How to Get Accepted to Betaworks Accelerator

Betaworks Accelerator—known as Camp—is a 13-week in-residence investment and mentorship program designed for startups leveraging frontier technologies 🎯, particularly in AI applications. Unlike traditional accelerators, Betaworks focuses on thematic investing, selecting 8-12 companies per cohort that are defining new product categories and pushing the boundaries of emerging tech.

Startups accepted into Camp receive up to $500K in funding 💰, deep mentorship, and access to Betaworks’ extensive founder and investor network. The program culminates in Demo Day 🎤, where startups pitch to top investors and industry leaders.

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📌 Betaworks Accelerator Program Overview

• In-Residence Accelerator 🏢: A 13-week in-person program at Betaworks accelerator HQ in NYC’s Meatpacking District.
• Cohort Size: Only 8-12 startups per session, ensuring personalized mentorship and community-driven growth.
• $500K in Funding 💵:
  • $250K SAFE investment from Betaworks Ventures (uncapped SAFE with a 25% discount).
  • Up to $250K additional funding from syndicate partners (same SAFE terms).
  • 5% common stock granted to Betaworks Ventures.
• Thematic Focus 🎯: Each Camp session has a specific investment thesis, with recent themes focusing on AI at the application layer.
• Shared Workspace: Startups work from Betaworks’ NYC office, with access to conference rooms, networking events, and workshops.
• Hands-On Mentorship: Founders receive weekly mentorship from Betaworks partners, portfolio founders, and industry leaders.
• Demo Day 🎤: The program culminates in a high-profile investor pitch event, where startups showcase their progress.

📍 Note: While the program is in-person, hybrid options are available for startups unable to relocate full-time.

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✅ Betaworks Accelerator Eligibility Requirements

🎯 Who should apply?
Betaworks Accelerator is designed for early-stage startups working in frontier technologies, particularly in AI-driven applications 🤖.

👨‍💻 Founder Profile: Ideal for technical founders with expertise in AI, ML, software, or deep tech
🚀 Company Stage: Typically pre-seed or seed-stage startups (a prototype or demo is preferred but not required)
🌍 Geography: Open to global applicants, but in-person participation in NYC is strongly encouraged
📅 Commitment: Founders must attend the first two & final two weeks of the program in person

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📥 Betaworks program Application Process

1. Betaworks Accelerator Online Application

Startups submit an application through Betaworks’ website, detailing their product, vision, and market opportunity.

2. Founder Information & References

Each founder provides personal background information and two reference checks.

3. Betaworks Initial Interview

Selected startups participate in a 10-minute video interview with the Betaworks investment team.

4. Deep-Dive Interviews

Finalists undergo multiple interviews with Betaworks accelerator mentors and partners, covering:

• Product feasibility
• Market opportunity
• Technical execution
• Go-to-market strategy

5. Investment Decision & Onboarding

Accepted startups receive funding immediately and begin preparing for the in-person program.

🛑 Applications are accepted twice per year:

• Winter Session: February–May (Applications open Dec–Jan)
• Summer Session: August–November (Applications open June–July)

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💰 Betaworks Accelerator Investment Terms

💵 Betaworks offers one of the most founder-friendly investment structures in the industry.

Investment Breakdown

• Up to $500K total funding
  • $250K SAFE investment from Betaworks Ventures
  • Up to $250K additional funding from syndicate partners
• Uncapped SAFE with a 25% discount
• 5% common stock stake granted to Betaworks

📍 Note: No Program Fees – Founders do not pay to participate in the accelerator.

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🔥 Why Betaworks Accelerator?

1. Thematic Investing & Deep Industry Focus

Unlike broad-based accelerators, Betaworks focuses on a single emerging tech category per cohort. Past themes include:

• AI Applications (HuggingFace, Stability AI)
• Voice & Audio (VoiceCamp, AudioCamp)
• Computer Vision (VisionCamp)

2. Exclusive In-Residence Experience

• Work alongside other frontier tech founders in Betaworks’ NYC office.
• Access private workspaces, conference rooms, and networking events.

3. Top-Tier Mentorship & Founder Network

• Direct mentorship from successful founders, engineers, and investors.
• Hands-on fundraising support and investor connections.

4. Demo Day with Leading Investors

Betaworks’ Demo Day attracts top-tier investors, including:

• Sequoia Capital
• Andreessen Horowitz (a16z)
• Khosla Ventures
• Thrive Capital

5. No Equity Cap & Founder-Friendly Terms

Betaworks offers an uncapped SAFE, meaning no valuation ceiling until your next funding round.

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📢 Tips for a Winning Betaworks Application

1. Show Strong Technical & Industry Expertise
   • Betaworks prefers technical founders with deep knowledge in AI, ML, or emerging tech.
2. Demonstrate Market Potential
   • Clearly define your target users and how your product creates value.
3. Have a Prototype or Demo
   • While not required, a live demo or early beta version strengthens your application.
4. Show Early Traction (If Available)
   • If you have pilot users, partnerships, or revenue, highlight those metrics.
5. Be Clear About Your AI Strategy
   • Betaworks invests in companies using AI beyond simple API calls—show how you’re applying custom architectures or agentic systems.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: Do I need to relocate to NYC for the program?

A1: Yes, in-person participation is required for the first and last two weeks of the program.

Q2: Can I apply as a solo founder?

A2: Yes, but technical co-founders are preferred.

Q3: What industries does Betaworks accelerator invest in?

A3: Betaworks focuses on AI, deep tech, frontier technologies, and emerging digital experiences.

Q4: Can I apply if I don’t have a product yet?

A4: Yes, but a working prototype, demo, or Figma design is highly recommended.

Q5: How does Betaworks accelerator help with fundraising?

A5: The program includes investor speed dating, pitch training, and direct intros to leading VCs.

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🚀 Final Thoughts on Getting Into Betaworks Accelerator

Betaworks is not a typical accelerator—it’s a deeply focused, thematic investment program designed to support the next wave of AI-driven startups.

With $500K in founder-friendly funding, top-tier mentorship, and unparalleled investor access, Betaworks Accelerator is one of the best programs for technical founders building frontier tech products.

🚀 If you’re working on an AI-driven application and want to build alongside some of the best minds in tech, apply to Betaworks Camp today!

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