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.
📌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.
🎯 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
📥 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)
💰 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.
🔥 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.
📢 Tips for a Winning Betaworks Application
Show Strong Technical & Industry Expertise
Betaworks prefers technical founders with deep knowledge in AI, ML, or emerging tech.
Demonstrate Market Potential
Clearly define your target users and how your product creates value.
Have a Prototype or Demo
While not required, a live demo or early beta version strengthens your application.
Show Early Traction (If Available)
If you have pilot users, partnerships, or revenue, highlight those metrics.
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.
❓ 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.
🚀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!
