Meta Description: Explore the top 60 startup accelerators and incubators in the USA for 2025, including application details and how they can accelerate your startup’s growth.

Launching a startup is an exciting journey filled with challenges and opportunities. One of the most critical decisions you’ll make is choosing the right accelerator or incubator to support your venture’s growth. With so many options available, selecting the best incubators USA has to offer can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive guide highlights the top 60 startup accelerators and incubators in the USA for 2025, providing essential details to help you make an informed choice.

Understanding Startup Accelerators & Incubators

Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand the fundamental differences between startup accelerators and incubators:

Startup Incubators: Focus on nurturing startups in the early stages, often before they have a fully developed product or business model. They provide resources such as office space, mentorship, and initial funding to help founders turn their ideas into viable businesses.
Startup Accelerators: Aim to accelerate the growth of startups that have already developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are seeking to scale. Accelerators offer intensive, time-bound programs that include mentorship, funding, and access to a network of investors and industry experts.

How Accelerators & Incubators Propel Your Startup

Both accelerators and incubators offer invaluable support to startups through:

Funding Opportunities: Many programs provide seed capital to help your startup reach its next milestone. Additionally, they often facilitate introductions to potential investors and venture capitalists.
Mentorship: Access to experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts who can guide you through the challenges of building and scaling your business.
Networking: Being part of a community of like-minded founders and startups, fostering collaboration and partnerships that can drive your startup’s success.
Resources: Access to workspaces, technical resources, and various tools that can help streamline your operations and product development.

Featured Accelerators & Incubators

1. Y Combinator

Location: California
Founded: 2005
Investment: $500,000
Industries: Software, IT, E-Commerce
Description: Y Combinator is arguably the most renowned startup accelerator globally, having launched over 4,000 startups, including giants like Stripe and Airbnb. They offer substantial funding in exchange for equity and provide access to a vast network of mentors and alumni.

2. TechStars

Location: Colorado
Founded: 2006
Investment: Up to $120,000
Industries: Software, AI, IT
Description: TechStars has a strong track record with over 3,570 investments. Their programs are highly selective, offering mentorship-driven acceleration to help startups scale effectively.

3. 500 Startups

Location: California
Founded: 2010
Investment: $150,000
Industries: Software, E-Commerce, Internet
Description: With a diverse portfolio including Udemy and Canva, 500 Startups provides a global network and hands-on mentorship to over 2,770 startups, helping them navigate the complexities of growth and market expansion.

4. MassChallenge

Location: Massachusetts
Founded: 2010
Investment: Opportunity to apply for cash awards
Industries: Software, IT, Healthcare
Description: MassChallenge is unique in that it offers zero-equity programs, allowing startups to compete for cash prizes without giving up ownership. Their collaborative environment fosters innovation across various industries.

5. SOSV

Location: New Jersey
Founded: 1994
Investment: $150,000 – $200,000
Industries: Biotech, Healthcare, Software
Description: SOSV specializes in industry-specific programs, including life sciences and blockchain technology. They provide extensive mentorship and opportunities for continued investment beyond the initial program.

6. Plug and Play Tech Center

Location: California
Founded: 2006
Investment: $50,000 – $250,000
Industries: Software, AI, IT
Description: Plug and Play offers a robust network of corporate partners and venture capitalists, providing startups with unparalleled opportunities for funding and market access.

7. Innovation Works

Location: Pennsylvania
Founded: 1999
Investment: $100,000 – $150,000
Industries: Software, IT, Healthcare
Description: Focused on early-stage tech startups, Innovation Works emphasizes product development and customer acquisition, offering a supportive environment with access to industry experts.

8. Alchemist Accelerator

Location: California
Founded: 2012
Investment: $25,000
Industries: Software, AI, IT
Description: Alchemist Accelerator is tailored for enterprise-focused startups, providing mentorship and resources to help them achieve product-market fit and scale their operations.

9. StartX (Stanford)

Location: California
Founded: 2009
Investment: Free resources worth over $1M
Industries: Software, AI, Healthcare
Description: StartX leverages its close ties with Stanford University to offer equity-free mentorship and extensive resources, making it an excellent choice for startups seeking academic and technical support.

10. AngelPad

Locations: California, NYC
Founded: 2010
Investment: $120,000
Industries: Software, Mobile, SaaS
Description: AngelPad is highly selective, accepting less than 1% of applicants. They provide intensive mentorship and substantial funding to help startups refine their business models and scale efficiently.

