Accel, a global venture capital firm, has launched Accel Atoms 4.0, the fourth edition of its pre-seed scaling program. The three-month hybrid program aims to support pre-seed startups, including those at the idea stage and pre-product phase, with up to $1 million in funding and perks valued over $5 million. Accel Atoms 4.0 focuses on two key categories: startups targeting the ‘Bharat’ market, which refers to middle-income households across Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural India, and startups innovating in artificial intelligence (AI).
Anand Daniel, Partner at Accel, emphasized the immense opportunity in the Bharat market, stating that the top 20% of the rural population has a higher monthly per capita expenditure than approximately 50% of the urban population. Selected startups will receive up to $1 million in funding through equity or convertible notes and gain access to perks valued over $5 million from Accel’s network of partners. Participants will also benefit from Accel’s global community of over 200 founders, mentors, and potential customers.
Accel’s Atoms 4.0 pre-seed program
The AI cohort of Accel Atoms 4.0 targets Indian-origin founders worldwide who are leveraging AI for business innovations or developing tools for the AI ecosystem. This includes startups across the AI stack, from foundational technologies to application-specific AI models and agents.
Applications for Accel Atoms 4.0 will open on September 16, 2024. Bharat-focused startups can also submit applications through the Startup India website. Since its inception in 2021, Accel Atoms has supported 32 startups, which have collectively raised over $200 million.
Notable alumni include DhiWise, Material Depot, Nymble, Ripik, Rigi, and Spendflo. Accel continues to leverage its network and expertise to empower the next generation of startups tackling critical challenges and exploring new frontiers in both the Bharat market and AI sector.
