It's no secret that navigating the Web3 landscape as a startup can feel like trying to find solid ground in a shifting sea. With new technologies emerging every day and the market evolving at breakneck speed, securing the right support is crucial.
But here’s the thing—choosing an accelerator isn’t just about getting funding. It’s about finding a partner that will be in your corner, offering the mentorship, resources, and network you need to scale your vision into a reality.
The accelerators on this list are more than just cash cows—they're ecosystems where groundbreaking Web3 ideas are nurtured and grown.
In this article, we’re diving deep into the top 10 Web3 accelerators that are not only supporting promising projects with capital but also rolling up their sleeves to help startups build, grow, and dominate in the decentralized world. From Y Combinator’s legendary alumni network to Outlier Ventures’ expertise in tokenomics, each of these programs offers something unique.
And, to make things even sweeter, we’ll highlight some of their biggest success stories—because nothing speaks louder than results.
So, whether you’re a founder looking to take your project to the next level or an investor hunting for the next unicorn, this is your roadmap to the accelerators that are shaping the future of Web3. Buckle up—this is where the magic happens.
1. Alliance
Overview: Alliance provides a unique combination of funding, mentorship, and a deep connection to a community of Web3 founders and experts. What sets Alliance apart is its focus on not just providing capital but also fostering a long-term relationship with its alumni, offering continued support and opportunities for collaboration even after the program ends.
Alliance offers up to $250,000 in funding with flexible terms. Startups must demonstrate strong potential in the Web3 space and be ready to scale. They are dedicated to scaling Web3 startups, particularly those in decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain infrastructure.
A key success story is 1inch, a leading decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator that has grown into a major player in the DeFi ecosystem. Another notable alumni is Paraswap, a popular DEX aggregator that has secured a substantial user base.
Source: Alliance
2. Y Combinator
Overview: Y Combinator is one of the most prestigious accelerators globally, providing startups with seed funding, mentorship, and a robust network of entrepreneurs and investors. What differentiates Y Combinator is its extensive alumni network and the highly competitive nature of its program.
They offer $500,000 in seed funding in exchange for equity, but the program is highly selective, with a focus on high-impact startups across various industries.While Y Combinator supports a broad range of industries, it has increasingly included Web3 startups in its portfolio, providing them with the resources needed to scale rapidly.
Coinbase, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, participated in Y Combinator in 2012 and has since grown into a multibillion-dollar company. Another success story is OpenSea, the largest NFT marketplace globally, which has achieved unicorn status and significant market influence.
Source: Y Combinator
3. Celo Camp
Overview: Celo Camp is a blockchain accelerator specifically designed for projects building on the Celo platform. It offers funding, mentorship, and a structured program to help startups grow in the Celo ecosystem.
They provide funding and support to selected projects. The focus is on startups that are ready to build and launch products on the Celo blockchain.
Celo Camp focuses on projects that contribute to financial inclusion and the broader Celo ecosystem, particularly in the areas of decentralized finance (DeFi) and mobile-first applications.
Ubeswap, a mobile-first decentralized exchange built on Celo, has gained significant traction in emerging markets. Moola Market, a non-custodial liquidity protocol on Celo, has also seen widespread adoption within the ecosystem.
Source: Celo Camp
4. Boost VC
Overview: Boost VC is known for its intensive 12-week accelerator program that focuses on early-stage startups in emerging technologies, including Web3. What makes Boost VC unique is its emphasis on moonshot ideas and its willingness to take risks on highly innovative projects.
Startups in Boost VC’s program receive up to $500,000 in funding in exchange for equity. The program is designed to rapidly accelerate the growth of startups with high potential.They focus on deep tech, including Web3, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence.
Etherscan, a widely-used blockchain explorer, is one of Boost VC’s notable alumni, having become an essential tool for Ethereum users globally. Arweave, a decentralized storage network that enables permanent data storage, is another success story that has secured substantial funding and partnerships.
Source: Boost VC
5. Brinc (ZK Advancer)
Overview: Brinc’s ZK Advancer program supports Web3 startups with a focus on areas like DeFi, gaming, and zero-knowledge proofs. Brinc stands out for its emphasis on sustainability and its global reach, offering a program that is accessible remotely.
Startups in the ZK Advancer program receive up to $250,000 in funding. The program is remote, making it accessible to startups globally. They focus on Web3 innovations that have a positive impact on sustainability and scalability, particularly in emerging markets.
