Global venture capital firm Accel has announced an expansion of its Accel Atoms pre-seed scaling program, introducing two new tracks — Accel Atoms AI and Accel Atoms X — designed to support Indian and Indian-origin founders worldwide. Startups accepted into either program will receive up to $1 million in funding, access to perks worth more than $5 million through Accel’s network partners, and personalized mentorship from industry experts.
Focusing on AI Innovation
Led by Accel partners Prayank Swaroop, Anand Daniel, and Anagh Prasad, Accel Atoms AI targets founders leveraging artificial intelligence for business applications or building foundational tools for the AI ecosystem. The program supports startups across the entire AI stack, including foundational models, infrastructure solutions, and application development.
Prayank Swaroop highlighted the program’s global vision, saying, “Indian founders in AI are moving to global markets earlier than ever before. While AI is borderless, execution isn’t — and Atoms provides the capital, mentorship, and infrastructure they need to navigate cross-border complexities.”
Anand Daniel added, “Indian-origin founders are at the center of the AI revolution. By tapping into India’s talent pool and scaling globally, they’re beating competition with speed and innovation.”
Introducing Atoms X for LeapTech
The newly launched Accel Atoms X, led by partner Pratik Agarwal, focuses on LeapTech — companies driving breakthrough innovations through disruptive technologies, business models, and products that radically transform human experiences.
Selected startups will gain access to up to $1 million in funding via equity or convertible notes, curated R&D networks, commercialization workshops, and a tight-knit community of mission-driven founders.
Agarwal explained, “LeapTech ideas often take years of iteration before product-market fit emerges. With Atoms X, we back founders right at inception, offering early conviction and deep ecosystem support.”
Applications Open Year-Round
Since its 2021 launch, Accel Atoms has supported 40+ early-stage startups, many of which have secured significant follow-on funding and built category-defining businesses. With the addition of Atoms AI and Atoms X, Accel strengthens its mission to help founders scale globally from day zero.
Applications for both tracks are open year-round with a streamlined process. Founders can apply directly at atoms.accel.com.