Startup Accelerators in California

Discover 23+ startup accelerators in California. Find the perfect program for your startup's stage and industry.

23
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

13 weeks program

$68K
for 9% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 2

California

16 weeks program

$122K
for 8% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 3

California

16 weeks program

$127K
for 6% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 4

California

12 weeks program

$172K
for 6% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 5

California

16 weeks program

$153K
for 9% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 6

California

13 weeks program

$61K
for 8% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 7

California

12 weeks program

$86K
for 7% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 8

California

12 weeks program

$148K
for 9% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 9

California

17 weeks program

$188K
for 10% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 10

California

16 weeks program

$182K
for 7% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 11

California

14 weeks program

$102K
for 7% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 12

California

13 weeks program

$131K
for 10% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 13

California

12 weeks program

$107K
for 6% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 14

California

17 weeks program

$143K
for 7% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 15

California

15 weeks program

$220K
for 6% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 16

California

14 weeks program

$197K
for 7% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 17

California

13 weeks program

$245K
for 8% equity
3% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 18

California

12 weeks program

$225K
for 7% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 19

California

13 weeks program

$228K
for 10% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 20

California

16 weeks program

$77K
for 8% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 21

California

17 weeks program

$91K
for 8% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 22

California

13 weeks program

$68K
for 8% equity
1% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

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

California Tech Accelerator 23

California

13 weeks program

$224K
for 7% equity
2% acceptance rate

Program Focus

FintechSaasHealthtech
3 && (

Notable Alumni

TechCorp, DataStart, FinanceApp
)
Next Deadline: 2024-07-15Apply 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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Techstars Accelerator 2025 | Program Details & Application