11. EcoSolve: Sustainable Startup Ecosystem Builder

Location: Worldwide, Europe, North America
Founded: 2025
Investment: Undisclosed
Industries: Fintech, Climate Tech, Health Tech, Deep Tech
Description: EcoSolve is a pioneering venture studio and startup accelerator focused on empowering sustainable innovations. By leveraging partnerships with industry-leading corporates and an experienced operational team, EcoSolve co-founds startups addressing critical environmental and social challenges. Their community-centered approach ensures startups receive unmatched knowledge and resources from ideation through to seed funding, aligning with the global demand for environmentally responsible solutions.

What Sets EcoSolve Apart:

Strong Corporate Partnerships: Provides market access and insights through collaborations with leading companies.
Experienced Team: Over 60 industry veterans offer expert operational support.
Sustainability Focus: Dedicated to startups that prioritize ecological balance and social responsibility.

Alumni Feedback:

“EcoSolve is not just an accelerator; it’s a movement towards sustainable entrepreneurship that can revolutionize industries and positively impact society.”

Comprehensive List of Top 60 Accelerators & Incubators

Below is a summarized table of the top 60 startup accelerators and incubators in the USA for 2025. Each program is evaluated based on investment amount, number of investments, industry focus, and institution type.

Company	Location	Founding Date	Typical Investment Amount	No. of Investments	Industry Focus	Institution Type
Y Combinator	California	2005	$500,000	4,366	Software, IT, E-Commerce	Startup Accelerator
TechStars	Colorado	2006	Up to $120,000	3,570	Software, AI, IT	Startup Accelerator
500 Startups	California	2010	$150,000	2,770	Software, E-Commerce, Internet	Startup Accelerator
MassChallenge	Massachusetts	2010	Cash awards	3,050	Software, IT, Healthcare	Startup Accelerator
SOSV	New Jersey	1994	$150k – $200k	2,302	Biotech, Healthcare, Software	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
Plug and Play Tech Center	California	2006	$50k – $250k	1,366	Software, AI, IT	Startup Accelerator
Innovation Works	Pennsylvania	1999	$100k – $150k	539	Software, IT, Healthcare	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
Alchemist Accelerator	California	2012	$25,000	565	Software, AI, IT	Startup Accelerator
StartX (Stanford)	California	2009	Over $1M in resources	332	Software, AI, Healthcare	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
AngelPad	California, NYC	2010	$120,000	180	Software, Mobile, SaaS	Startup Accelerator
a16z Speedrun	California	2023	Up to $1M	120	Tech, Entertainment, AI	Startup Accelerator
Google for Startups	California	2011	Equity-free support	95	Software, Mobile Apps	Startup Accelerator
Village Capital	District of Columbia	2009	Undisclosed	302	Fintech, Education	Startup Accelerator
Forum Ventures	New York	2012	$100,000	312	Software, SaaS, IT	Startup Accelerator
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Massachusetts	1861	Support only	Various	AgTech, Healthcare, Renewable Energy	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
Maine Technology Institute	Maine	1999	Undisclosed	217	Software, Manufacturing, Healthcare	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
Capital Factory	Texas	2009	Access to Investor Network	177	Enterprise Software, SaaS	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
Boomtown Accelerators	Colorado	2013	$35,000 – $50,000	174	Software, IT, Healthcare	Startup Accelerator
HAX	California	2011	$250,000	474	Software, Hardware, Robotics	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
LAUNCH	California	2011	$100,000	382	Software, Internet, SaaS	Founder University & Accelerator
IndieBio	California	2014	$275,000	357	BioTech, Healthcare, Medical	Startup Accelerator
Quake Capital Partners	Texas	2016	$50,000 – $250,000	166	Software, Healthcare, SaaS	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
TechNexus Venture Collaborative	Illinois	2007	Undisclosed	153	Software, Audio, Machine Learning	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
Starta VC	New York	2011	$200,000	154	Software, IT, AI	Startup Accelerator & Pre-Accelerator Program
Obvious Ventures	California	2014	Undisclosed	122	Healthcare, AI, Software	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
Capital Innovators	Missouri	2011	$50,000	124	Software, Healthcare, SaaS	Startup Accelerator
MetaProp	New York	2015	Up to $250,000	135	Fintech, Real Estate, Software	Startup Accelerator
JumpStart	Ohio	2003	Undisclosed	149	Software, Healthcare	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
