What is an accelerator?
An accelerator is a fixed-length programme for early-stage startups, run in cohorts. You get some mix of investment, mentoring, a founder network, perks such as cloud credits and an introduction to investors, often at a demo day at the end. Most programmes last a few months.
In return, many accelerators invest in exchange for equity. Others are equity-free, funded by corporates, governments or universities.
The main types
Accelerator, incubator or venture studio?
| Type | Stage | Length | Typical deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerator | Early, often with a product or prototype | Fixed cohort, usually months | Investment for equity, or equity-free support |
| Incubator | Idea or very early | Often open-ended | Space and support; terms vary widely |
| Venture studio | The studio starts the company itself | Ongoing | The studio usually keeps a large stake |
The labels are used loosely. Compare the actual terms: money, equity, length, location and obligations.
How much equity do accelerators take?
It ranges from nothing to a meaningful slice of your company, and the structure matters as much as the percentage.
- Y Combinator invests $500,000: $125,000 converts into a fixed 7%, and $375,000 is invested on an uncapped MFN SAFE. YC's own worked example: if your next SAFEs are at a $15M post-money cap, the $375,000 converts to 2.5% [source].
- Entrepreneur First: Up to $250K investment once you form a company; $600K+ in credits (incl. $350K Azure).
- Equity-free: Physical AI Growth Lab lists Free, equity-free; up to €350K Microsoft Azure credits plus NVIDIA Inception credits and hardware discounts; NEXT AI 2027 cohort lists No equity, no funding (investor network access).
SAFEs. A SAFE (simple agreement for future equity) is an investment that converts into shares at a later priced round, usually subject to a valuation cap or discount. It was created by Y Combinator for US companies. UK-incorporated companies often use different instruments, so take legal advice on what you sign.
Who gets in?
- Stage and team. Some want a product and a technical co-founder: Physical AI Growth Lab asks for an MVP, a technical co-founder and 20 people or fewer. Others take individuals before company formation, like Entrepreneur First.
- Location. Many programmes are regional or need you to be there in person, e.g. BSC AI Factory Accelerator Programme, Call 1 is for AI-native startups in Spain and NEXT AI 2027 cohort for ventures incorporated in Canada.
- Focus. Read the thesis: sector focus, founder group or technology platform. 0G Apollo AI Accelerator, Cohort 2 is for founders building on 0G's AI infrastructure.
How applying works
- Shortlist by deadline and terms. Our accelerators list shows each programme's published terms and deadline.
- Read the deal first. Know what you'd give up, where you'd need to be, and for how long, before you apply.
- Write a clear application. Expect questions on what you're building, who it's for, evidence of progress, and why your team. Some ask for a short video.
- Interview. Shortlisted founders are usually interviewed, often briefly.
- Talk to alumni. Founders from past cohorts are the best source on what a programme is really worth.
When are the deadlines?
Most accelerators run one or two cohorts a year with a fixed deadline for each, and some review applications on a rolling basis before the deadline, so applying early can help. A few accept applications at any time. Programme start dates are usually one to three months after the deadline: Foundry3 Agentic AI Accelerator (women-led startups, 2027), for example, closes in February for a cohort starting in March.
How we check these listings
Every accelerator on advance.to links to the programme's own page and shows the date we last checked it. We quote deals as the programme states them and say when terms aren't published. More guides are in our guides hub. Read more on our about page.