Frequently Asked Questions
About
AI 2026
X
About
What is Accel Atoms?
Accel Atoms is Accel’s pre-seed and seed platform for early founders building for the next decade. Designed for ambitious founders, we offer capital, mentorship, and company-building support from Accel’s global network of investors and operators. Since launch, we’ve supported dozens of Indian & Indian diaspora founders, in categories spanning developer infrastructure to consumer, Industry 5.0 and AI.
What are the different cohorts I can apply for?
Accel Atoms is accepting applications for AI Cohort 2026 and Atoms X.
What is AI Cohort 2026?
A pre-seed program for the most ambitious AI founders, with up to $2M in funding, early access to DeepMind models, and GTM expertise. AI Cohort 2026 is designed for founders to hit escape velocity, and is backed by Accel and Google’s AI Futures Fund. Learn more
What is Atoms X?
Accel Atoms X is a focused initiative that enables mission-centric founders with the right resources at the earliest stages. Built to back founders doing the work of their lives to bring a step-function change in the human experience. Learn more
Program Structure
How can I apply to the AI cohort?
The best way to apply is through our website. If you have been referred to Accel Atoms, we recommend you to fill the application.
How many startups will be selected?
We keep cohorts small and focused to ensure personalized mentorship and meaningful support.
Accel Atoms AI Cohort 2026 (in partnership with Google’s AI Futures Fund): 5-10 exceptional Indian and Indian-origin AI founders creating solutions across the AI stack, with the potential to go global.
Accel Atoms X: 2-3 bold, ambitious founders building breakthrough LeapTech solutions.
What perks will I get access to?
As part of the Accel family, companies have access to 100+ perks worth more than $5M from our network partners. We’ve partnered with the top AI foundational model companies to unlock credits. In addition, you get software for free for your initial infrastructure needs.
What are the key components of the Accel Atoms Program?
Accel Atoms is not a one-size-fits-all program. It is deeply personalized to your unique needs.
Community: Gain access to Accel’s network of 350+ startup founders, 100+ investors and industry experts.
Customer: Accel facilitates finding your initial customers across enterprise and end-customer. Network with Accel’s portfolio of 200+ startups, enable industry contacts, and get access to playbooks to scale your idea.
1:1 Mentorship: Direct connects with top global AI leaders, along with monthly office hours with the Accel team.
For more information, please refer to the cohort FAQs tabs.
Eligibility Criteria
What stage should my company be at to apply to Accel Atoms?
We support companies which have raised under $2M.
Is company incorporation mandatory for applying?
No. However, by the time selection is completed and you are selected, it is imperative you are incorporated to take on external investments.
What stage of ideation should I be at in order to apply?
The Atoms program is most relevant for companies that are either at the pre-product or pre-revenue stage. We also invest in ideas early— irrespective of an MVP.
Is international participation allowed?
Yes, we are accepting applications from founders based in India & Indian-origin founders based anywhere in the world.
What is the selection criteria?
Team: We back exceptional teams with clarity on their customer and market.
Idea: Conviction on the ICP’s need-state and your solution.
Market: Addressing large opportunities in their categories.
Funding
How much will Accel invest with Accel Atoms?
We invest up to $1M- $2M in startups in the form of equity or a convertible note. Alumni founders & startups have gone on to raise up to $4M in the round Accel Atoms has participated in. For companies looking to raise more, we will consider them for Accel investments outside of Accel Atoms.
Does being accepted to Atoms imply a follow on investment from Accel?
We constantly evaluate progress of the startups in our cohorts, and based on their trajectory, consider them for follow on rounds or open up opportunities to meet other investors. It’s important to note that the Accel Atoms program is run by the Accel AI investment team.
Funding
How much will Accel & Google AI futures fund in the AI Cohort 2026?
Accel Atoms & Google’s AI Futures Fund will co-invest up to $2M in each selected startup. Please note, to be selected to the cohort, both Accel & Google’s investment committee will run their independent evaluation to decide the fit for the program.
What perks will I get access to?
- $350K in Google Cloud + Gemini credits, in addition to up to $5M in perks from Accel Atoms. Yes, you will be eligible for perks from other cloud & model providers.
- Early access to Google DeepMind models and APIs.
- Technical support from Google Labs and DeepMind research teams.
- Co-development opportunities with Google engineers.
- Office hours with Accel (business) and Google (technical).
About the Program
Who are the Mentors for AI Cohort 2026?
