Los Angeles Startup Incubators and Accelerators
It’s hard to find a list of current and accurate information about startup incubators and accelerators in Los Angeles. Using data from the AngelList API as a starting point, I’ve compiled the following list ordered alphabetically.
This list includes:
- 25 accelerators
- 5 pre-accelerators
- 11 incubators
- 1 accelerator not yet launched
- 1 accelerator that has moved
- 2 companies N/A but Related
- 7 defunct accelerators and incubators
Quoted descriptions are in the program’s own words. The notes are my personal perspective after sleuthing for details online.
Please get in touch (comment on this post, tweet me, etc.) if you have a additions, corrections, or clarifications. Help demystify the LA tech scene. #LongLA
Here’s a list of marketing ideas for managers and operators of incubators/accelerators based on what I learned making this list.
Published November 5, 2015.
Updates made October 28, 2016.
Accelerators
1. Amplify.LA
Description:
“Amplify is a hands-on startup accelerator in Los Angeles, California. We amplify startups by providing seed funding, access to additional capital, and an unmatched team of mentors and advisors. Every company accepted will receive $50K-$200k in seed funding and free workspace at our Venice Beach campus.”
Location: Venice (map)
Resources:
- $50-$200k in seed funding
- Office space
- Extensive hands-on mentorship
- A variety of free or highly discounted services including hosting, legal, banking, travel
Application process:
Rolling applications (no deadline). Apply online.
Duration: no batches or set program length
Portfolio companies include:
RadPad, Sensay, Clutter, HelloTech, Gem
2. Brand Knew, DVE (Developmental Venture Equity) Program
Description:
“Brand Knew is a digital agency and technology accelerator. The firm offers services in product development, branding, and social marketing, and then applies these services to select start-up ventures in exchange for equity through a developmental venture equity program. Clients and advisees range in scope from private to public companies, start-ups to veteran household names, web services to retail.”
Notes:
They offer scant details about their accelerator program on their single-page website. It sounds a bit like an agency that accepts equity in exchange for services, except the perks listed include funding. They also have a NY location.
Location: Century City (map)
Resources:
- $75k worth of services across legal, financial, hosting and real estate
- An environment that promotes productivity and creative collaboration
- Access to a network of experienced entrepreneurs, investors and leading technologists
Portfolio companies include:
LawKick, FitCause, Intercast Network, Likeit.fm, Collectors Cafe, The Kosher Express
3. Cal-Xelerator (Launch Bootcamp + Stars)
Description:
“Business Accelerator with special focus on cardiovascular and social good impact innovation startups emanating from Leonhardt Ventures laboratories. Cal-Xelerator invests up to $100,000 into four startups three times a year. The most promising companies that emerge from our 108 Day Launch Bootcamp will be invited into our 5 year Cal-Xelerator Stars business accelerator program.”
Notes:
The company Cal-X Stars Business Accelerator offers 2 programs for startups.
Program 1: Cal-Xelerator 108 Day Launch Bootcamp Program:
- Held 3 times each year, limited to 4 startups
- Access to a network of investors, partners, service providers, and potential customers
- Mandatory weekly cohort meeting
- Optional co-work space
Program 2: Cal-Xelerator Stars — 5 Year Business Accelerator
- 5-year program for the top companies coming out of the Launch Bootcamp program
- Guidance and support from the Cal-X eco-system of mentors, investors and service providers
- Assistance with conducting research & development, patent filings, and clinical trials
Funding and equity details are detailed on this term sheet page. No portfolio companies are listed for the Launch Bootcamp and it appears the companies listed as alums of the Stars program are companies founded by the program founder or funded by the founder’s venture firm. An example anomaly is the company Leonhardt Vineyards is listed even though it was founded in 2002, while the Bootcamp program alpha began in the summer of 2013.
Location: Santa Monica (map)
Application process:
Apply online for the Launch Bootcamp.
4. CoAccel
Description:
“The Human Accelerator. Building the Next Generation of Powerful, Mindful Leaders. CoAccel brings the concept of Startup Accelerators to a new level, directing energy and focus around the most important piece of the puzzle: The Human, Yourself. You are the ultimate product.”
Notes:
This a new, experimental program by two “globally recognized leading women”: Jasmine Voyante and Cameron Kashani. Cameron, known as the “Godmother of Silicon Beach”, co-founded Coloft, LA’s first coworking space (some impressive metrics: 1400+ alumni, 600+ startups, 42% of which were funded). Cameron shared more about the program in a Medium article. More details to come.
Location: TBD (somewhere in Los Angeles!)
Duration: 3 months
Application process:
Interested applicants should complete the contact form on the website to learn more.
5. Dodgers Accelerator
Description:
“The Dodgers Accelerator with R/GA is bringing business, design, and technology resources to industry-leading & early-stage sports tech startups”
Notes:
The LA Dodgers (Major League Baseball franchise) and R/GA (international advertising agency) team up for this new accelerator focused on sports and entertainment startups. You can find all the details on their website (linked below) including helpful specifics on their FAQs page.
