San Francisco, the heart of Silicon Valley, is a hub of entrepreneurial activity. The city is home to numerous world-class startup incubators that provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities needed to succeed.

In this article, we’ll discuss the top startup incubators in San Francisco, their offerings, eligibility and application process, and their alumni success stories.

 

What are Startup Incubators?

Startup incubator programs are organizations that provide resources and support to help early-stage businesses grow and succeed. Thinking about starting a business? Consider joining a startup incubator. They can be a great way to get your business off the ground and increase your chances of success. They typically offer a range of services, such as:

• Mentorship: Access to experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts who can provide guidance and advice.
• Networking opportunities: Connections with other startups, investors, and potential partners.
• Office space: A dedicated workspace for your business.
• Funding: Access to funding opportunities, such as grants, loans, and angel investors.
• Business education: Workshops and training programs on topics such as business planning, marketing, and finance.
   

Startup incubators can be a valuable resource for entrepreneurs who are just starting out. They can help you develop your business idea, refine your product or service, and secure funding.

 
Related: 9 Inspiring Startup Founder Stories
 

Top SF (San Francisco) Startup Incubators & Accelerators

1. 500 Global
2. Y Combinator
3. Launchpad Digital Health
4. Founders Space
5. The Vault
6. Alchemist Accelerator
7. SkyDeck Berkeley
8. Techstars SF
9. The Batchery

 

1. 500 Global

500 Global (formerly 500 Startups) is one of the most renowned SF startup incubators. It is a global venture capital firm and seed accelerator based in San Francisco, known for supporting early-stage startups through investment, mentorship, and a powerful network. Since its founding in 2010 by Dave McClure and Christine Tsai, 500 Global has backed over 2,500 companies across 77 countries.

 

Key Offerings

• Seed Funding: 500 Global provides initial seed investments ranging from $150,000 to $500,000, giving startups the financial backing needed to kickstart operations or fuel early growth.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Startups in the program have access to a deep pool of mentors, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts. Mentorship focuses on product development, growth hacking, marketing, and business strategy.
• Growth Acceleration Program: The four-month accelerator program is designed to accelerate early-stage companies by helping them scale their operations. This includes rigorous training in growth marketing, customer acquisition, fundraising strategies, and leadership.
• Global Network & Community: 500 Global has a vast global network, giving participants the opportunity to collaborate with founders, investors, and advisors worldwide. This international exposure is invaluable for startups looking to expand into new markets.
• Demo Day & Investor Access: Startups in the accelerator program conclude their journey with a Demo Day, where they pitch to a curated audience of top investors. 500 Global also provides ongoing support post-program, helping with fundraising and networking.

 

Eligibility and Application Process

 

• Eligibility:
  • 500 Global accepts companies from a wide range of industries but particularly favors tech-driven startups with strong growth potential. Sectors like SaaS, FinTech, HealthTech, AI, and e-commerce are among their preferred domains.
  • The program targets early-stage companies, typically at the seed or pre-seed stage. The startup should have a minimum viable product (MVP) and some form of traction, such as customer validation, user growth, or early revenue.
  • Founders with diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, aligning with 500 Global’s commitment to inclusivity and promoting underrepresented founders globally.
     
• Application Process:
  • Online Application: Interested startups begin by filling out an online application, where they provide key information about their company, product, market opportunity, and founding team.
  • Screening and Interviews: After reviewing applications, 500 Global selects a shortlist for interviews. Founders undergo multiple rounds of interviews with program managers and mentors, where they pitch their business and demonstrate why they’re a good fit for the program.
  • Final Selection: Startups that successfully pass the interviews are invited to join the accelerator program and receive initial seed funding.
  • Equity Terms: In exchange for the investment, 500 Global typically takes 5-7% equity in the company, aligning incentives between the founders and the accelerator.

 

Alumni Success Story: Canva

One of 500 Global’s most notable alumni is Canva, the popular graphic design platform. Founded in Australia by Melanie Perkins, Canva participated in the 500 Global accelerator in 2012. At the time, Canva was an emerging company with the goal of democratizing design, making professional-quality graphic design accessible to non-designers.

