Accelerators - Pre seed
Discover the best accelerator opportunities for pre seed.
Antler
Global early-stage investor providing $200–$250K for ~8–9% equity in a 6-week residency.
AngelPad
10-week accelerator (NYC/SF) offering $120K for 7% equity.
Betaworks AI Camp
$500K investment from a Betaworks-led syndicate for AI startups.
Founder Institute
16-week pre-seed accelerator/education program; participants share equity, often receive $10–$20K each.
Startup Wise Guys
Europe-wide accelerator (HQ Tallinn) providing up to €65K seed funding plus follow-on up to €300K.
Y Combinator X2026
Y Combinator X2026 is the Spring 2026 batch of the YC accelerator, supporting early-stage startups with funding, mentorship, and access to one of the world’s strongest founder networks.
Antler
Global early-stage investor providing $200–$250K for ~8–9% equity in a 6-week residency.
AngelPad
10-week accelerator (NYC/SF) offering $120K for 7% equity.
Betaworks AI Camp
$500K investment from a Betaworks-led syndicate for AI startups.
Founder Institute
16-week pre-seed accelerator/education program; participants share equity, often receive $10–$20K each.
Startup Wise Guys
Europe-wide accelerator (HQ Tallinn) providing up to €65K seed funding plus follow-on up to €300K.
Y Combinator X2026
Y Combinator X2026 is the Spring 2026 batch of the YC accelerator, supporting early-stage startups with funding, mentorship, and access to one of the world’s strongest founder networks.
What You'll Find
- Accelerator: Accelerators offer intensive programs designed to help startups grow rapidly through mentorship, funding, and access to networks.
- Average funding: $173k per opportunity
- Average duration: 3 months
- Pre seed: Early-stage pre-seed opportunities provide the foundational support needed to transform ideas into testable products and validate market fit.
Benefits
- Demo Day with major investors
- 5-month hybrid accelerator program
- $200–$250K investment (post-program)
- 6-week global residency with co-founder matching
- Living stipend during residency
Application Tips
- Research each program thoroughly to understand their specific requirements and what they're looking for
- Reach out to program alumni or current participants to gain insights into the application process
- Tailor your application to highlight how your project aligns with the program's goals and values
- Understand the time commitment required, as most accelerators are intensive full-time programs
- Prepare to move quickly, as accelerators often require rapid iteration and decision-making
Y Combinator X2026
Y Combinator X2026 is the Spring 2026 batch of the YC accelerator, supporting early-stage startups with funding, mentorship, and access to one of the world’s strongest founder networks.
Antler
Global early-stage investor providing $200–$250K for ~8–9% equity in a 6-week residency.
AngelPad
10-week accelerator (NYC/SF) offering $120K for 7% equity.
Betaworks AI Camp
$500K investment from a Betaworks-led syndicate for AI startups.
Startup Wise Guys
Europe-wide accelerator (HQ Tallinn) providing up to €65K seed funding plus follow-on up to €300K.
Founder Institute
16-week pre-seed accelerator/education program; participants share equity, often receive $10–$20K each.