Accel Atoms 🚀 Accelerator
Accel's pre-seed programme for Indian and Indian-origin founders: up to $1M (Atoms X) or $2M (Atoms AI).
| Investment | $2M |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | India-based or Indian-origin founders worldwide, raised under $2M, ideally pre-product or pre-revenue. Equity or convertible note; ownership not stated. |
| Open in | India, Worldwide |
| Partner code needed | No: apply directly |
| Deadline | Rolling, apply any time |
| Terms last checked | 2026-10-11 |
About Accel Atoms
What you get
Accel Atoms is Accel's pre-seed scaling programme for India-based and Indian-origin founders building from anywhere. It has two tracks:
- Atoms AI: Accel invests up to $1M to $2M in equity or a convertible note, depending on stage, traction and fit.
- Atoms X: up to $1M, in equity or a convertible note, aimed at the idea or prototype stage; solo founders are welcome.
Both usually run for about three months. Accel says it has partnered with major AI model companies to unlock credits and lists 100+ perks worth over $5M from partners.
Who qualifies
Companies that have raised under $2M, ideally pre-product or pre-revenue. You do not need to be incorporated to apply, but you must incorporate once selected.
Good to know
- Equity: no valuation or ownership percentage is published.
- Applications are rolling; there is no fixed deadline.
Verdict
A large pre-seed cheque from a top VC for founders with an India connection. Ask for the term sheet early, since dilution is not published.
How to apply
- Read the FAQ at atoms.accel.com/faqs.
- Choose Atoms AI or Atoms X.
- Apply through the "Apply" link; applications are rolling.
- Incorporate if you are selected.
Who it is for
Steps Accel Atoms helps with
Pros
- Up to $2M at pre-seed
- Rolling applications
- Large perks bundle
Cons
- Only for India-based or Indian-origin founders
- Ownership not published
Similar accelerators & incubators
All accelerators →Y Combinator 🚀 AcceleratorFree
$500K for 7% plus an MFN SAFE, a three-month batch in San Francisco and the best-known demo day.
a16z speedrun 🚀 AcceleratorFree
$500K for 10% on a SAFE, $500K more in your next round, plus over $10M in partner credits.
Techstars Accelerator 🚀 AcceleratorFree
$220K (5% plus an uncapped MFN SAFE) for a three-month, mentor-driven programme in cities worldwide.
Entrepreneur First 🚀 AcceleratorFree
Co-founder matching for individuals, an equity-free living grant, then up to $250K (8% SAFE + MFN SAFE).
PearX 🚀 AcceleratorFree
Pear VC's 12-week Bay Area programme: $500K to $2M, targeting 7% ownership, applications year-round.
Berkeley SkyDeck Accelerator 🚀 AcceleratorFree
Six-month UC Berkeley accelerator: about 20 startups a batch each get $210K from the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund.