21 Best Startup Accelerators in San Francisco for 2025
San Francisco accelerators helped portfolio companies raise $300B+ in follow-on funding, with Y Combinator alone producing 150+ unicorns valued at $600B+ combined, according to ecosystem data. Top SF programs maintain 85-90% fundraising success rates for graduates.
Peony supports accelerator applications: track partner engagement on application materials, share supplemental docs securely, organize demo day materials, and demonstrate professionalism. Purpose-built for startup success.
Here are the 21 best startup accelerators in San Francisco for 2025.
Top SF Accelerators Overview
| Accelerator | Investment | Equity | Duration | Focus | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y Combinator | $500K | 7% | 3 months | All sectors | 90% |
| 500 Global | $150K | 6% | 4 months | Tech, global | 85% |
| Techstars SF | $120K | 6% | 3 months | AI/ML, SaaS | 85% |
| Plug and Play | $100-500K | Varies | 3 months | Fintech, IoT | 75% |
| Alchemist | $36K | 5% | 6 months | Enterprise B2B | 82% |
| StartX | No equity | 0% | 6 months | Stanford-affiliated | 88% |
| Berkeley SkyDeck | $200K | Varies | 6 months | Deep tech | 85% |
1. Y Combinator - The Gold Standard
Investment: $500K ($125K for 7% + $375K on MFN SAFE)
Duration: 3 months
Batch size: 200-400 companies per batch
Why it's best:
- Unmatched brand credibility
- $300B+ portfolio value
- 150+ unicorns created
- Airbnb, Stripe, Coinbase, DoorDash alumni
- Bi-annual Demo Day (500+ investors)
- Alumni network (3,000+ founders)
Application:
- Rolling applications
- 10-minute video interview
- 2-3% acceptance rate
- Apply early in product journey
Program:
- Weekly founder dinners
- Office hours with partners
- Demo Day preparation
- Intensive 3 months
Website: ycombinator.com
2. 500 Global (Formerly 500 Startups)
Investment: $150K for 6%
Portfolio: 2,500+ companies, 100+ exits
Strengths:
- Global reach (75+ countries)
- Growth marketing expertise
- Strong mentor network
- Multiple programs yearly
Focus: International expansion, growth hacking
Website: 500.co
3. Techstars San Francisco
Investment: $120K ($20K + $100K convertible)
Equity: 6%
Strengths:
- Mentor-driven approach (3-month mentorship marathon)
- Corporate partnerships
- Strong alumni network
- Focus on AI/ML, enterprise SaaS
Program: Highly structured, intensive
Website: techstars.com
Getting Accepted Strategies
What accelerators look for:
Traction:
- Users/customers (1,000-10,000+ for consumer)
- Revenue ($10k-$100k MRR for B2B)
- Growth rate (20%+ MoM minimum)
- Product-market fit signals
Team:
- Technical + business balance
- Domain expertise
- Commitment and resilience
- Coachability
Market:
- Large opportunity (TAM greater than $1B)
- Clear problem and solution
- Timing advantages
- Competitive differentiation
Application tips:
Video pitch (critical):
- 60-90 seconds maximum
- Clear problem statement
- Traction demonstrated
- Team intro
- Natural delivery
Application form:
- Concise answers
- Specific metrics
- Show, don't tell
- Proofread thoroughly
Supporting materials:
- Upload deck to Peony
- Track partner engagement
- See which slides interested them
- Professional presentation
Maximizing Accelerator Value
During program:
- Leverage mentors extensively
- Build peer relationships
- Ship product fast
- Prepare demo day meticulously
Post-program:
- Activate alumni network
- Follow up with investors
- Maintain mentor relationships
- Support future batches
How Peony Supports Accelerator Journey
Peony helps throughout:
Application phase:
- Share supplemental materials
- Track partner interest
- Professional presentation
During program:
- Organize investor materials
- Prepare demo day deck
- Track partner feedback
Demo day:
- Share deck with 500+ investors
- Track engagement from each
- Identify hot investors instantly
- Follow up strategically
Post-program:
- Fundraising data rooms
- LP updates
- Investor relations
Result: Professional infrastructure from application through fundraising.
Conclusion
San Francisco accelerators provide unmatched access to capital, mentorship, and networks—with top programs achieving 85-90% graduate fundraising success. Y Combinator leads with $300B+ portfolio value, while specialized programs (500 Global, Techstars, Alchemist) offer targeted support.
Peony supports accelerator journey from application through demo day and fundraising—enabling professional materials presentation and investor engagement tracking.
Accelerator fundraising platform: Try Peony