500 Global
Global seed fund with structured accelerator programs across multiple geographies
Cohort investment plus network access across 500 Global's international footprint
- Best for
- Pre-seed, Seed
- Available in
- Global
- Program type
- Accelerator
- Last verified
- Apr 21, 2026
About this program
500 Global is the accelerator that makes sense when geographic network and international market reach are specifically part of what a founder is optimizing for. The flagship Accelerator in Silicon Valley remains the canonical 500 program, and the brand that began as 500 Startups in 2010 has since expanded into a broader seed platform that combines direct investing with structured cohort programs across regions and verticals.
For founders, the practical question is which part of 500 they are actually applying to. The flagship Accelerator is a direct comparison to Y Combinator or Techstars Silicon Valley, with 500's international alumni network as the distinguishing asset. Regional programs (in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, Latin America, and other geographies over the years) are different propositions with their own economics, schedules, and theses, and run on their own cadences. Founders whose markets are genuinely international or who benefit from a non-US-centric founder network often find 500's structure more useful than a US-centric cohort.
500 has evolved. The shape of the program in 2026 is not the shape it was in 2016, and founders who hear about 500 from alumni who went through earlier cohorts should expect that both the deal structure and the cohort mechanics have shifted. Verify the current program structure on 500.co before applying; the platform strategy is live, not static.
What you get
- Cohort investment plus network access across 500 Global's international footprint
- 4-month window to apply benefits
- Offer type: Accelerator · Mentorship
Eligibility
Early-stage startups targeting a specific 500 program cohort, geography, or vertical theme. 500 evaluates on founder quality, market opportunity, and fit with the specific track's thesis. Not every accepted startup is in the flagship Silicon Valley program; many apply to regional or thematic tracks.
- Stage
- Pre-seed, Seed
- Region
- Global
- Incorporation required
- Not required
How to apply
- Browse 500.co to find the specific accelerator program, regional track, or direct-seed path that matches your company and geography.
- Apply through the track-specific application portal during its published application window.
- Shortlisted applicants progress through interviews and a final selection process run by the specific program team.
- Accepted companies sign investment paperwork, attend the in-person cohort if applicable, and enter 500's portfolio network.
Frequently asked questions
Who should apply to 500 Global?
Early-stage startups looking for both capital and network access across 500's international footprint, especially founders targeting a specific regional market or thematic vertical where 500 runs dedicated programs. Founders optimizing purely for the strongest single global brand typically pick Y Combinator; founders wanting a deep-mentorship cohort in a specific city often pick Techstars; 500 fits between those when geographic network and thematic fit matter more than either of those specific properties.
Is 500 Global still an accelerator?
Partly. 500 has evolved from a pure accelerator into a broader seed platform that combines direct seed investing with structured accelerator programs where those fit the regional or thematic strategy. The flagship Accelerator program in Silicon Valley remains the canonical 500 cohort experience; other regional programs run on their own cadences and with their own structures.
How does 500 compare to YC, Techstars, Antler, and EF?
Y Combinator runs a single cohort model from Silicon Valley with the widest brand. Techstars runs many concurrent city and vertical programs with deep mentor networks. Antler runs day-zero cohorts globally for solo and early-team founders. EF is talent-first for individuals forming teams in-cohort. 500 Global's distinguishing characteristic is scale of portfolio and geographic reach: a program that fits founders whose market is specifically international or who benefit from a large alumni network spanning multiple regions.
What are the current investment terms?
Investment terms have varied across 500's programs and cohorts over the years. The flagship Accelerator has historically offered a defined check for an equity stake; regional programs have different economics. Confirm current terms on the specific program page you are applying to; 500 updates them periodically.
Where does 500 run programs today?
The flagship program is based in Silicon Valley. Regional programs have run in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, Latin America, and other geographies at different points. The active set of running programs changes year to year as 500 adjusts its platform strategy; verify current programs on 500.co before planning around a specific track.
Is 500 Global the right choice for a US-only startup?
The flagship Accelerator in Silicon Valley is the clearest fit for US-only founders applying to 500. Founders deciding between the flagship 500 program and Y Combinator or Techstars for a US-only startup typically compare based on the specific investor and mentor networks each brings, since all three are credible choices. Founders with international markets as a core part of their thesis often find 500's geographic reach more differentiating.
You'll be redirected to 500 Global to apply. FounderDeals never handles applications.
Alternatives to 500 Global
Other accelerators & grants programs founders weigh against 500 Global. Each links out to the provider's official page.