Global venture capital firm Accel today announced the launch of the second global season of its flagship Atoms Accelerator Program, unveiling a dedicated cohort designed exclusively for AI startups. With a sharp focus on supporting pre-seed stage companies led by Indian and Indian-origin founders, this initiative marks a decisive step towards nurturing innovation in the burgeoning AI ecosystem.

Atoms, which has already established itself as a catalyst for early-stage startups, is now doubling down on AI with a promise of investment backing that can exceed $1 million per startup. The program is accepting applications from founders based in India and the USA, with the goal of identifying and accelerating groundbreaking AI ventures at their inception.

Fueling AI Innovation from the Ground Up

The AI revolution is at an inflection point, with transformative applications across industries. Recognizing the critical need for specialized support at the earliest stages of company building, Accel’s AI-dedicated Atoms cohort aims to provide not just capital but also strategic guidance, operational resources, and a global network.

“Our belief is simple — AI is not just the future; it’s the now. But building an AI startup requires a different playbook,” said Anand Daniel, Partner at Accel. “Through Atoms, we’re creating a launchpad where visionary Indian and Indian-origin founders can access the capital, mentorship, and ecosystem they need to bring world-changing AI solutions to life.”

The Atoms accelerator program is designed for pre-seed founders — startups that are often too early for traditional venture funding but possess the ambition and technical prowess to create category-defining products. By focusing on AI-specific challenges, the program will address critical needs such as data infrastructure, scalable model development, compliance, and ethical AI deployment.

A Global Platform for Indian AI Talent

India has emerged as a powerhouse of AI talent, with a deep pool of technical expertise and a growing appetite for entrepreneurship. Atoms’ second season is a testament to Accel’s commitment to harnessing this potential on a global scale.

“Founders of Indian origin are already shaping the global tech landscape,” said Pratik Agarwal, Principal at Accel. “With AI reshaping every industry, it’s imperative that this community gets the right platform to build global-first companies. That’s what this AI-focused Atoms cohort is all about.”

The program is structured to offer tailored support across India and the US, recognizing the unique challenges faced by founders in both ecosystems. From navigating early-stage product-market fit to accessing global customer networks, Atoms will provide the necessary scaffolding to accelerate startup growth.

Beyond Capital — A Comprehensive Accelerator Experience

Atoms is not just a capital infusion — it’s a founder-first acceleration journey. Selected startups will receive:

• Investment support of up to and beyond $1 million per startup.
• One-on-one mentorship from Accel partners and industry leaders.
• Hands-on operational support across technology, product, GTM (Go-to-Market), and hiring.
• Access to a global AI-focused founder community and expert network.
• Workshops and masterclasses with leading AI researchers, product builders, and growth specialists.
• Demo Day with global investors for follow-on funding opportunities.

Accel emphasizes that the program will be highly selective, seeking teams that demonstrate deep technical insight, strong problem-market fit, and a vision to build globally impactful AI products.

Applications Now Open for Founders in India and the USA

Applications for the AI-dedicated Atoms cohort are now officially open. The program is targeting pre-seed stage startups led by Indian and Indian-origin founders, irrespective of their current geography.

“Whether you’re building in Bangalore, Boston, Hyderabad, or Silicon Valley — if you’re solving real-world problems with AI, Atoms is where you need to be,” said Shekhar Kirani, Partner at Accel.

Startups developing solutions in generative AI, AI infrastructure, vertical AI applications (healthcare, finance, logistics), ethical AI, and AI-driven enterprise SaaS are especially encouraged to apply.

The application window will remain open for the next six weeks, with the cohort expected to kick off in Q4 2025.

A Legacy of Building Early-Stage Champions

Accel’s Atoms program, since its inception, has been instrumental in propelling several early-stage startups to scale. Known for backing category-defining companies like Flipkart, Freshworks, Swiggy, and BrowserStack, Accel’s deep expertise in early-stage venture building positions Atoms as a premier launchpad for tomorrow’s AI giants.

“Our vision with Atoms is to be the first believer in world-class founders,” said Subrata Mitra, Partner at Accel. “With AI, the time to act is now — and we’re committed to being right there at ground zero with the next generation of AI disruptors.”

About Accel

Accel is a global venture capital firm that partners with exceptional founders across every stage of growth. With a legacy spanning over three decades, Accel has been at the forefront of backing transformative companies that redefine industries. The firm operates across major innovation hubs in Silicon Valley, India, and Europe, providing a global platform for early-stage founders to thrive.