Blog21 Best Startup Accelerators in San Francisco in 2025
21 Best Startup Accelerators in San Francisco in 2025
San Francisco's startup accelerators and incubators have helped launch some of tech's biggest success stories, with Y Combinator alone driving over $300B in portfolio company valuations. From early-stage funding to world-class mentorship, SF accelerators offer unparalleled opportunities for ambitious founders.
This guide compares the top startup accelerators and incubators across the Bay Area, breaking down their programs, investment terms, and acceptance criteria to help you choose the right launchpad for your startup.
Quick overview of top startup accelerators and incubators in San Francisco
| Accelerator | Founded | Program Type | Focus Areas | Investment Size | Program Length | Diversity Investments | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y Combinator | 2005 | Hybrid | All sectors | $500K | 3 months | 500+ | 90% |
| 500 Startups | 2010 | Hybrid | Tech, AI | $150K | 4 months | 514 | 85% |
| Plug and Play | 2006 | On-Site | Fintech, IoT | $100K-$500K | 3 months | 200+ | 75% |
| StartX | 2009 | Hybrid | Deep Tech | No equity | 6 months | 150+ | 88% |
| Alchemist | 2012 | Online | Enterprise | $36K | 6 months | 109 | 82% |
| NFX | 2013 | Hybrid | Marketplaces | $2M | 5 months | 80+ | 90% |
| Techstars SF | 2006 | On-Site | AI/ML, SaaS | $120K | 3 months | 100+ | 85% |
| HAX | 2011 | On-Site | Hardware | $250K | 6 months | 70 | 75% |
| Founders Space | 2010 | Hybrid | AI, Blockchain | $50K-$500K | 3 months | 90+ | 80% |
| Berkeley SkyDeck | 2012 | On-Site | Deep Tech | $200K | 6 months | 75+ | 85% |
| Boost VC | 2012 | Hybrid | Crypto, Space | $500K | 3 months | 60+ | 78% |
| Forum Ventures | 2015 | Online | B2B SaaS, AI | Varies | Varies | 80+ | 85% |
| IndieBio | 2014 | On-Site | Biotech | $525K | 4 months | 110 | 80% |
| Founders Institute | 2009 | Online | All sectors | Revenue share | 4 months | 150+ | 75% |
| Matter.vc | 2012 | Hybrid | Media Tech | $125K | 5 months | 40+ | 75% |
| Singularity | 2008 | Hybrid | AI, Robotics | $100K | 3 months | 50+ | 78% |
| Newchip | 2016 | Online | Tech, Healthcare | No upfront | 6 months | 45+ | 72% |
| Health Hub SF | 2013 | On-Site | Healthcare | $150K | 6 months | 65+ | 85% |
| Quantum Leap | 2018 | Hybrid | Quantum, AI | $300K | 6 months | 30+ | 75% |
| AI Ventures Lab | 2017 | Online | AI/ML | $400K | 5 months | 55+ | 85% |
| Impact Accelerator | 2014 | Hybrid | Social Impact | $150K | 5 months | 70+ | 80% |
Diversity and inclusion in SF accelerators
San Francisco accelerators are increasingly focusing on diversity and inclusion initiatives. Many programs now have dedicated tracks and funding for underrepresented founders:
- Dedicated Diversity Programs: Special cohorts and mentorship for diverse founders
- Diversity Investment Metrics: Tracking and reporting of investments in diverse-led startups
- Inclusive Selection Process: Structured interview processes to minimize bias
- Mentorship Matching: Connecting founders with diverse mentors
- Community Partnerships: Working with organizations supporting underrepresented founders
Impact of diversity initiatives
| Accelerator | Diversity Investments | % of Portfolio | Notable Success Stories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Y Combinator | 500+ | 25% | Calendly, Faire |
| 500 Startups | 514 | 30% | Canva, Grab |
| Alchemist | 109 | 28% | LaunchDarkly |
| Plug and Play | 200+ | 22% | Multiple exits |
How to get accepted into top SF accelerators?
