Startup accelerators can play a crucial role in helping early-stage startups succeed. They are structured, time-limited programmes that typically last a few weeks or months. Accelerator programmes provide startups with mentorship, initial funding, office space and/or access to valuable investor and industry networks. Their goal is to help founders refine their business models, achieve product–market fit, and prepare for growth.
Over the past decade, accelerators in Europe have not just grown in numbers, but the type of available programmes out there, and their focus, is more diversified than ever before. Some are broad in scope, while others specialise in sectors such as fintech, healthtech, sustainability, or Web3. Together, they have become engines of innovation, producing success stories like Klarna, supported early by Sting in Stockholm, or Bolt, which was backed by Startup Wise Guys in Estonia, while strengthening Europe’s position as a global hub for startups.
In this article, we highlight 30 leading accelerator programmes across the continent, organised by country, showcasing the initiatives driving local ecosystems and shaping the future of European startups.
Austria
Hummelnest Accelerator:Founded in Graz in 2023, Hummelnest is the result of the cooperation between Transformation Lighthouse and Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark. Hummelnest focuses its investment in sectors such as the future of work, sustainability, HealthTech, service-based tech (AI, blockchain), data-driven models, and FinTech.
Their programmes are highly personalised to each cohort of around five startups. Participants benefit from mentorship in business strategy, internationalisation, team development, green transformation, and access to corporate and SME partners in the region. At the end of the program, the selected startups become eligible for up to €50k in investment from Raiffeisen‑Landesbank Steiermark. The accelerator does not take equity only if the startup gets the Raiffeisen-Landesbank investment.
Culttech Accelerator:Headquartered in Vienna, Culttech is a six-month programme designed for early-stage startups working at the intersection of culture and technology. Its mission is to make creative culture more accessible and sustainable through innovation, supporting ventures in fields such as visual arts, performing arts, music, film, content and gaming, and cultural heritage.
The programme combines training in networking and communications, business validation, and investment readiness, requiring a weekly commitment of 3–5 hours, mentorship, and in-person meetups at European destinations. Startups gain access to expert mentors, a global community of cultural and creative industry professionals, and the opportunity to showcase at the Culttech Summit during Demo Day. Alumni include ventures such as Staxe, Ambistream, and OwnerChip, which are rethinking the future of creative industries through Web3 and digital innovation.
Female Founders: Launched in 2016 in Vienna, Female Founders is on a mission to create equal opportunities for entrepreneurial women in Europe’s tech ecosystem. It unites a values-driven community of founders, leaders and investors, working through advocacy, events, and education to ensure diverse perspectives are at the centre of building technology for the future.
Its flagship Grow F programme is a five-week, equity-free investment-readiness track for gender-diverse teams, offering expert sessions, hybrid learning, and access to top investors. A €900 commitment fee applies, along with a success fee if participants raise over €300k in equity funding within 15 months of joining. Female Founders also runs the Female Founders Experience (FFX), an exclusive networking event connecting selected founders with investors and ecosystem leaders.
Belgium
biotope by VIB: Based in Deinze, this BioTech accelerator focuses on planetary health. Founded in 2023, it offers pre-seed capital, tailored guidance, and access to a strong network, helping founders secure further funding. Most of their programs last 18 months, ensuring startups are scientifically supported, financially viable, and prepared for scaling, with a focus on intellectual property and regulatory compliance.
Biotope’s main programs include the Agrifood Biotech Program for startups in agriculture, food, and nutrition, and the Basecamp accelerator, which brings together new cohorts each season. The latest Basecamp started in June 2025, emphasising collaboration between technology, biology, and entrepreneurship. Through its Biotope Ventures fund, the incubator typically invests €350k per startup, usually as a convertible loan.
imec.istart: Launched in Ghent in 2011, imec.istart is a university-linked accelerator that provides pre-seed funding and support to tech startups across Europe. Recognised as the world’s first university-linked accelerator, it helps entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into scalable businesses. They invest in industries such as AI, HealthTech, construction or immersive technologies.
