Over the past decade, Los Angeles has emerged as one of the largest challengers to Silicon Valley's startup scene. It's home to some of the world’s most influential unicorns such as LegalZoom, Snap, SpaceX, and Hulu. According to Inc and MediaKix, the 'Silicon Beach' area around Santa Monica is alone home to companies with a combined $150bn+ valuation.
LA is a flourishing city, with one of the most inclusive startup ecosystems. Countless accelerators and incubators have emerged in Los Angeles, offering services for talented entrepreneurs and upcoming startups to create a better world through new technology.
Below, we've alphabetically listed some of the top accelerators and incubators in LA:
1. Amplify LA
- Description: "At Amplify, our vision is clear — help passionate technology entrepreneurs grow their startups into strong, scalable & successful companies. We like to invest early, and are dedicated to supporting our founders throughout the lifetime of their business.."
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- Amplify LA Requirements: Anyone with a business plan and a pitch deck. Rolling applications.
- Amplify LA Deal Terms: During a 4-8 month accelerator program, Amplify provides seed funding of $50,000-$200,000, along with free workspace and mentorship.
- Notable Amplify LA Alumni: Winc, CARD, Clutter, Gem
2. Cedars-Sinai Accelerator
- Description: "The Cedars-Sinai Accelerator is transforming healthcare quality, efficiency, and care delivery by helping entrepreneurs bring their innovative technology products to market. This three-month program, based in Los Angeles, California, provides companies with $100,000 in funding, mentorship from more than 300 leading clinicians and executives, access to Cedars-Sinai, and exposure to a broad network of entrepreneurs and investors.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Healthcare
- Cedars-Sinai Accelerator Requirements: Technologies that can positively impact the healthcare sector.
- Cedars-Sinai Accelerator Deal Terms: An investment of a $100,000 convertible debt note, technical resources, office space, and mentorship from experts.
- Notable Cedars-Sinai Accelerator Alumni: NarrativeDx, Lumeon, HomeHero
3. Disney Accelerator
- Description: "The Disney Accelerator is helping today’s technology innovators turn their dreams for new media and entertainment experiences into reality."
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Media and Entertainment
- Disney Accelerator Requirements: All media and entertainment companies can apply, including those who are venture-backed.
- Disney Accelerator Deal Terms: Six percent common stock equity for $20,000 in funding, and an available $100,000 convertible debt note.
- Notable Disney Accelerator Alumni: Atom Tickets, Aaptiv
3. Founder Institute Los Angeles (pre-seed accelerator)
- Description: The Founder Institute works with entrepreneurs and teams in the pre-seed stage, typically before they are advanced enough to gain acceptance into a seed-accelerator program. The program helps you build an enduring business by providing Los Angeles startup experts that are invested in your success, and a structured business-building process that has helped alumni raise over $1.85BN.
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- Founder Institute Requirements: Both solo founders and teams at the pre-seed stage are welcome, including those at the idea or very early-stages of a company (including pre-incorporation). If your company has significant funding, traction, or revenue, then you are probably too advanced for the Founder Institute and should consider applying to the seed-accelerators on this list.
- Founder Institute Deal Terms: To create a strong support network, participants join an "Equity Collective" where they contribute 4% of their company to a shared pool. Any financial returns to this pool are then shared equally with each cohort's alumni, the program mentors, Local Leaders, and Founder Institute.
- Notable Founder Institute Alumni: Udemy, Acudeen, Appota, Ovamba, Realty Mogul, TravelCar, and more.
5. Global Sports Venture Studio
- Description: “We’re building a platform for sports industry leaders ready to embrace disruption, experiment with innovation, and engage with the global startup ecosystem in strategic and risk-controlled ways.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: E-commerce, Entertainment, Sports
- GSVS Requirements: Companies that are advancing the sports sector through technology.
- GSVS Deal Terms: $120k+ for up to 6% equity.
6. Grid 110
- Description: “Creating clearer pathways to success for early stage entrepreneurs in Los Angeles. Grid110 is an economic and community development non-profit that provides mentoring/resources for early-stage entrepreneurs through free cohort-based, accelerator style programs. The goal is to activate community and help entrepreneurs realize sustainable growth paths that allow them to scale their businesses (and teams) right here in Los Angeles.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: All tech or tech-enabled businesses.
- Grid 110 Requirements: One program for ‘Idea to Prototype’, along with another for post-launch startups.
- Grid 110 Deal Terms: They offer free co-working space, mentorship, and other critical resources to selected startups.
- Notable Grid 110 Alumni: CONVRG
7. Hub 101
- Description: “Operated by Cal Lutheran University in Westlake Village, CA, Hub101 offers coworking, community, and mentorship for entrepreneurs and small business owners to start, grow, and scale their startups with the help of mentors, coaches and service providers.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Any tech or tech-enabled startup.
