Accel Launches Accel Atoms 4.0 with $1 Million Funding for AI and India-Focused Startups

New Delhi: Global venture capital giant Accel has announced the launch of Accel Atoms 4.0, the fourth edition of its highly successful pre-seed scaling program. Building on the achievements of the previous three editions, this iteration is designed to accelerate the journey of early-stage startups from 0 to 1. Accel Atoms 4.0 will focus on two distinct categories: startups building solutions for India and those innovating in Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications.

The “India-focused” category is aimed at startups catering to Tier-2, Tier-3, and rural markets, while the AI category targets startups developing cutting-edge AI solutions. These AI companies are expected to offer practical applications for commercial use or build tools that support the AI ecosystem.

Accel Atoms 4.0 is a hybrid, three-month program open to pre-seed stage startups, including idea-stage and pre-product companies. Selected startups will receive up to $1 million in funding through equity or convertible notes, along with benefits worth over $5 million from Accel’s partner network. In addition, founders will gain access to Accel’s global community of 200+ portfolio founders, mentors, and potential customers.

Speaking on the launch, Accel Partner Anand Daniel emphasized the immense opportunities within India’s underserved markets. “Rural India’s purchasing power is often overlooked, yet it has significant potential. We believe innovative founders will leverage advancements in infrastructure to deliver economically viable solutions for these regions,” he said. Accel Atoms 4.0 aims to provide capital, mentorship, and strategic networks to help founders develop solutions for India’s emerging middle class and rural population.

On the AI front, Accel Partner Prayank Swaroop expressed excitement about supporting startups in building global AI-driven companies. “In the last two years, Accel has invested in 27 AI companies founded by Indian entrepreneurs. Through Accel Atoms 4.0, we aim to establish a platform for Indian founders to build AI solutions for India and the world.”

The AI track of Accel Atoms 4.0 will focus on startups developing AI use cases across the entire AI stack, including foundational layers like language models, data and models for video and robotics, and application layers such as AI-driven agents.

For the India-focused track, Accel is seeking startups in sectors such as e-commerce, financial services, healthcare, ed-tech, and content platforms that address the unique needs of Indian consumers and businesses.

Applications for Accel Atoms 4.0 will open on September 16, 2024. Startups interested in applying can visit the Accel Atoms website for more information. India-based startups can also apply through the Startup India portal.

Since its inception in 2021, Accel Atoms has supported 32 startups, collectively raising over $200 million. Notable alumni include DhiWise, Material Depot, Rigi, and Spendflo. The latest edition promises to further drive innovation and growth in India and globally with its sector-focused approach.