They typically offer pre-seed funding starting at €100k per startup, typically structured as €50k in exchange for 6% equity and €50k as a convertible loan. The core program is the imec.istart Accelerator Program, which combines funding with tailored coaching, access to technology and office facilities, and a strong international network of partners and investors. For founders who may not yet have a proof of concept or minimum viable product, the imec.istart Launch Program offers a 10–12 week track to help them take the first crucial steps toward building their startup.
Birdhouse: Headquartered in Antwerp, the accelerator has grown into one of Belgium’s leading tech startup support engines, with a portfolio of more than 40 startups. Founded in 2016, they support tech startups with a particular focus on AgeTech.
They offer a 12-week accelerator program designed to help startups achieve product-market fit and prepare for funding rounds.The program includes mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, access to a network of investors and partners, and an initial investment of €85k from Birdhouse Ventures without specified equity. Applications for Birdhouse’s accelerator program are accepted annually, with the next cohort (Cohort 18) set to begin in November 2025.
Bulgaria
Eleven Ventures: Launched in 2012 in Sofia, Eleven supports early-stage technology companies across Central and Eastern Europe. They aim to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing to the region’s economic growth and strengthening its global competitiveness.
Eleven combines capital with hands-on strategic support, focusing on fintech, healthtech, the future of work, and climate and sustainability. The fund usually invests between €300k and €1 million in exchange for around 10% equity, while also connecting startups to a network of more than 250 investors. Its flagship Visa Innovation Program has already produced a unicorn (Payhawk) in less than four years, while creating valuable business opportunities for corporates and startups alike. Another notable initiative, the Elevate Program run with AUBG, has established the first university accelerator in the region, strengthening the pipeline of future founders.
Denmark
Accelerace: Copenhagen-based, Accelerace is an early-stage startup accelerator operating as the first stop for founders looking to launch ventures in the Nordic and Baltic regions. Launched in 2008, they primarily invest in sectors such as Life Sciences, FoodTech, CleanTech, MedTech, and BioTech, supporting young companies with both capital and guidance.
Its flagship initiative, Accelerace Allstars, is a seven-week pre-seed programme where founders refine their fundraising, pitching and storytelling skills while preparing for investor meetings. The programme, open only to startups that Accelerace invests in, offers €134k in funding through a convertible loan. Apart from Allstars, Accelerace also helps run acceleration programmes across Europe, such as Beyond, which is equity-free but can lead to later investment.
GreenUP Accelerator: Founded in 2021 within DTU Science Park, one of Europe’s largest life science clusters, this Kongens Lyngby-based accelerator is a dedicated growth programme for ClimateTech startups focused on CO2 reduction, playing a key role in scaling green innovations from Denmark’s DeepTech ecosystem. GreenUp empowers climate entrepreneurs to transition from early-stage startups to scalable businesses with actual and tangible environmental impact.
GreenUP runs an intensive 20-month cohort model that delivers tailored courses spanning business development, marketing, organisational structuring, IT, legal support, and investor readiness, designed to help startups scale effectively. Each participating startup receives a significant upfront investment of €2 million and non-disclosed equity.
Estonia
Startup Wise Guys: Based in Tallinn, Startup Wise Guys has become a cornerstone accelerator for B2B startups across Europe. Founded in 2012 with a focus on FinTech, cybersecurity, SaaS, PropTech, sustainability, Web3, and defence and security, they empower ambitious founders to scale high-impact ventures through a combination of mentorship, training, and global networking opportunities.
The accelerator¡s programmes are tailored to different stages of a startup’s journey: Building for early teams, Growing for bringing products to market, and Scaling for companies ready to expand. Each track usually runs as a six-month accelerator, sometimes preceded by an eight-week pre-accelerator. While economic terms vary by stage and sector, Startup Wise Guys typically invests around €100k as a convertible investment, with opportunities for follow-on funding.
Beamline Accelerator: Operating out of Estonia with a strong focus on the Baltics and Nordics, Beamline is a six-month cleantech programme dedicated to tackling climate change and environmental challenges. It supports early-stage startups working in energy, smart cities, waste management, carbon capture, and ESG solutions.
