500 Startups is a global venture capital firm with a network of startup programs headquartered in Silicon Valley with managed funds in Canada, Southeast Asia, MENA, Korea, Japan, and Latin America. It became renowned for its work as an accelerator after its establishment in 2010 by PayPal and Google alums, Dave McClure and Christine Tsai. The firm has since helped to launch and nurture over 2,400 companies across 75+ countries.
The firm operates on a focused 4-month seed program, investing $150K in exchange for 6% equity. Throughout the program, startups get access to a network of 100+ mentors and founders. This allows for the sharing of expertise and connections that open up funding opportunities, guidance on product and market fit, customer acquisition, and scaling operations.
One notable success story is Credit Karma, an American multinational personal finance company founded by Kenneth Lin. Initially backed by 500 Startups, it grew into a $4 billion-dollar company after its acquisition by Intuit in 2020. Similarly, Canva, an Australian graphic design platform was also a portfolio company of 500 Startups. It has now become one of the world's most valuable startups with a valuation of over $40 billion in September 2021.
In addition to its successful accelerator program, 500 Startups has also launched initiatives like the 500 Kobe Accelerator, a public-private partnership aimed at boosting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kobe, Japan. Furthermore, it has a dedicated focus on diversity and inclusivity, as reflected in the high number of women-led startups in its portfolio.
Another interesting angle about the accelerator is the 500 Startups Series A Program, named “the world’s first post-seed accelerator”. It is a 12-week curriculum that helps growth-stage companies towards raising Series A funding. This initiative emphasizes demonstrating traction, building a growth marketing engine, strengthening operational metrics, and creating investor appeal.
500 Startups plays a crucial part in shaping the global VC and startup ecosystem. Its ambitious mission, collaborative approach, and success in fostering unicorns emphasizes its globally significant role in the StartUp scene.
Showing your skills in picking successful startups and advising founders is the surest way to build your reputation and secure a venture capital role.
Explore →Your community, region, or group thrives when its founders are given the chance to succeed before going back and reinvesting in their comunities.
Explore →Earn a share in startups you scout without the funds to invest directly just like a VC partner.
Explore →As a podcaster, community manager, or event organiser you have a front-row seat to interesting startups which you can monetise by helping them fundraise.
Explore →By identifying under-represented founders you're level the playing field for anyone to success based on merit independent from their social or ethnic background.
Explore →Help your friends who are neck-deep in their startups get the funding they need to succeed.
Explore →Connect with the best startups, innovations, and individuals coming out of 500 Startups Accelerator-- get dealflow opportunities delivered to you with just one click.
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