Hey there, present (or future) founder. If you're reading this article, you've probably heard of startup accelerators and incubators, programs that take up-and-coming and growing companies to the next level with financial assistance and business guidance. 

Many founders dream of getting into famous startup accelerators and incubators like the Y Combinator, Techstars, or StartX, which roll out the red carpet with support like mentors, funding, and access to a strong network.



The start-up world can be brutal, with 90% of start-ups failing completely . But with the right guidance and support, it's possible to be part of the small percentage that prospers.

In this article, we'll focus on the top 10 U.S. accelerator and incubator programs to help you scale your startup and join the small number of successful companies. 

Incubators vs. Accelerators: What's the Difference?

While startup incubators and accelerators share ' -ators' within their names, both are different, offering unique benefits and support.

Startup vs Accelerator Difference

• A startup accelerator works to grow and scale existing companies rapidly, providing support like mentorship and funding opportunities.
• A startup incubator supports early-stage startups develop their core business model, typically requiring long-term support.

Program Duration

• A startup accelerator program runs on short and fixed timelines, usually a few months.
• A startup incubator runs longer, allowing startup companies to develop their business independently without pressure.

Funding

• Accelerator programs offer significant seed funding, typically in exchange for equity.
• A startup incubator may offer a small amount of funding or access to resources like mentorship and a community network.

Focus

• Start up accelerators focus on rapidly scaling into markets and prioritize customer acquisition and funding.
• Startup incubators focus on building a business model for an early-stage company, focusing on market research, validating business ideas, and providing structure.

Top 10 Startup Accelerators and Incubators in the US

Choosing the right program requires research and identifying what stage of the startup process your company is in.

You can check out our startup accelerators and incubators page  on our website for more programs to explore.

Check out some of the top startup accelerators and incubators in the US:

1) Y Combinator

Located in Silicon Valley, Y Combinator is one of the most renowned accelerator programs globally, offering startups an investment of $500,000 in exchange for 7% equity. Over a three-month period, participating companies receive intensive mentorship, resources, and access to a vast network of alumni and investors.

Y Combinator has a successful record of supporting mega successful companies, making it a prized program for early-stage startups looking to scale rapidly.

The acceptance rate is between 1.5%-2%.

2) Techstars

Located in Colorado, Techstars offers startups a boost with investments of up to $120,000 for a 6% equity stake through their three-month accelerator program. Entrepreneurs who join Techstars tap into a vast global network of mentors, investors, and alumni, providing invaluable guidance and connections. Techstars is all about helping startups refine their business models, stimulating growth, and achieving significant milestones in just a few months.

And don't be fooled by their name. Techstars supports startups in various industries, not just tech startups.

3) 500 Startups

Based in California, 500 Startups provides startups with $150,000 in funding for a 6% equity stake through their four-month accelerator program. Known for its diverse portfolio and expansive global network, the program offers invaluable mentorship, marketing expertise, and access to a wide range of investors.

500 Startups is dedicated to backing scalable and innovative ventures, helping entrepreneurs fine-tune their strategies and effectively grow their market presence.

4) MassChallenge

Situated in Massachusetts, MassChallenge distinguishes itself by offering cash awards instead of taking equity from participating startups.   MassChallenge's three month program is highly competitive, giving startups access to a network of mentors, industry experts, and valuable resources - all without giving up any ownership of their company. MassChallenge supports early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries. 

5) SOSV

Based in New Jersey, SOSV provides investments ranging from $150,000 to $200,000 with variable equity terms, depending on the specific program.   The accelerator programs run for three to six months, focusing on startups in the hardware, biotech, and sustainability field.   

SOSV delivers hands-on support from a global network, assisting startups in scaling their businesses and leveraging the best resources out there, encouraging innovation.

