19 Best (and most unique) Incubators For Early Stage Startups Worldwide (2025)

Startup incubators provide guidance and a plug-and-play program for the best startup to excel. This list is not only for startups who are looking for a great accelerator program but for tech companies who really want their network to align with their values.

There are hundreds of pre-seed funding programs for early-stage startups but here we put together the most unique and interesting incubators for startups.

Although there are incubators for all types of startups, we will be focusing on tech startups and early-stage startups that are location independent and who focus on raising seed funding.

What is an incubator for a startup?

A startup incubator is a cooperative program to assist infancy entrepreneurs by providing workspace, seed funding, mentorship, and training.

How many incubators are there in the world?

According to the International Business Innovation Association, the number of incubator sites is about 7000 around the globe.

Do startup incubators cost money?

I've been trying to find out how cheap it can be. The incubators don't cost money. Some people charge fees and other people invest in a company. Incubation is thus free until the government is explicitly given to improve business conditions.

Which is the best incubator in the world?

Before getting into our top startup accelerators, let's cover the big names.

Top Startup Accelerators and Incubators in the World

Startup incubators have been instrumental in the success of some of the most innovative startups around the globe. Entrepreneurs who are looking to build scalable, robust businesses can use accelerators and startup incubators as a launchpad.

These accelerators provide mentorship, investment, working space, and other support. Startups now have easier access to freelance consultants and scientists who can help them with business and research problems. These are the top-respected startup incubators around:

Y Combinator USA

Y Combinator is the most renowned startup accelerator in the world. It is a trusted startup incubator that has helped accelerate the success of Reddit, Instacart and Stripe, Twitch, Coinbase, and Weebly.

Y Combinator is a pioneer in the startup accelerator sector. Each year, the accelerator invests $120,000 in new startups. Paul Graham founded Y Combinator in 2005. It has supported over 2,000 startups, with an estimated total of over $100 billion. It is located in Palo Alto (Silicon Valley).

Y Combinator employs 40 people. Each year, it acquires approximately 13,000 applications from startups via the internet. The company selects between 200 to 240 projects yearly and follows a strict selection process. The SAFE contract, which is essentially an injection of capital, is used to finance the financing.

You may be eligible for Y Combinator's biannual 3-month program if you are an early-stage company. You will live in Silicon Valley and work closely with their team during this time. These companies will have the opportunity to improve their offerings and start to grow by pursuing additional investments.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• They give $500,000 in exchange to 7% equity
• Funding Startups: More than 2,000
• Exits:406
• Exit value:$20,000,000
• Total funding raised:$29,400,000,000

Techstars USA

Techstars was founded in 2006 and has a presence in more than 15 countries. It is a global network that allows businessmen to put forward advanced technology on the market, no matter where they live.

Techstars assists entrepreneurs in financial terms and provides consultations. The accelerator program has helped to create over 1,000 companies worth more than $8 billion. Techstars is behind Startup Week and Startup Weekend. These events encourage entrepreneurs to break free from restraint and create new businesses in just a few hours.

Techstars supports entrepreneurs in their business journey, from initial inspiration to IPO. There are many mentor-led accelerator programs available. Techstars Venture, an accelerator's venture capital fund has invested in companies such as Uber, Twilio, and SendGrid.

They support entrepreneurs and their ventures by connecting with a wider network of peers and pioneers, consultants and mentors as well as investors and corporate partners. They have 47 mentorship-driven accelerators across more than 15 countries. There is a program for you.

They offer programs for startups such as mentorship-driven catalyst programs and commercial advancement partnerships. Their Venture Capital Fund stimulates success by financing the most unusual companies.

You can also team up with other programs to get access to Techstar's resources worldwide network and a 3-month Techstars mentor program. This program offers individual consultations, working space, and access to more than $300,000. In addition to hosting and accounting support, you will have legal and accounting support. Trial Day manifestations are available as other investor relationships.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• What they give: invest up to $120,000 in each of our accelerator startups, purchase the right to 6% of the company's Fully Diluted Capital Stock at the Qualified Financing and provide $20,000 upfront.
• Funding for startups:1504
• Exits:402
• Exit value:$3,546,800,000.00
• Total funding raised:$108,900,000

500 Startups

It was established in San Francisco, California in 2010. 500 Startups is a global venture capital company with 150 employees in 20 countries. They manage investments in 74 countries. They aim to create thriving global ecosystems through innovating skilled founders and supporting them in their development through a 4-month seed program.

