Flagship Accelerator

• Growth-ready startups at product or revenue stage looking to scale globally.

About this scheme

The 500 Global Flagship Accelerator is a four-month in-person program hosted in Silicon Valley, dedicated to scaling startups to new heights. 500 Global, formerly 500 Startups, pioneered accelerator programs in 2010, shaping how venture capital supports early-stage companies. The firm continues to invest in founders globally, aiming to transform bold visions into disruptive impact through its proven methodology.

Companies accepted into the Flagship Accelerator are offered a $150,000 investment in exchange for a 6% equity stake, subject to standard terms and diligence. This capital is intended to provide the crucial foundation needed to build, launch, and quickly grow the startup. The investment helps fuel the founders' vision, allowing them to focus on product development and market expansion.

Beyond financial backing, the program delivers comprehensive non-monetary support. This includes founder-focused programming, a growth and development curriculum, and tailored assistance from the 500 Global team of operator-investors. Participants benefit from mentorship provided by industry experts, alumni founder coaches, and entrepreneurs in residence, offering real-world insights into areas like distribution, design, data, and fundraising.

The curriculum emphasizes growth hacks and design best practices, covering critical areas such as customer discovery, product-market fit, go-to-market strategies, and pitch development. Founders also gain access to a vast global network of investors and resources, instrumental for market access and leveraging opportunities on a global scale. Additionally, participants receive over $1 million in exclusive credits and discounts on various tools through the 500 FounderHub.

500 Global is a venture capital firm with a mission to discover and back the world's most talented founders, helping them create successful companies at scale. Established in 2010 as 500 Startups, it quickly grew into a global venture capital powerhouse, investing in over 2,800 companies across 80+ countries. Their portfolio includes numerous unicorns and successful exits, demonstrating a strong track record in identifying and nurturing high-potential startups across various industries. The firm's deep expertise spans technology sectors, leveraging a network of mentors and global resources to support founders from idea to IPO.

Who can apply

• Eligibility for the 500 Global Flagship Accelerator is specifically designed to attract and support startups poised for significant growth.
• Applicants must be considered early-stage, which generally implies they have a minimum viable product (MVP) and potentially some initial user traction or early revenue.
• The focus on early-stage companies allows 500 Global to provide foundational support that can most effectively shape their trajectory.
• Founders are also required to commit fully to the rigorous four-month in-person program, which is hosted in the heart of Silicon Valley.
• This in-person requirement is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the intensive curriculum, direct mentorship, and unparalleled networking opportunities available within the Silicon Valley ecosystem.
• The accelerator fosters a collaborative environment where founders work closely with the 500 Global team and their cohort peers, making physical presence essential for full engagement and impact.

Benefits & funding

• Provides a $150,000 investment for 6% equity.
• Includes comprehensive non-monetary support: founder programming, growth curriculum, tailored assistance from 500 Global team, mentorship from experts/alumni/EIRs (distribution, design, data, fundraising).
• Offers curriculum on growth hacks, design best practices, customer discovery, market fit, GTM strategies, and pitch development.
• Grants access to a global network of investors/resources for market access, plus over $1M in tool credits/discounts.

How the application process works

The journey below is informational, compiled from the official program guidelines. Applications are submitted directly with 500 Global, in your own name.

1. 1

   Applicants are evaluated by 500 Global on team strength, product vision, market opportunity, and growth potential.

2. 2

   The program is globally open with no sector restriction, accepting a small cohort per cycle for the four-month in-person program in Silicon Valley.

3. 3

   Selected companies receive a $150,000 investment for 6% equity upon standard terms.

Documents checklist 3

• Pitch Deck
• Financial Projections
• Product Demo (if available)

Need help getting these in order? IncorpX provides assistance for incorporation, DPIIT recognition, MSME and GST registrations along with document preparation.

Frequently asked questions