Widely renowned as a vibrant hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, Los Angeles presents a dynamic and diversified startup scene that is ripe with opportunities for ambitious startups. Joining a business incubator or accelerator in the city provides numerous advantages, including access to a vast network of experienced mentors, investors, and industry professionals. These programs offer specialized mentoring, strategic counsel, and access to critical resources, allowing entrepreneurs to accelerate their growth and scalability.
Los Angeles' robust tech culture and innovative attitude make it an excellent place for startups to develop and establish themselves as major players in the global entrepreneurial scene. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of startup incubators and accelerators in Los Angeles. They have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation' or 'launch' stages, so you can take a pick at one that suits you best!
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Topics Covered:
Full List of Startup Accelerators and Incubators in Los Angeles
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Los Angeles
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Los Angeles
Closing Thoughts on Joining a Startup Incubator or Accelerator in Los Angeles
FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN LOS ANGELES
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Los Angeles
The complete list of ideation phase incubators in Los Angeles:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: CleanTech
The Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) is a driving force behind the city's sustainable and green technology innovation. LACI's major goal is to help companies develop and commercialize clean solutions that address environmental and social issues. LACI's famous incubation program provides perks such as access to a cutting-edge campus, prototype facilities, and a dedicated staff of advisers, all of which build an atmosphere conducive to creativity and cooperation. Furthermore, LACI assists participating firms in acquiring finance, establishing industry relationships, and accessing market prospects, preparing them for success in the fast-changing clean technology industry.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Grid110 is a non-profit organization commited to establishing accessible paths to success for early-stage entrepreneurs. The program has three core initiatives: the PledgeLA Founders Fund, Friends & Family, and the Idea to Launch Bootcamp, each targeted to the unique requirements of underserved founders and budding businesses. The program uses a cohort-based accelerator strategy to provide founders with a supportive environment, professional mentorship, and vital tools without requiring equity or financial commitments. With the purpose to encourage an inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial route, Grid110 has sponsored 270 startups, including 71% women founders and 77% founders of color, across many company sectors and stages.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Established in 1996, Idealab is a pioneering technology incubator in Los Angeles that has produced over 150 businesses, including more than 45 IPOs and acquisitions, making it the longest-running technology incubator. The program's goal is to uncover large issues with technological answers and test several ideas concurrently, before assembling extraordinary teams to turn promising ideas into great enterprises. Idealab provides a diverse range of resources, including office space, development and technology services, product and graphic design, marketing, financial and human resource assistance, legal and accounting support, and company development services. Idealab's framework enables entrepreneurs to receive the support they need to quickly offer breakthrough products and services, positioning them for success in an ever-changing technological world.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Los Angeles
The complete list of launch phase incubators and accelerators in Los Angeles:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: MedTech
The MedTech Innovator program in Los Angeles is the world's largest medical technology accelerator, providing a full platform for innovative medical devices, digital health, and diagnostic enterprises. This well-known program offers entrepreneurs with unique visibility, access to key industry influencers, and a network of mentors and peers. The program's resources include non-dilutive cash awards, corporate mentorship, and access to key medtech conferences, giving companies a unique chance to accelerate growth and acquire visibility. Furthermore, MedTech Innovator is a founder-friendly organization that does not require stock or fees for participation, making it an excellent resource for early to mid-stage medical technology businesses looking to expand their inventions and enhance patient care.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Pediatric Care
