Early-stage startup funding is still available across a wide range of sectors in 2026. Several major accelerators, venture programs and startup competitions are currently accepting applications from founders globally, with some programs willing to invest before a company has significant revenue or even a fully developed product.
The opportunities below are open as of September 22, 2026 and cover startups at the idea, pre-seed and early stages.
Y Combinator Winter 2027
Y Combinator is accepting applications for its Winter 2027 batch, which will run from January through March in San Francisco.
YC invests $500,000 in every company it accepts. The investment consists of $125,000 for 7% equity and another $375,000 through an uncapped SAFE with an MFN provision.
The accelerator funds companies across a wide range of industries and accepts applications from founders around the world. Companies can also apply at a very early stage, including before significant revenue or traction.
Funding: $500,000
Deadline: November 2, 2026 at 8 PM PT
Stage: Idea to early-stage
Location: San Francisco
Eligibility: Global
2. PearX W27
Pear VC's PearX accelerator is designed specifically for pre-seed companies and frequently invests before a startup has developed significant traction.
The 12-week program accepts approximately 20 companies in each cohort. Selected companies can receive between $500,000 and $2 million from Pear.
PearX is open to founders starting companies across a broad range of industries, including AI, enterprise software, healthcare, fintech and consumer technology.
Funding: $500,000 to $2 million
Deadline: October 4, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT
Stage: Idea and pre-seed
Program length: 12 weeks
Eligibility: Global
3. a16z Speedrun SR008
Andreessen Horowitz's Speedrun has expanded from its original gaming focus into a broader early-stage investment program covering AI, consumer technology, enterprise software, infrastructure, healthcare, developer tools and other technology sectors.
Selected startups can receive up to $1 million in investment.
Applications are accepted throughout the year, while the priority application period for the next cohort, SR008, runs from October 12 through November 1, 2026.
The program is based in San Francisco and accepts international founders, with immigration and relocation support available for participating companies.
Funding: Up to $1 million
Applications: Open year-round
Priority window: October 12 to November 1, 2026
Stage: Very early-stage
Eligibility: Global
4. 500 Global Fellowship Batch 37
500 Global is accepting applications for Batch 37 of its flagship founder program.
The fellowship targets early-stage companies building for large international markets. The upcoming program will run from November 30, 2026 to April 9, 2027 in San Francisco.
500 Global works with founders from different countries and provides participating companies with capital, mentorship, fundraising support and access to its international startup network.
Deadline: October 2, 2026
Stage: Early-stage
Program: November 30, 2026 to April 9, 2027
Location: San Francisco
Eligibility: Global
Apply to the 500 Global Fellowship
5. Techstars London Accelerator
Techstars London is currently accepting applications for its 2027 accelerator.
Companies selected for a standard Techstars accelerator receive a $220,000 investment, together with mentorship, fundraising support, investor access and startup resources.
The London accelerator is sector-agnostic and explicitly accepts early-stage companies from around the world.
The next program begins on March 8, 2027.
Funding: $220,000
Deadline: November 18, 2026
Stage: Early-stage
Industry: Sector-agnostic
Eligibility: Global
6. Techstars New York City Accelerator
The Techstars New York City accelerator is another currently open program offering the standard $220,000 Techstars investment.
The program operates through a hybrid structure that includes several in-person sessions in New York while allowing participating founders to remain based elsewhere.
It accepts companies from a broad range of industries and allows applications from founders globally.
Funding: $220,000
Deadline: November 18, 2026
Stage: Early-stage
Format: Hybrid
Eligibility: Global
Apply to Techstars New York City
7. LAUNCH Founder University
LAUNCH Founder University targets companies at one of the earliest stages of startup development.
The 12-week program is designed for startups moving from an idea toward a minimum viable product. Top participating companies can receive investments of $25,000 or $125,000.
LAUNCH also operates a separate accelerator for companies that already have an MVP and are moving into the next stage of growth.
Funding: $25,000 or $125,000 for selected companies
Stage: Idea to MVP
Program length: 12 weeks
Eligibility: Global
8. SOSV HAX
HAX is SOSV's accelerator and investment program for hard-tech companies.
The program can provide up to $550,000 in initial pre-seed investment and accepts applications on a rolling basis.
HAX focuses on startups developing technologies such as robotics, advanced manufacturing, energy systems, industrial technology, materials, diagnostics, critical minerals and electrification.
Participating companies also receive access to engineering support, laboratories, equipment, manufacturing expertise and supply-chain resources.
Funding: Up to $550,000
Applications: Rolling
Stage: Pre-seed
Focus: Hard tech
Eligibility: Global
9. Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge 2027
The Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge is currently accepting applications from deep-tech and science-based startups.
The competition covers areas including artificial intelligence, advanced computing, biotechnology, healthcare, aerospace, robotics, energy, climate technology, semiconductors, agriculture and advanced materials.
Finalists can compete for a €200,000 investment prize from DeepBright Ventures.
The competition also includes opportunities specifically aimed at companies at the idea and pre-seed stages.
Prize: €200,000 investment
Deadline: November 30, 2026
Stage: Idea to early-stage
Focus: Deep tech and science
Eligibility: Global
Apply to the Hello Tomorrow Global Challenge
10. Aviva x Founders Factory Fintech Accelerator
Aviva and Founders Factory are accepting applications from early-stage fintech companies.
Selected startups receive £50,000 in investment alongside six months of operational support from Founders Factory.
The program covers a broad range of financial-services technologies, including insurance, wealth management, property technology, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and related infrastructure.
The program accepts companies between pre-seed and Series A and is structured for both London-based and international startups.
Funding: £50,000
Applications: Open
Stage: Pre-seed to Series A
Program length: Six months
Eligibility: Global
Apply to the Aviva x Founders Factory Accelerator
11. G-Force Climate Seed Program
The G-Force Climate Seed Program is a Founders Factory initiative focused on early-stage climate and sustainability companies.
Selected startups receive €250,000 in investment together with six months of company-building support.
The program focuses on scalable technologies addressing areas such as energy, transportation, food and agriculture, industrial decarbonization, carbon removal and nature.
The program operates remotely, making it accessible to international companies.
Funding: €250,000
Applications: Open
Stage: Pre-seed and seed
Focus: Climate technology
Format: Remote
12. Rio Tinto x Founders Factory Mining Tech Program
Rio Tinto and Founders Factory are currently accepting applications from startups developing technologies for mining and heavy industry.
The program focuses on areas including mineral exploration, advanced materials, metals processing, water management, waste reduction, mining automation and industrial decarbonization.
Selected companies receive investment, four months of operational support and access to Rio Tinto's technical expertise and industry infrastructure.
The program operates through Perth and remotely and accepts companies internationally.
Funding: Investment provided
Applications: Open
Stage: Pre-seed and seed
Focus: Mining and industrial technology
Eligibility: Global
Apply to the Rio Tinto Mining Tech Program
Conclusion
The current funding landscape shows that substantial capital is available long before Series A. Programs such as Y Combinator, PearX and LAUNCH can fund companies at or close to the idea stage. Techstars, a16z Speedrun and 500 Global provide additional paths for companies beginning to establish a product and early traction. For early-stage companies preparing to raise capital, these open programs represent some of the major global opportunities currently accepting applications.