FAQs

After successfully running Atoms 1.0 and 2.0 with a track record of 24 companies and a total funding raised exceeding $160M, we actively sought feedback from our founders. Their input highlighted two key areas of improvement: the need for a highly tailored program content addressing their specific challenges, and the importance of fostering interactions with founders who are a few steps ahead of them, but not excessively far along in their journey.
‍
To address these needs effectively, we have made the decision to introduce sector-focused cohorts. This approach will enable us to curate highly focused expert sessions, arrange relevant customer meetings, and provide specific perks that align with the unique requirements of each sector.

Accel Atoms is currently accepting applications for two themes, AI and Industry 5.0. We are kicking off Atoms 3.0 with these two cohorts, but as we scale the program, we plan to launch other themes as well. Please see the respective cohort pages or the FAQs below to see if you fit in the launched cohorts.

All companies are welcome to apply to Accel. If you apply to atoms.accel.com and do not belong to one of these 2 themes, your application will be evaluated by our regular fund and our team will automatically route it to the right members in Accel. Accel invests across consumer internet, B2B marketplaces, SaaS, Fintech, consumer brands and many more sectors but currently, we will be accepting applications for Accel Atoms within the two verticals of AI and Industry 5.0.

The best way to apply to Atoms is through the Atoms website. We have a dedicated team and an automated process in place that keeps us from missing out on any applications. If you were referred to us by someone, we recommend you to fill the application as it will help us respond to you in a timely manner.

We want to partner with 4-5 companies per cohort in this edition of Accel Atoms.

Yes, you can apply if you are a solo founder. Some of the companies with solo founders that we have invested in Atoms include Brik and Ripik.

We look forward to investing in the earliest stages of emerging ideas, irrespective of an MVP, with founders who can commit to building their company full time.

For AI cohort, we are accepting applications from founders based in India, Singapore, Indonesia, & the UAE.

For Industry 5.0 cohort, we are accepting applications from founders based in India & Indonesia.

The Atoms program will be most relevant for companies that are either at the pre-product or pre-revenue stage. An MVP is good to have, but not a must.

We will invest up to $500K in companies. For companies looking to raise more, we will consider them for Accel investments outside of the Atoms accelerator.

Accel Atoms will invest up to $500K in the form of equity or convertible note.

We are looking for founders who are building the future of manufacturing. We think big outcomes can arise from companies focused on improving the efficiency of people, processes or machines working on the industrial shop floor.

The last date to submit your application is 23rd September 2023.

We evaluate applications on multiple criteria including the team’s experience in the space, the market in which they want to build for as well as the overall strength and feasibility of the solution.

Each Atoms cohort will consist of 4-5 companies. For the first 3 months, we want founders to focus on getting to product-market-fit by spending a lot of time with their customers. The next three will be focused on iterating the product based on feedback from customers and mentors.