Location: Playa Vista (map)
Duration: 3 months
Resources:
- $120k in funding ($20k + optional $100k convertible debt note) in exchange for ~6% equity
- Co-workspace facilities
- 80+ mentors from the Dodgers, R/GA, and their respective networks
- Partnership, distribution, and strategic support from the Dodgers organization
- Design, development, and branding services from R/GA
- On-site technology and design experts
- Invite-only Demo Day
Application process:
Annual cycle. Applications open at the end of March with a deadline June.
Portfolio includes:
Appetize, FieldLevel, FocusMotion, LeagueApps, Proday, SidePrize, Swish Analytics
6. Disney Accelerator
Description:
“Disney Accelerator, powered by Techstars, is helping today’s technology innovators turn their dreams for new media and entertainment experiences into reality.”
Notes:
Lots of additional details on their site’s FAQ page. Only 10 companies admitted per batch.
Location: Glendale (map)
Duration: 3 months
Resources:
- $120k in investment capital ($20k in funding upon acceptance + access to an additional $100k convertible debt note at participant’s sole option)
- “Access to the range of creative expertise and resources of The Walt Disney Company” (potential partnerships, user feedback, etc.)
- Mentor support from key Disney executives/leaders and other entertainment industry leaders
- Demo day (investor access + press coverage)
Application process:
Runs in annual batches from July - October. Applications on F6s.
Portfolio includes:
Sphero, Decisive, Naritiv, Sidelines, PUNDIT, Twigtale, Codarica, Jogg, Tyffon, Open Bionics
7. Expert Dojo Business Accelerator
Description:
“We help startups accelerate their business through our strategic business growth program and investor introductions.”
Notes:
The “Business Accelerator” is part of a paid, tiered service offered by the Expert DOJO. They don’t seem to offer any investment for program members. They earn money by charging for member subscriptions rather than making bets on startups with equity. There’s a bit of a pattern I’m seeing here where co-working/events/network service businesses are trying to capitalize on the growing number of startups in LA while minimizing any risk on their end.
There are no portfolio companies listed for the accelerator program.
Location: Santa Monica (map)
Cost: $10,000 membership fee
Resources:
- Education and networking regarding US-based startups
- Pitch and get a booth at the Investor Festival conference
- Co-working space
- Event and community access
Duration: 12 months
Application process:
Apply online.
8. Founder Institute
Description:
“In the Founder Institute’s four-month, part-time program, promising startup entrepreneurs “learn by doing” and launch a company through structured training courses, practical business-building assignments, and expert feedback from a large network of business mentors. Plus, aspiring founders are not required to quit their day job to participate, so they can begin building a business around their ideas without putting their livelihood at risk.”
Notes:
The Founder Institute has more complex financial structure compared to other accelerators. In addition to some fees associated with running the program (see costs below), graduates (note: only 40% of those accepted tend to make it to graduation) warrant a percentage of their company to the Founder Institute. 30% of that pool’s returns go to graduates, the rest go to the Institute, mentors and directors. There’s a chart to help visualize this business model.
There’s are additional details about the most recent semester in this post including an impressive list of mentors. The Founder Institute is huge — they have locations in 85 cities and 6 continents.
Location: Unknown (past events have been strewn about the Westside)
Duration: 4 months, part-time (15–20 hours a week of related work; source)
Resources:
- Education — see the LA curriculum
- Shared Liquidity Pool
- Access to graduate and mentor network
Cost:
- $50 application fee
- $1099 course fee
- Graduates are asked to contribute warrants for 3.5% of their company priced at fair market value into the “Shared Liquidity Pool”, which is split between the other Graduates, the Mentors, and the Institute
- If a company is successful (receives significant financing from third parties), they are asked to pay a one-time tuition fee of $4,500
Application process:
Check here to see if applications are open or to sign up to be notified when they are.
(LA graduate) Portfolio includes:
Realty Mogul, Codeity, OneGoodLove.com, Homehey
9. Grid110
Description:
“GRID110 is a community group that seeks to activate the startup ecosystem in DTLA by making it […] easier for early stage entrepreneurs to grow their business by providing space, mentors, and resources.”
Notes:
Grid110 is working in partnership with LA Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office. It’s a non-profit economic development organization (more details in this LA Times article). They seem to go out of their way to not use the words “incubator” or “accelerator”, but it looks like an accelerator. The inaugural program was called the “2015 Fashion-Tech Cycle” which is for LA-based fashion-tech startups. It looks like they take 0% equity, but no other terms are specified.
Location: Downtown (map)
Duration: 1 year
Resources:
- 6 months free (and then the following 6 months discounted) office space
- Service partnerships
- Mentorship and network access
- Fundraising education
Application process:
Annual cycle. Apply online.
10. International Business Accelerator
Description:
“The International Business Accelerator serves those ready to expand globally. The [IBA] is a joint venture between the Community Vitalization Council, a non-profit focused on local economic development, and K5 Ventures, an early-stage venture fund that partners with and invests in technology-driven businesses led by visionary founders. The IBA was started in 2014 with support from the US Small Business Administration.”