- Hub 101 Requirements: Open to early stage companies or solo entrepreneurs.
- Hub 101 Deal Terms: Coworking with Hub101 is extremely flexible, and is structured as a month-to-month agreement. Individual full access is available to anyone, and costs $199 per month.
8. The Hub
- Description: “We are a membership community and co-working space located in the Arts District for impact-focused entrepreneurs, civic leaders, non-profit leaders, consultants and artists all working to address the most critical issues facing our city.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Any impact-focused tech or tech-enabled startup.
- The Hub Requirements: Personality and values are more important than startup stage. Entrepreneurs must be socially conscious and passionate about the problem that they are solving.
- The Hub Deal Terms: Apply for details.
9. Idealab
- Description: “Founded in 1996, Idealab is the longest running technology incubator. We have created over 150 companies with more than 45 IPOs and acquisitions. We believe that entrepreneurship can unlock human potential and make the world a better place. We look for big problems in the world that have technology solutions and test many ideas in parallel. When one shows great promise, we recruit a great team, spin it off into a company, and help them grow a successful business.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Any tech or tech-enabled startup.
- Idealab Requirements: Prior recommendations are all but required.
- Idealab Deal Terms: Apply for details.
- Notable Idealab Alumni: Picasa, Twilio, Coinbase, Fair
10. LA Cleantech Incubator
- Description: “LACI helps cleantech startups grow and focus on economic, environmental, diversity and social impact. With curated programs pairing founders with experienced executive advisors, opening access to the L.A. innovation ecosystem, assisting with access to capital and sharing pilot project opportunities and competitions, LACI portfolio companies are developing solutions for an inclusive green economy.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Cleantech: Energy, Transportation, Sustainable Cities
- LACI Requirements: Startups based in LA with novel technologies for Clean Energy, Zero Emissions Mobility, and Smart & Sustainable Cities.
- LACI Deal Terms: Apply for details.
- Notable LACI Alumni: Rejoule, Ampaire, Repurpose
11. Launchpad LA
- Description: “Launchpad LA is a startup accelerator for exceptional entrepreneurs. We invest $25k - $100k, offer free office space one block from the Santa Monica beach, and provide access to a massive network of mentors, investors and advisors.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Any tech or tech-enabled startup.
- Launchpad LA Requirements: “We look for companies that have more than a PowerPoint and less than a Series A”
- Launchpad LA Deal Terms: For the first investment (usually $50k), they receive around 6% common stock. Follow-on investments are optional, and priced at maximum valuation.
- Launchpad LA Notable Alumni: ChowNow, ShopNation, Tuition.io
12. Make in LA
- Description: “During our program, we will bombard you with resources. Each week, we’ll host lunch with VC so you can develop a catalog of investment lenses. We’ll also host weekly dinner with a hardware CEO sessions so you can compare notes and hear from folks who are just a bit ahead of you. We have weekly 1:1 office hours where you can meet with our partners and brainstorm or ask for help. This is your time. Make it count!”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Primarily Hardware. Food tech/Ag tech, Healthcare and Biotech, Mobility and Aerospace, Industry 4.0 and Advanced Manufacturing.
- Make in LA Requirements: Must be located in the Los Angeles area, and have a concept for a product that will advance technology.
- Make in LA Deal Terms: “We offer a two-tiered investment. Startups begin the program with an initial investment of $100k and may qualify in the program for an additional $500k.”
- Notable Make in LA Alumni: Rufus Labs, Plobot, Canviz
13. MuckerLab
- Description: “MuckerLab is not your typical accelerator program where hundreds of companies are "accelerated" each year using a cookie cutter approach. We don't churn through hundreds of startups every three months in order to help just a handful of top companies. Instead, we work with ten to twelve companies per year, doing whatever is necessary -- for as long as necessary -- to ensure that each and every company achieves the operating milestones required for the next round of financing.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Internet software, Services, and Media.
- MuckerLab Requirements: Any full-time startup, from early stage to millions in revenue, with experienced teams who are looking to accelerate growth.
- MuckerLab Deal Terms: Typically a $21,000 investment and 6-12 month program for a 6-8% equity stake.
- MuckerLab Notable Alumni: Wallaby, InvolveSoft (FI Graduate), TaskRabbit
14. Net Zero Accelerator
- Description: “A different type of accelerator, we focus on the biggest barriers to viable building technology reaching the market. We source innovative startups, pair them with experts to encourage scalable adoption, and broadly promote awareness of solutions with an emphasis on placing technology pilots with building partners.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Greentech/Sustainability
- Net Zero Accelerator Requirements: Advanced companies led by green building experts. Must be ready to enter the market with pilot programs immediately.
- Net Zero Accelerator Deal Terms: Free, 6-month acceleration program.
