For startups looking to expand beyond their home market, international accelerators and VC firms offer a crucial launchpad. These programs and companies provide funding, mentorship, investor connections, and global scaling opportunities. But not all accelerators are the same, and choosing the right one can be the difference between rapid growth and wasted time.
In this guide, we explore the best startup accelerators and VC firms worldwide, what they offer, and how founders can maximise their chances of acceptance and funding.
Table of Contents
Top Global Accelerators
International accelerators provide startups with resources, credibility, and access to investor networks. Below are some of the most prestigious global accelerators that have launched billion-dollar companies.
Silicon Valley & North America
- Y Combinator (USA) – The gold standard of startup accelerators, backing Airbnb, Stripe, and Dropbox.
- Techstars (Global, multiple locations) – Runs programs across industries, with a vast mentor network.
- 500 Global (USA & Asia) – Early-stage accelerator with strong ties to international VCs.
- IndieBio (San Francisco & NYC) – Leading biotech and life sciences accelerator.
- Alchemist Accelerator (USA) – Focuses on enterprise and deep-tech startups.
Europe
- EIC Accelerator (EU-wide) – Grant-based accelerator providing up to €2.5 million in funding for deep-tech.
- Station F (France) – The world’s largest startup campus with multiple acceleration programs.
- Seedcamp (UK & Europe) – Invests in early-stage European startups.
- Rockstart (Netherlands & Europe-wide) – Focuses on energy, agri-food, and tech startups.
Asia-Pacific
- Antler (Singapore & Global) – Provides pre-seed capital and mentorship for new founders.
- HAX (China & US) – World’s top accelerator for hardware startups.
- SOSV (Asia & Global) – Deep-tech and hardware-focused investment program.
- JFDI Asia (Singapore) – A major accelerator in Southeast Asia, helping companies enter global markets.
Latin America & Emerging Markets
- Startup Chile (Chile) – One of the best government-backed accelerators for startups expanding into Latin America.
- Google for Startups (Global) – Provides mentorship, funding, and tech support for high-potential startups.
- Startupbootcamp (Africa, Asia, Latin America) – Runs multiple vertical-specific programs across emerging markets.
Top Global Venture Capital Firms
Accelerators often provide a stepping stone to securing venture capital. Below are some of the most influential VCs investing in startups worldwide.
Silicon Valley & North America
- Sequoia Capital – One of the world’s most successful VC firms, backing Apple, Google, and Airbnb.
- Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) – A leading VC firm investing in fintech, SaaS, biotech, and AI.
- Accel – Early investors in Facebook, Slack, and Atlassian.
- Lightspeed Venture Partners – Invests in early and growth-stage startups.
- Greylock Partners – Backs B2B, AI, and infrastructure startups.
Europe
- Atomico (UK & Europe) – Founded by Skype’s co-founder, invests across deep-tech and AI.
- Balderton Capital (UK & Europe) – Focuses on Series A investments across sectors.
- EQT Ventures (Europe-wide) – Investing in high-growth tech companies
Asia-Pacific
- SoftBank Vision Fund (Japan & Global) – The largest tech investment fund, backing AI and robotics startups.
- IDG Capital (China & Global) – Major investor in Chinese and international tech startups.
- GGV Capital (Asia & US) – Invests in software, consumer, and AI-driven startups.
Latin America & Emerging Markets
- Kaszek Ventures (Latin America) – One of the biggest investors in the region.
- Global Founders Capital (Global) – Invests across all stages and industries.
- Monashees (Brazil & Latin America) – Backs early-stage tech startups in the region.
How to Impress Global Accelerators and VC Firms
1. Prove Market Potential Beyond Your Home Country
- Accelerators prefer startups that can scale internationally.
- Show traction in multiple markets or have a clear expansion strategy.
2. Build a Strong Global Network
- Get introductions from alumni or investors with connections to top accelerators.
- Leverage LinkedIn and startup events to build credibility before applying.
3. Perfect Your Pitch with Video
- Many global accelerators require a video pitch to evaluate applications.
- A well-produced video can increase acceptance rates by clearly communicating your startup’s vision.
How Waking Dreams Media Can Help
Expanding internationally means explaining your startup clearly to investors from different cultures and markets. For startups looking to break into international markets, a great pitch video can be a powerful differentiator.
A well-crafted video can be the key to receiving support and funding from top accelerators and VC firms.
At Waking Dreams Media, we help startups create high-converting pitch videos that:
- Simplify complex ideas for global investors.
- Showcase your startup’s vision, traction, and scalability.
- Make your accelerator or VC pitch stand out.
Conclusion
The right accelerators and VC firms can open doors to funding, mentorship, and global expansion. But standing out in a crowded market requires clear communication and a compelling pitch.
Applying to an accelerator or seeking global investment? Let’s talk.
Contact Waking Dreams Media to find out how we can help you craft a pitch video that gets results.