Securing a spot in prestigious San Francisco accelerators requires careful preparation and a strong pitch. Here are key strategies:
- Perfect your pitch deck and ensure it tells a compelling story
- Show clear traction and market validation
- Demonstrate a strong founding team
- Have a clear exit strategy and growth plan
- Build a realistic financial model with runway projections
Secure pitch deck sharing with Papermark
When applying to SF accelerators, protect your pitch deck and track engagement using Papermark's secure sharing features:
Advanced security
- Dynamic watermarking with viewer details
- Screenshot protection and download controls
- Custom access expiration dates
- Email verification requirements
- IP-based access restrictions
Real-time analytics
- Get instant notifications when partners view your deck
- Track viewing time on each page
- See which sections interest them most
- Capture viewer email addresses automatically
- Monitor engagement patterns
Professional features
- Customizable link permissions
- Secure data room for due diligence
- Version control for deck updates
- Custom branding options
- Team collaboration tools
"Using Papermark's analytics helped us understand which parts of our deck resonated most with accelerator partners, leading to successful applications at multiple SF programs." - Recent YC Founder
How to choose the right startup accelerator or incubator in San Francisco?
Selecting the optimal accelerator program requires careful consideration of several factors:
- Program Focus: Match the accelerator's expertise with your startup's sector
- Investment Terms: Understand equity requirements and funding amounts
- Network Quality: Evaluate mentor networks and alumni success stories
- Program Resources: Consider workspace, technical support, and additional perks
- Demo Day Exposure: Research investor attendance and past funding success rates
- Post-Program Support: Look for ongoing resources and alumni network strength
- Location: Consider if the program is hybrid or requires full-time presence in SF
1. Y Combinator
The world's premier startup accelerator, Y Combinator has shaped the Silicon Valley startup ecosystem since 2005.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2005
- Founders: Paul Graham, Jessica Livingston, Robert Morris, Trevor Blackwell
- Program Type: Hybrid (Online/On-site)
- Contact: apply@ycombinator.com
- Application Page: ycombinator.com/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: $500K ($125K for 7% + $375K on uncapped MFN SAFE)
- Program Length: 3 months
- Batch Size: 200+ companies
- Application Deadlines: Twice yearly (March and September)
Track record
- Total Investments: 3,000+
- Notable Alumni: Airbnb, Stripe, Coinbase, DoorDash
- Combined Valuation: $600B+
- Exits: 150+
- Diversity Investments: 500+ companies
- Success Rate: 90%
Focus areas
- AI/ML
- Enterprise Software
- Consumer Tech
- Fintech
- Healthcare
- Developer Tools
Resources & support
- World-class mentor network
- Weekly group office hours
- Dedicated batch partners
- Alumni network access
- Demo Day exposure
- Post-program support
Website: ycombinator.com
2. 500 Startups
500 Startups is a global venture capital firm with a strong focus on early-stage investments and accelerator programs.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2010
- Founders: Dave McClure, Christine Tsai
- Program Type: Hybrid (Online/On-site)
- Contact: admissions@500.co
- Application Page: 500.co/accelerator
Program details
- Investment Terms: $150K for 6% equity
- Program Length: 4 months
- Batch Size: 40+ companies
- Application Deadlines: Rolling basis
Track record
- Total Investments: 2,500+
- Notable Alumni: Credit Karma, Canva, Grab
- Total Exits: 100+
- Unicorns Created: 35+
- Diversity Investments: 514 companies
- Success Rate: 85%
Focus areas
- Artificial Intelligence
- SaaS Solutions
- FinTech
- Digital Health
- Enterprise Software
- Consumer Tech
Resources & support
- Global mentor network
- Corporate partnerships
- Investor networking events
- Growth marketing support
- International expansion help
- Post-program support
Website: 500.co
3. Plug and Play
Leading innovation platform connecting startups with major corporations through their accelerator programs and corporate partnerships.
Key info
- Location: Sunnyvale & San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2006
- Founders: Saeed Amidi
- Program Type: On-Site
- Contact: apply@pnptc.com
- Application Page: plugandplaytechcenter.com/startups
Program details
- Investment Terms: $100K-$500K
- Program Length: 3 months
- Batch Size: 20-30 companies per vertical
- Application Deadlines: Multiple batches per year
Track record
- Total Investments: 2000+
- Notable Alumni: PayPal, Dropbox, LendingClub
- Corporate Partners: 500+
- Portfolio Exits: 80+
- Diversity Investments: 200+
- Success Rate: 75%
Focus areas
- FinTech
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Digital Health
- InsurTech
- Supply Chain
- Sustainability
- Smart Cities
Resources & support
- Corporate matchmaking
- Dedicated industry experts
- Global innovation platform
- Investment support
- International expansion
- Corporate pilot programs
Website: plugandplaytechcenter.com
4. StartX
Stanford-affiliated non-profit accelerator known for deep tech and biotech startups.
