Accelerators seeking entrepreneurs in Australia

They include 25Fifteen, INCUBATE Accelerator, muru-D and The Melbourne Accelerator Program

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.

Here are some of the accelerators seeking entrepreneurs in Australia:

• 25Fifteen

"25Fifteen is a startup studio founded by successful tech entrepreneurs and industry veterans. We use our execution experience, capital, and relationships to build valuable businesses that matter to our customers and that matter to us."

Investment amount: We fund the first stage of our projects internally then raise external capital as they grow. We don't charge fees for our resources, so the only way we get a return is when an exit occurs. That makes us very focused on creating companies of value, and on realising that value.

Program benefits: We identify opportunities then build products we understand the demand for. We start allocating resources to projects as early as possible, often before the product is even defined. We get down in the trenches and generate traction. Our design, development, marketing, and other resources help build and test an MVP, and then scale

We collaborate with entrepreneurs to create companies that leverage their expertise. Where we collaborate with another founder ideally we'll join forces to create the company together.

Portfolio companies: GoCatch, Flamingo AI, Tinybeans, Wildcard

• INCUBATE Accelerator

"Co-founded in 2012 by two entrepreneurial students and developed by the University of Sydney Union, Australia’s oldest and largest student union, in partnership with the University of Sydney INCUBATE has grown to become a leading startup accelerator program in Australia."

Investment amount: $5,000 equity free seed funding

Program benefits: 

• Workshops and events by leading innovators
• Mentorship from Australia’s leading entrepreneurs
• 14 weeks of co-working space on campus

Mentor makeup: Ben Lindsay, Natasha Rawlings, Mike Nicholls, Brad Deveson

Portfolio companies: Bioscount, Green Atlas, ShopGrok, Companion Couch, Earth AI

• muru-D

"We’re a startup accelerator running programs in Australia that helps tech founders scale their business smarter and faster. And we’re backed by Telstra, a world-class technology company."

Investment amount: Not specified

Program benefits: Our six-month programs offer you seed funding, global connections to investors, mentors and alumni, co-working space, masterclasses and an international trip to a startup hub.

Portfolio companies: 2ndLease, Cardable, CarePod, ArgiWebb

• Slingshot

"A Slingshot Accelerator provides best of breed Startups with access to funding, mentors, and Corporates who are looking to invest. There are other program benefits that help grow a business - like access to AWS and Xero resources."

Investment amount: Not specified

Program benefits: 

• Space for collaboration and productivity
• Specific guidance for growth
• Access to serial entrepreneurs and leaders as mentors
• Access to resources
• A world class 12 week intensive education program

Portfolio companies: CancerAid, Camplify, The Pelvic Expert

• The EnergyLab Accelerator

Investment amount: We will help you raise the capital you need to grow your business, either by helping you prepare to pitch to our angel group or by introducing you to our network of cleantech investors. Startups accepted into our Early Stage Acceleration Program who meet additional criteria are also offered $50,000 in seed capital from Artesian in exchange for an additional 5% equity.

Program benefits: 

Portfolio companies: Biopower Solutions, Solar Pack Sheds, InfraDocs, Jaunt, Evolte

• Techstars Adelaide Accelerator

"Techstars Adelaide Accelerator, our first APAC program, is based in Australia alongside companies from the defense sector: Boeing, Codan, Saab and Thales. The program supports startups building innovative applications in IoT, big data, sensors, and robotics, with the potential to commercialize technologies in the defense and security sectors. Defense research drives transformative consumer innovation—internet and GPS—and Adelaide is a forward-thinking city, building startup infrastructure."

Investment amount: Upon acceptance to a Techstars mentorship-driven accelerator, every company is offered a $100,000 convertible note.

Techstars contributes $20,000, which is commonly used as a stipend to support living expenses during the program, and in return receives 6% common stock from each company.