Their mentor network and investment department have functional wisdom at companies such as PayPal and Google, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Twilio and Canva are just a few examples of 2K+ tech startups they have capitalized on over the years. They have four global funds as well as fifteen thematic funds dedicated to specific verticals or markets. You will be in good company.

HIGHLIGHTS:

They give $150,000 in exchange for 6% equity. You have access to investors, experts, and a free workspace. Participation in the program is subject to a fee. It is $37,500.

• Funding for startups: 2,300,000
• Exits:350
• Exit value:$1,000,000,000.00
• Total funding raised:$140,000,000,000

Venture Catalysts

Venture Catalysts, India's first integrated incubator is widely considered to be the country's best startup incubator. This feat is not surprising considering its relatively short existence.

Venture capital is available in the range of $500,000 to $1,000,000, along with guidance, upskilling, and tutoring. They also offer networking opportunities with industry leaders. Venture Catalysts works closely with Microsoft, Amazon, and IBM. They also offer a workplace, seminars, and monthly events in all of India's major cities, as well as in Hong Kong and London.

The firm currently offers a wide range of business-related assistance, including shadowing, pitch days, and review days. Venture Catalyst, an incubator, is located in India, the fastest-growing economy in the world.

India has experienced a digital revolution over the years. They use an integrated approach to scale startups by providing financing, coaching, mentoring, networking with successful founders and executives, and technical product expertise.

Startupbootcamp

Startupbootcamp was founded in 2010 and offers Internet of Things, Financial Technology, and Food technology programs around the world, including Singapore, London, and Mexico City. They have sponsored startups at an average of 1.168 million euros.

Startupbootcamp offers three-month intensive programs that are highly focused and specific to specific industries in cities across the country.

Its mission is to help early-stage founders scale their businesses quickly by tapping into its international network of more than 2,000 alumni founders and consultants.

After a thorough selection process, the successful applicants have the opportunity to grow their business, gain experience quickly, and leverage mentoring and connections with industry professionals.

HIGHLIGHTS:

What they offer: Every 3-month program includes EUR15,000 for 6-8% equity, EUR450,000+ partner services, and 6 months of free collaboration workspace.

• Start-ups Funded:1085
• Exits:31
• Exit value: No data available
• Total funding raised: EURO 1,380,000,000

Ignite

Ignite is one of Europe's most notable accelerator programs. It has funded over 150+ companies since its inception in 2011. You can be assured that you will be taken care of by them as they are backed by Google and the European Union.

The pre-accelerator (3 months) and accelerator (6 months) programs will guide you from the planning stage through the execution and building of a successful business. Mentorship and networking are provided by groundbreakers. Ignite allows you to collaborate even if you are not from the United Kingdom.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• They give $20,000 in exchange for 8% equity
• 150 Startups Funded
• Exits:3
• Total funding raised:$1800,000

Melbourne Accelerator Program

The University of Melbourne supported the founding of the program in 2012. It also has allies like HWT, IBM, and Universal Music Group. The Melbourne Accelerator Program is a remarkable program that has the expertise and stature to accelerate your startup's growth.

The investment they offer is moderately different from other accelerators. However, the fact that you don't need to own any property and have your own office space in Melbourne will help you see a pathway to success.

The Melbourne-based curated marketplace Jobbop is one of the most successful exit stories. It connects top technology firms with developers.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Funding for startups:240
• Exits:11
• Total funding raised:$250,000,000.00

Startup Reykjavik

How does the idea of spending a summer in Iceland to boost your startup sound? Startup Reykjavik is a program that provides guidance and seed funding for startups. It runs a ten-week program every year in Iceland from June through August. It was established in 2012.

They offer free workspace and investments as part of their program.

Startup Reykjavik can work with any company they wish and will accept both early-stage and later-stage startups. You can apply anywhere in the world, provided you're able to relocate during the three-month program.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• They give you: $23,000 in exchange for 6% equity
• Funding for startups:68
• Total funding raised:$5,046,376.00

Metavallon

Metavallon Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Athens (Greece) and is interested in early-stage startups that combine talent, technology, and determination. They were established as Metavallon VC in 2011.