Key info
- Location: Palo Alto, California
- Founded: 2009
- Founders: Cameron Teitelman
- Program Type: Hybrid
- Contact: info@startx.com
- Application Page: startx.com/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: No equity taken
- Program Length: 6 months
- Batch Size: 30+ companies
- Application Deadlines: Three times per year
Track record
- Portfolio Value: $25B+
- Companies Funded: 700+
- Notable Alumni: Lime, Patreon, Kodiak Robotics
- Diversity Investments: 150+
- Success Rate: 88%
Focus areas
- Deep Tech
- Healthcare/Biotech
- Enterprise Software
- AI/ML
- Robotics
- Clean Tech
Resources & support
- Stanford faculty mentorship
- Research facilities access
- Industry partnerships
- Founder community
- Investor introductions
- Technical resources
Website: startx.com
5. Alchemist Accelerator
Enterprise-focused accelerator backed by Cisco, Siemens, and other corporate partners.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2012
- Founders: Ravi Belani
- Program Type: Online
- Contact: info@alchemistaccelerator.com
- Application Page: alchemistaccelerator.com/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: $36K for 5% equity
- Program Length: 6 months
- Batch Size: 25+ companies
- Application Deadlines: Quarterly
Track record
- Portfolio Companies: 500+
- Notable Alumni: LaunchDarkly, Rigetti Computing
- Average Seed Round: $2M+
- Diversity Investments: 109
- Success Rate: 82%
Focus areas
- Enterprise Software
- B2B Solutions
- SaaS Platforms
- AI/ML
- IoT
- Industrial Tech
Resources & support
- Corporate partnerships
- Enterprise customer access
- Technical mentorship
- Sales strategy support
- Fundraising preparation
- Go-to-market guidance
Website: alchemistaccelerator.com
6. NFX
Prestigious accelerator focused on network effect businesses.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2013
- Founders: James Currier, Pete Flint, Gigi Levy-Weiss
- Program Type: Hybrid
- Contact: founders@nfx.com
- Application Page: nfx.com/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: $2M investment
- Program Length: 5 months
- Batch Size: 15-20 companies
- Application Deadlines: Rolling basis
Track record
- Portfolio Value: $10B+
- Companies Funded: 150+
- Notable Alumni: Lyft, Doordash, Patreon
- Diversity Investments: 80+
- Success Rate: 90%
Focus areas
- Network Effect Businesses
- Marketplaces
- FinTech
- PropTech
- BioTech
- AI/ML Platforms
Resources & support
- Expert network access
- Growth strategy
- Network effect playbooks
- Fundraising support
- Technical resources
- Go-to-market guidance
Website: nfx.com
7. Techstars SF
Part of the global Techstars network, focusing on Bay Area innovation.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2006
- Founders: David Cohen, David Brown, Brad Feld, Jared Polis
- Program Type: On-Site
- Contact: sf@techstars.com
- Application Page: techstars.com/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: $120K ($20K for 6% + $100K convertible note)
- Program Length: 3 months
- Batch Size: 12-15 companies
- Application Deadlines: Twice yearly
Track record
- Portfolio Companies: 300+
- Notable Alumni: SendGrid, DigitalOcean
- Total Funding Raised: $2B+
- Diversity Investments: 100+
- Success Rate: 85%
Focus areas
- Artificial Intelligence/ML
- SaaS Solutions
- Consumer Technology
- Enterprise Software
- Deep Tech
- FinTech
Resources & support
- Global mentor network
- Investor connections
- Technical resources
- Marketing support
- Fundraising preparation
- Lifetime network access
Website: techstars.com/accelerators/san-francisco
8. HAX
Hardware and deep tech focused accelerator with split program between SF and Shenzhen.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, CA & Shenzhen, China
- Founded: 2011
- Founders: Cyril Ebersweiler, Sean O'Sullivan
- Program Type: On-Site
- Contact: apply@hax.co
- Application Page: hax.co/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: $250K for 9% equity
- Program Length: 6 months
- Batch Size: 15-20 companies
- Application Deadlines: Rolling basis
Track record
- Companies Launched: 250+
- Notable Alumni: Particle, NotCo
- Patents Filed: 1000+
- Diversity Investments: 70
- Success Rate: 75%
Focus areas
- Hardware Development
- IoT Solutions
- Robotics
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Consumer Electronics
- Industrial Tech
Resources & support
- Prototyping facilities
- Manufacturing expertise
- Supply chain access
- Hardware mentorship
- Patent strategy
- Market entry support
Website: hax.co
9. Founders Space
International accelerator with strong focus on AI and deep tech.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2010
- Founders: Steve Hoffman
- Program Type: Hybrid
- Contact: info@foundersspace.com
- Application Page: foundersspace.com/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: Varies ($50K-$500K)
- Program Length: 3 months
- Batch Size: 20-30 companies
- Application Deadlines: Monthly rolling
Track record
- Portfolio Companies: 1000+
- Notable Alumni: Grab, Lily Robotics
- Global Partners: 50+
- Diversity Investments: 90+
- Success Rate: 80%
Focus areas
- Artificial Intelligence
- Blockchain Technology
- Deep Tech
- Enterprise Solutions
- Consumer Tech
- Digital Health
Resources & support
- Global network access
- Corporate partnerships
- Technical mentorship
- Market entry support
- Fundraising guidance
- International expansion
Website: foundersspace.com
10. Berkeley SkyDeck
UC Berkeley's premier accelerator program combining academic and industry expertise.
