Arizona Innovation Challenge & Venture Start

Global, virtual-first fellowship backing early-stage founders, run by a group of unicorn entrepreneurs. Two tracks: Ideation for founders without revenue traction, Traction for founders already generating revenue, users, pilots or patents. Roughly 35-40 startups accepted a year.

AWS Activate provides startups with promotional cloud credits, ranging from up to $5,000 for self-funded founders to up to $200,000 for pre-Series B startups backed by an Activate Provider (accelerator, angel investor, or VC firm). Invite-only additional credits beyond $200,000 are available for AI startups ready to scale post Activate Portfolio.

Innosuisse funds science-based innovation projects of Swiss start-ups preparing for first market entry, covering up to 70% of direct project costs with the start-up contributing at least 30% itself. Only the start-up (not a research partner) is supported, and applications are evaluated by independent experts and the Innovation Council before a funding decision.

TCA Venture Group, formerly Tech Coast Angels, is an angel investment organisation in Southern California with about 400 members and five angel funds. It supports startups through seed, bridge and early A-round funding, and provides connections, mentorship and operational support. Entrepreneurs can apply for funding through its website.

The most prominent startup accelerator in the world. Runs quarterly batches offering funding, mentorship, and access to a vast alumni network across virtually every industry.

Z Fellows is a one-week programme that brings technical builders together with founders of billion-dollar companies. Participants are mentored by these founders, and the programme continues to help them for the life of their company. Participants can join without money, or receive a $10,000 investment at a $1B valuation cap that converts into stock at the next priced round.