6) Plug & Play Tech Center

Located in California, Plug and Play Tech Center offers investments between $50,000 and $250,000 for 1%-5% equity, depending on the startup's needs and stage. With variable program lengths, Plug and Play provides extensive resources, including mentorship, office space, and access to a vast network of corporate partners and investors.

The accelerator specializes in various industries, including fintech, health, and mobility, helping startups connect with potential clients and partners to accelerate their growth.

7) Innovation Works

Based in Pennsylvania, Innovation Works invests between $100,000 and $150,000 with variable equity terms, tailored to each startup's requirements. The program length varies, offering flexibility to accommodate the unique needs of different ventures.

Innovation Works focuses on fostering local entrepreneurship by providing startups with funding, mentorship, and resources to drive innovation and economic growth within the region, supporting both budding and established tech hubs.

8) Alchemist Accelerator

Located in California, Alchemist Accelerator provides startups with a $25,000 investment with variable equity terms over a six-month program. Alchemist is dedicated to enterprise startups, offering in-depth mentorship, access to a network of industry leaders, and opportunities to connect with investors.

The program emphasizes building robust business models and scaling operations, making it ideal for founders focused on B2B ventures and long-term growth.

9) StartX (Stanford)

Based in California, StartX is affiliated with Stanford University and offers startups access to over $1 million in resources without taking any equity. The program length is variable, allowing startups to engage with the accelerator based on their specific growth needs.

StartX provides a supportive community, mentorship from Stanford alumni, and access to cutting-edge research and technologies, fostering innovation and long-term success for its participants.

10) AngelPad

With locations in California and NYC, AngelPad offers startups $120,000 in investment with variable equity terms through a three-month program. AngelPad is known for its intensive mentorship and hands-on approach, guiding founders through product development, market fit, and fundraising strategies.

The accelerator boasts a strong network of alumni and investors, providing startups with the connections needed to accelerate their growth and secure further funding.

Latino Startup Accelerators and Incubators

Here are two Latino startup accelerator and incubator programs to check out.

Google for Startups Accelerator: Latino Founders

This equity-free, ten-week program aids Seed to Series A startups in or operating within Spanish-speaking Latin America.   Partner with Google and gain access to technical collaborations, mentorship from seasoned experts, and valuable product credits.   

AWS Impact Accelerator: Latino Founders

The AWS Impact Accelerator Latino Founders is an 8-week, equity-free accelerator program based in the United States, specifically tailored for innovative pre-seed U.S.-based tech startups or tech-enabled startups beyond ideation with a fully-developed MVP or launched product.

This program focuses on empowering Latino entrepreneurs by providing access to AWS's cutting-edge technology stack to accelerate their cloud-based businesses. Participants receive comprehensive mentorship from industry experts, opportunities to network with potential investors, and support refining their business strategies.

The program offers Latino founders $225,000 in cash for qualifying startups and AWS Activate credits, an extensive and individually curated training curriculum, mentoring, and technical guidance.

Startup Accelerators and Incubators: Apply Today

Kick-start your search for startup accelerators and incubators with this list as your guide. Whether you're looking for insight from experienced pros, potential investment opportunities, or just a supportive community of fellow founders, these programs have you covered.

You can check out our startup accelerators and incubators page  on our website for more programs to explore.

FAQs

What is the most popular startup accelerator?

The most famous startup accelerator in the United States is Y Combinator. Many well-known tech startups and company giants, such as Airbnb, Reddit, DoorDash, and Coinbase, went through Y Combinator. To date, Y Combinator has funded over 5,000 startups.

The application process for Y Combinator includes an online submission and answering questions about your startup related to:

• Problem and solution.
• Team.
• Market size.
• Traction.
• Financial models.

Are accelerators good for startups?

Startup accelerators are good for early stage startups seeking rapid expansion and growth into new markets. Accelerators are good for funding opportunities, mentorship, and access to a community of other business leaders, venture capitalists, and industry experts to scale your company further. It's worth exploring both startup accelerators and incubators and evaluate what your company needs.