Top 20 Startup Accelerators Worldwide in 2025

In 2025, startup accelerators continue to play a pivotal role in scaling early-stage ventures by offering mentorship, funding, and global networks. Here are the Top 20 Startup Accelerators Worldwide, selected for their reach, track record, and founder support.

Leading Global Accelerators

1. Y Combinator
   Perhaps the most renowned accelerator, YC has launched thousands of successful startups, including Airbnb, Dropbox, and Stripe. Startup SavantEqvista

2. Techstars
   A global accelerator with programs across multiple continents, offering mentorship, funding, and robust networks. Wikipedia

3. 500 Global (formerly 500 Startups)
   A multi-stage accelerator investing in early-stage technology startups across sectors and geographies. Eqvista

4. Plug and Play Tech Center
   Often the most active global accelerator in deal volume, it supports thousands of startups across tech sectors annually. Wikipedia

5. Google for Startups Accelerator
   Provides focused acceleration, technical training, and up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits. Google for Startups

6. SOSV (via IndieBio and other verticals)
   A global deep-tech accelerator funding startups in biotechnology, hardware, and climate tech. Eqvista

7. MassChallenge
   An equity-free accelerator providing mentorship and resources across global locations and sectors. Eqvista

8. StartX (Stanford-affiliated)
   A nonprofit accelerator with deep Stanford ecosystem ties, supporting later-stage founders without taking equity. Wikipedia

9. Founder Institute
   A pre-seed accelerator in over 200 cities worldwide, helping early founders build and launch their companies. Wikipedia

10. Berkeley SkyDeck
    An accelerator linked to UC Berkeley, offering funding, mentorship, and demo day exposure in Silicon Valley. Wikipedia

Notable Regional & Sector-Specific Accelerators

11. HighTechXL (Netherlands)
    A top-ranked deep-tech venture builder in Europe, backed by industry giants like ASML and Philips. Wikipedia

12. Founders Factory
    A UK-based hub facilitating startup growth through tech, corporate partnerships, and investor networks. Financial Times

13. Station F (France)
    One of Europe’s largest startup campuses, offering equity-light acceleration and hosting AI-focused cohorts. Business Insider

14. Newchip Accelerator
    A broad-reaching accelerator supporting startups globally through remote programs and founder-friendly funding. Eqvista

15. European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator
    A European Union-supported accelerator aiding startups in biotech, healthcare, and deep-tech sectors. Eqvista

16. VentureOut
    An accelerator program supporting global startups in international expansion strategies. Eqvista

17. Start-Up Chile
    A prominent South American accelerator offering equity-free support and global exposure for startups. Eqvista

18. AngelPad
    A high-impact U.S. accelerator known for strong exit rates and hands-on founder mentorship. betaboom.com

19. Amplify.LA
    A U.S. accelerator focused on digital media, consumer, and entertainment startups—especially in the LA area. Startup Savant

20. AngelPad (sic — already listed, so replacing)
    Endless Frontier Labs — A U.S. accelerator tied to the National Science Foundation, supporting deep-tech innovation across sectors. Startup Savant

Accelerator Snapshot

When selecting an accelerator, consider your startup’s stage, sector, and growth goals. Programs like Y Combinator and Techstars are ideal for scaling quickly, while initiatives like Station F or Endless Frontier Labs may serve niche or regional priorities.

To strengthen your applications and fundraising, equip yourself with tools like Peony. Peony offers AI-powered document organization, branded data rooms, and investor engagement analytics that help you present polished materials to every accelerator with confidence.