If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur looking to fast-track your startup’s growth, joining an accelerator program can be one of the most strategic moves you make. Startup accelerators provide funding, mentorship, a network of investors, and tailored resources to help you scale your business faster than you might on your own. With hundreds of programs worldwide, knowing which one aligns with your startup’s vision can be overwhelming.
To make your search easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 accelerators to apply for in 2025. These programs cater to diverse industries, from deep tech to fintech, and offer invaluable opportunities for founders.
1. 500 Global Flagship Accelerator
Location: Palo Alto, California
Investment: $150,000 for a 6% equity stake (with $37,500 program fees deducted from investment)
500 Global (formerly 500 Startups) has been a pioneer in the startup accelerator space since 2010. Their four-month flagship program is designed to help early-stage startups achieve scalable growth. It offers a founder-focused curriculum, mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, and access to a global network of 5,000+ founders and 400+ mentors.
Participants benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes customer discovery, product-market fit, go-to-market strategies, and fundraising. The program’s network also extends globally, providing insights into diverse markets. Whether you’re a tech startup looking for funding or want to access growth hacks from the best in the business, this accelerator is worth considering.
2. Boost VC
Location: San Mateo, California
Investment: $50,000 for 3% equity (Founder Start program) or up to $500,000 for pre-seed rounds
Boost VC stands out as the most active investor in deep tech and frontier technology startups. They’ve supported over 300 startups since their inception 12 years ago, with a focus on industries such as blockchain, AI, robotics, and VR/AR.
Their unique Founder Start program is designed to help budding deep tech founders take the leap, offering $50,000 in funding for 3% equity. Whether you’re brainstorming your first idea or transitioning from academia, Boost VC creates an ideal low-friction environment to kickstart your journey. If you’re looking to work on cutting-edge technologies, this is the place to be.
3. Seedcamp Nation
Location: London, UK
Focus: Early-stage startups with global ambitions
Seedcamp has been a launchpad for some of Europe’s biggest startups, including Revolut, UiPath, and Synthesia. The program provides a powerful support platform that connects founders with its expansive network of investors, operators, and mentors from across Europe and the US.
Seedcamp’s in-house team assists with everything from finding your first hires to developing your go-to-market strategy. Their alumni community, “Seedcamp Nation,” offers unparalleled peer support, making it a standout choice for founders aiming for international expansion. With a proven track record of nurturing unicorns, this accelerator is ideal for startups ready to think globally.
4. Entrepreneur First (EF)
Location: Global (offices in London, Singapore, Berlin, and more)
Focus: Exceptional individuals with the potential to build transformative companies
Entrepreneur First takes a unique approach by focusing on individuals rather than ideas. They back founders before their companies exist, helping them find co-founders, develop their ideas, and secure funding from top investors.
The program has produced remarkable success stories, such as Gensyn, which closed a $43 million Series A round just three years after its founders met on the EF program. If you’re an ambitious individual with a thirst for impact but no clear path yet, EF can help you transition into entrepreneurship and build something extraordinary.
5. Plug and Play Tech Center
Location: Sunnyvale, California
Focus: Industry-specific innovation
Plug and Play is more than just an accelerator—it’s a global innovation platform connecting startups with corporations, investors, and industry leaders. The program focuses on fostering innovation within large organizations by matching them with startups that solve their unique challenges.
Plug and Play’s ecosystem spans over 40 industries, including fintech, health, retail, and supply chain. Their network is vast, with numerous corporate partners, ensuring startups have a robust platform to test and scale their ideas. If you’re looking for strategic collaborations with leading corporations, this is the accelerator for you.
6. Arc by Sequoia Capital
Location: Global (Spring cohort in Silicon Valley; Fall cohort location varies)
Focus: Pre-seed and seed-stage startups
Sequoia Capital’s Arc program is a five-week immersion designed to help early-stage founders establish strong company foundations. Participants gain access to Sequoia’s 50+ years of experience in building category-defining companies and a curated community of outlier founders.
The program includes proprietary workshops on essential topics like company building, fundraising, and scaling. Founders also benefit from Sequoia’s unparalleled network of mentors, peers, and investors. With a track record of backing legendary startups, Arc is an excellent choice for ambitious founders seeking long-term success.
7. Y Combinator (YC)
Location: Mountain View, California
Investment: $500,000 (safe note: $125,000 for 7%, $375,000 on uncapped SAFE)
No list of accelerators would be complete without mentioning Y Combinator. YC has been instrumental in shaping the startup ecosystem, with alumni like Airbnb, Stripe, and Dropbox. Their three-month program provides funding, mentorship, and a platform to refine your pitch for Demo Day, where you’ll present to a room full of investors.
YC’s no-nonsense approach focuses on building a great product and talking to users. Their community of founders is one of the most influential in the world, making YC a must-consider for startups looking to make a global impact.
8. Techstars
Location: Global (various cities worldwide)
Investment: $120,000 for 6% equity
Techstars runs over 50 accelerator programs globally, catering to a wide range of industries. Their three-month programs provide funding, mentorship, and access to a vast network of investors and corporate partners.
What sets Techstars apart is its hands-on approach. Founders receive tailored support to refine their product, develop a go-to-market strategy, and secure additional funding. With its strong focus on community and collaboration, Techstars is an excellent choice for startups in various industries.
9. Antler
Location: Global (offices in over 25 cities)
Focus: Early-stage founders and teams
Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm that invests in exceptional individuals and teams. They provide funding, mentorship, and a structured program to help founders build and scale their startups from scratch.
What makes Antler unique is its focus on assembling diverse teams. They help individuals find co-founders with complementary skills and provide resources to validate ideas and build MVPs. If you’re a first-time founder looking for a supportive ecosystem, Antler is worth exploring.
10. MassChallenge
Location: Global (Boston, Switzerland, Israel, and more)
Focus: High-impact, zero-equity startups
MassChallenge stands out as a zero-equity accelerator, meaning they don’t take a stake in your company. Their programs focus on high-impact startups across industries, providing mentorship, access to resources, and opportunities to connect with investors and partners.
With a strong emphasis on community and collaboration, MassChallenge is ideal for startups looking for support without sacrificing equity.
The right accelerator can be a game-changer for your startup, providing the resources and network needed to achieve exponential growth. Whether you’re working on deep tech, fintech, or a consumer-facing product, there’s an accelerator program tailored to your needs. Take the time to research and align your goals with the program’s offerings. The applications for these top accelerators in 2025 are opening soon—don’t miss your chance to take your startup to the next level.
