Top 10 Accelerators In India

Startups are the heart of any economy and India has many entrepreneurs starting new businesses each year. These new companies are driven by fresh ideas and a strong desire to succeed.

When startups do well, they create jobs and help the country's economy grow. However, starting a business is difficult and new companies need help to grow faster.

That's where accelerators and incubators come in. These programs support startups in India and help them succeed. Here are the top ones helping Indian startups grow.

Startup Accelerator Programs in India

India has hundreds of startup accelerators that help founders turn their ideas into successful businesses.

These programs do more than just give money. They provide comprehensive support to help startups grow from early stages to global expansion. Thanks to these accelerator programs, India has become one of the world's best places for startups.

1. Peak XV Partners

Peak XV Partners is a leading venture capital and growth-investment firm focused on backing ambitious founders across India, Southeast Asia and beyond. Formerly known as Sequoia Capital India & Southeast Asia, the firm became fully independent in 2023 and rebranded to Peak XV — a name inspired by the original name for Mount Everest, symbolising the pursuit of bold goals and enduring success. 

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It manages over $9 billion in capital, has invested in 400+ companies, and supported 50+ unicorns with a strong track record of IPOs and exits. 

The firm invests in startups from the early seed stage to the growth stage across sectors such as SaaS, AI, fintech, healthtech, consumer and climate tech. It works closely with founders to help them build strong, long-lasting and market-leading companies.

With offices in major global locations and a team of experienced investors and operators, it plays an important role in shaping the future of technology and innovation.

2. 9Unicorns Accelerator Fund

9Unicorns Accelerator Fund goes beyond providing capital by actively helping founders turn ideas into successful businesses. As it expands into more cities across india, its focus is not just on funding startups but on supporting founders to become leaders in their categories. The fund has helped shape several success stories and shown Indian entrepreneurs what is possible.

9Unicorns also aims for global impact and supports founders well beyond the early funding stage. Its long-term commitment is evident in its efforts to build a strong ecosystem and provide end-to-end support to help startups grow and lead their sectors.

3. Venture Catalysts

Venture Catalysts has supported over 110 startups since 2016 and is known as one of India’s most active seed investment platforms. It offers end-to-end support to startups at different stages of growth.

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In addition to funding and acceleration, Venture Catalysts helps startups with business development, delivering strong value beyond capital. It also has a large network of entrepreneurs and investors, creates a supportive startup community.

The firm operates globally with a presence in Singapore, the UAE, the US, and the UK. Its involvement with startups usually spans from validating their ideas to supporting business expansion.

4. PedalStart

PedalStart is a founder-first startup accelerator that empowers early-stage entrepreneurs by connecting them with capital, mentors, and the proper ecosystem support.

The year 2025 marked a phase of purposeful expansion for PedalStart, with a strong focus on execution, meaningful outcomes and long-term value creation. Rather than chasing numbers alone, PedalStart concentrated on building strong founder relationships, unlocking opportunities and backing high-potential startups.

Focus Areas

PedalStart works with startups across sectors at the idea, pre-seed and seed stages. Its core mission is to bridge the gap between bold ideas and real opportunities by offer structured acceleration, investor access and hands-on guidance.

The accelerator supports founders from the earliest stages and helps them prepare for institutional funding and scalable growth.

Investment and Ecosystem Support

In 2025, PedalStart engaged with over 10000 startups through programs, events and its community platforms.

It connected over 1200 investors and ecosystem partners with founders and onboarded over 80 mentors who provided strategic guidance and real world execution support.
During the year, 7 startups raised their first institutional round with PedalStart’s backing while 60% of the portfolio raised follow-on capital, highlighting strong investor confidence.

Portfolio companies collectively raised $40 million in external funding, generated $4 million in revenue, and created 120+ jobs. The active portfolio reached a combined value of $40 million with PedalStart achieving a 2.8x MOIC through uprounds in select startups.

In 2025, PedalStart expanded its reach beyond India through PedalInvest, building an invite-only global investor network of 1,200+ investors across India, the US, Singapore, UAE and Japan. 

5. Antler India 

Antler India is the Indian arm of the global early-stage venture capital firm Antler, focused on building and funding startups from the earliest idea stage. It runs structured programmes like the Antler India Residency, where founders can validate ideas, form teams and receive initial capital and mentorship to launch their businesses. Through this hands-on approach, Antler India actively supports entrepreneurs from day zero and helps them scale their ventures. 

Since launching its India fund, Antler has expanded its investment portfolio significantly, backing around 80 startups across sectors such as AI, fintech, consumer tech, deep tech, health and climate through its maiden $75 million India fund, and plans to invest further in even more early-stage companies. Its Residency programmes and funding tracks are designed to accelerate company-building while connecting founders with capital, expertise and global networks.

6. IIMA Ventures

IIMA Ventures provides early-stage funding through grants and equity to entrepreneurs developing disruptive technologies. It focuses on areas like deep tech, digitization, digital inclusion and sustainability, helping startups overcome early challenges at the seed stage. Typically, it invests $100000–$150000 per startup to reduce risk in the early phases.
IIMA Ventures has achieved over 35 profitable exits and helped its portfolio raise more than $250 million in follow on funding from leading investors. Through multiple investment programs, it supports startups in building innovative solutions and promoting digital inclusion across sectors.

7. Axilor Ventures

Axilor Ventures supports early-stage startups by investing in about 8 to 12 companies each year through its seed programs. It typically invests $500000–$750000 per startup and offers more than just capital. Axilor provides founder-friendly terms and fast follow on funding, with over 75% of its portfolio companies receiving additional investment.

With one of the largest Series A+ portfolios among first-time funds in India, Axilor focuses on helping startups achieve strong product–market fit and scale effectively. Founders also benefit from a community of over 400 entrepreneurs who share insights, experiences and support, helping startups navigate early challenges and grow smoothly.

8. AdvantEdge Founders

AdvantEdge Founders is a venture capital fund that supports startups in consumer sectors with a strong focus on mobility. The team consists of former founders who guide entrepreneurs using insights from their own startup experiences.

The fund invests up to $1 million in a company’s first institutional funding round and helps founders scale their businesses and raise follow-on funding. AdvantEdge stands out for its focus on developing founders into confident entrepreneurs and strong leaders.

9. Rainmatter Capital

Rainmatter Capital, an initiative by Indian brokerage firm zerodha, focuses on supporting Indian founders building companies in fintech, health and storytelling. Beyond providing capital, Rainmatter offers mentorship, access to financial APIs and strong industry networks to help founders grow. 

Known for its patient investment approach, the firm prioritises long-term value creation over quick exits. It typically maintains a hands-off approach, investing up to ₹50 crore with minimal operational intervention.

In addition to venture investing, Rainmatter Capital is deeply committed to sustainable impact through the Rainmatter Foundation. The foundation supports climate action and environmental protection through grants and long-term funding. Any financial returns generated from these investments are reinvested back into the foundation which reflecting Rainmatter’s ethical, mission driven approach and its focus on creating lasting, meaningful change.

10. Marwari Catalysts

MCats (Marwari Catalysts) supports early-stage startups by offering funding, mentoring, industry connections and access to its cofounder matchmaking platform. It has reviewed over 6,000 startups and manages a $300 million portfolio. 

Backed by experienced investors, MCats also provides access to more than 100 mentors and essential tools to help startups scale.

Some of its successful portfolio companies include Jaipur Watch Company, Yearbook Canvas, and Banksathi. Together, MCats’ startups have raised $4 million and strengthened startup ecosystems in India’s tier 2 and tier 3 cities.