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Accel
Accel is a global venture capital firm based in the Bay Area, with additional offices in London and Bangalore. Founded in 1983, it partners with exceptional teams to support technology companies at various stages of growth.
Online destinations
Find Accel online
Where to find this organization online, grouped by who runs each page. A link here does not mean the organization controls it.
Official links
Pages the organization runs itself.
Third-party rankings
Where Accel ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strebulaev-Jackson Venture Ranking: Top 100 US VC Firms | 2026 | #3 | No prior edition | B | Performance |
 Most active VCs in AI infrastructure | 2026 | #7 | No prior edition | B | Activity |
| Most active VC investors in AI agents | 2025 | =8 | No prior edition | B | Activity |
 Most active fintech investors (Crunchbase News) | 2025 | Listed | No prior edition | B | Activity |
Overview
Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, headquartered in the Bay Area, with offices in London and Bangalore. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage and late-stage technology companies across sectors such as AI, Cloud/SaaS, Security, Consumer, FinTech, and Enterprise IT. Accel emphasizes a partnership approach, helping entrepreneurs build and grow their companies through various stages of development. Over the years, Accel has backed numerous notable companies, establishing a strong portfolio in the technology sector.
Focus
Accel invests in a diverse range of sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud/SaaS, consumer, fintech, media, hardware, security, and healthcare services. The firm targets companies at various stages, from seed and early-stage to late-stage investments, primarily in the Americas, Europe, Israel, India, Southeast Asia, and Oceania.
Support
Accel provides value to its portfolio companies through strategic guidance, access to a vast network of industry contacts, and operational support. The firm's experienced team is dedicated to helping founders navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses and achieving long-term success.
Questions
What are Accel's investment criteria?
Accel invests in early-stage and growth-stage technology companies across sectors like AI, fintech, and enterprise SaaS. They prefer to lead rounds and often co-invest with partners.
How can startups apply or pitch to Accel?
Startups can pitch through the Accel website, where they accept applications. They value clear communication of the business model and market opportunity in pitches.
What makes Accel different from other VCs?
Accel's unique approach combines local expertise with a global reach, allowing them to support founders effectively in various markets. Their extensive network and operational support are significant advantages.
What is Accel's geographic scope?
Accel operates globally with a strong focus on the United States, Europe, Israel, India, and Southeast Asia.
What is the typical check size for investments?
Accel typically invests between $500,000 and $100 million, depending on the stage of the company.
Check your startup’s fit
Check your startup’s fit with AccelHosted by this organization
Programs at Accel
Scout ProgramScout ProgramEmpowering high-signal operators to invest in early-stage companies.
From public sources
What the sources say about Accel
PitchBook's public Accel preview lists Revolution Labs with deal date 2026-10-15.
Source: Accel investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook's public Accel preview lists Origin (Machinery) with deal date 2026-10-15.
Source: Accel investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook's public Accel preview lists Cosmochute with deal date 2026-10-15.
Source: Accel investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook's public Accel preview lists Armadin with deal date 2026-10-15.
Source: Accel investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook's public Accel preview lists Arda Industries with deal date 2026-10-20.
Source: Accel investment portfolio | PitchBookPitchBook describes Accel as based in Palo Alto, California.
Source: Accel investment portfolio | PitchBook
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InvestorSequoia Capital is a venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley, established in 1972. It invests in technology companies at various stages, focusing on long-term partnerships with founders.
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