Notes:
This is a city-centric program with backing from a number of government and academic sources. It’s operated as a non-profit, however they charge a fee to coaches, books/materials, and access to their online reference library post-program completion. In terms of verticals, the following are a good fit: manufacturing, clean tech, robotics, and artificial intelligence.
Locations:
LAX (map)
LBCC, Long Beach (map)
Duration: 6 5-hour Wednesday workshops over the course of 3-4 months
Resources:
- 6 workshops (5 hours each)
- At least 10 hours of 1:1 business coaching
- Market research report (1 included in fees; extra reports available for an additional charge)
- Global Business Strategy document prepared jointly by business coaches and participating companies
- Support through to first international sales
Cost: LAX $1500 for the first participant, $500/additional participants; LBCC fees unlisted
Application process:
Looking for: “startups or early-rev companies with products or services. Only criteria is solid founding team and global potential.” See more criteria and apply on the IBA website for the location you’re interested in.
Portfolio includes:
Computer Architechs International, LightHeaded, GermFalcon
11. Make in LA
Description:
“The LA epicenter of hardware startups. We empower you and your business by making hardware not hard.”
Notes:
This accelerator is targeted at early stage hardware companies. Read more about the program structure. They also host events.
Location: Chatsworth (map)
Duration: 4 months
Resources:
- $70k in funding for 7.5% equity (with possible follow-on investments)
- Workspace and necessary equipment to enable rapid prototyping, product development, and mass manufacturing
- Mentorship and education
- Access to service partner and content providers
Application process:
Apply online.
Portfolio includes:
Force Impact Technologies, Sentio Solutions, Flip Technologies, Plobot
12. MuckerLab
Description:
“MuckerLab is a mentorship-driven, pre-seed startup accelerator focused on working with a small number of exceptional technology entrepreneurs to help them launch and scale their businesses through collaborative ideation, productization, go-to-market, marketing, user acquisition, sales, legal guidance, and fundraising.”
Notes:
They lists a wide range of company stages that the program accommodates: new venture, strategy reboot, or spin-off.
Location: Santa Monica (map)
Duration: 3-18 months (average: 12 months)
Resources:
- $21-150k in funding in exchange for a 7-15% equity stake
- Office space
- Product/market fit-focused guidance
- Access to investor network and fundraising assistance
Application process:
MuckerLab works with a cohort of between 6 and 10 companies every 9-12 months. Trusted referral recommended. Apply online.
Portfolio includes:
Naritiv, Retention Science, Lifecrowd, Twenty20, Stealth Company, Surf Air, Konekt, Wallaby Financial, Rocksbox, Butter, BloomNation
13. NCLUSIVE Venture Program
Description:
“NCLUSIVE is a Creative Agency & Incubator providing digital expertise and the necessary resources to transform companies from the ideation stage through development and scale. Our goal is to get you through the first phase of growth to the point where you’ve built something impressive enough to raise money on a larger scale — […] at [which] point we help create your investor narrative, build your financial model and pitch to investors. More importantly, we show [you] how to close the deal once investor interest is generated.”
Notes:
Interesting mix of a creative agency and incubator here. It seems like the portfolio companies listed on AngelList were more investments from the venture studio (they trade agency services for equity) and not incubated. Perhaps the incubator program is a new offering?
Application process:
Rolling applications — no batches/classes. Email for more info.
14. SMASHD Labs
Description:
“We’re inviting passionate, ambitious entrepreneurs in the entertainment, media, technology, and culture industries to join us at the beautiful Atom Factory offices in Culver City, Los Angeles. We want to work alongside your team to accelerate your growth and build something meaningful.”
Notes:
New in 2015, SMASHD Labs is an entertainment industry-focused accelerator run by Atom Factory, a venture and media entertainment company founded by Troy Carter (A-list artist talent manager and VC). They are considering making SMASHD Labs an annual or semiannual program.
Location: Culver City (map)
Resources:
- $50k in funding for a 3% equity stake
- Office space
- Mentorship and business education
- Access to investment and entertainment industry leaders
- Resources from service partners (includes AWS)
Duration: 10 weeks
Application process:
5–7 startups accepted per batch. The last batch ran from September 14 - November 20, 2015. Read the FAQs for more details. Looks like applications aren’t currently open.
Portfolio includes:
Sidestep, WeTransfer, Enrou, Throne, Podium
15. Starburst Accelerator
Description:
“Starburst provides seed funding from the top business angels and venture capitalist firms dedicated to Aerospace, Defense and Security as well as access to the largest aerospace group stakeholders to get your first $1M contract.”
Notes:
This Paris-based accelerator has been around since 2012 opened a new location in LA this year. Starburst is run by Impulse Partners, an international strategy consulting firm.
Location: El Segundo (map)
Resources:
- Network connections with major aerospace companies (including Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin)
- Access to funding and investor network
- Coaching and mentoring by aerospace experts
- Reduced rates on office space
Application process:
The last application deadline was September 5, 2015. The doc to complete and email is available here.
16. StartEngine
Description:
“LA Equity crowdfunding platform & Accelerator. Since 2011, StartEngine has invested in over 60 startups […] With over 250 mentors and connections, we are able to help early stage companies grow quickly.”