Mentors from around the world will participate in mentoring startups selected in AI Cohort 2026. You'll connect with Accel partners, Google leaders, domain experts, and experienced founders who’ve built and scaled category-defining products.
We leverage Accel's global portfolio network to provide cross-border expertise in product, growth, GTM, fundraising, and operations—tailored to both local and international markets. With Google, you get access to technical guidance from leaders at Google Research, DeepMind, YouTube, and more!
What will the cohort look like, and what will be the duration?
The cohort will run for 3 months, starting in February to May 2026. Startups in the cohort will get continued support from Accel and Google beyond the program.
How many startups will be selected?
Accel Atoms AI Cohort 2026 (in partnership with Google AI Futures Fund): 5-10 exceptional AI builders creating solutions across the AI stack for India, with the potential to go global.
Eligibility Criteria
Is eligibility restricted to startups using Gemini?
No. There’s no model restriction, what's best for your use case—however we’re looking for at least one Gemini integration.
Will the Accel Atoms perks from other cloud providers be accessible?
Yes, we believe in multi-cloud and multi-model! Selected founders will get access to the full suite of Accel Atoms perks
What are the focus areas for this Cohort?
- Future of Creativity: investing in AI that dramatically lowers the time, cost, and expertise barriers to creation, unlocking a new age of expression for everyone.
- Future of Productivity: investing in AI that removes routine toil, elevating workers from "doers" to "managers" who orchestrate specialized AI agents.
- Future of Entertainment: investing in the shift from passive consumption to participatory entertainment, where creation and "remixing" become a native act.
- Future of Coding: investing in the shift from "engineering" software to "orchestrating" it, empowering a new generation of "makers" and creating 100x engineers.
If I don’t fall under these Focus Areas, can I still apply?
We know that innovation is not bound by traditional category definitions. You can apply with an idea across the AI Stack.
- Foundational Layer: Developing foundational models for complex modalities or enterprise automation
- Infrastructure Layer: Developing secure, scalable, accessible tooling for AI deployment, monitoring, and optimization
- B2B Application Layer: Developing AI solutions/agents/co-pilots to transform business workflows and services
- B2B Application Layer: New age applications building AI-native, multi-modal UX for next generation of consumer experiences
- Physical AI: Applying frontier AI to unsolved problems in the physical world
About
What is Accel Atoms X?
Accel Atoms X is a new program designed to support mission-centric founders building the public goods of the future.
Is Accel Atoms X sector-focused?
Accel Atoms X is sector-agnostic. So long as you are building breakthrough tech, product, or business model, we are open to your application.
What kinds of ideas will be considered for Accel Atoms X?
We are looking for ideas which aim to bring a step-function change in the human experience. Whether you’re commercializing deep tech, or building a consumer product with population-scale impact.
Program Structure
What will the cohort look like and what will be the duration?
With our first 2025 cohort, we are focusing on personalized, long-term institutional support for startups selected through Accel Atoms X. This includes:
- Mastering Storytelling: guided support on getting your story right: for customers, investors, and team members.
- Network of Faith: bringing access to founders building LeapTech from the Accel Portfolio.
- Office Hours: Get regular office hours with the Accel team and find unlocks to every challenge.
What perks will I get access to?
As part of the Accel family, companies have access to 100+ perks worth more than $5M from our network partners
Eligibility Criteria
What stage should my company be at to apply to Accel Atoms X?
Ideally, the founders are at the idea or prototyping stage for Accel Atoms X.
What stage of ideation should I be at in order to apply?
The Atoms program will be most relevant for companies that are either at the pre-product or pre-revenue stage.
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.
I am a solo founder. Can I apply?
Yes, you can apply if you are a solo founder.
Is international participation allowed?
We are accepting applications from founders based in India & Indian-origin founders based anywhere in the world.
Funding
How much will Accel invest with Accel Atoms X?
We will invest up to $1M in companies in the form of equity or convertible note. For companies looking to raise more, we are offering global capital unlocks from partners such as Prosus.
Is the funding provided as a grant or equity investment?
We will invest up to $1M in the form of equity.
Does acceptance to Accel Atoms X imply a follow on investment from Accel?
We constantly evaluate progress of the startups in our cohorts, and based on their trajectory, consider them for follow on rounds or open up opportunities to meet other investors. Posha (Atoms 1.0) is building LeapTech and has raised follow-on funding from Accel.