Metavallon offers hands-on assistance in areas such as coaching, consulting, networking, and coaching. On a case-by-case basis, they can also offer workspace in Athens (Greece).

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Technology is the industry's focus.
• Funding for startups: 10
• Exits: 1
• Total funding raised: 32 million euros.

Axel Springer Plug and Play Accelerator

Axel Springer Plug and Play Accelerator were founded in Berlin in 2013. Despite its unique name, Axel Springer Plug and Play Accelerator have been a joint venture of Axel Springer SE (a prominent firm in Germany's print business) and Plug and Play Technology Center (a multi-national startup accelerator in California).

This allows your digital startup to benefit from many worldwide opportunities. It also offers guidance and assistance on a wide range of topics.

Axel Springer Plug and Play Accelerator also have a housing program for artists. They believe that people who come together can create engrossing experiences.

They teamed up with Porsche recently to create APX, a new accelerator that supports digital business models.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• They give you: $30,000 for 5% equity
• Funding for startups: More than 100 portfolio businesses
• Exits:12
• Exit value:$4,800,000.00
• Total funding raised:$44,713,279.00

Startup Wise Guys

Startup Wise Guys was founded in 2012 and are Europe's largest Business to the Business accelerator. They are also one of the top investors in the CEE and Nordic regions. The three-month-long intensive programs offer top energy and easy guidance to help you on your way to success.

Cyberport, SaaS, and Financial Technology are their key areas of focus.

With the help of over 150 experts from across the country, the accelerator program focuses on sales and scaling. Demo Days are also offered and you can participate in tech conferences and startup events.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• They offer: Equity funds up to 30,000 EUR
• Sector focus: B2B SaaS and Fintech, CyberSecurity
• Funding for startups:14
• Exits:7
• Total funding raised:8,800,000.00 euros

Buildit Accelerator

Buildit Accelerator was founded in Estonia in 2014. It has since diversified to Latvia. Their mission is to grab your startup plan in IoT or hardware and turn it into a marketable product. Every 6 months, they select the firms that they will fund.

Buildit Accelerator focuses on Business to Business results, such as Connected Industries and Software for efficiency, Smart Living (B2C), and solutions in areas like Energy, Mobility, HealthTech, and HealthTech.

Their unique offering is what they call a "full-stack acceleration" program. You get Pre-Seed capital, a three-month Accelerator program, and additional Seed funding. This support program can last for two years.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• What they offer: Convertible loans up to EUR50,000 with a discount or valuation cap
• IoT and hardware are the industry focus
• Funding for startups: 24
• Total funding raised:$1,537,492.00

StartupYard

StartupYard was founded in Prague, Czech Republic in 2011. It is Central Europe's premier accelerator for Tech startups. The program focuses primarily on 'Deep Tech’ startups that decode complex Tech issues.

The 3-month program, where you'll need to move to Prague, is geared initially towards seed-stage companies and offers guidance and corporate partnerships with other industries. Access to their extensive network, including experts from Accenture, Vodafone, and Google, is also available.

Their most notable exits include BrandEmbassy, a digital customer service platform, and TeskaLabs, a cyber-security company.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• They give: EUR40,000 in seed funding via a convertible loan
• Technology is the industry focus
• 72 Startups Funded
• Exits:6
• Exit value:$340,000.00
• Total funding raised:1,300,000.00 euros

Chinaccelerator

Chinaccelerator is a chief startup accelerator based in Shanghai, China. It was founded in 2010, and it's a mentorship-driven program. They can help you scale up your online startup. They have actually invested in startups from 25 different countries.

Chinaccelerator, like HAX, is part of venture fund SOSV. It has $500 million in AUM and operates 6 global accelerators.

For three months, receive mentorship and guidance from investors and experts. Through their alumni string, they offer support after you have been accepted to the accelerator.

Robin8 Inc. acquired Launchpilots, an online marketplace that partnered brands with students to make it one of the most notable exits.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• What they offer: A $150,000 investment package
• Startups funded 32 (overall, they have supported 214 businesses)
• Exits:4
• Total funding raised:$74,784,272.00

Highline Beta

Highline was founded in 2014 as Highline Beta and has since grown to Highline Beta in 2017. This startup co-creation company turned venture formation firm can help your startup expand market-leading rankings through their network of investors and support from foundations such as Extreme Startups or GrowLab.

