Cybersecurity Startup Accelerators in California

Apply to 22+ accelerator programs funding Cybersecurity startups in California. Compare funding, equity, and success rates.

22
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

CybersecuritySaasFintech

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

Cybersecurity Accelerator Programs

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 1

California

16 weeks program

$218K
for 7% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 2

California

15 weeks program

$155K
for 7% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 3

California

14 weeks program

$136K
for 6% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 4

California

17 weeks program

$67K
for 9% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 5

California

13 weeks program

$130K
for 10% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 6

California

12 weeks program

$106K
for 9% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
)
Next Deadline: 2024-12-15Apply Now →

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 7

California

14 weeks program

$240K
for 8% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
)
Next Deadline: 2024-09-15Apply Now →

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 8

California

14 weeks program

$217K
for 6% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 9

California

12 weeks program

$203K
for 9% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 10

California

15 weeks program

$89K
for 8% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
)
Next Deadline: 2024-03-15Apply Now →

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 11

California

12 weeks program

$71K
for 7% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 12

California

16 weeks program

$174K
for 9% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 13

California

12 weeks program

$52K
for 8% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 14

California

15 weeks program

$63K
for 10% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 15

California

15 weeks program

$151K
for 10% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 16

California

12 weeks program

$220K
for 8% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 17

California

16 weeks program

$192K
for 6% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 18

California

12 weeks program

$187K
for 6% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 19

California

13 weeks program

$157K
for 8% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
)
Next Deadline: 2024-09-15Apply Now →

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 20

California

12 weeks program

$229K
for 7% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 21

California

16 weeks program

$89K
for 8% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Cybersecurity Accelerator 22

California

16 weeks program

$230K
for 10% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

CybersecurityEnterprise Software
3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
)
Next Deadline: 2024-06-15Apply 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.

What do Cybersecurity accelerators look for in startups?

Cybersecurity accelerators in California typically prioritize strong technical teams, defensible technology or business models, clear market validation, and founders with deep domain expertise in cybersecurity.

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Related Resources

Last updated: 12/8/2025 | Data sources: Program websites, Crunchbase, accelerator reports |About our data

Cybersecurity Accelerators 2025 | Top Programs for Cybersecurity Startups