Notes:
StartEngine clearly has offered accelerator services (testimonials on AngelList refer to these) in the past, but their website and Zendesk support site only refer to their equity crowdfunding platform. Possibly they’ve pivoted to the new platform after seeing a bigger opportunity in the crowdfunding space or based on “mixed early results”?
Location: Santa Monica (map)
Resources:
- Seed funding
- Office space
- Access to mentor and investor network
Duration: 90 days (unconfirmed)
17. Startup50plus
Description:
“We’ve been described as a Ycombinator for seasoned execs. Mission: accelerate growth of startup companies where at least one co-founder is over age 50.”
Notes:
Startup50plus has the novel approach of targeting Baby Boomers starting businesses who want to get in on all the startup and accelerator action. The only mention of funding on the site is assistance crowdfunding and there’s mention of subscription and membership services, which imply cost. Their website offers no details about the accelerator program structure (duration, location, etc.)
Location: Marina Del Rey (map)
Resources:
- Coaching and mentoring from a 150-person networking including Fortune 500 execs to Facebook alums
- Workshops, seminars, and media series
- Lifestyle and health education
- HR services including recruiting assistance
18. Startup UCLA Summer Accelerator Program
Description:
“Startup UCLA’s summer accelerator provides a workspace, guidance, legal services and mentors to early-stage companies. The ten-week program exposes teams to top entrepreneurs, investors, and experts in web-related topics. At the end of the summer, you pitch your company to our growing network of local entrepreneurs and investors.”
Notes:
This accelerator program is one-third of Startup UCLA’s offering (also offered: student workspace and events), where their mission is to: “connect students with alumni who are successful in the startup world and with the rapidly growing Southern California startup community…” Check out the website for details including sponsors, advisors, portfolio company jobs, and news.
Location: Westwood (map)
Duration: 10 weeks
Application process:
The program is limited to teams that have more than 50% of founders’ equity owned by UCLA students and/or alumni that graduated within the last 5 years. The next batch begins July 5, 2016. Apply online.
Graduates include:
Enrou
19. Techstars Healthcare Accelerator
Description:
“Techstars Healthcare Accelerator, in partnership with Cedars-Sinai, is a collaboration to help today’s technology innovators turn their ideas into breakthroughs that can improve the lives of patients around the world.”
Notes:
Techstars has perfected the art of launching accelerators and this new program marks their second LA-based offering (Disney Accelerator is powered by Techstars). See their website (linked below) for plenty of details and additional info on their FAQ page.
Location: West Hollywood (map)
Resources:
- An investment of up to $120,000.
- Access to Cedars-Sinai’s clinical expertise and information infrastructure including hardware, software and digital health technical resources
- Mentorship from Cedars-Sinai physicians, researchers, healthcare professionals and executives
- Access to Techstars’ network of over 7,000 successful entrepreneurs, investors, mentors, and corporate partners
- Demo Day, where each company will have the opportunity to pitch their company to healthcare leaders, investors, press, and other community members
- Dedicated space located adjacent to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA
- Access to over 400 perks valued at over $1M
Duration: 3 months
Application process:
Apply online.
20. Techstars LA
Description:
“Techstars LA accelerator takes a horizontal focus and will accept tech startups from around the world that are innovating across a wide range of industries and challenges and seeking to build a deep network across the Los Angeles tech ecosystem.”
Notes:
Well, Techstars clearly loves LA, as this new program marks their third based here, or fourth if you count the Disney Accelerator, which they run. Read more about Techstars’ LA investments and approach in their announcement post.
Location: No address listed yet.
Resources:
- A $100k convertible note in addition to $20k in exchange for 6% common stock
- Access to Techstars resources for life
- Companies and the broad music business
- Connections to the Techstars Network of over 5,000 founders, alumni and mentors globally
- 400 perks worth over $1M
- Office space in Los Angeles for the duration of the program
- Demo Day and other investor connections
Duration: 3 months
Application process:
Applications for Techstars LA will open in January 2017 and the program will run beginning in July 2017. In the meantime, check out the application toolkit.
21. Techstars Music
Description:
“Techstars Music is a three-month, mentorship-driven startup accelerator program. Each year, we will invest $120k in each of the 10 music related startups from around the world. We’ll also provide office space in Los Angeles and access to artists and executives from all facets of the global music business. To help us find and mentor this new crop of startups, we’ve enlisted some of the leading companies in music to help us to run the program.”
Notes:
This is Techstars’ third (if you include the Disney Accelerator it facilitates) LA accelerator. They know how to get quality advisors, powerful industry partners (Sony Music, Sonos, Warner Music Group), and build upon a proven model to help startups launch and grow. This new program is run by Bob Moczydlowsky, former head of Twitter Music. Music-centric founders can now look at this new program in addition to SMASHD Labs for big opportunities in LA. Definitely check out the website for the kinds of startups they’re looking for.
Location: No address listed yet.
