500 Global company will validate your business, and our network will help you connect with investors when the time is right. 500 Startup’s standard accelerator deal is a $150,000 investment in return for a 6% stake. We charge $37,500 to participate, but the fees can be deducted from our investment.
How do I apply?
You can apply for our flagship accelerator 365 days a year on a rolling admissions basis at https://500.co/accelerators/500-global-flagship-accelerator-program/apply.
Do you invest in companies that go through the flagship seed accelerator?
Yes. The investment is structured as a convertible security. Companies receive an investment of $150,000 for around 6% of their company (subject to dilution at the time of conversion of our convertible security).
The convertible security has certain special rights for 500 Startups, including the right to make a follow-on investment of an additional $500,000 or 20% of your next priced round of $1,000,000 or more, whichever is lower, which expires after the conversion of our convertible security.
Does it cost money to participate in the flagship seed accelerator?
Yes – We charge $37,500 per company to participate, but these fees can be deducted from our investment amount, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket. As mentioned above, our gross investment is $150,000. Once program fees are deducted, you would receive $112,500. These program fees help to cover basic costs of running the Seed Accelerator, paying outside speakers and should be viewed like tuition.
What will I get out of being in the flagship seed accelerator?
Mentorship: One of the biggest benefits of going through the 500 Startups Seed Program is having access to knowledgeable mentors. You will have access to the 500 team, seasoned entrepreneurs, experienced investors, and individuals with considerable expertise in their field to give feedback and offer guidance. We also host numerous talks and fireside chats. Speakers include top domain experts on important topics such as distribution, design, data, fundraising, and more.
Help with Distribution: We have in-house distribution experts that will help you GROW, GROW, GROW. Whether it’s trigger emails, event-based analytics, SEO, paid ads, or creative growth tactics, we’ll help you get your business where it needs to be.
Fundraising: Our Seed Accelerator staff is made up of experts with years of experience in fundraising and pitching. You will learn how to run an effective fundraising process, how and when to talk to investors, and how to effectively tell your story.
Access to the 500 Family: The 500 Startups network consists of over 5,000 company founders and over 200 mentors. They come from diverse backgrounds, areas of expertise, and locations. You’ll connect to a growing list of engineers, designers, marketers, and founders from all around the world.
Brand and PR: 500 Startups is ranked as one of the top seed programs worldwide and one of the most active seed stage investors in the universe. The 500 brand draws an impressive group of people, ranging from investors, strategic corporates, platform partners, press, and even the occasional celebrity. In addition, we run events and conferences throughout the year that are consistently sold out. All of this means great exposure and visibility for your company.
FUN: The 500 culture is best described in one hashtag: #500STRONG. This means collaboration and support, creativity, taking risks, embracing failure, transparency, and moving quickly. We want you to push yourself past your comfort zone and take your company to the next level. You will work hard, but have fun in the process.
What type of companies does 500 invest in?
500 invests in a diverse range of companies in the tech industry, from marketplaces to SaaS, from media to AI.
What are some companies that have gone through the 500 seed program?
Examples include Talkdesk, 9GAG, Havenly, ManyChat, Mejuri, Le Tote, Mayvenn, Neighborly, RapidAPI, RealtyShares, Shippo, and many more.