New Delhi: Accel Atoms 4.0, the fourth cohort of Accel’s pre-seed scaling programme, will officially accept applications from pre-seed startups until November 17, the global venture capital (VC) firm announced on Monday.
The current edition of the sector-themed programme focuses on two categories of pre-seed startups — those building for ‘Bharat’ and those building in or with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Accel defines ‘Bharat’ as the middle-income households spread across Tier 2, Tier 3, and rural India, currently estimated to offer a $500 billion consumer market. This presents a significant opportunity, as the top 20 percent of the rural population has a higher MPCE (monthly per capita expenditure) than 50 percent of the urban population. Accel believes multiple Indian unicorns will emerge from this Bharat opportunity, fostering a sense of optimism among potential applicants.
Through the three-month hybrid programme, pre-seed stage startups selected for Accel Atoms 4.0 will gain mentorship from top industry experts in AI and Bharat and over $5 million in perks from leaders such as AWS, Google, Stripe, and more to cover initial infrastructure needs. What’s more, startups that make exceptional progress during the programme will be eligible for investment of up to $1 million, offering an exciting financial prospect for potential applicants.
Anand Daniel, a Partner at Accel, will lead the Bharat cohort. Since joining the firm in 2010, Anand has focused on investments in Bharat, consumer technology, online marketplaces, AI, fintech, and health tech. He has led investments in ApnaMart, BlackBuck, Bounce, Emeritus, MyGlamm, Niyo, OrangeHealth, Rupeek, SenseHQ, Simplismart, Spinny, Swiggy, Vedantu, Zolve, and other early-stage companies.
Prayank Swaroop will lead the AI cohort. He has been a Partner at Accel since 2011 and focuses on sectors such as AI, cybersecurity, marketplaces, and SaaS. He has led investments in Aavenir, Bizongo, DhiWise, Dr Droid, Securden, Zetwerk, and other early-stage companies.
Founders in Accel Atoms 4.0 will also have access to Accel’s global community of over 300 founders, mentors, and potential customers. In addition to collaborations with organisations like xto10x, this will offer deeper mentorship, expert insights, and support, ensuring that the founders feel reassured and supported in their journey.
According to the VC firm, applicants can visit https://atoms.accel.com to apply and learn more about this programme.
Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth are Now Husband-Wife; Bollywood Wishes the Newly-Weds
For more updates Subscribe to Media Eye News
–IANS
Picture for representation purpose
