About this programme
Alchemist Accelerator is a Silicon Valley accelerator built for technical founders building enterprise and B2B startups, including AI-SaaS and deep-tech companies with enterprise monetization. It describes its job as guiding founders "from possibility to traction," pairing coaching with a bridge into Silicon Valley's venture network.
The flagship program runs from the San Francisco Bay Area, though it accepts applicants from anywhere in the world. Alongside the flagship, Alchemist also runs regional programs in Chicago, Doha and Japan.
Since it started, Alchemist says it has accelerated more than 750 startups, seen 70-plus acquisitions among alumni, and watched alumni raise more than $5 billion in follow-on funding, with 270-plus companies going on to raise $500,000 or more in institutional or seed funding.
How it works
The flagship program runs 6 months, opening with an in-person immersive kickoff week in the Bay Area and closing with a Demo Day held virtually, preceded by an in-person sneak-peek event in San Francisco about a month earlier.
Alchemist invests an average net of about $30,000 per company after tuition is offset by that investment, typically in exchange for around 5% of common stock, with flexible terms available. Alchemist may also request the right to take a minority co-investment stake in a company's follow-on round.
Companies also get access to partner credits and discounts worth $450,000-plus in aggregate value (companies use an average of $175,000 of that), weekly group workshops, one-on-one coaching from experienced CEOs, feedback summits with VC investors in an office-hours format, access to a network of 7,000-plus mentors and investors, and free co-working space in San Francisco during the program.
Network access continues after the program ends.
Who can apply
Alchemist targets B2B and B2B2C companies selling to enterprise customers, spanning hardware and software, Fortune 500 and SMB customers, and various business models, in AI-SaaS and deep-tech spaces.
A distinctive technical founder is central to what Alchemist looks for: strong technical ability, tenacity and product sense. The ideal team is 2 to 3 co-founders with complementary skills; solo founders are accepted but held to a higher bar.
There is no geographic restriction on applicants; companies from anywhere in the world can apply to the Bay Area flagship program.
How to apply
- Fill out the application form on the Alchemist Accelerator website.
- Applications are reviewed after the stated deadline.
- Applicants hear back within 3 weeks of the deadline.
- If selected to move forward, applicants do a 15-minute virtual interview with a panel.
- Offers are extended in the week following interviews.
Frequently asked
How much does Alchemist invest, and for how much equity?
An average net investment of about $30,000 after tuition offset, typically for around 5% of common stock, though terms are flexible.
How long is the program?
6 months, starting with an in-person kickoff week in the San Francisco Bay Area and ending in a virtual Demo Day.
Do I need to be based in the Bay Area to apply?
No. Alchemist accepts applicants globally, though the flagship program's kickoff and co-working space are in the Bay Area.
What kind of startups does Alchemist accept?
B2B and B2B2C enterprise-focused companies, including AI-SaaS and deep-tech, led by a technical founder or small founding team.
How long does it take to hear back after applying?
Within 3 weeks of the application deadline; selected applicants then get a 15-minute virtual panel interview, with offers going out the following week.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.