One of the notable exits from their funding startups was the science search engine Meta, which was acquired by Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. FameBit was also acquired by Google.

You can benefit from their co-creation program if you're based in Toronto or are willing to relocate. This allows you as a businessman to form alliances with other entrepreneurs who want to start a startup.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• They give: A $50,000 investment with 10% equity
• They are primarily focused on technology, but have a wide range of industries.
• 64 Startups were funded
• Exits:1
• Exit value: There is no data, but the aggregate worth of all invested businesses exceeds $765,000,000.00
• Total funding raised:$40,876,738.00

Startup incubators can help you save money and time than if you were trying to do it yourself. You might need to address a number of regulatory hurdles before you can launch a product, particularly if it is a medical device or food product. Some of these regulatory hurdles can be easily overcome by consulting experts on demand.

Pros and Cons of Startup Incubator

Some entrepreneurs already know about the potential disadvantages of startup incubators. Essentially it comes down to how you want to build your business and the type of support you need.

Bootstrapping vs Fundraising for Early-stage startups

Once you accept funds you involve more people in your business decisions. At an early stage, companies should really make a 5-year plan. What do you want your life and your business to look like in the next 5 years. Do you want to be one of the largest players in your industry? Do you want to go for funding?

Lifestyle business vs Venture capital

If you want to have a lifestyle business then you should consider if your idea is viable via bootstrapping. Bootstrapping allows you to create a bit more flexibility in the long run as you'll have no investors to answer to. You'll have complete control of your company and financials.

If you want to grow your network and eventually raise venture capital funding then an accelerator program may be the right fit for you. Yet, if you want to build fast from the seed stage a program and funding may be better fun. Venture funding allows startups from around the world to gain a global network of companies and rapidly scale. This is great for early-stage companies who want to be the top startups in their market.

What makes a good startup incubator?

A good incubator for startups will meet your needs. Before going into these companies, it's important to understand how you are looking. Discover the weaknesses of a startup that needs immediate support.

• They stand for the right values
• They are in a good location for you
• They'll give you enough capital
• You'll grow your mentor network

Our top accelerator programs for early-stage startups

Hyper

Sequoia and Andreessen Horowitz—the two most renowned venture capital firms in the world—back Hyper. They assist businesses worldwide in reaching their next stage of growth so they may continue to expand and seek financing.

Antler

Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm based in Singapore that was organized by a group of skilled entrepreneurs, investors, and company builders. They are devoted to assisting great people in bringing about long-term change by providing them with resources and inspiration. Antler's employees work from offices around the world, including locations in London, New York City, San Francisco, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo, and Tel Aviv.

On Deck

The World's Top Talents Come to Connect on Deck. Whatever it is you want to achieve next, our rapidly expanding community and action-oriented education will assist you in achieving your goals—quickly. This is the place for you if you want to discover something new to advance your career, launch and grow your big ideas, or make lifelong companions.

Communitech

Communitech Outposts allowed businesses to tap into a top-tier worldwide talent pool. Being able to hire the finest candidate, no matter where they are, with support for navigating the legal and regulatory process is a gamechanger.

Seed Camp

Seed Camp believes that its greatest asset is its people. They believe that investing early in a company's development can give it the best chance of success. They provide support for finding the right product-market fit, helping you grow your sales and marketing abilities, and introductions to our global network and investors.

Choosing the Right Startup Incubator for your Early stage startup

1. Do your research

The best way to start is by doing your own research. Look at different incubators and see which ones align with your business goals. Every incubator has its own focus, so it's important to find one that will help you grow your startup.

2. Attend information sessions

Most incubators offer information sessions that give you an overview of the program. This is a great way to learn more about the incubator and see if it's a good fit for your startup.

3. Speak to current and past participants

If you know anyone who has participated in an incubator program, reach out to them and ask for their advice. They'll be able to tell you what the experience was like and whether or not they would recommend it.

Bottom line

So, if you're an entrepreneur with a great idea for a startup, it's important to do your research and find the right incubator for you. The 19 incubators we've highlighted in this article are some of the best and most unique in the world, so there's definitely something here for everyone. Don't wait any longer - start your search today and see which one is the best fit for you and your startup.

Do you have any experience with incubators? Let us know in the comments below!