During the program, Perkins and her team received mentorship, particularly in scaling their product, acquiring users, and raising additional capital. The exposure and connections gained through 500 Global were instrumental in Canva’s rapid growth.

Today, Canva is valued at over $40 billion and boasts more than 100 million monthly active users across 190 countries. It has transformed from a small startup into a global design powerhouse, providing an array of design tools for everything from social media graphics to presentations. Canva’s success story underscores 500 Global’s ability to identify and nurture high-potential companies, helping them achieve massive global impact.
 

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2. Y Combinator

Y Combinator (YC) is arguably the most prestigious startup incubator in the world, headquartered in Mountain View, California. Founded in 2005 by Paul Graham, Jessica Livingston, Robert Tappan Morris, and Trevor Blackwell, YC has become a leading force in early-stage startup incubation. YC’s model focuses on providing startups with seed funding, mentorship, and a unique environment to grow rapidly, over a short three-month program.

Y Combinator’s influence is immense; it has funded over 4,000 startups, and its portfolio includes some of the most successful companies in the tech world. Its alumni boast unicorns like Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe, Reddit, and DoorDash, contributing to a collective market valuation of more than $600 billion.

 

Key Offerings

• Seed Funding: YC provides an initial investment of $500,000 to every company accepted into the program. This funding is structured as $125,000 for a 7% equity stake, with an additional $375,000 offered on an uncapped SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) note.
• Intensive Mentorship: YC offers startups access to some of the brightest minds in the industry, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, and experienced YC alumni. Startups receive guidance on everything from product development to scaling strategies.
• Startup School: A core part of YC’s program is its “Startup School,” a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential topics such as product-market fit, user acquisition, fundraising, and startup culture. Founders benefit from weekly group office hours and lectures from experts.
• Community and Network: YC’s strength lies in its powerful alumni network, which fosters collaboration, mentorship, and continued support even after the program ends. Founders gain access to this community, which includes thousands of entrepreneurs and experts worldwide.
• Post-Program Support: YC offers ongoing support long after the program ends, helping founders with follow-on fundraising, growth challenges, and access to further mentorship and resources.

 

Eligibility and Application Process

 

• Eligibility:
  • YC accepts startups from all over the world and from various industries, but it tends to favor companies working in tech sectors like software, hardware, biotech, fintech, and AI. The focus is on companies with the potential to grow exponentially.
  • Startups can apply at different stages, but YC particularly favors early-stage companies with a minimum viable product (MVP) or some form of market validation.
  • The founders’ team composition is critical to YC’s selection process. They prefer startups with strong founding teams that exhibit technical expertise, grit, and a clear vision for solving significant problems.
     
• Application Process:
  • Online Application: Founders submit an online application that includes details about their product, team, market opportunity, and growth potential. This application is reviewed by YC’s partners.
  • Interviews: Startups selected for the next stage are invited to interview in person or remotely. YC’s interview process is intense but brief—interviews last about 10 minutes and focus on key aspects of the business, market, and product.
  • Acceptance: Startups that pass the interview are invited to join the YC program. YC invests $500,000 in each startup in exchange for equity. The program spans three months, concluding with Demo Day, where startups pitch to investors.
  • Equity Terms: YC takes a standard 7% equity in exchange for its investment and support.

 

Alumni Success Story: Airbnb

One of YC’s most famous alumni is Airbnb, the online marketplace that allows people to rent out their homes or spare rooms to travelers. Airbnb was part of Y Combinator’s Winter 2009 batch, and at the time, it was still a fledgling company struggling to gain traction.

Through YC’s mentorship and guidance, the founders—Brian Chesky, Joe Gebbia, and Nathan Blecharczyk—refined their product, focused on user growth, and eventually attracted the attention of investors. YC’s Demo Day provided a platform for Airbnb to pitch to investors, helping them secure early funding.

Today, Airbnb is a global giant valued at over $100 billion, with millions of listings in nearly every country in the world. Airbnb’s success story is one of the most prominent examples of how Y Combinator is one of the best SF startup incubators that can help transform a small startup into a global business.

 

3. Launchpad Digital Health

Launchpad Digital Health (LDH) is a digital health-focused startup incubator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California. It provides a robust platform for early-stage companies working at the intersection of technology and healthcare. LDH stands out due to its deep specialization in digital health, offering startups not just capital but also strategic guidance, mentorship, and a structured program to help founders tackle the unique challenges of the healthcare industry.