15. Science Inc
- Description: “We invest in and build the next generation of companies shaping the future. We bring together the best ideas, talent and financing through a centralized platform that helps us uncover trends we can share across the entire portfolio.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Any tech or tech-enabled startup.
- Requirements: Science Inc’s current cohort requires a blockchain component to applying startups’ products.
- Deal Terms: Apply for details.
- Notable Alumni: Dollar Shave Club, DogVacay
16. Starburst Aerospace Accelerator
- Description: “STARBURST is an innovation catalyst in the aerospace industry. It is the first global Accelerator dedicated to aviation, space and defense. Matching corporates with startups while providing strategic growth mentoring and consulting for startups and corporations alike. With offices in Los Angeles, Paris, Montreal, Munich, San Francisco and Singapore, the team has built an ecosystem of key players across the aerospace industry including over 4000+ related startups.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Aerospace.
- Starburst Aerospace Accelerator Requirements: Aerospace company with less than $1M raised.
- Starburst Aerospace Accelerator Deal Terms: Apply for details.
- Notable Starburst Aerospace Accelerator Alumni: Full List Available,
17. Startup Boost
- Description: “This program takes no fees or equity and utilizes a model with a proven track record. In LA alone, the alumni have gone on to raise $38+ million and gain acceptance into the top accelerators like YC, Techstars, Mucker Labs, Plug n Play, & 500 Startups.”
- Startup Boost Sectors / Markets of Focus: Any tech or tech-enabled startup.
- Startup Boost Requirements: “Companies with the right team, a minimum viable product, customer traction, and viable plan for going forward”
- Startup Boost Deal Terms: Apply for details.
18. Startup UCLA
- Description: “Startup UCLA’s summer accelerator provides a workspace, guidance, legal services and mentors to early-stage companies. The ten-week program exposes teams to top entrepreneurs, investors, and experts in web-related topics. At the end of the summer, you pitch your company to our growing network of local entrepreneurs and investors.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Any tech or tech-enabled startup.
- Startup UCLA Requirements: Over 50% of the equity must be controlled by current UCLA students or recent grads.
- Startup UCLA Deal Terms: No equity taken.
- Notable Startup UCLA Alumni: Ship Mate
19. Techstars LA
- Description: “At Techstars LA we believe in investing in great founders who are committed to growing themselves as they grow their companies. We are looking for startups that are innovating across a wide range of industries and seeking to build their business and network in southern California.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Any tech or tech-enabled startup.
- Techstars LA Requirements: “Technology oriented companies, typically web-based or other software companies, but we’ve funded companies that don’t quite fit that mold as well. We’re also looking for companies that can have national or worldwide reach.”
- Techstars LA Deal Terms: “Techstars contributes $20,000, which is commonly used as a stipend to support living expenses during the program, and in return receives 6% equity of the company”
- Notable Techstars LA Alumni: Heartbeat, Fernish.
20. TYLT Lab
- Description: “Our focus is to invest with innovative early stage companies on the verge of significant growth. As entrepreneur-investors with native operating experience, we deploy a hands-on approach in our work with founders. Put simply, we believe in adding value beyond just contributing capital.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Any tech or tech-enabled startup.
- TYLT Lab Requirements: Post seed, pre-Series A founders who are full-time on their startup.
- TYLT Lab Deal Terms: Investments of $50k to $2M per company, equity varying on valuation.
- Notable TYLT Lab Alumni: Cargomatic, Tala.
21. Viterbi Startup Garage
- Description: “Located in the heart of Silicon Beach in Marina Del Rey, the Viterbi Startup Garage is a unique incubator for early-stage technology startups. We aim to stimulate the growth of technology-based ventures and support the USC innovation network. VSG residents are supported by the community at VSG, the USC alumni network, mentors, colleagues, investors and potential partners, and receive additional tactical assistance through VSG’s Innovator-in-Residence coaching, topical workshops, and events, all with the aim to accelerate to the next level of growth.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Tech or Tech-enabled Businesses.
- Viterbi Startup Garage Requirements: USC-affiliated (faculty, staff, student, alumni) teams with hard technologies.
- Viterbi Startup Garage Deal Terms: $50k investment, plus workspace and access to the program, for 10% equity.
- Notable Viterbi Startup Garage Alumni: MediaHound
22. WiF AX Accelerator
- Description: “An Opportunity Zone Fund investing with Real Estate, Technology, and Environmentally Sustainable Businesses nationwide. Our planning accelerates growth by using a mix of incubation, shared workspace, and business finance while requiring participants to have a C-suite made up of at least 50% women, and have environmentally sustainable operations.”
- Sectors / Markets of Focus: Any tech or tech-enabled startup.
- WiF AX Accelerator Requirements: At least 50% women-led.
- WiF AX Accelerator Deal Terms: $125k for 7% equity.