Fledge	Washington	2012	$15,000 – $20,000	88	Consumer Goods, Energy	Startup Accelerator
Canopy Boulder	Colorado	2014	$100,000+	80	Software, E-commerce	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
BioGenerator	Missouri	2003	$10,000	73	Biotech, Healthcare	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
Elemental Excelerator	Hawaii	2012	$350,000+	67	Software, Renewable Energy	Startup Accelerator
AlleyCorp	New York	2007	Undisclosed	64	Software, Healthcare, Fintech	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
NMotion	Nebraska	2013	$100,000	63	Sports, Food & Beverage Software	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
Bienville Capital	New York	2008	Undisclosed	62	Fintech	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
The FIS Fintech Accelerator	Arkansas	2015	Undisclosed	59	Fintech	Startup Accelerator
Lighthouse Labs RVA	Virginia	2012	$20,000	54	Healthcare, SaaS	Startup Accelerator
South Carolina Research Authority	South Carolina	1983	Up to $50,000	48	Biotech, Healthcare	Startup Accelerator
Interplay	New York	2012	Access to Venture Fund	47	E-commerce	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
Slater Technology Fund	Rhode Island	1997	$25,000+	47	Biotech, Healthcare	Startup Accelerator
25Madison	New York	2017	Undisclosed	41	Food & Beverage Software, Healthcare, E-commerce	Startup Incubator
RSE Ventures	New York	2012	Undisclosed	38	Sports, Food & Beverage Software	Startup Incubator & Accelerator
Z80 Labs Technology Incubator	New York	2012	Undisclosed	36	Biotech, Healthcare	Startup Incubator
Kairos	New York	2017	Undisclosed	35	Fintech, Real Estate	Startup Accelerator
Launchpeer	South Carolina	2014	Undisclosed	31	Social Media Apps	Startup Accelerator
RGAx	Missouri	2015	Undisclosed	23	Fintech, Insurance	Startup Accelerator
CREATE-X	Georgia	2014	$5,000	20	Healthcare, IT	Startup Accelerator
Fusion	California	2017	$150,000	13	AI, E-Commerce	Startup Accelerator
Future Labs	New York	2009	Undisclosed	12	Healthcare, AI	Startup Accelerator
Capria Ventures	Washington	2015	Undisclosed	13	EdTech, E-Commerce	Startup Accelerator
LAB Ventures	Florida	2016	$100,000 – $250,000	18	Real Estate, Property Management Tech	Startup Accelerator
Dreamit Ventures	Pennsylvania	2008	$500,000	300+	HealthTech, SecureTech, UrbanTech	Startup Accelerator
Gener8tor	Wisconsin	2012	$100,000	200+	Software, Healthcare, Advanced Manufacturing	Startup Accelerator
Acceleprise	California	2012	$50,000 – $200,000	200+	B2B SaaS	Startup Accelerator
Founders Factory	New York	2015	$150,000	200+	Fintech, Media, Retail	Startup Accelerator
The Brandery	Ohio	2010	$100,000	80+	Consumer Products, Marketing Tech	Startup Accelerator
Coplex	Arizona	2000	$50,000 – $250,000	300+	Software, AI, Healthcare	Startup Accelerator
Mucker Capital	California	2011	$100,000 – $250,000	100+	Software, IoT, Enterprise	Startup Accelerator
Amplify.LA	California	2011	$100,000 – $250,000	60+	Internet, Software, Media	Startup Accelerator
Betaspring	Rhode Island	2009	$50,000 – $100,000	100+	Software, Hardware, Consumer Products	Startup Accelerator
Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator	New York	2011	$100,000	230+	Software, Fintech, Enterprise	Startup Accelerator

Choosing the Right Accelerator or Incubator for Your Startup

Selecting the best incubators USA for your startup involves evaluating several factors:

Funding vs. Equity: Balance the amount of funding offered with the equity stake required.
Mentorship Quality: Assess the expertise of mentors and their relevance to your industry.
Community and Network: Consider the strength of the program’s network, including alumni, investors, and corporate partners.
Application Difficulty: Reflect on the competitiveness of the program and your readiness to meet their criteria.

Performing due diligence and aligning the accelerator or incubator’s strengths with your startup’s needs will significantly enhance your chances of success.

Conclusion

Embarking on a startup journey is challenging, but with the right support system, your vision can thrive. The best incubators USA provide invaluable resources, mentorship, and funding to accelerate your growth and navigate the complexities of the entrepreneurial landscape. Whether you’re in the early stages of product development or looking to scale your validated MVP, there’s a program tailored to your needs.

Ready to Accelerate Your Startup’s Growth?

Find the perfect accelerator or incubator to propel your startup to new heights. Visit Founders Factory to explore opportunities and connect with industry leaders today!