Accel, a leading global venture capital firm, has expanded its Accel Atoms pre-seed scaling program with two new tracks: Accel Atoms AI and Accel Atoms X. Launched on July 11, 2025, these initiatives offer Indian and Indian-origin founders worldwide up to $1 million in funding, over $5 million in perks, and personalized mentorship to drive innovation in AI and breakthrough technologies.
Accel Atoms AI and X offer up to $1M for Indian-origin founders globally.
AI track targets startups across the AI stack, from models to applications.
Atoms X focuses on LeapTech for transformative products and business models.
Over $5M in perks and mentorship from Accel’s global network included.
Program supports cross-border execution with a frictionless 0-to-1 journey.
Applications open year-round with a streamlined process for founders.
Led by Prayank Swaroop, Anand Daniel, and Anagh Prasad, the Accel Atoms AI track supports visionary Indian-origin founders building AI-driven solutions across the AI stack, including foundational models, infrastructure tools, and applications. As Prayank Swaroop, Partner at Accel, states, “We’re seeing a fundamental shift where Indian founders in AI are moving to global markets earlier than ever before, to be closer to their first customers. These founders understand that while AI is borderless, execution isn’t.” The program provides up to $1 million in funding, over $5 million in perks, and tailored mentorship to navigate cross-border complexities and accelerate market entry.
The Accel Atoms X track, led by Pratik Agarwal, targets LeapTech innovations—novel technologies, products, or business models that redefine human experiences. As Agarwal notes, “LeapTech ideas often take years of iteration before product-market fit is clear—but their ability to fundamentally reshape how we live or build is unmistakable.” Startups like Posha and Sarla Aviation exemplify this vision. Selected startups receive up to $1 million in equity or convertible notes, access to R&D experts, and workshops to drive breakthrough innovation from inception.
The programs address the unique challenges of Indian-origin founders building for global markets. Anand Daniel, Partner at Accel, highlights, “Indian and Indian-origin founders are right at the center of the inflection point in AI. The success of companies like Ema and Bridgetown Research shows us that founders tapping into the cross-border advantage—building what customers want, with great speed, and while tapping into the breadth and depth of India’s talent pool—can beat global competition by a significant margin.” This focus on global scalability and AI ecosystem development positions Accel Atoms as a catalyst for category-defining businesses.
Since its inception in 2021, Accel Atoms has supported over 40 startups, many securing significant follow-on funding. The AI and X tracks offer a streamlined, year-round application process without lengthy forms or Zoom calls, ensuring accessibility for early-stage founders. With a focus on pre-seed funding and mentorship-driven growth, Accel continues to empower Indian-origin entrepreneurs to build transformative businesses worldwide.
Accel Atoms AI and X reinforce Accel’s commitment to fostering innovation among Indian-origin founders. By providing capital, mentorship, and a global network, these programs empower startups to overcome early-stage challenges and achieve global impact in AI and LeapTech sectors.
Accel is a global venture capital firm and the first partner to exceptional teams everywhere, from inception through all phases of private company growth. Its investments include Atlassian, Bumble, CrowdStrike, Flipkart, Freshworks, Qualtrics, Scale, Segment, Slack, Spotify, Squarespace, Tenable, and UiPath, among others. Accel helps ambitious entrepreneurs build iconic global businesses.
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