Accel has expanded its pre-seed scaling program, Accel Atoms, by introducing two new tracks: Accel Atoms AI and Accel Atoms X, available to Indian and Indian-origin founders globally.
Startups chosen for either program are eligible for up to $1 million in funding, over $5 million in perks from Accel's partners, and tailored mentorship.
The Accel Atoms AI track, led by partners Prayank Swaroop, Anand Daniel, and Anagh Prasad, is for Indian-origin founders worldwide who are using AI for business applications or creating foundational tools for the AI ecosystem. The program is open to startups across the AI stack, from foundational models to infrastructure and applications.
Prayank Swaroop, Partner at Accel, noted, “We’re seeing a fundamental shift where Indian founders in AI are moving to global markets earlier than ever before, to be closer to their first customers...They’re building from day zero with global ambition, but they need the right support system to navigate cross-border complexities.”
Accel Atoms X, led by Partner Pratik Agarwal, is a new track focused on "LeapTech" – companies creating significant breakthroughs in technology, product, or business models. Selected startups in this track can receive up to $1 million in equity or convertible notes, access to a network of technology experts, and commercialization workshops.
Pratik Agarwal stated, "With Atoms X, we’re moving beyond the traditional cohort model to back founders right at the inception whether they're still refining the idea or pre-revenue."
Since 2021, Accel Atoms has supported over 40 early-stage startups. Applications for both new tracks are open year-round.