Key info
- Location: Berkeley, California
- Founded: 2012
- Founders: UC Berkeley
- Program Type: On-Site
- Contact: info@skydeck.berkeley.edu
- Application Page: skydeck.berkeley.edu/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: $200K for 5% equity
- Program Length: 6 months
- Batch Size: 20-25 companies
- Application Deadlines: Twice yearly
Track record
- Research Integration: 100+ faculty
- Notable Alumni: Xendit, Symbio
- Follow-on Funding: $1.7B+
- Diversity Investments: 75+
- Success Rate: 85%
Focus areas
- Deep Technology
- Life Sciences
- Artificial Intelligence
- Clean Tech
- Advanced Materials
- Digital Health
Resources & support
- UC Berkeley faculty access
- Research facilities
- Industry partnerships
- Investor connections
- Technical mentorship
- IP strategy support
Website: skydeck.berkeley.edu
11. Boost VC
Pioneer in crypto and sci-fi tech investments, known for backing moonshot ideas.
Key info
- Location: San Mateo, California
- Founded: 2012
- Founders: Adam Draper, Brayton Williams
- Program Type: Hybrid
- Contact: team@boost.vc
- Application Page: boost.vc/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: $500K for 7-15% equity
- Program Length: 3 months
- Batch Size: 15-20 companies
- Application Deadlines: Quarterly
Track record
- Portfolio Value: $7B+
- Companies Funded: 300+
- Notable Alumni: Etherscan, Coinbase
- Diversity Investments: 60+
- Success Rate: 78%
Focus areas
- Cryptocurrency/Blockchain
- Space Technology
- Metaverse/VR/AR
- Quantum Computing
- Science Fiction Tech
- Web3 Infrastructure
Resources & support
- Crypto ecosystem access
- Technical mentorship
- Investor network
- Token economics
- Go-to-market strategy
- Community building
Website: boost.vc
12. Forum Ventures
Leading B2B SaaS accelerator and venture studio with a decade of experience building successful companies.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2015
- Founders: Michael Cardamone
- Program Type: Online
- Contact: hello@forumvc.com
- Application Page: forumvc.com/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: Varies by program
- Program Length: Varies by program
- Batch Size: 15-20 companies per cohort
- Application Deadlines: Quarterly
Track record
- Companies Funded: 430+
- Founder Community: 1300+
- Follow-on Funding: $1B+
- Diversity Investments: 80+
- Success Rate: 85%
Focus areas
- B2B SaaS
- AI-First Ventures
- Enterprise Software
- Developer Tools
- Vertical SaaS
- Cloud Infrastructure
Resources & support
- AI Studio program
- Go-to-market strategy
- Enterprise sales support
- Product development
- Founder community
- Investor network
Programs
- AI Studio: Building AI-first ventures
- Accelerator: Early go-to-market support
- Pre-seed Fund: Hands-on investment support
Website: forumvc.com
13. IndieBio
Revolutionary biotech accelerator transforming science into ventures.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2014
- Founders: Arvind Gupta, Ryan Bethencourt
- Program Type: On-Site
- Contact: info@indiebio.co
- Application Page: indiebio.co/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: $525K for 11% equity
- Program Length: 4 months
- Batch Size: 15 companies
- Application Deadlines: Twice yearly
Track record
- Total Funding Raised: $5B+
- Notable Alumni: Memphis Meats, NotCo
- Patents Generated: 500+
- Diversity Investments: 110
- Success Rate: 80%
Focus areas
- Biotechnology
- Synthetic Biology
- Cell Agriculture
- Regenerative Medicine
- Clean Tech
- Healthcare Innovation
Resources & support
- Lab space access
- Scientific mentorship
- Regulatory guidance
- IP strategy
- Industry partnerships
- Research support
Website: indiebio.co
14. Founders Institute
World's largest pre-seed startup accelerator with strong SF presence.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2009
- Founders: Adeo Ressi, Jonathan Greechan
- Program Type: Online
- Contact: support@fi.co
- Application Page: fi.co/join
Program details
- Investment Terms: Revenue share agreement
- Program Length: 4 months
- Batch Size: Varies by location
- Application Deadlines: Rolling admissions
Track record
