About this programme
500 Global's Flagship Accelerator is the firm's original startup program, running since 2010 out of Silicon Valley. It is an equity investment program, not a grant: 500 Global puts capital into each accepted company in exchange for a stake, then runs a four-month, in-person cohort built around distribution, product-market fit, and fundraising.
Accepted companies receive a $150,000 investment for a 6% stake, subject to terms and diligence. The program is built for early-stage, globally-minded founders rather than a single geography or sector — 500 Global's own description of its founder programs frames the Flagship Accelerator as open to early-stage tech startups thinking globally from day one.
Beyond the cash, the accelerator's value is the network: 500 Global says founders join a community of 5,000+ founders, plus mentorship from operator-investors, alumni coaches, entrepreneurs in residence, and guest speakers on topics like distribution, design, data, and fundraising. Founders also get access to 500 FounderHub, a package of more than $1M in credits and discounts on AI tools, hosting, banking, and cap-table software.
This is a competitive, application-based program — 500 Global is explicit that applying does not guarantee an investment.
How it works
Founders apply through 500 Global's application portal for a specific batch. Batch 36 has an application deadline of October 11th, tied to the program's periodic cohort intake (batches are numbered and run cyclically).
Accepted companies receive a $150,000 investment for a 6% equity stake, subject to further terms and diligence before the deal closes.
The program itself runs four months, in person, based in Silicon Valley (Palo Alto). During that period, curriculum focuses on customer discovery, product-market fit, go-to-market strategy, pitch development, fundraising, and partnerships, alongside access to mentors and investors.
Founders also unlock 500 FounderHub benefits (credits and discounts across AI tools, hosting, banking, and cap-table management) as part of the program.
Who can apply
500 Global's own materials do not publish a detailed, itemized eligibility checklist (stage cutoffs, sector exclusions, minimum traction) on the pages that are publicly accessible. The program is positioned for early-stage tech startups operating across regions and industries and thinking globally from day one, run out of Silicon Valley.
Because 500 Global states plainly that applying does not guarantee an investment, and does not publish a formal eligibility list, founders should treat the application itself — on the official portal — as the way to get a definitive read on fit, rather than assuming eligibility from this summary.
How to apply
- Go to the official application portal at flagship.aplica.500.co and start or sign in to an application for the current batch.
- Submit the application before the stated deadline (October 11th for Batch 36).
- 500 Global reviews applications and conducts its own diligence process; the firm states that applying does not guarantee an investment or an offer.
- If selected, the company is offered a $150,000 investment for a 6% stake, subject to terms and diligence, ahead of joining the four-month in-person cohort in Silicon Valley.
Frequently asked
What does 500 Global invest in the Flagship Accelerator?
500 Global offers accepted companies a $150,000 investment for a 6% equity stake, subject to terms and diligence.
How long is the program and where is it held?
The Flagship Accelerator runs four months and is delivered in person out of 500 Global's Silicon Valley base.
Does applying guarantee funding?
No. 500 Global states explicitly that applying to the program does not guarantee an investment from 500 Global or its affiliates.
Where do I apply and what is the deadline?
Applications are submitted through the official portal at flagship.aplica.500.co. For Batch 36, applications close October 11th.
What do founders get besides the investment?
Founders get access to a community of 5,000+ founders, mentorship from operator-investors and alumni coaches, a curriculum covering product-market fit, go-to-market, pitching and fundraising, and 500 FounderHub — over $1M in credits and discounts on AI tools, hosting, banking and cap-table software.
Is the Flagship Accelerator the same as 500 Global's regional programs?
No. 500 Global runs the Flagship Accelerator as its primary, Silicon Valley-based program alongside separate regional and thematic programs (for example in LatAm, Eurasia, MENA, and a Sustainable Innovation Program) that are distinct offerings.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.