Website : https://500.co/
X : @500globalvc
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/500global
500 Global (formerly 500 Startups) is a globally recognized accelerator program that has backed over 2,800 companies across 80+ countries since 2010. Known for its inclusivity, global reach, and hands-on approach to growth, 500 Global offers one of the most diverse and founder-friendly programs for early-stage startups.
The flagship accelerator, based in San Francisco, runs multiple cohorts each year and includes a $150,000 investment on standard terms. The program is heavily focused on growth, distribution, fundraising, and founder training, making it a perfect choice for companies looking to sharpen their go-to-market strategies and close a seed or pre-Series A round.
Who Should Apply to 500 Global?
500 Global is particularly well-suited for:
- International startups looking to break into the U.S. market or tap into Silicon Valley investor networks.
- Founders who want practical, no-BS training around metrics, marketing, and fundraising.
- Teams that already have a working product and early signs of traction (revenue, users, growth).
- Startups with a focus on scalable, high-growth business models, especially in SaaS, e-commerce, fintech, and marketplaces.
500 Global’s programs are designed to help startups build growth engines, close funding, and plug into a tight-knit global community. It’s less about polish and more about execution.
Program Highlights
- Duration: 12-week in-person program in San Francisco.
- Investment: $150K for 6% equity, typically via a KISS (Keep It Simple Security).
- Focus Areas: Growth marketing, fundraising, metrics tracking, business development, investor readiness.
- Demo Day: Culminates in a pitch to an audience of active investors.
What Makes 500 Global Different?
Compared to YC’s blitzscaling and Techstars’ mentorship-first approach, 500 Global stands out for its hard focus on distribution and fundraising. The sessions are intense, fast-paced, and filled with tactical guidance on what actually moves the needle. If you’re serious about hitting key growth metrics and prepping a killer seed pitch, this program is designed to get you there.