- Global Graduates: 6000+
- Notable Alumni: Udemy, Rover
- Total Funding Raised: $1.75B
- Diversity Investments: 150+
- Success Rate: 75%
Focus areas
- All Technology Sectors
- Software & Services
- Consumer Products
- Enterprise Solutions
- Digital Health
- Emerging Technologies
Resources & support
- Global mentor network
- Structured curriculum
- Founder community
- Local chapter support
- Investor connections
- Post-program resources
Website: fi.co
15. Matter.vc
HardTech venture capital fund focused on semiconductor and hardware innovation.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2012
- Founders: Corey Ford, Jake Shapiro
- Program Type: Hybrid
- Contact: info@matter.vc
- Application Page: matter.vc/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: $125K for 7% equity
- Program Length: 5 months
- Batch Size: 8-12 companies
- Application Deadlines: Twice yearly
Track record
- Fund Size: $300M+
- Portfolio Companies: 150+
- Notable Alumni: Lightforce
- Diversity Investments: 40+
- Success Rate: 75%
Focus areas
- Hardware Technology
- Semiconductor Design
- Advanced Manufacturing
- IoT Solutions
- Industrial Tech
- Clean Energy Hardware
Resources & support
- Manufacturing expertise
- Technical mentorship
- Corporate partnerships
- TSMC collaboration
- Hardware prototyping
- Supply chain support
Website: mattervp.com
16. Singularity University Ventures
Future-focused accelerator specializing in exponential technologies.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2008
- Founders: Ray Kurzweil, Peter Diamandis
- Program Type: Hybrid
- Contact: ventures@su.org
- Application Page: su.org/ventures/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: $100K for 5% equity
- Program Length: 3 months
- Batch Size: 10-15 companies
- Application Deadlines: Three times per year
Track record
- Technology Patents: 300+
- Notable Alumni: Diamond Age, Voxel8
- Global Impact: 100+ countries
- Diversity Investments: 50+
- Success Rate: 78%
Focus areas
- Artificial Intelligence
- Robotics & Automation
- Space Technology
- Quantum Computing
- Climate Tech
- Digital Biology
Resources & support
- Research partnerships
- Global network access
- Technology validation
- Expert mentorship
- Corporate connections
- Innovation labs access
Website: su.org/ventures
17. Newchip Accelerator
Remote-first accelerator with strong SF presence.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2016
- Founders: Andrew Ryan
- Program Type: Online
- Contact: hello@newchip.com
- Application Page: newchip.com/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: No upfront investment
- Program Length: 6 months
- Batch Size: 50+ companies
- Application Deadlines: Monthly rolling
Track record
- Companies Accelerated: 2000+
- Notable Alumni: Stateless, PopCom
- Total Funding Raised: $450M+
- Diversity Investments: 45+
- Success Rate: 72%
Focus areas
- Technology
- Consumer Products
- Healthcare Innovation
- FinTech
- Enterprise Software
- Sustainability
Resources & support
- Online curriculum
- Investor matching
- Pitch preparation
- Growth strategy
- Fundraising support
- Global network
Website: newchip.com
18. Health Hub SF
Healthcare-focused accelerator partnering with UCSF and leading medical institutions.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2019
- Founders: Mark Goldstein
- Program Type: Hybrid
- Contact: info@healthhubsf.org
- Application Page: healthhubsf.org/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: $150K for 7% equity
- Program Length: 6 months
- Batch Size: 10-12 companies
- Application Deadlines: Quarterly
Track record
- Clinical Partnerships: 75+
- Notable Alumni: Carbon Health, Forward
- FDA Approvals: 25+
- Patient Impact: 1M+
- Success Rate: 80%
Focus areas
- Digital Health
- Biotechnology
- Medical Devices
- Healthcare AI
- Remote Patient Monitoring
- Clinical Decision Support
Resources & support
- Clinical partnerships
- Regulatory guidance
- UCSF collaboration
- Medical expertise
- Clinical validation
- Market access support
Website: healthhubsf.org
19. Quantum Leap
