10 Startup Business Accelerator Programs

If you’re an entrepreneur with a bold idea and a drive to grow fast, a business accelerator might be the launchpad you need. Unlike traditional fellowships that often focus on academic or policy work, accelerators are short-term, intensive programs designed to help startups refine their product, connect with mentors and investors, and raise early-stage funding. Many accelerators offer seed capital, equity-free support, or valuable perks like office space and expert coaching. Whether you’re building a tech company or a mission-driven venture, these 10 top accelerator programs provide powerful resources to help you scale smarter and faster.

Y Combinator Startup Accelerator Program

Y Combinator is a globally renowned startup accelerator that supports early-stage companies through funding, mentorship, and a powerful founder community. The in-person program, held in San Francisco, runs for approximately three months and includes weekly meetups, expert talks, and one-on-one guidance from experienced General Partners who are former founders. YC invests in accepted startups through equity and SAFE notes, and founders are placed into small peer groups for additional support. The program culminates in investor introductions, but YC and its alumni network support continue long after the program ends.

HAX Hard Tech Startup Development Program

The HAX program is a venture-backed accelerator designed for hard tech startups tackling major human and planetary health challenges. Tailored for founders with a working prototype, customer insight, and bold vision, HAX offers more than capital, it provides deep engineering support, business development, design, and marketing resources. HAX helps founders accelerate technical progress and reach critical milestones. Participants benefit from ongoing funding, including over $25 million in follow-on investments annually, and gain exposure through global initiatives like the Human Health 100 and Climate Tech Summit.

FoundersBoost Pre-accelerator Program

FoundersBoost is a no-cost, equity-free pre-accelerator that helps early-stage tech startups prepare for accelerators, investment, and revenue. This six-week, mentor-led program provides targeted business development, fundraising, and pitching support twice a year across North America, Europe, and Africa. With over 500 startups served and $245 million raised to date, FoundersBoost has a strong record of success, particularly in supporting underrepresented founders, who make up 56% of its alumni. The program connects founders to a global community, practical resources, and top accelerators such as Y Combinator, Techstars, and Plug and Play, equipping them with the tools to grow and thrive.

PearX Accelerator Program

PearX is a selective 12-week accelerator designed for pre-seed startups, offering tailored support to help founders build strong teams, land their first customers, and prepare for fundraising. Backed by Pear VC, the program invests between $250,000 and $2 million per company, with 90% of participants successfully raising follow-on capital. Founders benefit from one-on-one mentorship with experienced partners and access to a vibrant founder community. They also get to use the Pear Studio, a fully equipped 30,000 square foot workspace in San Francisco, free for six months. Additional perks include over $1 million in credits from providers like Microsoft and OpenAI, help hiring key team members, and a Demo Day featuring top-tier investors.

Founder Institute Core Program

The FI Core Program is a structured, 14-week pre-seed accelerator designed for early-stage founders, including solo entrepreneurs, small teams, and those transitioning from full-time jobs. Through weekly growth sprints, live feedback sessions, and mentor guidance, participants validate ideas, build products, and prepare for investment. The program offers three tailored tracks to meet startups at different stages of development. With a global network spanning over 100 countries and alumni who have raised more than $1.85 billion, FI Core supports founders with lifelong access to mentors, investor connections, and follow-on resources. It charges a flat entrance fee with no equity requirement and focuses on helping serious founders turn early ideas into fundable businesses.

AngelPad Seed-Stage Accelerator Program

AngelPad is a highly selective seed-stage accelerator based in San Francisco and New York, known for launching over 150 companies since 2010. The Seed Accelerator Rankings Project consistently ranks them the #1 U.S. accelerator. Every six months, around 15 startups are chosen from thousands of applicants to participate in an intensive three-month program focused on product-market fit, customer validation, and fundraising readiness. With an average funding of over $14 million per company and a portfolio that includes major exits like Postmates and Pipedrive, AngelPad combines early investment with hands-on support from its founders. Startups receive close mentorship, work side-by-side with top Silicon Valley figures, and gain access to a powerful network of investors and advisors.

MassChallenge Global Early Stage Accelerators

MassChallenge is a global, zero-equity accelerator that supports early-stage startups across industries like Healthcare, FinTech, Climate, Security & Resiliency, and Sustainable Food. MassChallenge connects founders to a vast network of mentors, investors, and partners through tailored, industry-specific programs, helping them refine their business models, validate products, and scale. Programs are intensive yet flexible, combining virtual learning with in-person events in cities like Boston and Dallas. Startups receive personalized mentorship, exposure to corporate partners, and access to over $2.5 million in perks while retaining 100% ownership.

The Plug and Play Startup Accelerator Programs

Plug and Play’s startup accelerator programs are industry-focused, three-month experiences designed to drive business development by connecting early-stage companies with top global corporations. Unlike traditional accelerators, these programs require no equity, allowing startups to grow on their terms while accessing key resources like curated dealflow meetings, over 800 annual networking events, co-working space, and high-visibility expos and summits. Startups benefit from private 1:1 partner pitches, exposure to thousands of industry professionals, and focused programming facilitating meaningful collaboration. Plug and Play helps startups fast-track innovation and scale through powerful corporate partnerships.

The 500 Global Flagship Accelerator Program

500 Global’s Flagship Accelerator is a four-month, in-person program in Silicon Valley designed to help early-stage startups grow rapidly and strategically. Founders receive a $150,000 seed investment in exchange for 6% equity, with program fees deducted from the investment. Participants join a global community of over 5,000 founders and 400 mentors and gain access to a hands-on curriculum focused on growth, fundraising, go-to-market strategies, and product-market fit. The program includes mentorship from experienced operators, expert-led sessions, and valuable connections to investors and corporate partners. Founders also benefit from exclusive resources through the 500 FounderHub, which offers tools, credits, and ongoing support.

Miller Center Accelerator Program

The Miller Center for Global Impact offers a highly respected, Silicon Valley-based accelerator for mission-driven social enterprises focused on women’s economic empowerment and climate resilience. This investment readiness program helps leaders of proven impact models develop customized action plans to scale their organizations and attract next-level funding. Through expert mentorship, leadership coaching, and a structured curriculum, participants gain the tools and networks needed to overcome barriers to growth. The program is delivered virtually and accepts applications on a rolling basis, with limited cohort space to ensure personalized support. Ideal for social entrepreneurs ready to deepen their impact, the Miller Center Accelerator equips founders to grow sustainable ventures that drive global change.

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