Startup Accelerators in California

Discover 16+ startup accelerators in California. Find the perfect program for your startup's stage and industry.

16
Active Programs
$125K
Average Funding
7%
Average Equity
78%
Success Rate

California Accelerator Ecosystem

Ecosystem Overview

California ranks #1 globally for accelerator program quality, with 12 programs per 100,000 businesses—well above the national average.

The region has produced 145 successful accelerator exits valued at over $1B, creating a highly supportive funding environment for new startups.

Top Focus Areas

SaasFintechHealthcare

Market Insights

Application Trends

Applications up 25% YoY with focus on AI and climate tech startups

Competitive Landscape

Increasing competition with new programs launching quarterly

Hot Verticals

AI/MLClimate TechDigital HealthFintech

Accelerator Programs

California Tech Accelerator 1

California

15 weeks program

$214K
for 9% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-10-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 2

California

15 weeks program

$90K
for 6% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-02-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 3

California

14 weeks program

$123K
for 7% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-10-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 4

California

14 weeks program

$134K
for 8% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-06-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 5

California

12 weeks program

$62K
for 8% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-05-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 6

California

16 weeks program

$97K
for 10% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-08-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 7

California

17 weeks program

$244K
for 10% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-11-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 8

California

14 weeks program

$58K
for 6% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-01-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 9

California

12 weeks program

$143K
for 8% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-04-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 10

California

16 weeks program

$247K
for 7% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-07-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 11

California

15 weeks program

$108K
for 8% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-02-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 12

California

12 weeks program

$199K
for 6% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-11-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 13

California

15 weeks program

$240K
for 10% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-02-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 14

California

15 weeks program

$91K
for 10% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-07-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 15

California

15 weeks program

$209K
for 9% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-04-15Apply Now →

California Tech Accelerator 16

California

17 weeks program

$228K
for 10% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
Next Deadline: 2024-02-15Apply Now →

How to Get Accepted to California Accelerators

1. Program Research

  • • Study alumni companies and success stories
  • • Understand program focus and mentor network
  • • Analyze funding terms and equity requirements
  • • Check application deadlines and requirements

2. Application Preparation

  • • Craft compelling pitch deck (10-12 slides)
  • • Show traction with key metrics and growth
  • • Demonstrate strong founding team dynamics
  • • Articulate clear go-to-market strategy

3. Interview Success

  • • Practice pitch delivery and Q&A responses
  • • Show coachability and willingness to pivot
  • • Highlight unique insights about your market
  • • Connect with program alumni for insights

2025 Application Calendar

Upcoming Deadlines

Application Tips Timeline

8 weeks
Start researching programs and building your pitch deck
6 weeks
Connect with alumni and refine your application
4 weeks
Submit applications and prepare for interviews
2 weeks
Practice pitch delivery and follow up

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average acceptance rate for California accelerators?

California accelerator programs typically accept 1-3% of applicants, with top-tier programs like those offering $$125K having even more competitive rates. The key is applying to multiple programs that align with your startup's stage and industry focus.

How much equity do accelerators typically take?

Most California accelerators take between 6-8% equity for their investment and program value. The average in our database is 7%, which includes funding, mentorship, office space, and access to investor networks.

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