What's the average check size?

The average check size for Machine Learning startups is $4.2M.

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Who Funds Machine Learning Startups?

Discover 26 funding sources for Machine Learning startups: VC funds, accelerators, and free resources.

VC Funds

Accelerators

Free Programs

$4.2M

Avg Check Size

Machine Learning Funding Landscape

Market Overview

The machine learning sector has 26 active funding sources globally, with funding trends showing steady growth with increased focus on sustainable business models.

Competition level is moderately competitive, making it moderately competitive with good opportunities for quality startups in this space.

Success Factors

Strong technical team with domain expertise

Clear market validation and traction metrics

Defensible technology or business model

Large addressable market opportunity

Experienced advisors and mentors

Funding Strategy

Recommended Approach

• Start with free resources to minimize operational costs
• Apply to industry-specific accelerators for mentorship
• Build relationships with VCs before you need funding
• Focus on funds with relevant portfolio companies

Timing Considerations

• Allow 3-6 months for fundraising process
• Accelerator applications have seasonal deadlines
• VC funding often correlates with market cycles
• Free programs can be accessed year-round

VC Funds Investing in Machine Learning

Machine Learning Ventures 1

Multi-location

seed stage focus

$8M

Check Size

Investment Focus

Machine LearningSaasEnterprise Software

Recent Machine Learning Investments

TechCorp, StartupAI

Learn More →

Machine Learning Ventures 2

Multi-location

series-a stage focus

$2M

Check Size

Investment Focus

Machine LearningSaas

Recent Machine Learning Investments

TechCorp, StartupAI

Learn More →

Machine Learning Ventures 3

Multi-location

series-a stage focus

$8M

Check Size

Investment Focus

Machine LearningSaasEnterprise Software

Recent Machine Learning Investments

TechCorp, StartupAI

Learn More →

Machine Learning Ventures 4

Multi-location

seed stage focus

$6M

Check Size

Investment Focus

Machine LearningSaasEnterprise Software

Recent Machine Learning Investments

TechCorp, StartupAI

Learn More →

Machine Learning Ventures 5

Multi-location

seed stage focus

$3M

Check Size

Investment Focus

Machine LearningSaas

Recent Machine Learning Investments

TechCorp

Learn More →

Machine Learning Ventures 6

Multi-location

series-a stage focus

$8M

Check Size

Investment Focus

Machine LearningSaas

Recent Machine Learning Investments

TechCorp

Learn More →

Machine Learning Ventures 7

Multi-location

series-b stage focus

$3M

Check Size

Investment Focus

Machine LearningSaasEnterprise Software

Recent Machine Learning Investments

TechCorp, StartupAI, DataFlow

Learn More →

Machine Learning Ventures 8

Multi-location

series-a stage focus

$6M

Check Size

Investment Focus

Machine LearningSaas

Recent Machine Learning Investments

TechCorp, StartupAI, DataFlow

Learn More →

Machine Learning Ventures 9

Multi-location

series-b stage focus

$7M

Check Size

Investment Focus

Machine LearningSaasEnterprise Software

Recent Machine Learning Investments

TechCorp, StartupAI, DataFlow

Learn More →

Machine Learning Ventures 10

Multi-location

seed stage focus

$10M

Check Size

Investment Focus

Machine LearningSaas

Recent Machine Learning Investments

TechCorp, StartupAI

Learn More →

Machine Learning Ventures 11

Multi-location

seed stage focus

$5M

Check Size

Investment Focus

Machine LearningSaas

Recent Machine Learning Investments

TechCorp

Learn More →

View All Machine Learning VC Funds

Machine Learning Accelerator Programs

Machine Learning Accelerator 1

Remote + On-site

$184K

for 8% equity

Program Focus

Machine LearningInnovationGrowth

Next Deadline: 2024-05-15Apply Now →

Machine Learning Accelerator 2

Remote + On-site

$70K

for 6% equity

Program Focus

Machine LearningInnovationGrowth

Next Deadline: 2024-07-15Apply Now →

Machine Learning Accelerator 3

Remote + On-site

$118K

for 7% equity

Program Focus

Machine LearningInnovationGrowth

Next Deadline: 2024-09-15Apply Now →

Machine Learning Accelerator 4

Remote + On-site

$129K

for 7% equity

Program Focus

Machine LearningInnovationGrowth

Next Deadline: 2024-08-15Apply Now →

Machine Learning Accelerator 5

Remote + On-site

$109K

for 8% equity

Program Focus

Machine LearningInnovationGrowth

Next Deadline: 2024-07-15Apply Now →

Machine Learning Accelerator 6

Remote + On-site

$186K

for 7% equity

Program Focus

Machine LearningInnovationGrowth

Next Deadline: 2024-09-15Apply Now →

View All Machine Learning Accelerators

Free Resources for Machine Learning Startups

AWS

medium

Marketing Growth

$25K

Learn More →

Google Cloud

medium

Cloud Credits

$50K

Learn More →

Microsoft

easy

Productivity Design

$100K

Learn More →

GitHub

hard

Productivity Design

$100K

Learn More →

Stripe

easy

Productivity Design

$50K

Learn More →

HubSpot

easy

Productivity Design

$5K

Learn More →

Notion

easy

Developer Tools

$5K

Learn More →

Figma

hard

Marketing Growth

$25K

Learn More →

AWS

medium

Marketing Growth

$1K

Learn More →

View All $2.5M in Free Resources

Funding Preparation Checklist

Before You Apply

Comprehensive pitch deck (10-12 slides)

Financial projections and unit economics

Product demo or prototype

Market research and competitive analysis

Team backgrounds and advisory board

Intellectual property documentation

Customer testimonials or letters of intent

Legal structure and cap table

Machine Learning-Specific Tips

Market Size: Clearly articulate the machine learning market opportunity and your addressable market size.

Technical Depth: Demonstrate deep understanding of machine learningchallenges and your technical solution.

Traction Metrics: Show relevant KPIs for machine learning startups, such as user adoption or revenue growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is funding for Machine Learning startups?

Machine Learning startup funding is moderately competitive, with 11 active VC funds and 6 accelerator programs globally. The average check size is $4.2M, requiring strong differentiation and traction.

What do Machine Learning investors look for?

Machine Learning investors typically prioritize strong technical team with domain expertise and clear market validation and traction metrics, along with strong technical teams and clear market validation. Domain expertise in machine learningis often crucial for gaining investor confidence.

Should I apply to multiple funding sources simultaneously?

Yes! Most successful Machine Learning startups apply to multiple funding sources. Start with free resources to reduce costs, apply to relevant accelerators for mentorship and initial funding, then approach VCs for larger rounds. Having multiple options creates leverage in negotiations.

Related Resources

Other Industries

Who Funds Artificial Intelligence? →Who Funds Deep Tech? →Who Funds Quantum Computing? →

More Resources

Startup Funding Guides →Pitch Deck Templates →Complete Investor Database →

Last updated: 8/18/2025 | Data aggregated from VC databases, accelerator programs, and startup resources |About our methodology