Top 10 Startup Accelerators in Austin in 2025
Sep 8, 2025
Austin—nicknamed “Silicon Hills”—has become one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in the U.S. With its strong talent pool, university connections, and supportive business environment, the city is home to a wide variety of accelerators. Here are the Top 10 startup accelerators in Austin in 2025 that are helping founders scale their ideas into high-growth companies.
1. Capital Factory
Known as the “center of gravity for entrepreneurs in Texas,” Capital Factory offers a 12-week accelerator program with mentorship, coworking, and access to investors. Founders can also benefit from over $250,000 in cloud and hosting credits in exchange for 1% equity.
2. Sputnik ATX
Sputnik ATX runs a 13-week program combining $100,000 in seed funding with training, mentorship, and sales-focused support to help founders gain traction quickly.
3. DivInc
A diversity-focused accelerator, DivInc provides a 12-week program for underrepresented founders. Startups benefit from mentorship, community, and access to funding opportunities.
4. SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
SKU is the nation’s first accelerator focused on consumer product startups, with special emphasis on food & beverage, pet care, and women- or minority-led businesses.
5. Austin Technology Incubator (ATI)
Part of the University of Texas at Austin, ATI helps deep-tech startups commercialize academic research and innovations, making it the longest-running university-affiliated incubator in the U.S.
6. MassChallenge Texas
An equity-free accelerator that supports high-impact startups across industries. MassChallenge provides global connections, mentorship, and cash prizes—without taking ownership in the companies.
7. International Accelerator
A unique 12-month program designed for foreign-born entrepreneurs who want to launch their companies in the U.S. It provides seed funding, office space, mentorship, and strategic connections.
8. Texas Venture Labs (TVL)
Based at UT Austin, TVL offers early-stage companies access to graduate student teams who provide market research, analysis, and business strategy support—all equity-free.
9. Founder Institute Austin
Part of a global accelerator network, Founder Institute Austin helps pre-seed startups through a structured curriculum and mentorship, focusing on transforming ideas into scalable companies.
10. Techstars Austin Accelerator
One of the most prestigious accelerator programs worldwide, Techstars Austin offers $120,000 in seed funding, three months of intensive mentorship, and access to the global Techstars network.
Summary Table
Accelerator | Key Focus / Benefits |
---|---|
Capital Factory | 12-week program, deep Texas network, $250K credits |
Sputnik ATX | $100K funding, traction and sales growth focus |
DivInc | Diversity-focused, underrepresented founders |
SKU | Consumer product startups, minority-led ventures |
Austin Technology Incubator | Deep-tech and university research commercialization |
MassChallenge Texas | Equity-free, high-impact, global reach |
International Accelerator | Foreign-born entrepreneurs launching in the U.S. |
Texas Venture Labs | Market research and strategy, equity-free |
Founder Institute Austin | Pre-seed curriculum, global mentorship |
Techstars Austin Accelerator | $120K seed funding, global network, intensive program |
Austin’s startup ecosystem in 2025 offers a wide range of accelerators—each with its own strengths. Whether you’re a pre-seed founder, an international entrepreneur, or a team ready to scale, Austin has a program tailored to your journey.
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