Program benefits: 

• Access to Techstars resources for life;
• Acceleration in a 90-day Techstars mentorship-driven accelerator program with personal mentorship and office space;
• Lifetime access to the Techstars worldwide network of entrepreneurs, including more than 10,000 mentors, 10,000 investors, 1,600 alumni companies, and over 200 staff members;
• Access to over $400k of cash equivalent hosting, accounting, and legal support—plus other credits and perks worth more than $1M;
• Demo Day exposure and other investor connections.

Portfolio companies: Additive Rocket Corporation, CRON Systems, Daitum, Dotterel, IR Sensors, Iridium Dynamics, MySky, NIMIS Cybersecurity, Radiomaze, Teamgage

• ilab Accelerator

"ilab Accelerator runs for six-months each year and offers a $20,000 equity-free grant to each team. The program also includes workshops, mentoring, partner deals, desk space and introductions to investors. We welcome startups from all disciplines – from robotics to social enterprises."

Investment amount: Each startup accepted into the program will receive $20,000 in equity-free grant funding.

Program benefits: 

• incubator space and amenities 
• regular seminars supporting early-stage startups
• mentors, our Entrepreneur in Residence and a network of professionals and potential investors
• partnership benefits from Google, Microsoft, AWS, Hubspot, Matlab and more.

Portfolio companies: Brisbane Tool Library, Vygo, Oseyeris

• iAccelerate

Investment amount: Not specified 

Program benefits: The companies are supported by a robust model of education, mentoring, seed funding and unparalleled access to one of the world’s most innovative young research universities. The centre has the most innovative minds, creative ideas and entrepreneurial vibe that make it a unique place to start your business and scale it. 

Mentor makeup: Adam de Sola Pool, Matt Bullock, Hamish Hawthorn, William Rosenzweig, Joe Steensma

Portfolio companies: 

• Startmate

"We customise our 12-week accelerator program to provide unmatched value in whatever area you’re seeking to improve upon. Startmate’s bespoke content sessions, from the very best mentors, provide opportunities that most startups can’t afford nor access."

Investment amount: $75,000

Program benefits: 

• Program & office space in Sydney/Melbourne and trip to San Francisco
• Support and a network of connections for further investment

Mentor makeup: Mick Liubinskas, James Cameron, John Henderson, Susan Wu

Portfolio companies: Bioscout, Cogniant.co, Vexev, Vapar

• The Melbourne Accelerator Program

"Open to both for-profit and impact startups, the MAP Accelerator Program is the flagship entrepreneurial initiative of the University of Melbourne."

Investment amount: Each startup also receives $20,000 of equity-free seed funding

Program benefits:

• Access to a world-class network of mentors and advisers.
• Co-working office space in the heart of Melbourne's CBD.
• Access to resources, facilities & expertise from the University of Melbourne
• Bespoke masterclasses & training workshops.
• Access to our channel partners & investor networks.

Portfolio companies: Acusensus, BindiMaps, Kelper Analytics, Client Catalyst

• H2 Startup Accelerator

"H2 Ventures was founded in 2013 by brothers Ben and Toby Heap. Investing in founding teams from day zero, we become partners for life, providing more than just money. We bring networks, mentoring and operational guidance to bold early-stage entrepreneurs with game-changing ideas in Fintech, Data and AI."

Investment amount: The total investment is $100,000 AUD for a (10%) equity share in the startup. This is made up of $50,000 AUD in cash (to spend as you see fit) plus another $50,000 paid back to H2 in services that covers the costs of being a part of the program (office space etc). The goal is to give you enough money and support to build an impressive prototype and business proposition, which you can then use to get further funding.

Program benefits: We work very closely with the teams throughout the 20 weeks. We purposely sit right next to you at our offices so that you can lean on us throughout the program.

Mentor makeup: Flava Tata Nardini, Craig Davis, Jackie Vullinghs, Mario Hasanakos, Gen George

Portfolio companies: Not specified

(Image source: fdmgroup.com)