Beamline invests primarily at the pre-seed and seed stages, offering up to €60k per startup, alongside tailored mentorship and strategic connections. The programme is supported by the Environmental Investment Centre (KIK) and the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Fund, running both a Deeptech and an Energy Batch. As the official representative of InnoEnergy in Estonia, Beamline connects local pioneers with the wider European energy transition ecosystem. Alumni include HelioRec, Naco Technologies, and Renewcast.
Finland
DEFINE Accelerator:The Defence Innovation Network Finland (DEFINE) runs a three-month accelerator in Riihimäki focused on scaling defence, security, and dual-use innovations. Coordinated by the City of Riihimäki and backed by Redstone VC, DEFINE brings together the Finnish Defence Forces, leading industry partners, research institutes, and startups to strengthen Europe’s defence tech ecosystem.
The programme supports participants in turning their defence and dual-use technologies into scalable businesses by providing mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to global markets. Startups benefit from close collaboration with military stakeholders and industry leaders, ensuring solutions can meet both civilian and defence applications. The third batch runs from August to November 2025, culminating at Slush in Helsinki, one of Europe’s largest tech gatherings.
Northern Light Accelerator: Based at Maria 01 in Helsinki, Northern Light is a three-month programme designed to help international founders land, validate, and scale in Finland and the wider European market. The accelerator combines market access with a strong focus on founder resilience, aiming to reduce burn rates and build sustainable growth.
The programme offers hands-on support to achieve product–market fit, tailored introductions to customers, partners, and investors, and a soft landing into one of Europe’s most vibrant startup hubs. It is equity-free, providing office space, mentoring, and curated connections without taking a stake in participating startups. The first batch launched in autumn 2025, with Demo Day held during Slush week in Helsinki.
Supercell AI Innovation Lab: Run by Helsinki-based gaming giant Supercell, the AI Innovation Lab explores the intersection of gaming and artificial intelligence. This 11-week programme, held at Supercell’s offices, supports visionary founders and small teams building AI-powered gaming products that push the boundaries of entertainment.
Participants receive hands-on guidance from world-class gaming experts, uncapped resources to test and iterate, and access to Supercell’s global network. The programme culminates in a Demo Day, and promising teams may continue working with Supercell after graduation. Alumni include projects in AI-powered companions, open-world role-playing games, and AI-driven content platforms, with several continuing to develop under Supercell’s support.
France
STATION F: Since its founding in 2017 in Paris, Station F has brought together more than 1,000 startups each year, establishing itself as a leading tech hub in Europe and home to the continent’s largest AI startup community. The campus supports founders by providing physical space, mentorship, funding opportunities and events.
Alongside over 30 programmes run in partnership with corporates, schools and networks, Station F also manages several in-house initiatives. Some of their programmes are: The Founder Program, which lasts between three and eighteen months, is designed to fast-track startups to leading VCs, with the possibility of receiving funding directly from Station F. The Fighters Program is a two-round track created for founders from less privileged backgrounds, while the Landing Zone serves as an entry point for early-stage startups wishing to discover Station F before committing to a programme. In addition, Station F invests directly in up to 20 companies per year, offering cheques ranging from €50,000 to €100,000 and takes 1% in equity.
HUB612: Launched in 2016 for early‑stage B2B startups, HUB612 is a Lyon-based accelerator and part‑investment fund structured as a subsidiary of Caisse d’Épargne Rhône‑Alpes, a regional banking group. HUB12 mainly invests in FinTech, InsurTech, SaaS, digital transformation, AI, and blockchain. They promote entrepreneurial growth by providing startups with workspace, funding, and mentorship, and backed by a trusted regional bank, their goal is to encourage long-term scaling of B2B tech startups.
HUB612’s main program, “Start to Scale,” is a five-month program for startups in the growth phase, designed to help startups that want to structure their organisation to support future growth. And “Accelerate Support” to boost startups in the hypergrowth stage. Every year, HUB612 invests in 6-8 seed-stage startups with initial tickets from €50k to €500k. However, it doesn’t mention the equity percentages.