The KidsX initiative in Los Angeles is a trailblazing worldwide ecosystem of pediatric innovators, working with a consortium of premier children's hospitals to transform pediatric care via digital health innovation. The program's primary goal is to collaborate with early-stage digital health startups, providing them with the resources they need to verify their products and business models in the pediatric market. KidsX accelerators and innovation programs provide entrepreneurs with unmatched access to a network of highly engaged institutions, allowing them to swiftly test product/market fit in pediatrics, as well as work closely with decision-makers and digital health professionals at pioneering children's hospitals to explore how their product may best create value in the pediatric market. Furthermore, participating startups benefit from mentorship, product input from parents and children, and the ability to work on demonstration projects with KidsX hospitals. Dedicated to improving pediatric healthcare services, KidsX does not require equity from participating firms and welcomes entrepreneurs from all around the world.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Launchpad LA is a prominent business accelerator that intends to support the growth of local technology startups while keeping them based in Southern California. The initiative offers companies an investment of $25,000 to $100,000 as well as free office space in Santa Monica. Furthermore, participating firms receive access to an extensive network of mentors, advisers, and investors. With a track record of successful firms and a focus on offering significant tools and financing, Launchpad LA is an invaluable platform for entrepreneurs looking to grow in Los Angeles' vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Long Beach Accelerator (LBA) is a comprehensive program that provides resources and assistance to early-stage entrepreneurs. The program provides a tailored 4-month accelerator that includes weekly seminars, coaching, and demo day preparation. Participating firms may obtain $75,000 to $100,000 in in-program capital in return for a total of 6-7% ownership, as well as creative space in downtown Long Beach. LBA connects businesses to a wonderful community, government assistance, industry partners, and critical markets, with the goal of catalyzing starting entrepreneurs to become future leaders. The program also promotes Long Beach's dedication to investing in innovation and technology businesses, making it an ideal environment for entrepreneurs to grow. The Long Beach Accelerator, with its public-private-academic collaboration, is a great platform for businesses looking to establish creative, sustainable firms.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Preccelerator program, run by Stubbs Alderton & Markiles, LLP in Santa Monica, is an accelerator for early-stage startups. The program offers a wide range of benefits, including advanced legal services, free 24-hour co-working space, access to a strategic perks portfolio, bespoke curriculum courses, and networking events. The program also provides investment strategy consulting, mentorship from experienced mentors, and access to a network of investors. Startups receive on-site legal advice and transactional legal services, with an emphasis on establishing the proper legal structures. The program's goal is to help businesses transition from the business concept stage to becoming a financed firm, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The program's team consists of seasoned individuals with a wide range of skills, including management, fund development, and legal counsel, who provide important assistance and direction to participating firms.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Venture Accelerator at UCLA Anderson, headquartered under the Harold and Pauline Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, offers a transformational cohort-based program for early-stage startups and their founders. Leveraging UCLA’s resources to promote business growth, the program provides startups with direct access to industry leaders, relationships with successful founders, academic assistance, and mentorship from investors and experts. Furthermore, participating firms receive specialized mentorship, proof-of-concept funds, and access to the Anderson Alumni Network. The initiative also offers companies a 10,000-square-foot co-working space, access to a cutting-edge facility, and a dedicated physical area for members to meet, interact, and work.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Startup UCLA is a program at UCLA Anderson that aims to encourage and improve entrepreneurial skills and spirit among UCLA students and alumni. The program provides a variety of activities and services targeted at providing counsel, information, networking, and technical assistance to help businesses develop. This includes the Summer Accelerator, an advanced 10-week program for software entrepreneurs that offers workspace, advice, legal services, and access to industry experts and investors. Participants in the program will have the opportunity to pitch to local entrepreneurs and investors during the Demo Day. Furthermore, the program includes the Innovation Fellows and Bruin Impact programs, which aim to transform innovative faculty ideas into new enterprises and empower students to create positive social change, respectively.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Space
SCALE Accelerator is an aerospace-focused program that helps pre-seed and seed stage startups in the aerospace sector. This 13-week program provides entrepreneurs with a platform to start and expand their firms through a series of lectures, seminars, pitch practice sessions, and networking events, culminating in a demo day. Participating startups receive tailored coaching and interact with industry leaders, subject matter experts, possible partners, clients, and investors. The program's goal is to encourage a new generation of students, entrepreneurs, and investors to pursue and progress revolutionary aeronautical technology. It is a cooperation between Starburst and the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, which will provide access to a worldwide network and promote Los Angeles as a global hub for aerospace company development.