Deep tech accelerator specializing in quantum computing and advanced technologies.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2018
- Founders: William Hurley (whurley)
- Program Type: Hybrid
- Contact: info@quantumleap.vc
- Application Page: quantumleap.vc/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: $300K for 8% equity
- Program Length: 6 months
- Batch Size: 5-8 companies
- Application Deadlines: Twice yearly
Track record
- Research Collaborations: 30+
- Notable Alumni: QC Ware, Rigetti
- Patents Filed: 200+
- Academic Partnerships: 25+
- Success Rate: 75%
Focus areas
- Quantum Computing
- Artificial Intelligence
- Advanced Materials
- Quantum Sensors
- Quantum Communications
- Quantum Software
Resources & support
- Research facilities
- Technical expertise
- Patent strategy
- Enterprise connections
- Academic partnerships
- Quantum lab access
Website: quantumleap.vc
20. AI Ventures Lab
The go-to ecosystem for AI startups impacting the world through cloud-based AI innovation.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2017
- Founders: AI Industry Veterans
- Program Type: Online
- Contact: info@aiventurelabs.com
- Application Page: aiventurelabs.com/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: $400K for 9% equity
- Program Length: 5 months
- Batch Size: 12-15 companies
- Application Deadlines: Quarterly
Track record
- AI Categories: 15+
- Global Reach: 32+ countries
- Industries Served: 124+
- Diversity Investments: 55+
- Success Rate: 85%
Focus areas
- Machine Vision
- Speech Recognition
- Machine Learning
- Expert Systems
- Natural Language Processing
- Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles
Resources & support
- Cloud infrastructure
- AI model optimization
- Technical mentorship
- Dataset access
- Enterprise partnerships
- Deployment support
Website: aiventurelabs.com/home
21. Impact Accelerator
The startup accelerator made by top accelerators, global brands and VCs, offering a rigorous and delocalized acceleration experience.
Key info
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded: 2014
- Founders: European Innovation Council
- Program Type: Hybrid
- Contact: hello@impact-accelerator.com
- Application Page: impact-accelerator.com/apply
Program details
- Investment Terms: Up to €100K equity free
- Program Length: 5 months
- Batch Size: 20-25 companies
- Application Deadlines: Three times per year
Track record
- Programs Across Regions: 10+
- Notable Alumni: Multiple successful European startups
- Corporate Partners: 50+
- Diversity Investments: 70+
- Success Rate: 80%
Focus areas
- Sustainable Mobility
- Connected Vehicles
- Robotics & Automation
- Digital Innovation
- Smart Cities
- Clean Technology
Resources & support
- Intensive mentoring (40+ hours)
- Global network access
- Corporate partnerships
- Funding opportunities
- Innovation programs
- International expansion
Website: impact-accelerator.com
Preparing for demo day
Demo Day is crucial for securing follow-on funding. Here's how to maximize your success:
-
Perfect your pitch
- Craft a compelling narrative
- Focus on traction and growth metrics
- Clearly articulate your competitive advantage
-
Prepare your materials
- Create an investor-ready pitch deck
- Develop a comprehensive data room
- Prepare detailed financial projections
-
Practice and refine
- Rehearse with mentors and peers
- Record and analyze your presentation
- Prepare for common investor questions
Track your application progress
Monitor accelerator partner engagement with your application materials:
- Get notified when partners review your deck
- Track engagement metrics
- Follow up strategically
- Protect sensitive information
Choosing your SF accelerator in 2025
San Francisco's accelerators and incubators remain the world's premier launchpad for ambitious startups. With acceptance rates as low as 1-2%, thorough preparation is crucial. Choose a program that aligns with your startup's stage and goals, prepare a compelling pitch, and use secure sharing tools to protect your IP during applications.
Remember: The right accelerator can dramatically accelerate your startup's growth - but only if you're ready to make the most of it.