SpaceFounders: Founded in 2021, SpaceFounders is a European NewSpace accelerator launched by leading institutions, including CNES, the Italian Space Agency, and the University of the Bundeswehr Munich. With hubs in Toulouse, Munich and Turin, it aims to fast-track the growth of Europe’s most promising space technology startups, fostering innovation in areas such as satellites, launch systems, data services and deep-tech applications.
The three-month programme runs twice a year and combines bootcamps, mentoring, and networking with investors, agencies and industry leaders. SpaceFounders does not take any equity. The program is free to attend and fully sponsored by their three implementing partners. SpaceFounders also has a dedicated VC fund based in Paris, which operates independently of the accelerator. They selectively invest in some of the alumni companies, though not all, and participation in the program does not require or guarantee investment.
Germany
AI.STARTUP.HUB: Based in Hamburg, this programme supports AI startups across Northern Germany with a mix of incubation, acceleration, and internationalisation support. The six-month accelerator offers tailored modules in investor readiness, product development, go-to-market strategies, and scaling, while also providing access to Hamburg’s wider AI ecosystem of corporates, research institutions, and investors.
The programme accepts startups from pre-seed to growth stages and focuses on fostering innovation in artificial intelligence across multiple industries. In addition to one-to-one coaching, workshops, and mentorship, participants benefit from corporate matching opportunities and connections to international markets, particularly in the US and Asia, through partnerships with German Accelerator and other networks.
BRYCK: Headquartered in Essen and launched in 2022, BRYCK positions itself as a flexible platform for startups tackling challenges in energy, health, livable cities, and hydrogen. Rather than a single programme, BRYCK runs several tracks tailored to a startup’s stage, including a 10-week Startup Sprint, an 8-week Startup Booster, intensive 5-day Bootcamps, and a Venture Client programme that connects startups directly with corporate partners.
Participation is free and equity-free, ensuring accessible support for founders. Through its extensive mentor and partner network spanning over 30 industries and 20 countries, BRYCK has already supported more than 80 European startups, many of which have gone on to secure funding or corporate collaborations.
UnternehmerTUM: Since 2002, in partnership with the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and entrepreneur Susanne Klatten, UnternehmerTUM has supported startups in DeepTech, ClimateTech, Mobility, Industrial Technologies, and Software/AI from its headquarters in Munich. Its mission is to turn technological research into market-ready companies by providing mentorship, tools, and ecosystem access.
Its startup programmes include the XPRENEURS Incubator, a three-month accelerator with two cohorts per year and up to €5k in prototyping support; XPLORE, a free online or hybrid programme for idea validation; TechFounders, a five-month accelerator for startups with a working prototype and first customers; and TUM Gründungsberatung, tailored guidance for TUM students and scientists. Through its venture capital arm, UVC Partners, UnternehmerTUM invests between €1 million and €10 million per round.
SpinLab – The HHL Accelerator: Founded in Leipzig in 2014, SpinLab has grown into one of Europe’s leading startup accelerators, supporting technology-driven ventures in sectors such as energy, smart cities, and health. Its mission is to support scalable growth across Germany and beyond by providing tailored mentorship, operational support, and access to a strong partner network built around industry collaborations.
SpinLab’s flagship programme is a six-month accelerator that offers startups €6k in non-dilutive funding to cover early expenses, along with free office space, coaching, and access to pilot projects with corporate partners. Startups can also compete for several awards supported by the city of Leipzig, and the programme culminates in an Investors Day, giving participants the chance to pitch to the wider investor community. Beyond the programme, alumni can continue to use SpinLab’s co-working space, and funding opportunities are available through Smart Infrastructure Ventures, an associated VC fund that invests up to €500k and may participate in future rounds.
ProVeg Incubator: Since its launch in late 2018 as an initiative of ProVeg International, the ProVeg Incubator has distinguished itself as the world’s leading incubator for plant‑based, fermented, and cultivated‑food startups. This Berlin-based incubator aims to reduce the global consumption of animal products.
ProVeg runs an accelerator programme of 5 months that provides each participating startup with up to €270k in funding, including €69k in expert-led workshops, use of Berlin-based co-working, test kitchen and event facilities, and ongoing strategic guidance through an extensive global network. The programme also includes mentorship from over 100 industry experts and culminates in a Demo Day to connect founders with potential investors and partners.
