Accelerators are companies that offer support services and funding opportunities for startups. They typically work by enrolling startups in programs that offer mentorship, office space, and supply chain resources. Accelerators have been exploding in popularity because they are designed to provide the best of both worlds for startups as well as investors.
Companies based outside the US may be hoping to use their accelerator experience to relocate and set their company up in the US after completing the program. Therefore, accelerators are often asked whether companies applying to a US accelerator need to be based in the US and if the founders must be US citizens.
While each accelerator is different and you’ll want to do your own homework, many accelerators are very open to international companies. Post-pandemic, many accelerators have expanded their programs to be remote or hybrid, further increasing access for startups worldwide, and making it easier for international founders to participate without relocating. For instance, on average, 30% to 40% of every batch of 500 Startup companies are international.
International startup founders participating in US accelerators must be in the country legally, of course, but that has typically not been an issue, according to Y Combinator. For those companies that were started outside the US, Y Combinator will even help them convert to become a US company. And while some accelerators will not directly assist with obtaining visas or immigration, they will generally reach into their extensive contacts and program alumni around the world to help companies obtain visas and resolve immigration issues.
There are hundreds of accelerators around the US. If you’re ready to learn more and want to find one that’s right for your company – whether you are based in the US or not – here’s a list of some of our favorites to help you whittle it down.
Y Combinator: Twice a year, Y Combinator invests $500k in a new batch of startups. The chosen startups move to Silicon Valley for 3 months, during which time Y Combinator works intensively with them to get each company into the best possible shape, with a refined pitch for investors. Contact Y Combinator
500 Global: 500 Startups, founded in 2010 by Dave McClure and Christine Tsai, is an early-stage venture fund and seed accelerator, emphasizing mentorship and investment in emerging markets.. Based in Silicon Valley, they invest in a variety of technology startups all over the world, and over 1,400 companies have gone through their program. Their team of 100 people manage investments in 18 countries and speak over 20 languages. Contact 500 Global
Alchemist: The Alchemist accelerator is exclusively for startups whose revenue comes from enterprises, not consumers. The accelerator provides startup capital investments of around $60,000. They focus on customer development, sales, market validation, and a structured path to fundraising. Contact Alchemist
Amplify LA: Amplify is a hands-on startup accelerator and business campus in Los Angeles. They provide seed funding, access to additional capital, and an educated team of mentors. Companies they take through the program usually receive $100k-$300k in funding. Contact Amplify LA
AngelPad: AngelPad, launched in 2010 by Thomas Korte and his wife Carine Magescas, is an American startup company. Every 6 months they select about 12 teams from a large pool of applicants to work with them. They have raised an incredible $880 million in funding. Contact AngelPad
MuckerLab: MuckerLab has a very hands-on approach, and works with no more than ten companies per year. They invest at the earliest stage of a company’s life-cycle, they help existing businesses improve their strategies, and they work with companies to create independent new ventures. MuckerLab companies have raised over $500 million to date from some of the top investors in the world. Contact MuckerLab
StartX: StartX is an educational non-profit that helps Stanford’s top entrepreneurs as well as non-Stanford entrepreneurs with compelling ideas or connections to the ecosystem. StartX funds a wide range of industries and has an average per company funding rate of over $6.5M. StartX includes mentorship from over 200 entrepreneurs, including individuals from LinkedIn, Google, Twitter, and Johnson & Johnson. Contact StartX
Techstars: Techstars, a mentorship-driven startup accelerator, holds 13 week programs for startups in major cities including Boulder, New York City, Seattle, and Berlin. Techstars’ focus includes specialized verticals like sustainability, health, and fintech, alongside general tech accelerators. Techstars has had over 1000 companies in its program. Together, these companies have raised over $3.3 billion. However, fewer than 1% of the companies that apply to Techstars are accepted. Contact Techstars
Gener8tor: Gener8tor, founded in 2012 in Wisconsin, is a nationally ranked accelerator that invests in high-growth startups. Industries they fund include software, IT, web, e-commerce and hardware. Three times per year, each of the 5 accepted startups receive up to $140k and 12 weeks of mentorship-driven programming. Contact Gener8tor
U. Chicago New Venture Challenge: Launched in 1996, the Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge (NVC) is the premier start-up launch program run by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. An immersive, experiential learning program, the NVC helps students turn their ideas into viable businesses. Contact NVC
Skydeck: Formed as a partnership between the UC Berkley Haas School of Business, the College of Engineering, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, SkyDeck combines the consulting know-how of traditional accelerators with the vast resources of its research university. Funding of up to $100k is available in exchange for 5% equity. Contact Skydeck
Plug and Play Tech Center: A global innovation platform with locations in Silicon Valley and over 40 other locations. They run multiple programs across various industries and emphasize international partnerships. Contact Plug and Play
This selection of accelerators represents some of the best offered in the United States and it’s worth your time investigating to determine if they would potentially be a good match for your company. Whether you are based in the US or in another country, if you plan to go back home or relocate once your program ends, accelerators are a great way to introduce you to new partners, mentors, investors, cities, and even countries.
About Globig
If you have international offices with employees and business teams focused on foreign markets, the Globig platform is a must for saving valuable time and money, and for managing risk. Join Globig today. We’re here to help.
