Priority window Oct 12 to Nov 1, 2026
a16z speedrun SR008
San Francisco
Applications sent in this window get the fastest review for the cohort that runs from late January to April 2027. Applications stay open year-round.
ApplyResources
Startup resource library
Events, accelerators, seed investors, and tools we point early-stage founders to. Every link goes to the official site, so check the details there before you apply or buy.
Upcoming events
Conferences and application deadlines worth putting on your calendar.
Oct 13-15, 2026
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026
San Francisco
Three-day startup and VC conference that hosts the Startup Battlefield pitch competition.
Get ticketsOct 18-21, 2026
Money20/20 USA 2026
Las Vegas
Fintech and payments conference, most useful if you're building in fintech.
Get ticketsApply by Nov 2, 2026
Y Combinator Winter 2027
San Francisco
On-time deadline for the batch that runs January to March 2027. On-time applicants hear back by December 11.
ApplyNov 9-12, 2026
Web Summit 2026
Lisbon
Four-day tech conference at the MEO Arena.
Get ticketsApply by Nov 18, 2026
Techstars Spring 2027
Varies by program
Final deadline for spring programs, which start March 8, 2027 and end with Demo Day on June 3.
ApplyNov 18-19, 2026
Slush 2026
Helsinki
Founder and investor event with a tool for booking investor meetings and the Slush 100 pitch competition.
Get ticketsJan 6-9, 2027
CES 2027
Las Vegas
Consumer tech trade show. Eureka Park is the area for startups.
Learn moreMar 15-21, 2027
SXSW 2027
Austin
Conference and festival. The Innovation track and SXSW Pitch are the parts for startups.
Learn moreAccelerators
Standard terms as published by each program. Terms change, so confirm them before you apply.
Y Combinator
In person in San Francisco, with no fees and a pro rata right in later rounds.
- Investment
- $500K: $125K for 7% plus a $375K uncapped MFN SAFE
- Program
- 3 months, in person
Techstars
Programs run by city and theme with no program fees. Asia-Pacific programs invest $120K in total.
- Investment
- $220K: $20K for 5% plus a $200K uncapped MFN SAFE
- Program
- 3 months, format varies
a16z speedrun
Andreessen Horowitz's accelerator, with two cohorts a year in San Francisco and no board seat.
- Investment
- Up to $1M: $500K for 10%, plus $500K in your next round
- Program
- 12 weeks, in person
500 Global Flagship
A $37,500 program fee comes out of the investment, so you receive $112,500.
- Investment
- $150K for about 6%
- Program
- 4 months in Silicon Valley
MassChallenge
Equity-free programs with no cost or application fee. Current US programs focus on specific sectors, and participants can compete for cash prizes.
- Investment
- No investment or equity
- Program
- Varies by program
Seed investors
Firms and programs that invest at the pre-seed and seed stages.
First Round Capital
Angel, pre-seed, and seed
Portfolio includes Notion, Square, and Roblox.
Visit sitePrecursor Ventures
Pre-seed and seed, San Francisco
Portfolio includes Carrot Fertility, Juniper Square, and Modern Health.
Visit siteHustle Fund
Pre-seed
Backs very early startups. Portfolio includes Webflow, Gamma, and Boom Supersonic.
Visit sitePear VC
Pre-seed and seed
Portfolio includes DoorDash, Gusto, and Guardant Health.
Visit siteNFX
Pre-seed and seed
Invests in the US, Israel, Latin America, and Europe. Portfolio includes Mammoth Biosciences, Stoke Space, and EvenUp.
Visit siteSequoia Arc
Pre-seed and seed program
Sequoia's program for early founders, with an open call for applications twice a year.
Visit siteFounder tools
For fundraising, learning, launching, and setting up the company.
YC Startup School
FreeY Combinator's online course on starting a startup. It includes YC Co-Founder Matching.
OpenYC Library
FreeY Combinator's collection of startup essays and videos.
OpenNFX Signal
FreeNFX's investor search network for founders.
OpenOpenVC
FreemiumInvestor database with deck sharing, deck analytics, and a fundraising CRM. Premium is $99 a month.
OpenLenny's Newsletter
FreemiumNewsletter on product, growth, and careers. Paid plans start at $20 a month.
OpenProduct Hunt
Free to launchSite for launching and discovering new tech products. Ads are optional.
OpenStripe Atlas
$500 one-timeForms a Delaware C corp or LLC. The fee covers state fees and the first year of a registered agent, which then costs $100 a year.
OpenCarta Launch
FreeCarta's cap table plan for companies with up to 25 stakeholders and $1M raised.
OpenClerky
PaidLegal paperwork for incorporation, SAFEs, and hiring. Incorporation is $427 one-time, and SAFEs are $9 each.
OpenNot sure which of these fits your stage?
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