4 startup accelerators for founders to win up to $150,000 and work with mentors from anywhere in the world

Capital Factory Accelerator
Capital Factory will receive stock worth 1% of the company and has the right to invest in the company’s next big round of funding. Luis Alvarez
  • Accelerators are bountiful opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to scale their business, connect with mentors, and score potential funding.
  • That's especially true now as venture capital investments for early-stage startups have slowed down since the pandemic, presenting a challenge for burgeoning companies.
  • Business Insider found virtual accelerators that are accepting applications this year. Some offer hefty investments up to $150,000 while others connect startups with prominent companies in their industry for collaboration opportunities.
  • Check back periodically as this calendar will be updated with new information.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
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Accelerators are bountiful opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to scale their business, connect with mentors, and score potential funding. 

That's especially true now as venture capital investments for early-stage startups have slowed down since the pandemic, presenting a challenge for burgeoning companies, according to a newly-released report from Pitchbook

Below is a living list of accelerators that we will update as deadlines pass. If you think there's an accelerator we should include, please get in touch via email

Last updated: Jan. 28

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February 28: Techstars Sports Accelerator

Basketball game crowd
Sports tech startups that are focused on aspects such as new technologies and business models should apply. gmcoop/Getty Images

Website: https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/indy-sports

Deadline: Feb. 28, 2021

Emphasis: Sports tech startups that are focused on aspects such as new technologies and business models.

Eligibility: Sports-related startups.

Investment: Techstars typically offers up to $120,000 for 6% equity in a company.

Time commitment: Three months

Notable alumni: Workout schedule platform ZoneIn, Bluetooth-connected sneaker Reza, swimmer metrics tracker SensSwim.

Mentors: Vasu Kulkarni, managing partner at Courtside Ventures, and Chevonae Walcott, analyst at Relay Ventures

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March 31: MassChallenge Texas

vlogger entrepreneur
MassChallenge gives away $1 million in cash prices and scholarships without taking any equity. PeopleImages/Getty Images

Website: https://masschallenge.org/programs-texas

Deadline: March 31, 2021

Emphasis: Startups focused on safety and security, space commercialization, and sports tech.

Eligibility: High-impact startups that can demonstrate some progress or traction.

Investment: MassChallenge gives away $1 million in cash prices and scholarships without taking any equity.

Time commitment: Four months

Notable alumni: Flood protection system FloodFrame, cement sensing technology creator Sensytec, and mentoring software the Mentor Method.

Mentors: John Nordby, managing director of MassChallenge Texas, and Lauren Mitchell, senior manager of programs and operations.

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Rolling: 500 Startups' Flagship San Francisco Accelerator

500 starups
The deadline for this accelerator rolls throughout the year. MoMo Productions

Website: https://500.co/accelerators/san-francisco

Deadline: Rolling 

Emphasis: Startups located anywhere in the world that aim to scale. 

Eligibility: None listed. 

Investment: Companies receive an investment of $150,000, which is structured as a convertible security, for about 6% of the business. 

Time commitment: 4 months 

Notable alumni: Cloud-based contact center Talkdesk, affordable jewelry seller Mejuri, and software shipping company Shippo. 

Mentors: Not listed on the website.

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Rolling: Dreamit Ventures On Demand Accelerator

Dreamit Ventures On Demand Accelerator
Eligible startups should have at least six months of runway when entering the Dreamit program. Taiyou Nomachi

Website: https://www.dreamit.com/

Deadline: Rolling 

Emphasis: Startups that are ready to scale and have early revenue or pilots. Dreamit Ventures has three programs designed for healthcare tech, urban tech, and security tech. 

Eligibility: Startups should also have at least six months of runway when entering the Dreamit program. 

Investment: Dreamit has the right to invest up to $500,000 for a small amount of equity. 

Time commitment: 3.5 months

Notable alumni: Ticket startup SeatGeek, social networking service Houseparty, and AI-powered investment platform Cherre. 

Mentors: Depending on the emphasis, founders can work with serial entrepreneur Adam Dakin or founder and angel investor Andrew Ackerman.

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