Resources:
- A $100k convertible note in addition to $20k in exchange for 6% common stock
- Access to Techstars resources for life
- Acceleration in the Techstars Music program with intense, hands-on mentorship from artists, executives from Techstars Music Member Companies and the broad music business
- Connections to the Techstars Network of over 5,000 founders, alumni and mentors globally
- 400 perks worth over $1M
- Office space in Los Angeles for the duration of the program
- Demo Day and other investor connections
Duration: 3 months
Application process:
Apply online.
22. Teen Startup Academy
Description:
“Teen Startup Academy is an after school business accelerator for teens. They learn by doing. Over our 7 week program we help students choose an idea, launch a profitable business and make it scale.”
Notes:
Details on this program are light online (no location, program structure, etc.)
Location: Unlisted (past demo days have been held at CTRL Collective in Playa Vista)
Duration: 7 weeks
Application process:
Apply online.
23. UCLA Anderson Venture Accelerator
Description:
“The Accelerator will provide an opportunity for multidisciplinary collaboration among aspiring Anderson entrepreneurs, students in the Undergraduate Minor in Entrepreneurship and campus researchers, with mentoring from alumni, entrepreneurs and the business community. Programs will include guest speakers, seminars and ‘demo days’ featuring UCLA ventures.”
Notes:
UCLA’s newest startup accelerator launched January 25, 2016. The program is run by the Anderson School of Management, however the space will also be open to students from other UCLA schools. No other specifics about applications, mentors, or other program details have been announced.
Location: Westwood (map)
Resources:
- 10,000-square-foot co-work space (up to 45 people)
- Access to UCLA Anderson’s research librarians
Application process:
The accelerator is open to Anderson MBA candidates, undergraduate and graduate students from other schools on campus, and to faculty researchers. No further details are available online.
24. USC Annenberg Innovation Lab CRUNCH Accelerator (student)
Description:
“In this intense, 7-week course, student teams will learn the secrets of a successful startup, including how to: Determine your minimum viable brand; Discover ways to motivate customers; Define and share your story; and Design your competitive advantage.”
“Each team chosen for the Spring 2016 cohort will develop their startup’s concept, and each student startup must pass multiple tests over the 7 weeks. Those teams that complete the course will present to a jury of successful industry leaders and entrepreneurs at the AIL’s Spring 2016 Evening of Innovation, with the chance to win funding for their student startup.”
Notes:
I’m assuming the program is limited to current USC students, though it doesn’t explicitly state that — only: “A minimum of 2 members of the student startup must sign up together.” Applicants are evaluated on the alignment of their startup idea with the AIL’s 5 research areas.
Location: Exposition Park/Los Angeles (map)
Duration: 7 weeks
Application process:
Apply online. The 2016 batch runs January 15 - March 4. Applications are due November 30, 2015.
Graduates include:
LOUDER, ElemenTerra, HexCare, Stunt Players
25. USC Viterbi Startup Garage (student)
Description:
“Viterbi Startup Garage is a […] technology accelerator program that includes $20k in funding, space, strategic and financial resources and access to world-class mentors, and hands-on product, marketing, legal and fundraising support. It was created by the USC Viterbi School of Engineering in collaboration with Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers.”
Location: Exposition Park/Los Angeles (map)
Resources:
- $50k in capital in exchange for 4% equity
- Education, mentoring and coaching
- Access to a network of investors
- Access to experts at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering
- Working space
Duration: AngelList profile lists 12 weeks; website lists 6 months
Application process:
It’s an annual program with 10 companies per batch. Open to any company where at least one co-founder is an engineering alum or current student at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Last application round opened May 19th, 2015, and the deadline was November 15th, 2015. Apply online.
Portfolio includes:
Awesome Sauce Labs, AIO Robotics, Pixtasy, LookAllure, NVdrones, Moving Analytics, GymFlow, Tilofy, Wauw
Pre-Accelerators
1. AXIS Precelerator
Description:
“AXIS Precelerator is California’s only no-equity Precelerator. AXIS represents pre-seed, seed-stage, and growth-oriented startups including investor-backed ventures. AXIS represents startups in the tech, retail, products, entertainment, fashion, social media, green energies, food & beverage, and various other industries. AXIS Precelerator accepts applications year-round, and focuses primarily on California startups or startups from other states or nations seeking to start up or operate in California.”
Notes:
This program is offered by the law firm AXIS Legal Counsel. They offer some helpful FAQs. It’s really quite a clever marketing idea — it’s common for law firms to comp legal fees for early startups as a way to generate new leads, since if the startup survives, they will need to pay for legal services; AXIS is formalizing this with their program.
Location: Miracle Mile (map)
Resources:
- Company formation
- Mentorship, assistance with preparing business plans, pitch kits, and deal memos, as well as the proper legal documents to handle vendors, contractors, and potential investors
- Assistance with investor agreements and representation during negotiations
- Legal representation
- If you never receive any funding, you will never be responsible for any of their attorney fees
Application process:
Rolling applications (no deadline). Online application (the WordPress form is broken, so you’d likely need to email them).
Duration: in their words: “generally, it takes 3–5 months for companies to become structured correctly so that they are ‘investor-ready.’”