Launchpad Digital Health typically invests in early-stage startups (Seed and Series A) and provides long-term support, often committing over several rounds of funding as companies scale. The incubator works closely with its startups, helping them navigate product development, regulatory challenges, and market expansion, while also providing access to an extensive network of healthcare leaders, investors, and potential customers.

 

Key Offerings

• Capital Investment: Initial funding between $500,000 to $1 million, with potential for follow-on investments in subsequent rounds.
• Strategic Guidance: Assistance with market strategy, regulatory pathways (e.g., FDA approval for medical devices or software), clinical validation, and reimbursement strategies.
• Access to Industry Leaders: The program connects startups with healthcare providers, insurers, investors, and other stakeholders essential for market penetration.
• Office Space and Resources: Startups are provided with workspaces at LDH’s headquarters in San Francisco, offering an environment conducive to collaboration and growth.
• Coaching on Fundraising: Guidance on securing additional rounds of venture capital from LDH’s extensive network of investors.

 

Eligibility and Application Process

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Stage: Early-stage startups, usually at Seed or Series A stage.
• Sector Focus: Companies must be working on digital health solutions.
• Team: LDH prefers teams with diverse skills and some prior industry experience, although solo founders are also considered.
• Potential for Impact: Startups should have a clear path to creating significant improvements in healthcare outcomes or operational efficiencies.
• Scalability: Companies should demonstrate the potential for rapid growth and scalability, especially across large markets like the U.S.
   

Application Process:

• Online Application: Startups can apply directly through the LDH website. The application process typically requires a detailed business plan, pitch deck, and an explanation of how the product addresses a significant problem in healthcare.
• Initial Review: LDH reviews applications and selects promising candidates for further discussions.
• Interviews: Shortlisted companies are invited for interviews, where founders present their vision, business model, and product.
• Selection: Selected companies receive funding offers and enter into a long-term partnership with LDH, beginning their journey in the incubator.

 

Alumni Success Story: Vida Health

One of Launchpad Digital Health’s standout alumni is Vida Health, a digital health company that provides a virtual care platform for managing chronic physical and behavioral health conditions. Founded in 2014, Vida Health offers personalized coaching and care via its app, integrating human coaching with AI-driven insights to support users with conditions like diabetes, hypertension, depression, and obesity.

After receiving early support and funding from LDH, Vida Health went on to raise over $188 million in subsequent funding rounds from top venture capital firms. Vida Health has scaled rapidly, serving large employers, health plans, and consumers, with significant user growth across the U.S.

 

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4. Founders Space

Founders Space is one of the most popular SF startup incubators. Founded by Steve Hoffman (aka “Captain Hoff”) in 2011, Founders Space has rapidly expanded its presence across the world, with programs in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Its mission is to help entrepreneurs from diverse industries grow their businesses by offering them a combination of expert mentorship, resources, and global connections.

The incubator emphasizes a community-driven approach, where startups can collaborate and gain insights from peers, mentors, and investors. With a focus on tech startups, Founders Space supports companies in industries like AI, FinTech, HealthTech, and more. The program is renowned for its ability to help founders turn innovative ideas into scalable businesses through a structured approach to growth.

 

Key Offerings

• Mentorship & Coaching: Founders Space connects startups with seasoned mentors, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, and subject matter experts.
• Workshops & Masterclasses: Startups participate in hands-on workshops, masterclasses, and bootcamps that cover critical areas like growth marketing, scaling operations, financial modeling, and leadership.
• Global Network: One of the core strengths of Founders Space is its extensive international network of investors, corporate partners, and fellow entrepreneurs.
• Investor Access: Founders Space provides introductions to a vast network of angel investors, venture capital firms, and corporate investors.
• Customized Support: Founders Space tailors its program based on the specific needs of each startup, offering a more personalized experience.

