into a leading Colorado accelerator, your pitch deck needs to be more than polished — it needs to be delivered smartly, tracked effectively, and tailored to the region's ecosystem.
Here's how to do it right:
- Don't send attachments: Skip the static PDFs in email threads — they often get buried or overlooked.
- Use tracked links: Share your pitch deck using a secure, trackable link via Papermark.
- Personalize each message: Reference the accelerator's focus (like healthtech in Boulder or cleantech in Fort Collins).
- Keep intros tight: Lead with a 3-line intro — problem, solution, and traction to date.
- Show Colorado fit: Mention if you're already in the region or plan to relocate — local relevance matters.
- Follow up with insight: Track who opened your deck, then follow up based on viewing behavior.
Why use a pitch deck link instead of attachments?
- Get notified when an accelerator team opens your deck
- Track how long they were on each page of your deck
- Capture emails of those who viewed your deck
- Protect your IP with watermarking, screenshot protection, and other link permissions
- Securely send your data room with additional docs like your roadmap or traction metrics
Table
| Accelerator | Location | Investment Size | Program Length | Focus Areas | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boomtown Accelerators | Boulder | $20K | 12 weeks | HealthTech, Sportstech, Media | 85% |
| Innosphere Ventures | Fort Collins | $100K+ | 6 months | B2B tech, Science-based | 82% |
| MergeLane | Remote / Colorado | Varies | 12 weeks | Women-led startups | 84% |
| Catalyze CU | Boulder | Equity-free grants | 9 weeks | University spinouts | 80% |
| CanopyBoulder | Boulder | $20K–$120K | 13 weeks | Cannabis tech | 79% |
| Exponential Impact | Colorado Springs | $30K–$50K | 8 weeks | Cybersecurity, AI, Blockchain | 81% |
| Founder Institute Colorado | Denver / Remote | Varies | 4 months | Early-stage tech | 78% |
| SCAPE | Durango | $30K | 16 weeks | Rural startups, Agtech | 76% |
| EforAll Colorado | Longmont | None | 12 weeks | Local business, Diverse founders | 75% |
| Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator | Boulder | Non-dilutive funding | 4 months | Deep tech, University spinouts | 80% |
1. Boomtown Accelerators
A Boulder-based accelerator supporting startups in healthtech, sportstech, and media, offering industry-specific programs and mentorship.
- Focus: HealthTech, Sportstech, Media
- Location: Boulder
- Program length: 12 weeks
- Investment: $20K
- Equity free: No
- Website: https://www.boomtownaccelerators.com
2. Innosphere Ventures
An incubator assisting science and B2B tech startups with commercialization, funding, and mentorship to scale their businesses.
- Focus: Health, cleantech, B2B tech
- Location: Fort Collins
- Program length: 6 months
- Investment: $100K+
- Equity free: No
- Website: https://innosphereventures.org
3. MergeLane
A hybrid accelerator and venture fund investing in startups with at least one woman in leadership, providing remote access and mentorship.
- Focus: Women-led startups
- Location: Remote / Colorado
- Program length: 12 weeks
- Investment: Varies
- Equity free: No
- Website: https://www.mergelane.com
4. Catalyze CU
A university-affiliated accelerator for CU Boulder students, faculty, and staff to bring research-based ventures to market.
- Focus: University spinouts
- Location: Boulder
- Program length: 9 weeks
- Investment: Equity-free grants
- Equity free: Yes
- Website: https://www.colorado.edu/catalyzecu
5. CanopyBoulder
An accelerator focused on cannabis tech startups, offering industry-specific mentorship, capital, and investor connections.
- Focus: Cannabis tech
- Location: Boulder
- Program length: 13 weeks
- Investment: $20K–$120K
- Equity free: No
- Website: https://www.canopyboulder.com
6. Exponential Impact
A tech-forward accelerator supporting founders working on cybersecurity, AI, and blockchain through capital and community.
- Focus: Cybersecurity, AI, blockchain
- Location: Colorado Springs
- Program length: 8 weeks
- Investment: $30K–$50K
- Equity free: No
- Website: https://www.exponentialimpact.com
7. Founder Institute Colorado
Part of a global pre-seed accelerator network, offering Colorado-based founders a structured program to launch their tech startup.
- Focus: Early-stage tech
- Location: Denver / Remote
- Program length: 4 months
- Investment: Varies
- Equity free: No
- Website: https://fi.co
8. SCAPE
The Southwest Colorado Accelerator Program for Entrepreneurs supports rural startups with funding, training, and mentorship.
- Focus: Rural startups, agtech
- Location: Durango
- Program length: 16 weeks
- Investment: $30K
- Equity free: No
- Website: https://www.goscape.org
9. EforAll Colorado
An equity-free accelerator focused on empowering diverse and local entrepreneurs in underserved communities.
- Focus: Local business, diverse founders
- Location: Longmont
- Program length: 12 weeks
- Investment: None
- Equity free: Yes
- Website: https://eforall.org/colorado
10. Ascent Deep Tech Accelerator
An accelerator for research teams building deep tech startups from University of Colorado campuses, focusing on commercialization and investor readiness.
- Focus: Deep tech, university spinouts
- Location: Boulder
- Program length: 4 months
- Investment: Non-dilutive funding
- Equity free: Yes
- Website: https://www.colorado.edu/venturepartners/opportunities-and-events/ascent-deep-tech-accelerator
Prepare for Demo Day: what Colorado accelerators expect
- Keep your messaging simple and traction-driven
- Address unit economics and market validation
- Highlight your founding team and edge
- Share your "why now" clearly
- Use Papermark to deliver the deck and follow up with data
Didn't find the right accelerator?
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Final Thoughts
Colorado's startup ecosystem in 2025 offers depth, diversity, and domain-specific acceleration for founders ready to scale. Whether you're building in healthtech, deep tech, or launching a local business in a rural region — the right accelerator can fast-track your path to traction and funding.
Evaluate each program carefully, align it with your stage and vision, and present your pitch with clarity and precision. Tools like Papermark ensure your deck gets seen, tracked, and protected — giving you the edge when it matters most.