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Accel Starters Scout Program

Scout Program

Discover how to join
Accel Starters Scout Program
including requirements, application process, and compensation and explore other programs to join!

Overview

Accel Starters is a global scout program launched in 2017 (US) and expanded to Europe in 2021. Each scout receives approximately $200,000 to deploy over 2-3 years as angel-sized tickets (averaging $20,000 per check) into early-stage companies. Scouts are hand-picked by Accel partners and are exclusively high-signal operators: repeat founders, senior leaders at breakout scale-ups, or individuals with unique networks. The program imposes no minimum quotas or mandated investment frequency, giving scouts full autonomy. Investments are made via uncapped SAFEs or priced rounds, and scouts earn carried interest on realized returns. The US program is led by partner Rich Wong; the European program by partners Luca Bocchio and Andrei Brasoveanu. The European cohort has grown to approximately 40 scouts across 12 cities in 10 countries, including named scouts like Rahma Javed (Deliveroo), David Nothacker (Sennder), Dan Oros (Google Romania), and Humberto Ayres Pereira (Rows). Scout-sourced investments include Young Platform, Airbank, Remi, Idoven, heyfina, and Oviavo.

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Investment Focus

Accel is a major venture capital firm that invests in individuals and their businesses from the beginning to the end of their development. Among the startups the firm has funded over the last 35 years are Atlassian, Braintree, Cloudera, CrowdStrike, DJI, Dropbox, Dropcam, Etsy, Facebook, Flipkart, FreshWorks, Jet, Qualtrics, Slack, Spotify, Supercell, UiPath, and Vox Media.

Application Advice

Overview

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Frequently Asked Questions

How big is each scout’s allocation?

Each scout typically receives $200 000 to deploy over two to three years.  

Can scouts invest outside their home geography?

Yes—cheques can back founders anywhere, though most focus on markets they know deeply.  

Do scouts need to be accredited investors?

No personal capital is required, so accreditation is not mandatory; legal checks focus on ethics and compliance.  

Is there a formal curriculum?

No classroom component; learning happens through quarterly calls and peer exchange.  

What happens if a scout’s deal under‑performs?

No claw‑backs on principal; carried interest only pays out on positive returns.  

Can a scout graduate into a full‑time Accel role?

While rare, scouts with exceptional deal judgement may be invited to join the investment team.  

Are the terms the same in the US and Europe?

Yes, though cheque sizes can vary; Europe currently mirrors the US at $200 k.  

How is deal diligence handled?

Scouts present a short memo; Accel runs light diligence before wiring funds.  

Can founders cold‑apply to a scout?

Yes—Accel publishes its scout list, and founders are encouraged to pitch them directly.  

Does Accel guarantee follow‑on funding?

No guarantee, but the core fund evaluates every scout deal for potential participation.  

Feels like a match?

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Accel Starters Scout Program
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In the Media

Romanian investors are eyeing the ecosystem for Accel's scout program in Europe

Accel, the US venture capital (VC) giant, has launched a startup scouting program in Europe, building on the legacy of its US project. Scouts in the “Starters” program are allocated $200К each to find, invest in, and nurture European startups with growth potential.

The Recursive

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