 

Eligibility and Application Process

 

Eligibility:

• Founders Space is open to early-stage startups from a wide range of industries, although it has a strong focus on tech-driven businesses. Startups from industries like AI, SaaS, HealthTech, Blockchain, and consumer tech are common participants.
• Startups must have a solid founding team with technical and business expertise. Typically, companies with a minimum viable product (MVP) or a well-developed concept stand a better chance of acceptance.
• While the incubator is headquartered in San Francisco, it is highly global in scope and encourages international startups to apply. Founders Space also hosts programs in cities across Europe and Asia.
   

Application Process:

• Online Application: Startups apply by filling out an online application form. This form requests detailed information about the business, product, market opportunity, and the founders’ background.
• Screening and Interviews: After reviewing the applications, selected startups are invited for interviews. During this phase, founders discuss their vision, growth plans, and market potential with the Founders Space team.
• Acceptance: Startups that pass the interview stage are invited to participate in the next cohort. The incubator typically runs multiple cohorts throughout the year. There is no fixed equity requirement, which means the terms are negotiable based on the specific needs of the startup.
• Program Duration: The duration of the program can vary, but it typically runs for a few months, during which startups receive hands-on guidance and access to resources tailored to their growth stage.

 

Alumni Success Story: Talkable

One of the standout alumni from Founders Space is Talkable, a referral marketing platform that helps e-commerce businesses generate sales through word-of-mouth marketing. Founded by Allen Bonde and Alex Topiler, Talkable joined Founders Space in its early days to refine its go-to-market strategy and scale its operations.

During the program, Talkable received valuable mentorship on customer acquisition, product development, and fundraising strategy. Talkable successfully raised funding after participating in the incubator and has gone on to work with major brands like TOMS, L’Occitane, and American Eagle. The platform has become a leading referral marketing solution, empowering businesses to leverage customer referrals to drive growth.
 

5. The Vault

The Vault is one of the well-known SF startup incubators and innovation hubs, offering a blend of coworking spaces, mentoring, and resources to early-stage startups. Established in 2013, The Vault focuses on creating an ecosystem that fosters collaboration and innovation among entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders.

Located in the heart of San Francisco, The Vault has a rich history, housed in the iconic Jackson Square neighborhood. It is particularly known for its vibrant community and global outreach, frequently working with startups from around the world, including international founders who are looking to establish a foothold in Silicon Valley.
 

Key Offerings

• Mentorship & Advisory: Startups at The Vault benefit from direct access to seasoned entrepreneurs, industry experts, and mentors. These advisors provide guidance on product development, marketing strategies, business scaling, and navigating the fundraising process.
• Workshops & Educational Programs: The Vault organizes regular workshops, seminars, and speaker series that cover a wide range of topics essential for startup growth. These sessions focus on entrepreneurship fundamentals like financial planning, customer acquisition, and product-market fit.
• Networking Events & Investor Access: The incubator hosts numerous networking events, including pitch nights, demo days, and mixers, where startups can connect with investors, potential customers, and industry professionals. Startups also get opportunities to pitch their ideas to The Vault’s network of angel investors and venture capitalists.
• Global Reach & International Programs: The Vault has partnerships with various international organizations and accelerators, helping startups expand globally. It also hosts international delegations, connecting global entrepreneurs with Silicon Valley resources and expertise.
• Innovation Programs: The Vault runs innovation programs designed to help startups work on specific challenges, particularly in emerging fields like AI, blockchain, and biotechnology. These programs provide startups with mentorship, R&D support, and industry connections to accelerate their growth.
   

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligibility:
• The Vault is open to early-stage startups from a variety of industries, including technology, FinTech, blockchain, AI, and sustainability. Startups that are focused on innovation and scalability are given priority.
• Startups typically need to have a minimum viable product (MVP) or at least a well-developed concept before applying. The incubator prefers companies with a strong founding team that includes both technical and business expertise.
• Founders seeking access to the Silicon Valley ecosystem, either as local or international entrepreneurs, are ideal candidates. The Vault also welcomes international startups looking to enter the U.S. market.
   