Efinity, a blockchain for NFTs built on Polkadot, is one of the notable projects supported by Brinc.
Source: Brinc
6. Techstars Web3 Accelerator
Overview: Techstars offers a Web3-specific accelerator that provides funding, mentorship, and a global network. What makes Techstars unique is its extensive network of mentors and investors, providing startups with unparalleled access to resources.
Startups receive $120,000 in funding in exchange for equity. The program is highly competitive, with a focus on high-growth potential startups.Techstars focuses on early-stage Web3 startups across various verticals, including DeFi, NFTs, and blockchain infrastructure.
Chainalysis, a leading blockchain analytics company, has expanded globally and raised over $100 million in funding. Another success story is Alchemy, a blockchain development platform that powers some of the biggest decentralized applications (dApps) and has secured significant investments.
Source: Techstars Web3
7. Outlier Ventures (Base Camp)
Overview: Outlier Ventures' Base Camp accelerator offers a structured program focusing on Web3 technologies like DeFi, NFTs, and decentralized infrastructure. What sets Outlier Ventures apart is its deep expertise in tokenomics and its focus on decentralized ecosystems.
Provides up to $150,000 in funding in exchange for equity. The program is designed to help startups refine their business models and prepare for further investment. Outlier Ventures focuses on Web3 and decentralized technologies, helping startups build the infrastructure of the future internet.
Boson Protocol, a decentralized commerce protocol, has gained attention for its innovative approach to e-commerce and raised millions in funding. Auroboros, a metaverse fashion brand, has also emerged as a frontrunner in digital fashion, securing collaborations with major brands.
Source: Outlier Ventures Base Camp
8. Consensys Mesh (Tachyon)
Overview: Tachyon, part of Consensys Mesh, provides funding and resources to early-stage startups building on Ethereum. What differentiates Tachyon is its focus on Ethereum and its ability to connect startups with the broader Consensys ecosystem.
Offers seed funding and access to the Consensys network. Startups must be building on Ethereum or related technologies.The focus is on Ethereum-based projects, with an emphasis on decentralized applications and infrastructure.
3Box Labs, which powers the Ceramic network for decentralized data, has successfully built a robust platform for decentralized identity and data management. Mina Protocol, known for its lightweight, privacy-preserving blockchain technology, has also gained significant attention and investment.
Source: Consensys Mesh Tachyon
9. Seed Club
Overview: Seed Club is a DAO-centric accelerator that provides funding and mentorship to projects focused on building decentralized communities. What makes Seed Club unique is its focus on DAOs and its community-driven approach to project development.
Offers up to $1 million in funding. The program is tailored to projects that are community-focused and looking to build on decentralized platforms. Seed Club focuses on DAOs, community tokens, and other decentralized governance models.
PartyDAO, a decentralized platform for collaborative purchases, is one of Seed Club’s notable successes, having gained significant traction in the Web3 community. Forefront, a community-led project focused on tokenized communities, is another success story from Seed Club.
Source: Seed Club
10. Antler
Overview: Antler is a global accelerator and venture capital firm that supports startups at the pre-seed stage, including those in the Web3 space. Antler is known for its strong focus on founder development and its global reach, offering programs in multiple cities around the world.
Provides up to $150,000 in funding. Antler also invests in selected startups after the program ends. Antler supports a broad range of industries, including Web3, with a focus on high-impact startups that have the potential to scale globally.
Synthetix, a decentralized synthetic asset platform, is a successful Web3 project backed by Antler. Another notable success is BitGo, a digital asset trust company and security platform, which has grown significantly in the blockchain space.
Source: Antler
Joining an accelerator is a significant commitment that requires a dedicated team ready to invest time and resources. The intensive nature of these programs demands focus and energy, as startups will be working closely with mentors, refining their business models, and rapidly scaling their operations. However, the rewards can be substantial, with access to funding, mentorship, and a strong network of industry professionals that can propel a startup to the next level.
It’s also important to consider complementing accelerator participation with additional platforms like InnMind. As a comprehensive platform for startup development, InnMind can provide ongoing support, networking opportunities, and resources that help maintain momentum during and after the accelerator program. Combining the benefits of an accelerator with the tools and community offered by InnMind can create a well-rounded approach to scaling a Web3 startup successfully.