Hubraum Tech Incubator: Since its founding in 2012, hubraum has served as a bridge between early‑stage startups, companies and telco giants. Operating from innovation campuses in Berlin, Kraków, and Tel Aviv, its mission is to drive new business opportunities by focusing on emerging technologies such as 5G, AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), XR, and DeepTech in a broad sense.
Hubraum has many programmes, such as the Digital Innovation Program and First Mover API Program, both currently open for applications, alongside past initiatives like the AI Co‑Creation Program aimed at accelerating AI‑centric startups. Its campuses in Berlin and Kraków feature state‑of‑the‑art facilities, including 5G test labs, 3D printers, edge computing infrastructure, VR rooms, and makerspaces, where startups can test, refine, and scale solutions in real-world settings. Complementing this hands‑on support, hubraum also provides early‑stage financing through its investment fund, coworking space, expert mentoring, and direct access to Deutsche Telekom’s business units and networks, enabling startups to pilot and integrate innovations effectively. They don’t take equity.
Hungary
Rocket Up: Coordinated under the EIT Community’s Supernovas initiative, Rocket Up is a programme dedicated to supporting women-led technological ventures with international expansion. Based in Budapest, it helps growth-stage startups in sectors such as mobility, food, and manufacturing to enter new European markets seamlessly.
The six-month accelerator combines market analysis, strategy design, and tailored mentorship to guide participants through the process of identifying the right market, validating their product locally, and planning a successful entry strategy. Startups benefit from insights from business experts, peer-to-peer learning, and access to a European-wide network of investors and partners. By addressing gender imbalances in the tech ecosystem, Rocket Up aims to empower more women founders to scale globally and become role models for future generations.
Italy
Fashion Technology Accelerator: Founded in 2014 and based in Milan with a presence in London and Doha, Fashion Technology Accelerator (FTA) is a specialised investment and accelerator platform dedicated to fashion, luxury, and retail startups powered by digital innovation. They aim to advance the fashion industry through new business models and technology. FTA partners with global players like Hatcher+ to back top-tier fashion-tech ventures and shape the future of style.
FTA’s flagship Acceleration Programme spans six months and provides participating startups with €40k in cash plus €60k worth of services in exchange for a 10% equity stake. The programme supports revenue growth through business development, marketing, fundraising strategy, and industry introductions, leveraging a network of seasoned mentors and fashion-technology experts.
Techstars Transformative World Torino: Launched in Turin, this accelerator is part of Techstars’ global network and focuses on companies driving fundamental transformation and impact across industries and geographies. It brings together founders working on solutions in areas such as smart mobility, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and sustainability, while leveraging Italy’s growing innovation ecosystem.
The programme runs annually and follows Techstars’ well-known 13-week format, offering intensive mentorship, tailored support, and investment of up to €120k in exchange for 6–10% equity. Participants benefit from access to more than 120 mentors, including industry experts, investors, and corporate partners such as Compagnia di San Paolo, Fondazione CRT, and ISP Innovation Centre. The accelerator culminates in a Demo Day in Turin, where founders pitch to investors, corporates, and the wider ecosystem. Alumni include startups such as Sheeva, NATIX, Hive Power, Deliverart, and Wiseair.
Lithuania
FIRSTPICK: Founded in 2022 in Vilnius, FIRSTPICK is both a high-speed VC fund and an accelerator dedicated to supporting early-stage tech startups across the Baltics. With a focus on fintech, SaaS, deeptech, and consumer marketplaces, it aims to be the “first pick” for founders looking to turn ideas into scalable businesses.
The accelerator provides ticket sizes ranging from €50k to €250k, coupled with mentorship, early market access, and support from a growing community of experts and partners. Backed by private investors and Lithuania’s state-financed ILTE fund, FIRSTPICK has already invested in more than 38 startups, including notable names such as Samphire Neuroscience, Cyber Upgrade, and Handwave. Its mix of capital and acceleration makes it one of the most active startup engines in the Baltic region.