Portfolio includes:
Exchange Visionary Laboratories (EVL), TapTax, Light Energy Direct, Luxe Neckwear
2. Bixel Exchange Startup Development Program
Description:
“Bixel Exchange helps technology entrepreneurs thrive. We do this by combining the power of the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and L.A.’s dynamic tech community with the resources of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Development Center. Bixel Exchange offers programs and services that mentor, educate, and connect.”
Notes:
I’m including Bixel Exchange in pre-accelerators because their resources could play that role for an early startup. However, they do offer services for more experienced founders, so the categorization is a bit funky. Kevin Lew, who runs the Bixel Exchange Startup Development Program, shared some helpful details. It’s an initiative at the LA Area Chamber of Commerce offered at no cost to technology companies — they instead partner with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Los Angeles Regional SBDC Network with the goal being to foster and diversify the technology industry in LA.
Location: Westlake (map)
Resources:
- Education (topics include: finance, marketing, technology/product development, HR, legal, and business strategy)
- Access to advisors
- Access to workshops and events
Application process:
Submit an inquiry online. Qualified applicants will be able to proceed with a questionnaire, and possibly a phone call, to get matched up with advisors. Enrollment is limited to companies in the LA, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
3. Kick LA
Description:
“We work out of the Impact Hub in DTLA on Tuesday & Thursday nights from 5pm to 10pm. Kick is a pre-accelerator. We take no equity in your startup. We inspire and guide you through a proven curriculum to kick your startup into gear.”
Notes:
Kick is a multi-location business that charges entrepreneurs for access to their educational programs. They use the word “incubator” in their branding, but the quote from their LA location above defines it as a “pre-accelerator”. Visit their website for more details on the structure of the program. My general impression is that there’s no clear focus on any industry, market, company stage, or even that you’re starting a startup. The LA-specific testimonials featured, while positive, are sourced from a business owner (not a startup), the owner of a defunct website, and a leadership coach/owner of a consulting firm. The LA program Director puts a more startup-centric spin on it on her LinkedIn profile: “Kick is a pre-seed, vertical-agnostic accelerator for startup founders with a social-good aspect to their ventures.”
Duration: 6 weeks
Location: Impact Hub, Downtown LA (map)
Cost: $2145
Resources:
- Online/offline lectures, workbook exercises and actual implementation
- Group discussion, peer mentoring, access to Kick’s global network of entrepreneurs and 3–5 industry experts
- Pitch night to a panel of real investors (the founder with the most compelling pitch and viable startup wins an unnamed prize)
- 3-month membership to the Impact Hub
4. Preccelerator™ Program
Description:
“Stubbs Alderton & Markiles’ Preccelerator™ Program is a platform offered to select start-up companies out of our Santa Monica office that provides interim office space and sophisticated fixed-fee legal services, with the objective of helping you grow your idea from business concept to funded startup. The Preccelerator™ Program provides free co-working space, mentorship, educational programs, and other strategic perks for 5–10 promising young startups.”
Notes:
SA&M is a SoCal law firm that provides legal services to startups, so this accelerator program, I’d guess, allows them to add additional resources in order to be able to exchange services for equity. There’s no mention of duration or deal terms, so it’s likely dependent on the startups participating. It’s interesting to see some consumer startups in their portfolio.
Location: Santa Monica (map)
Resources:
- Office space (including free wireless access to the Internet and access to conference rooms for meetings and presentations)
- Access to real-time legal advice and transactional legal services on-site
- Access to in-house educational workshops and activities
- Introductions to investors and other service providers
Application process:
Applications are currently open. PDF application and email to send to available here.
Portfolio includes:
3TEN8, Fleck, DISTRICT2.CO, Voter, Swggr, Rally Networks, Treksavvy, Etouloo, Verde Circle
5. Startup Next LA
Description:
“Startup Next prepares startups for accelerators and seed investment, by providing high quality mentorship and leveraging a global network of investors, mentors and founders.”
Notes:
Startup Next is a part-time program designed to let founders keep their day job while making progress on their startup. It’s a Techstars program (though graduates can apply for any accelerator) that’s also “powered by” Google for Entrepreneurs. There’s no cost and no equity is taken. More details about the general program’s structure are available in the overview.
Location: Santa Monica (map)
Duration: 3-hour weekly sessions for 6 weeks
Resources:
- Exclusive perks from F6S worth up to $870K
- Select startups will be eligible for $100K in cloud services from Google after the program
- Access to network of accelerators and investors
Application process:
Applications are currently closed. The current batch, Fall 2015, runs October 26 - December 14, 2015, at Cross Campus’s Santa Monica location. More application details in their general FAQs.
Incubators
1. Boxador
Description:
Boxador is a technology incubator focused on the internet software space founded in 2006 by Firas and Margot Bushnaq, veterans of the software space and founders of many technology companies such as WinWare, eCompany and eEye Digital Security. Boxador operates out of their own co-working space (Boxaplex) and shares it’s office space with it’s incubations and few other creative agencies and online properties. (Source)
Notes:
I can’t quite make sense of what Boxador is. Both founders are also founders of BrandBucket (even boxador.com looks like a brand/domain name for sale by that company). Co-founder Firas is also a founder of the LA incubator Colab (see above listed under ‘Accelerators’), which shows portfolio companies also listed by Boxador.
