Accel launches fifth Atoms programme with USD $1m funding

Accel has announced the launch of the fifth edition of its pre-seed startup programme, Atoms, which will support Indian and Indian-origin founders with funding and resources across two new tracks: AI and LeapTech.

The Atoms programme offers up to USD $1 million in funding per selected startup, along with more than USD $5 million in perks from Accel's network partners and personalised mentorship designed to help founders build globally-focused companies. The initiative is open to Indian and Indian-origin founders worldwide and aims to provide resources to ease the early stages of company building.

Programme structure

Accel Atoms will now have two distinct tracks. The first, Accel Atoms AI, focuses on founders leveraging artificial intelligence for business applications or building tools underpinning the AI ecosystem. The second, Accel Atoms X, targets startups working on what Accel terms "LeapTech" – significant breakthroughs in technology, products, or business models that could create new markets or radically reshape existing ones.

The AI track is led by Prayank Swaroop, Anand Daniel, and Anagh Prasad. Accel Atoms AI will consider startups across the AI stack, including foundational models, infrastructure such as testing or security tools, and core model and agent applications. The programme recognises ongoing shifts in global AI markets and the increasing cross-border ambitions seen among Indian founders.

"We're seeing a fundamental shift where Indian founders in AI are moving to global markets earlier than ever before, to be closer to their first customers. These founders understand that while AI is borderless, execution isn't. They're building from day zero with global ambition, but they need the right support system to navigate cross-border complexities. That's what we're providing through Accel Atoms - the ability to build and iterate with the backing of capital, mentorship, and infrastructure without being constrained by geography."

Commenting on the role of Indian and Indian-origin founders in AI, Anand Daniel, Partner at Accel, said, "Indian and Indian-origin founders are right at the center of the inflection point in AI. The success of companies like Ema and Bridgetown Research shows us that founders tapping into the cross-border advantage - building what customers want, with great speed, and while tapping into the breadth and depth of India's talent pool - can beat global competition by a significant margin."

LeapTech focus

Accel Atoms X, headed by Pratik Agarwal, targets startups working toward long-term, high-impact breakthroughs. This track supports founders with access to up to USD $1 million in equity or convertible notes, specialist networks, workshops on narrative and commercialisation, and peer support. The track is positioned to go beyond conventional accelerator structures to support founders from the earliest stages, including those refining ideas or pre-revenue.

"LeapTech ideas often take years of iteration before product-market fit is clear - but their ability to fundamentally reshape how we live or build is unmistakable. With Atoms X, we're moving beyond the traditional cohort model to back founders right at the inception whether they're still refining the idea or pre-revenue. Our goal is to offer early conviction and a deeply supportive ecosystem from day zero," said Pratik Agarwal, Partner at Accel.

The Atoms X track builds on Accel's prior experience backing early-stage startups such as Posha, Sarla Aviation, Wiom, and Haber, which the firm describes as operating "at the edge of what's next."

Application process

Applications for both tracks are now open throughout the year, with a streamlined process that does not require lengthy forms or video calls, and allows co-founders to apply together. This is intended to lower barriers for early-stage founders seeking support during their initial company-building efforts.

Since its inception in 2021, Accel Atoms has supported over 40 startups, many of which have progressed to raise additional funding and establish themselves within their sectors. The introduction of the AI and LeapTech tracks is described by the company as part of its ongoing commitment to providing targeted support to early-stage entrepreneurs, with additional capital and focused thematic streams.