Netherlands
Rockstart: This early-stage accelerator and venture capital firm, founded in 2011 with offices in Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Bogotá, supports startups across multiple sectors. It focuses on three core domains: Energy, AgriFood, and Emerging Technologies. They aim to accelerate the transition to a regenerative and sustainable future by boosting startups with expertise, investor networks, and operational support.
The accelerator offers tailored programmes that combine strategic mentorship, expert-led sessions, and market access with direct investment opportunities. Each programme typically lasts six months, though some may extend to a year depending on the cohort’s focus and needs. Startups accepted into Rockstart receive an initial investment through a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity), with the possibility of follow-on funding. Rockstart can continue investing in subsequent rounds up to Series B, with a total commitment of up to €2 million per company.
Startupbootcamp: Since its creation in 2010, and with its headquarters in Amsterdam, Startupbootcamp has grown into a global accelerator network with more than 150 programmes in over 20 countries and a portfolio of 1,600+ startups. It supports founders by providing deep industry expertise, access to a worldwide mentor and investor community, and strategic corporate partnerships.
Its flagship three-month accelerator offers coworking space in the host city, mentorship from hundreds of industry experts, curated investor introductions and corporate engagements, and culminates in an “Impact Day” pitch event. With an acceptance rate of just 1%, the programme has earned recognition as Europe’s leading accelerator and a pioneer in sustainability. Startups typically receive €25k in funding plus over €100k in partner perks in exchange for 6–8% equity.
PortXL: Launched in 2015 in Rotterdam, PortXL has established itself as one of the first maritime startup and scaleup accelerators. It operates in the B2B sphere, PortXL brings together startups, scaleups, corporate partners and mentors all collaborating to disrupt sectors such as maritime, logistics, green energy and process industry
PortXL runs a three-month acceleration program, where PortXL assesses, interviews, and selects the startups that will start the programme. The program consists of three weeks where participants get access to the PortXL network, industry mentors, and tailored training. It culminates in a Grand Finale, a showcase of participants’ innovation and progress. They don’t take equity.
Portugal
Lisbon Challenge: Founded as part of Beta-i, Lisbon Challenge is an accelerator aimed at empowering early-stage tech startups through a founder-centric approach. Launched in 2009, Lisbon Challenge has become a benchmark in Lisbon’s startup ecosystem, offering mentorship, structured methodology, and guidance to help startups achieve investment readiness.
The programme runs twice a year and begins with an intensive 10-week phase, followed by six months of continued support. The programme culminates in an Investment Day, where founders pitch to investors and selected startups gain access to incubation, extended mentorship, and potential long-term investment partnerships. Lisbon Challenge investment partners offer €70k for 7% of equity.
Spain
La Nave: Based in Madrid and supported by the City Council, La Nave is one of Spain’s largest innovation hubs. Its six-month acceleration programme targets startups with at least a minimum viable product (MVP) across six verticals: Smart City, eHealth & Sportstech, Sustainability & Circular Economy, EdTech, Fintech & Insurtech, and Retail, Tourism & Hospitality.
Selected startups gain free access to workspace, structured training, intensive mentoring, and La Nave’s active investor network. The programme also provides visibility through demo days, media coverage, and major national innovation events, making it a recognised launchpad for scaling within Spain and beyond.
Lanzadera: Based in Valencia and launched in 2013, Lanzadera has supported over 1,600 startups, earning recognition as Spain’s top startup hub. Its mission is fueled by a philanthropic vision, providing startups with funding, resources, and business know-how, aiming to boost job creation and sustainable startup growth in the country.
Its acceleration programme runs for six months, during which startups gain exposure to a network of fellow entrepreneurs and companies. They benefit from talks, training and personalised mentoring. Applications are currently open for the December cohort. Investment is managed through Angels, Lanzadera’s sister fund, which typically backs graduates of the programme with €200k in funding in exchange for a 7% equity stake.
Sweden
Sting: Launched in 2002 in Stockholm, Sting has supported nearly 500 startups and established itself as the leading accelerator and incubator in the Nordics. Its mission is to help early-stage tech founders succeed by accelerating companies in fields such as ClimateTech, HealthTech and DeepTech.