Techstars
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Techstars is a well-known accelerator program that aims too support tech entrepreneurs thrive by offering unrivaled coaching and a large network of corporate partners, investors, and alumni. The program selects over 500 early-stage startups each year, investing up to $120,000 and providing hands-on coaching and lifelong access to the Techstars network. Furthermore, Techstars provides access to over $400,000 in cash equivalent for hosting, accounting, and legal support, among other benefits. The program concludes in Demo Day, where participating firms present their accomplishments to potential investors. Techstars has a solid track record of establishing successful companies throughout the world and provides a platform for startups to get assistance, mentorship, and access to a network of entrepreneurs, making it a significant resource for startups seeking to thrive in the entrepreneurial landscape of Los Angeles.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
The Cedars-Sinai Accelerator is a transformative three-month program that aims to improve healthcare quality, efficiency, and care delivery by assisting entrepreneurs in developing innovative technological products for the market. The program offers $100,000 in funding to selected startups, mentorship from over 300 top doctors and executives, access to Cedars-Sinai, and exposure to a large network of healthcare specialists, investors, and entrepreneurs. The curriculum focuses on a variety of crucial fields, including AI, Analytics and Machine Learning, Digital Health, Medical Devices, and more. During Demo Day, companies can also present their work to possible investors, healthcare authorities, and the press. The program has a solid track record of helping entrepreneurs revolutionize healthcare delivery and patient care, making it a significant resource for startups that want to impact the future of healthcare.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
FoundersBoost LA program is a six-week pre-accelerator program designed to prepare early-stage digital startups to join accelerators and gain funding. The program requires no equity or fees from entrepreneurs in exchange for mentorship and connections to help them reach their pre-seed stage goals. The program is intended to lay a solid basis for future success and growth, and it includes high-quality one-on-one mentoring and access to a vast worldwide network. The program also hosts Demo Day and Global Investor Day, which provide further visibility for selected startups. FoundersBoost LA has a great track record of pre-accelerating businesses, with many graduates going on to top-tier accelerators and collecting substantial funding.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Viterbi Startup Garage (VSG) is an early-stage technology accelerator program that offers capital, space, and resources to select student and alumni entrepreneurs at the University of Southern California (USC) Viterbi School of Engineering. VSG specializes in deep technology, machine learning, and AI-enabled businesses. It works in partnership with the USC Viterbi School of Engineering and does not require equity or collect fees. Participating businesses get 24-hour access to co-working space, mentorship from USC's network of alumni, access to potential investos and partners, and comprehensive support, including topical workshops and access to a creative community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Notably, VSG recently announced its first Space Cohort in partnership with USC Viterbi's Center for Research in Space Technologies and Aerospace Corporation, focusing on space technologies.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Expert Dojo is a premier accelerator program that offers a comprehensive startup support program, including unique incentives, monthly training videos, and individualized advice from expert AMAs. The Growth program monitors the development trajectory of top-performing firms and offers the opportunity to advance to the Investment Program based on considerable growth. The Investment Program, created for growth-oriented firms, includes a $50,000 investment for a 3.5% ownership interest, as well as additional growth marketing services and warm introductions to VCs and investors. Both programs emphasize community and cooperation, providing startups with the resources and support they need to drive their development and success.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
M Accelerator is a 12-week accelerator program that offers entrepreneurs extensive assistance, coaching, and a flourishing atmosphere for rapid growth. The program provides an intensive and immersive experience for both local and foreign participants, with an emphasis on developing fundamental leadership skills, validating business concepts, and extending professional networks. With an emphasis on customized coaching, one-on-one sessions, and a dedicated workspace, the program provides businesses with the skills they need to build viable future plans, identify target markets, confidently present to investors, and bootstrap their initiatives. Furthermore, overseas applicants benefit from a specialized corporate English curriculum, which improves their communication abilities for networking and investment pitches. M Accelerator's unique strategy, along with access to industry-leading coaches, consultants, and startup development specialists, makes it an important resource for entrepreneurs seeking to achieve rapid business growth.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
MuckerLab is a renowned accelerator program that supports early-stage digital firms and helps them develop and scale. The program provides entrepreneurs with capital, coaching, resources, and a collaborative workspace to help them grow and prepare for future fundraising rounds. MuckerLab strives to provide entrepreneurs with the skills and guidance they need to flourish in the competitive business scene. This includes hands-on mentorship, a specialized curriculum, access to a broad network of industry experts and investors, and assistance in developing a strong foundation for long-term success. Notably, MuckerLab has a track record of successful investments, having backed startups like Honey and Eventup in their early phases, eventually contributing to their global success and significant acquisitions.
Closing Thoughts on Joining a Startup Accelerator or Incubator in Los Angeles
The startup ecosystem in Los Angeles provides a lively and encouraging environment for entrepreneurs seeking to turn their unique ideas into profitable enterprises. Joining a business incubator or accelerator program in the city may provide founders with significant resources, mentorship, capital, and access to a strong network, all of which are necessary for navigating the competitive startup market and driving quick development. With a varied selection of programs catering to all phases of business growth, Los Angeles is an appealing location for ambitious founders looking to capitalize on the city's thriving entrepreneurial environment.