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🚀 Top Accelerators & Incubators for PhD Founders

1. Y Combinator (YC)

  • Overview: One of the most renowned startup accelerators globally, YC has a history of supporting technical founders, including PhDs.
  • Investment: \$500K for 7% equity.
  • Notable Alumni: Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe.
  • Link: Y Combinator(Vestbee, Reddit, WIRED)

2. IndieBio

  • Overview: A biotech-focused accelerator that supports scientists in transitioning their research into viable startups.
  • Investment: \$250K in funding.
  • Locations: San Francisco, New York.
  • Link: IndieBio(OpenVC)

3. Techstars

  • Overview: Offers a broad network of accelerators, including programs tailored for early-stage and idea-stage founders.
  • Investment: \$120K for 6% equity.
  • Pre-Accelerator: Founder Catalyst – a 10-week program for idea-stage entrepreneurs.
  • Link: Techstars

4. Berkeley SkyDeck

  • Overview: A top-tier university-affiliated accelerator that combines resources from UC Berkeley's business and engineering schools.
  • Investment: \$100K for 5% equity.
  • Link: Berkeley SkyDeck

5. StartX

  • Overview: A nonprofit accelerator affiliated with Stanford University, supporting founders from the Stanford community.
  • Note: Primarily for Stanford-affiliated individuals.
  • Link: StartX

6. Founder Institute

  • Overview: A global pre-seed accelerator that helps aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into fundable startups.
  • Program: 14-week part-time program.
  • Link: Founder Institute

7. Entrepreneur First (EF)

  • Overview: Focuses on individuals rather than existing teams or startups, helping them find co-founders and develop ideas.
  • Investment: Varies by location; for example, £80K in Europe for 10% equity.
  • Link: Entrepreneur First

8. MassChallenge

  • Overview: A zero-equity accelerator that supports high-impact startups across various industries.
  • Benefits: Mentorship, office space, and access to a vast network.
  • Link: MassChallenge

9. Alchemist Accelerator

  • Overview: Focuses on enterprise startups, particularly those with technical founders.
  • Investment: \$36K in funding.
  • Link: Alchemist Accelerator

10. Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS

  • Overview: Provides lab space and resources for life science and healthcare startups.
  • Locations: Multiple across North America, Europe, and Asia.
  • Link: JLABS

💰 Venture Capital Firms Open to Early-Career PhD Founders

1. Xfund

  • Overview: An early-stage venture capital firm that originated from Harvard, focusing on entrepreneurs from top universities.
  • Link: Xfund

2. Unshackled Ventures

  • Overview: Invests in immigrant founders at the pre-seed stage, providing support beyond capital.
  • Link: Unshackled Ventures

3. Village Global

  • Overview: A network-driven venture firm backed by some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs.
  • Link: Village Global

4. Afore Capital

  • Overview: Focuses on pre-seed investments, often being the first institutional capital into a startup.
  • Link: Afore Capital

5. Pear VC

  • Overview: An early-stage venture firm that partners with founders from the outset, offering support through their PearX program.
  • Link: Pear VC

🧬 Biotech-Specific Accelerators & Incubators

Given your expertise in molecular genetics, these biotech-focused programs might be particularly relevant:

1. IndieBio

  • Overview: As mentioned above, IndieBio specializes in accelerating biotech startups, providing lab space and funding.
  • Link: IndieBio

2. JLABS

  • Overview: Also mentioned earlier, JLABS offers a no-strings-attached model, providing lab space and resources without taking equity.
  • Link: JLABS(GEN)

3. QB3

  • Overview: A University of California research institute that supports biotech startups with resources and funding.
  • Link: QB3

4. Berkeley SkyDeck

  • Overview: As previously detailed, SkyDeck supports a range of startups, including those in the biotech sector.
  • Link: Berkeley SkyDeck(Wikipedia)

There are also a ton of local and state run initiatives for funding young founders. Here are a few near where I live to check out and know what to look for, for your own locale:

📍 Regional Opportunities Near Columbus, Ohio

1. Ohio Innovation Fund

  • Overview: Invests in early-stage Ohio-based startups, particularly in the tech and healthcare sectors.
  • Link: Ohio Innovation Fund

2. Rev1 Ventures

  • Overview: Based in Columbus, Rev1 Ventures offers funding, mentorship, and support to startups in the region.
  • Link: Rev1 Ventures

3. JumpStart Inc.

  • Overview: Supports entrepreneurs in Northeast Ohio with funding and resources.
  • Link: JumpStart Inc.