  Application Process:
• Online Application: The first step is to submit an online application, which requires startups to provide information about their product, market opportunity, and founding team. The application also assesses the startup’s goals and what they hope to achieve by joining The Vault.
• Interviews & Screening: Selected startups are invited for interviews where they present their business idea and vision to The Vault’s team. This stage evaluates the startup’s growth potential and how well it fits with The Vault’s community-driven approach.
• Program Duration & Terms: Once accepted, startups gain access to The Vault’s coworking space and mentorship for a flexible duration, typically ranging from 6 months to a year, depending on the startup’s progress. Terms of equity are negotiable based on the level of support provided.
• Ongoing Support: Even after the formal incubation period ends, startups often remain part of The Vault’s network, continuing to receive mentorship, investor introductions, and other forms of support.
   

Alumni Success Story: Mooala

One of The Vault’s notable success stories is Mooala, a plant-based beverage company founded by Jeff Richards. Mooala creates dairy-free beverages, including almond milk and banana milk, aimed at the growing market of health-conscious and lactose-intolerant consumers.

During its time at The Vault, Mooala benefited from mentorship on product development and distribution strategy. With the support of The Vault, Mooala raised funding and successfully expanded its distribution across the United States, establishing itself as a major player in the dairy-alternative beverage market.
 

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6. Alchemist Accelerator

Alchemist Accelerator is one of the leading SF startup incubators that focus on enterprise startups, helping B2B (business-to-business) companies accelerate their growth. Founded in 2012 by Ravi Belani, a Stanford lecturer and former venture capitalist, Alchemist is headquartered in San Francisco and has a specific niche: fostering enterprise startups with a robust technology component.

Alchemist is unique in the startup ecosystem because it exclusively focuses on enterprise ventures, in contrast to many accelerators that emphasize consumer-facing startups.

Since its inception, Alchemist has built a reputation for producing successful, highly technical startups that provide solutions to businesses. The accelerator has helped over 500 startups, and its alumni have collectively raised over $2.5 billion in venture funding. Alchemist stands out for its intensive 6-month program that provides mentorship, seed funding, and access to enterprise customers, investors, and industry experts.

 

Key Offerings

• Seed Funding: Alchemist provides startups with seed funding as part of their program. Companies accepted into the accelerator typically receive $25,000 in exchange for a small equity stake (around 5%). In addition, participating startups have the opportunity to raise additional funds through follow-on investments from Alchemist’s network of investors.
• 6-Month Intensive Program: The Alchemist Accelerator program is longer than many traditional startup accelerators, running for 6 months. This extended duration allows enterprise startups, which often have more complex business models, to receive tailored mentorship and guidance over a longer period.
• Mentorship & Coaching: Alchemist is known for its high-quality mentorship program. Startups receive mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and venture capitalists with experience in enterprise technology. The guidance spans critical areas like go-to-market strategies, scaling operations, product development, and business model refinement.
• Customer & Investor Access: One of the key differentiators of Alchemist is its ability to connect startups with potential enterprise customers. The accelerator has a network of Fortune 500 companies and other large enterprises that are keen to work with innovative startups. Additionally, Alchemist provides access to a vast network of investors, including top-tier venture capitalists and angel investors who specialize in enterprise businesses.
• Demo Day: At the end of the program, startups participate in a Demo Day where they pitch their business to a curated audience of investors, partners, and potential customers. This provides startups with significant exposure to potential funding and partnership opportunities.

 

Eligibility and Application Process

 

Eligibility:
• Alchemist Accelerator focuses exclusively on enterprise startups, meaning that companies applying should have a clear B2B business model. Startups should be developing technology or solutions that cater to businesses, rather than consumers.
• Alchemist prefers companies with technical founders or those building complex, technology-driven products. This includes startups in areas like AI, SaaS, cybersecurity, blockchain, and enterprise infrastructure.
• While Alchemist focuses on early-stage startups, the program is open to companies that have a minimum viable product (MVP) and some form of market validation or customer traction.
   
Application Process:
• Online Application: The first step is to submit an application through Alchemist’s website. Startups must provide detailed information about their business, product, market opportunity, and the founding team. Applicants are expected to demonstrate their market understanding, technology expertise, and the scalability of their product.
• Screening & Interviews: After the initial application review, selected startups are invited for interviews with the Alchemist team. During the interview process, founders present their vision and product, with an emphasis on the business model, market size, and technical execution. The interview process is rigorous and designed to assess the startup’s potential to grow in the enterprise space.
• Selection: Startups that pass the interview stage are accepted into the program. Alchemist runs multiple batches each year, and each cohort is highly competitive. Only a small percentage of applicants are selected for the program.
• Equity Terms: Alchemist typically takes 5% equity in the startups it incubates. This investment includes seed funding and the full suite of services offered during the 6-month program.