Location: West Hollywood (map)
Portfolio includes:
Orbitera, Setster, Adigami
2. Curious Minds
Description:
“Curious Minds is a startup that builds other startups. You can think of Curious Minds like a factory for building lean start-ups. We’ve created really big companies (including TeleSign) and we’ve created a few companies that were acquired (Ringadoc, Brand Reporter). CM’s focus is on developing and launching seed and early stage companies.”
Notes:
One thing that’s confusing about a lot of these companies is their own descriptions vary in different contexts. The AngelList and official website for Curious Minds describes an incubator, but their Twitter bio is: “…a hybrid incubator-accelerator and angel fund that invests in the future of technology.” The portfolio looks solid though and their Lean Startup approach is well communicated. They have another location in Israel.
Location: Santa Monica (map)
Application process:
You can apply on AngelList for “Lean Lab 2015”. Applications are due December 31, 2015.
Portfolio includes:
ShowKit, TeleSign, Brand Reporter, Authorly, BLK, FixUp, TSN Advertising, HangPay, Barrikida
3. Idealab
Description:
“Bill Gross started Idealab in 1996 to create and operate pioneering technology companies. The structure of Idealab has allowed us to test many ideas at once and turn the best of them into companies, attracting the human and financial capital necessary to bring them to market. Many of these companies were among the first to introduce new business ideas to the market like CitySearch, eToys, Overture Services, CarsDirect and Picasa.”
Notes:
Idealab is described as a startup studio, which is a company fully dedicated to fostering internal projects and without an open process to accept outside applicants. They make this very clear on their submissions page.
Location: Pasadena (map)
Resources:
- Office space
- Product and business services (development and technology, product and graphic design, marketing, financial advice, human resources, competitive research, legal, accounting and business development)
- Advice on strategy, branding and corporate structure
Portfolio includes:
UberMedia, Edisun, IdeaMarket, Perfect Market, Compete, Sellbrite, Shopping.com,WeddingChannel, New Matter, Picasa, Cooking.com
4. Imprint Venture Lab
Description:
“Imprint Venture Lab is a seed stage incubator that finds, funds, and stewards creative start-ups with the goal of creating iconic brands. Imprint is launching its third venture fund and actively looking for new founders to partner with. Where we focus: consumer goods, apparel, product design, and social good.”
Location: Long Beach (address unknown)
Application process:
Apply online.
Portfolio includes:
Knockaround, Love Wins, Omhu, rhyla
5. LMU CBA Business Incubator (student)
Description:
“We are Loyola Marymount University (LMU) College of Business (CBA) Business Incubator. The incubator helps student (undergrad and MBA) and alumni businesses develop and grow their businesses.”
Notes:
The program is limited to current LMU students.
Resources:
- Office space
- Guidance, mentoring, and connections
Application process:
Apply online.
6. Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
Description:
“As the city’s cleantech incubator, LACI is focused on helping startups grow and flourish in Los Angeles. With no-hassle plug-and-play space, seasoned mentors, expert advisors, and ongoing training we groom and connect entrepreneurs with key players in LA to bring products/services to market.”
Notes:
With an entire city block in DTLA, the La Kretz Innovation Campus is the home of LACI, which aims to be the, “new focal point for the future of cleantech in Los Angeles.” Looks like some fees apply to things like usage of a prototyping lab and LACI also offers paid membership services in addition to offerings for portfolio companies.
I was unable to find details on the structure of the incubator program (duration, etc.) and LACI also has a program named SoCal Edge, which sounds like an accelerator specifically for startups that leverage Department Of Energy research. It’s unclear from their website how it relates to other offerings.
Location: Downtown (map)
Resources:
- Office space
- CEO coaching and mentoring
- Access to a network of experts and capital
- Free booking access for training rooms at LKIC, Atrium Event Space, and Break Room
- Discounted and priority access to the Prototyping Lab
- Free access to LKIC events, classes, and speaker series
Application process:
Apply online.
Portfolio includes:
Chai Energy, Hive Lighting, Nextility, Pick My Solar, 4sphere
7. rhubarb [build]
Description:
“rhubarb is a venture studio + community of creative collaborators. rhubarb provides resources to take your startup from conception to exit. rhubarb is comprised of three distinct parts: studios, labs, and venture. [build] accelerates the product development process and gets you to Series A in 90 days.”
Notes:
rhubarb is interesting in that it offers a lot of services, but manages to communicate them clearly and distinctly. They offer membership-based co-working space, professional training, and events in addition to their incubator program. I was unable to find any details about the funding listed as a feature of [build].
Location: Downtown (map)
Resources:
- Team resources (product manager, UI/UX experts, designers and developers)
- Office space
- Access to expert coaches and immersive mentorship
Duration: 3 months
Application process:
Pitch online.
