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500 Global

500 Global is a venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley, focusing on early-stage and growth-stage technology companies worldwide. It has backed over 3,000 startups and manages $2.3 billion in assets.

Website
500.co
Founded
2010
Recorded stages
Pre Seed, Seed
Focus sectors
AI, Climate, Fintech, Healthcare, SaaS
Recorded regions
Africa, Europe, Latam, Mena, South Asia, Southeast Asia, United States

Online destinations

Find 500 Global online

Where to find this organization online, grouped by who runs each page. A link here does not mean the organization controls it.

Third-party rankings

Where 500 Global ranks

Rankings that list 500 Global
RankingEditionListed asPositionSince last editionTrustWhat it measures
America's Best Incubators and Accelerators2026500 Global#22No prior editionDPerformance, Prestige
Top 50 Startup Accelerators, Ranked by Exit Rate2026500 Global#22No prior editionCPerformance
Seed Accelerator Rankings Project2018500 StartupsListedNo prior editionCPerformance, Prestige
Positions come from each publisher's edition. Open a ranking for its method and trust notes, or an edition for the full list.

Overview

500 Global (formerly 500 Startups) is a global venture capital firm and accelerator founded in 2010 by Dave McClure and Christine Tsai. Rebranded in September 2021. Now led by CEO Christine Tsai and COO Courtney Powell. Manages $2.3-2.7 billion AUM with 130+ team members including 47 partners across 30+ countries.

Has funded 2,900+ companies across 80+ countries. 38-51 unicorns, 160+ companies valued at $100M+, 27 public companies, 426+ acquisitions. Evolved from pure seed-stage accelerator to multi-stage VC (pre-seed through pre-IPO).

Focus

500 Global invests in globally ambitious founders with technology-driven, scalable solutions. Known for emerging market focus -- strong in Southeast Asia ($143M dedicated fund), Latin America, MENA, and Africa. The Flagship Accelerator in Palo Alto accepts 30-40 companies per batch (30-40% international). Sector focus: consumer, enterprise SaaS, fintech, e-commerce, digital transformation, life sciences, AI, cybersecurity.

$37,500 program fee deducted from $150K investment (net $112,500 cash). Regional funds invest $250K-$500K at pre-seed to Series A.

Support

$150K investment for 6% equity via Flagship Accelerator (4 months in Palo Alto). 400+ mentors, 5,000+ founder alumni network. Alumni Founder Coaches and Entrepreneurs in Residence. Growth-focused curriculum on distribution, fundraising, product, design, tech, sales, leadership. Access to 500 FounderHub platform.

Regional programs: 500 SEA, 500 MENA (Sanabil Accelerator), 500 LatAm, 500 Eurasia. Eco6 Framework for building regional entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Questions

What are the investment criteria for 500 Global?

500 Global invests in early-stage and growth-stage technology companies across various sectors, including AI, healthcare, fintech, and more. The firm looks for startups with global ambitions and strong founding teams.

How can founders apply or pitch to 500 Global?

Founders can pitch their ideas through the 500 Global website. It is recommended to include a clear business model, market analysis, and a compelling team background in the pitch deck.

What makes 500 Global different from other venture capital firms?

500 Global combines venture capital with an accelerator model, providing not only funding but also mentorship and access to a vast network of resources. This dual approach helps startups navigate challenges and seize growth opportunities.

What is the geographic scope of 500 Global's investments?

The firm invests globally, with a strong presence in North America, Asia, and Southeast Asia. This diverse geographic focus allows 500 Global to tap into various markets and industries.

What is the typical fund size and check size for investments?

500 Global manages a fund size of $2.3 billion, with investments ranging from pre-seed to growth equity stages. Check sizes vary depending on the stage and needs of the startup.

What kind of post-investment involvement does 500 Global have?

500 Global actively supports its portfolio companies through mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to its extensive network. The firm aims to help startups grow and succeed in their respective markets.

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