 

Alumni Success Story: Rigetti Computing

One of Alchemist Accelerator’s standout alumni is Rigetti Computing, a company that specializes in quantum computing. Founded by Chad Rigetti, the company develops quantum computers and the software to power them, providing a platform for industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to aerospace to solve complex computational problems.

Rigetti joined Alchemist in 2013 as an early-stage startup with a groundbreaking vision for quantum computing. Rigetti’s time at Alchemist was instrumental in attracting investor interest. After completing the accelerator, Rigetti secured significant venture funding, raising over $190 million. The company is now a leading player in the quantum computing space, offering Quantum Cloud Services and helping enterprises solve problems that are impossible for classical computers to handle.
 

7. SkyDeck Berkeley

SkyDeck Berkeley is a renowned startup accelerator and incubator program based at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley). Founded in 2012, it is a partnership between UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering, the Haas School of Business, and the Berkeley Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research.

 

Key Offerings

• Funding: SkyDeck offers participating startups an initial investment of $200,000 through the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund, which operates as a venture capital fund associated with the accelerator. The fund takes equity in exchange for the investment and reinvests returns into future cohorts of startups. The investment is offered to startups selected for the accelerator’s Cohort Program.
• Mentorship and Advisory Network: Startups in the SkyDeck program gain access to over 300 advisors, many of whom are UC Berkeley alumni, industry experts, or investors. These mentors provide guidance on key areas like product development, go-to-market strategies, fundraising, legal matters, and scaling operations.
• UC Berkeley Ecosystem: Startups are connected to UC Berkeley’s resources, including access to faculty expertise, student interns, research labs, and advanced technologies. This close relationship with the university provides startups with the opportunity to leverage academic research and talent to advance their innovation.
• Co-working Space: SkyDeck offers startups a workspace at its headquarters in downtown Berkeley. This office space encourages collaboration among founders, investors, and advisors, providing an environment conducive to innovation and growth.
• Exclusive Events and Networking: SkyDeck organizes regular events, including pitch sessions, networking mixers, and workshops with industry experts. These events provide startups with opportunities to build connections with investors, potential customers, and corporate partners. SkyDeck’s Demo Day is one of the highlights, where startups present their businesses to a curated audience of over 700 investors.
• International Program (Global Innovation Partners): SkyDeck’s Global Innovation Partners (GIP) program allows international startups to apply for mentorship and investor connections. This helps foreign startups enter the U.S. market by leveraging the Berkeley SkyDeck network.
• Vertical Focus: In addition to general accelerator support, SkyDeck has vertical tracks for sectors like AI, healthcare, fintech, and more, providing startups in these industries with tailored support and connections to sector-specific advisors and investors.

 

Eligibility and Application Process

SkyDeck offers two main programs for startups: the Cohort Program and the HotDesk Program.

 

I. Cohort Program:

The Cohort Program is SkyDeck’s flagship 6-month accelerator program, designed for early-stage startups that have demonstrated significant potential for growth.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Stage: Startups at the seed stage or pre-seed stage are typically accepted. Founders must have a working prototype or early product.
• Sector: SkyDeck is open to startups from various sectors, including technology, healthcare, AI, consumer products, cleantech, and more.
• Team: Startups must have a strong founding team with a combination of technical and business expertise.
• Connection to UC Berkeley: Startups with founders who are UC Berkeley alumni, faculty, students, or affiliates are given preference. However, non-affiliated startups can also apply and be selected.

 

Application Process:

• Online Application: Startups apply online through SkyDeck’s website, submitting information about their product, business model, team, and market opportunity.
• Initial Screening: Applications are reviewed by the SkyDeck selection committee, which includes program leaders, investors, and mentors.
• Interviews: Shortlisted startups are invited for interviews, where they present their startup, discuss their growth strategy, and explain how SkyDeck can accelerate their progress.

• Selection: Selected startups are offered a spot in the Cohort Program and receive the $200,000 investment from the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund. In return, SkyDeck takes equity (typically around 5%).