Portfolio includes:
Bedside, Castifi, Quipley, ivotify
8. Science
Description:
“Science creates, scales and acquires successful digital businesses by bringing together the best ideas, talent, resources and financing through a centralized platform. We focus on three things: developing new businesses, providing emerging startups with operational strategy and capital, and transforming later-stage Internet ventures with new talent and innovations.”
Notes:
Science has perhaps evolved into what is better described as a venture, or startup, studio. Portfolio companies either begin as internal ideas or external companies partner with Science. There are no fixed investment (equity, debt, etc.) terms offered.
Location: Santa Monica (map)
Resources:
- 3 US-based CTOs, a US-based technology development team, and 50-person expansion teams in India and Armenia
- Office space
- Operational participation
Duration: not a fixed-length program
Portfolio includes:
Urban Remedy, DogVacay, Dollar Shave Club, HomeHero, SpringRole, Handstand, Hello Society
9. USC Incubator
Description:
“The USC Incubator accelerates the development of the University of Southern California’s top student and alumni entrepreneurs through experiential education, mentorship and community. The USC Incubator, supported by the Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies at USC’s Marshall School takes founders from feasibility and development work, on to customers, a tested business model, getting distribution, building a team, bootstrapping and investment preparation. We also provide access to other supporting resources, such as legal and financial assistance.”
Notes:
Looks like a solid program run by Director & Adjunct Professor, Paul Orlando. Check out the very varied business types in the sample portfolio companies below. Definitely a program to consider if you attend or graduated from USC.
Location: Basement of Bridge Hall on the USC Campus (map)
Resources (ad hoc based on company needs):
- Office hours and group meetings with advisors on topics including growth marketing, raising capital, crowdfunding, business models, legal, and accounting
- Workspace
- Access to grants
Application process:
Teams that include one or more USC students, alumni, or faculty/staff founders (from any school at USC) are eligible to apply. Apply online.
Portfolio includes:
121C Boards, Q-Cigarettes, Vivace Systems, Toga, ShoppingQuizzes, Simpli Press, Desert Farms, PopChest, Arkaive
10. USC LavaLab (student)
Description:
“LavaLab is USC’s first cross disciplinary student-run incubator that gives students the know-how and resources to successfully take their ideas to market. Managing anywhere from six to nine teams, we provide students with a working space, workshops, and guest lectures to prepare them for Demo Night, our final showcase where our teams pitch for funding, mentorship, and exposure.”
Notes:
LavaLab co-founder, and now Analyst at the Amplify LA accelerator, Eric Pakravan provided some additional details. The program is limited to current USC students — all majors are welcome and the most common schools are: Viterbi, Iovine Academy, and Marshall.
Location: Exposition Park/Los Angeles (map)
Resources:
- Work with a curated group of highly capable students of different backgrounds with common interests to build a product
- Monthly dinners with notable industry professionals (2014 guests included Elon Musk)
- Present at a pitch night where teams get public feedback on their product
- Present at a final demo night for press/investors
Application process:
USC students can apply at the beginning of a semester. Select applicants will proceed to interviews. Typically, less than 10% of applicants are admitted.
Portfolio includes:
HexCare, Prefound
11. Ventura BioCenter
Description:
From Center Director Greg Cauchon, Ph.D., via email: “The Ventura BioCenter was founded in Thousand Oaks a little over 4 years ago to foster science, business, and education in Ventura County. We offer wet labs, chemical/biotech/materials equipment and instrumentation, and support services to entrepreneurs who want to develop their ideas into new businesses. We’re going strong, with about a dozen businesses currently in the facility, and we’re always looking for more startups to share the journey with us!”
Notes:
I had to look it up, but Thousand Oaks is indeed part of the Greater Los Angeles area! For reference, it’s about an hour drive from Santa Monica/Silicon Beach.
Location: Thousand Oaks (map)
Resources:
- Wet labs
- Chemical/biotech/materials equipment and instrumentation
- Meeting rooms
- Consulting services via partner/tenant Amethyst Consulting
- Events + community access
Application Process:
For startups focused on biotech, pharma, and materials industries, the process is outlined here. Apply now.
Not Launched
1. America Innovates
Description:
“America Innovates will accelerate innovation districts in America with a focus on inclusive entrepreneurship and the creation of social enterprise zones. We are disrupting the $6 billion a year EB-5 investor visa program by steering our access to foreign capital into innovation and high value job creation in America.”
Notes:
Launches in 2016. They also have a program where they are sending a group of investors and founders to Beijing, China, for events and networking.
Moved
Precelerator (moved to SF, but accepts applicants from LA ; see founder Terrence Yang’s response for helpful details)
N/A but Related
CoLab (venture studio)
Cross Campus (evolved into a co-working space + community)
K5 Labs (early stage venture firm w/program for launched products)
Revyrie (an integrated startup dev/design/business partner)
Defunct
Be Great Partners (details)
C21 (unofficially confirmed)
DreamDojo (unconfirmed; missing website, no activity)
INVENT Ventures (unconfirmed; inactive Twitter account; vacant website)
io/LA (details)
Launchpad LA (details)
Media Camp (“on hold”)