The organisation runs a range of programmes, including Pre-Sting, Sting Core and Climate Race, combining hands-on incubation with deep coaching, access to coworking facilities and introductions to investors. Sting is owned by the Electrum Foundation, a public–private initiative that brings together representatives from industry, academia and the public sector. Startup investments are made through Propel Capital, one of Sweden’s most active angel networks, which provides €54k in funding exclusively to companies that have taken part in Sting programmes. The specific equity terms of these investments are not publicly disclosed.
Switzerland
Tenity: Headquartered in Zurich, Tenity is a leading innovation platform and accelerator dedicated to fintech, insurtech, regtech and adjacent technologies. Founded in 2015, it blends venture capital with open-innovation expertise, offering tailored programmes for early- and growth-stage startups.
Through its Swiss hub, Tenity runs accelerators such as the Zurich Fintech Accelerator, the Digital Health Accelerator, and pre-seed incubators. Its ecosystem connects over 200 portfolio companies with 80+ corporate partners, including UBS, SIX, Generali, and VISA, enabling collaborations, proof-of-concepts, and pilots. With a strong track record of investments and partnerships, Tenity has become a key player in shaping Europe’s financial innovation landscape.
United Kingdom
Baltic Ventures Accelerator: Launched in 2023 in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle, Baltic Ventures has been supporting early-stage entrepreneurs by connecting them with the coaching, talent and investor networks they need to grow. Its focus spans health, education, energy, creative industries and digital innovation, with a clear mission to back founders building impactful, globally ambitious businesses.
The organisation’s core programme is a highly selective five-month accelerator programme, open annually, that provides participating startups with €34k equity investment as an Advance Subscription Agreement (ASA). Startups joining also receive hands-on coaching from exited founders and C-level mentors, interactive masterclasses, curated investor access, and up to nine months of office space in the Baltic Triangle, creating a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
Entrepreneur First: It is a pioneering talent investor and global startup builder that backs individuals rather than existing startups. Launched in 2011, with hubs in London, Paris, Bangalore, New York and San Francisco, it identifies ambitious technologists and entrepreneurs at the very start of their journey, often before they have a co-founder or an idea, and brings them together to build startups from scratch.
Its flagship programme runs in two stages. The first, Talent Investor, helps participants find co-founders and refine ideas with expert guidance, workshops, pitch practice and shared office space, supported by an equity-free grant to cover living costs. Selected startups then move to the Launch Programme in San Francisco, where EF invests up to €213k and provides tailored mentorship, access to global networks and a Demo Day to connect startups with leading investors.
Outlier Ventures: Founded in 2014 in London, Outlier Ventures is a global Web3 accelerator and venture platform backing startups building the “Open Metaverse”, a decentralised, user-owned internet with fairer digital economies. With expertise across blockchain infrastructure, DeFi, NFTs, gaming, identity and metaverse applications.
Its flagship Base Camp accelerator is a nine-week programme, with current applications open for the Injective Catalyst cohort. Outlier Ventures also runs Ascent, a token launch advisory, and partners with leading protocols like Polkadot, Polygon and Filecoin to deliver tailored tracks. Founders gain legal and token engineering support, global mentorship, investor access and Demo Day exposure. Outlier Ventures typically takes an agreed equity stake and share of future token supply, usually in cryptocurrency.
The Family: Headquartered in London, this accelerator emphasises education, community, and long-term partnership over location. Initially founded in Paris, The Family has an industry-agnostic approach; instead, they support early-stage startups, digital innovation, and consumer products ventures across a wide spectrum, aiming to assist ambitious founders regardless of their field.
Twice a year, The Family selects 50 startups for its remote, six-week accelerator, offering intensive support in exchange for 5 % equity. Founders receive one-on-one guidance from partners, masterclasses from seasoned operators, access to perks like AWS and Twilio, and an investor-focused Demo Day. The fellowship’s value extends beyond the programme itself; participants retain lifelong access to peer networks, knowledge resources, and ongoing fundraising support.
By the way: If you’re a corporate or investor looking for exciting startups in a specific market for a potential investment or acquisition, check out our Startup Sourcing Service!