 

II. HotDesk Program:

The HotDesk Program is a lighter-touch, self-paced program designed for earlier-stage startups or founders who need flexibility.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Stage: This program is ideal for startups at the ideation or MVP (Minimum Viable Product) stage. Founders can work part-time or full-time on their startup.
• Sector: Open to all sectors, just like the Cohort Program.
• Team: Early teams with a founder or co-founder who has some UC Berkeley connection are encouraged to apply.

 

Application Process:

Startups apply via the online portal, and if accepted, they receive access to SkyDeck’s resources, including office space, mentors, and networking events. However, the HotDesk Program does not include the $200,000 investment.

 

Alumni Success Story: Lime (formerly LimeBike)

One of the most successful alumni of SkyDeck Berkeley is Lime, a global leader in micro-mobility services. Initially founded as LimeBike, the company began as a dockless bike-sharing startup and has since evolved into an electric scooter and bike-sharing service operating in over 120 cities worldwide.

After completing the SkyDeck program, Lime raised significant capital from top-tier venture capital firms, including Andreessen Horowitz and Google Ventures (GV). To date, Lime has raised over $900 million in funding and achieved a valuation of over $2 billion.
 

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8. Techstars SF

Techstars San Francisco (SF) is part of the global Techstars network, a renowned startup accelerator that focuses on nurturing early-stage startups through mentorship, funding, and access to a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Launched in 2007, Techstars has established a reputation as one of the leading accelerators in the world, with programs across various cities and industries. The San Francisco branch specifically aims to support startups in the heart of Silicon Valley, benefiting from the area’s rich pool of resources, experienced mentors, and venture capitalists. Over the years, Techstars SF has supported hundreds of startups, many of which have gone on to achieve significant success.

 

Key Offerings

• Mentorship-Driven Program: Techstars SF places a strong emphasis on mentorship, connecting startups with experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors. Each startup is paired with a mentor who provides guidance tailored to their specific needs, helping them navigate challenges and develop strategies for growth.
• Funding: Startups accepted into the Techstars SF program receive an initial investment of $120,000 in exchange for 6% equity. This funding helps entrepreneurs focus on building their products and gaining traction without the immediate pressure of raising additional capital.
• Intensive 3-Month Program: The accelerator runs a highly intensive 3-month program designed to accelerate startups’ growth. During this period, entrepreneurs participate in workshops, networking events, and pitch practices that prepare them for investor meetings and product launches.
• Access to Network: Startups benefit from Techstars’ extensive global network of over 10,000 mentors, alumni, and investors. This network provides invaluable connections that can lead to partnerships, customer introductions, and funding opportunities.
• Post-Program Support: Techstars SF provides ongoing support to its alumni, including access to follow-on funding opportunities, additional mentorship, and continued involvement in the Techstars community. Alumni are encouraged to stay connected and leverage the resources available through the network.

 

Eligibility and Application Process

 

Eligibility:
• Techstars SF welcomes early-stage startups from various industries, including technology, healthcare, finance, and consumer products. While there is no strict requirement for a completed product, applicants should ideally have a minimum viable product (MVP) or a clearly defined business model.
• Founding teams are expected to demonstrate a commitment to their venture and possess the technical and business skills necessary for execution. Teams with diverse backgrounds and expertise are particularly valued.
• Startups should be looking to leverage the unique opportunities and resources available in Silicon Valley, making them suitable candidates for the Techstars SF program.
   
Application Process:
• Online Application: The application process begins with an online form that requires startups to provide detailed information about their business, product, team, and market opportunity. Founders are encouraged to articulate their vision clearly and highlight any traction they’ve achieved.
• Interviews: After an initial review of applications, selected startups are invited for interviews. This stage involves a deeper discussion about the business model, market strategy, and the founders’ backgrounds. It is crucial for startups to demonstrate their passion and commitment during this process.
• Selection: Successful candidates are offered a spot in the program, typically in one of Techstars’ three cohorts each year. The selection process is highly competitive, as Techstars aims to bring together the most promising startups with high growth potential.
• Equity Terms: Accepted startups agree to a 6% equity stake in exchange for the initial investment of $120,000. The terms are designed to align the interests of both the startups and the accelerator, focusing on mutual growth and success.

