For startups, there are numerous paths for getting their name out there. One way, which Vator has been covering recently, are startup competitions, but another popular method to get a foot in the door, as well as some funding and traction, are accelerators. These are programs that provide companies advice, guidance and various forms of support for startups in their early stages. They also often invest in the companies, for a certain equity stake.
Need a list of startup competitions, challenges, accelerators, etc. from around the world? Check out VatorX. You can find them, or list yours!
There are some very well-known accelerators out there, including Y Combinator and 500 Startups, which have made their names through various successful alumni. Those programs fairly general, accepting companies from a variety of different spaces.
For some companies, it may help to join an accelerator that only focuses on their specific area. That’s especially true for those in more specialized spaces, which will have their own unique challenges and regulations.
One of those areas that requires some additional expertise is virtual reality.
Here are some of the accelerators that are focused specifically on mentoring companies in that space:
“We empower founders and early-stage software startups with funding, deep domain expertise, co-located work spaces, and unparalleled resources to build products, launch startups and grow companies ready for scale.”
Investment amount: Samsung NEXT Start is seeking to invest between $100k and $1 million in pre-seed and seed-stage startups. Products that gain traction have potential to receive additional rounds of funding and ultimately spin-out or be acquired by Samsung.
Program benefits:
- We provide pre-seed and seed startups with investment, co-located workspace, deep domain expertise, a strong mentor and alumni network, access to Samsung leadership and resources, and the connections to help you raise your next round.
- Our Entrepreneur-in-Residence program is a build-focused, 6 to 18-month engagement where EIRs have access to talent, insights and resources, as well as fixed funding to rapidly create their own product.
Portfolio companies: Entrypoint, 2Sens, 8i, baobab studios
“Join the VR Revolution. Apply to HTC VIVE’s VR Accelerator: VIVE X. Our mission is simple: We want to help cultivate, foster and grow the global VR ecosystem by supporting startups and providing them with education, investment and mentorship.”
Investment amount: HTC invests out of a $100 million accelerator investment fund
Program benefits:
- Get direct access to the best and most knowledgeable thought leaders in VR
- You will have opportunities to meet like-minded entrepreneurs, industry experts and investors from around the world
- Let us help you deal with functions such as Accounting, Finance, HR, Legal etc. so that you can concentrate on making your company great
Portfolio companies: Kaleidoscope, Apmetrix, Immersv, LumiereVR, Clevr
“Boost VC believes that Virtual Reality is poised to become the third major technology in the past 20+ years that will change how we live and work”
Investment amount: Boost invests up to $50k in exchange for 7% of the company
Program benefits: We give our companies a place to live & work, an unparalleled network, and time to focus on their startup. We are deeply committed to helping educate and accelerate entrepreneurs as they build a technology company.
Mentor makeup: Tim Draper, Sean Percival, Jens Christensen, Meron Gribetz, Bill Barhydt
Portfolio companies: Mindshow, TheWaveVR, Fearless, Vizor, SculptrVR
“The Green Screen Institute intends to spur innovation in the emerging VR and AR markets, incorporating an accelerator and investment program for startups, a co-working space for established corporations, and planned programs including vocational training. We believe extraordinary creativity occurs in peaceful, natural environments outside the congestion of major urban centers. Green Screen provides a nurturing environment for creators and technologists to push the envelope of today’s most exciting communication and entertainment medium.”
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