 

Alumni Success Story: SendGrid

One of the most notable success stories from Techstars SF is SendGrid, a cloud-based email delivery platform founded by Isaac Saldana, José Lopez, and Craig W. F. Oda in 2009. SendGrid aimed to simplify email communication for businesses by providing a reliable platform for transactional and marketing emails.

Following its time at Techstars, SendGrid raised several rounds of funding, ultimately securing $83 million in total. The platform became widely adopted, serving thousands of customers, including major companies like Spotify and Uber. In 2018, SendGrid was acquired by Twilio for approximately $3 billion, marking a significant milestone for the company and its founders.

 
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9. The Batchery

The Batchery is a startup incubator and community based in Berkeley, California, that focuses on supporting early-stage entrepreneurs, particularly those in the tech sector. Founded in 2014, The Batchery aims to provide a collaborative environment where founders can develop their ideas, refine their business models, and build connections with other startups, investors, and industry experts.

The Batchery operates on the premise that entrepreneurship flourishes in a supportive community. With a goal of nurturing startups from ideation through early growth stages, The Batchery has created a robust ecosystem that encourages innovation and collaboration. Since its inception, The Batchery has supported over 100 startups, many of which have gone on to achieve significant success.

 

Key Offerings

• Mentorship and Coaching: The Batchery offers startups access to a diverse network of mentors, including experienced entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and industry professionals. Mentorship is tailored to each startup’s specific needs, covering essential topics such as product development, marketing strategies, fundraising, and scaling operations.
• Flexible Coworking Space: The incubator provides a collaborative coworking environment where entrepreneurs can work alongside other startups. This space fosters networking and collaboration, allowing founders to share ideas and resources while building meaningful connections.
• Workshops and Educational Programs: The Batchery hosts regular workshops and educational sessions that focus on various aspects of entrepreneurship, including lean startup methodologies, pitching techniques, business development, and market validation.
• Investor Connections: The Batchery has strong ties to a network of investors, including angel investors and venture capital firms. Startups are provided with opportunities to pitch their businesses to potential investors, gaining valuable feedback and access to funding sources.
• Community Support: Beyond formal programs, The Batchery emphasizes building a supportive community among entrepreneurs. The incubator hosts networking events, social gatherings, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared learning.

 

Eligibility and Application Process

 

Eligibility:
• The Batchery welcomes early-stage startups from various industries, particularly those in technology, consumer products, and health tech. Startups should be in the ideation or early growth stages, with a focus on innovation and scalability.
• Founders are expected to demonstrate a commitment to their startup, with at least one member of the founding team actively engaged in the business. Teams with a diverse skill set, combining technical and business expertise, are encouraged to apply.
• While having a minimum viable product (MVP) is advantageous, it is not a strict requirement. The Batchery is open to startups at different stages of development.
   
Application Process:
• Online Application: The application process begins with submitting an online application form that includes information about the startup, the founding team, the business idea, and any traction achieved thus far. Applicants are encouraged to clearly articulate their vision and market opportunity.
• Interviews: Selected applicants are invited for interviews with The Batchery team. This stage allows founders to present their business in more detail and discuss their goals and challenges. The team assesses the startup’s potential and alignment with The Batchery’s mission.
• Acceptance: Once accepted, startups can join the incubator and participate in the various offerings provided by The Batchery. There may be a nominal fee associated with the program, which can vary based on the resources and level of support provided.
• Ongoing Engagement: After joining, startups engage in a structured program that includes mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities, allowing them to gain insights and refine their business strategies continuously.

 

Alumni Success Story: LaunchDarkly

One of The Batchery’s notable success stories is LaunchDarkly, a feature management platform that enables software development teams to deliver and control their software features. Founded in 2014 by Edith Harbaugh, John Kodumal, and Alex S. Braginski, LaunchDarkly aims to help companies test and roll out new features with greater confidence, thereby reducing the risks associated with software deployment.

LaunchDarkly successfully raised significant funding rounds, including a $170 million Series D round in 2020, achieving a valuation of over $1 billion. The company has grown rapidly, serving thousands of customers, including major enterprises like IBM, Comcast, and Atlassian.

 

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