Propellant Labs Accelerator is a fully remote program that gives you expert mentorship, tailored industry tracks, and direct access to potential investors—without asking for a single share of your company. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what Propellant Labs offers, what kind of founders they’re looking for, how the application works, and how you can stand out and boost your chances of getting accepted.
What is Propellant Labs Accelerator?
Propellant Labs accelerator is a global online accelerator built to help early-stage founders across Tech, Fintech, Cleantech, and Ecommerce. The program runs for 16 weeks and culminates in a Demo Day, where select startups pitch to investors, including the program’s investment partner Buko Ventures US, with funding opportunities of up to $250,000.
Here’s what sets Propellant Labs apart:
🚀 No Equity Required, but:
Startups can join the program without giving up equity, but those accepting investment may exchange 12-25% equity for funding.
🚀Fully Virtual, Global Access:
Participate from anywhere, making it ideal for founders who cannot relocate for an in-person accelerator.
🚀Diverse Industry Focus:
Propellant Labs supports Tech, AI, Fintech, Cleantech, and Ecommerce startups, offering industry-specific insights.
🚀Live Coaching & Expert Mentorship:
Weekly coaching sessions, office hours, and workshops from experienced entrepreneurs and investors.
🚀Investor Readiness & Fundraising Support:
Learn how to craft a winning pitch deck, refine your fundraising strategy, and connect with investors.
Program Structure and Industry Tracks
Propellant Labs accelerator offers four vertical-specific programs. Each one is designed around the challenges of your industry:
| Program | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Tech Accelerator | AI, cybersecurity, AR/VR, IOT, autonomous vehicles, 5G, cloud computing |
| Fintech Accelerator | Digital banking, crypto, regtech, lending, insurtech, proptech, wealth management |
| Cleantech Accelerator | Renewable energy, transportation, energy efficiency, circular economy |
| Ecommerce Accelerator | Fashion, gadgets, health & wellness, food & beverage, home & living |
Each track lasts 4 months and includes:
- Office hours with managing directors
- Access to hundreds of hours of content
- Workshops with startup experts
- Weekly progress updates
- Demo Day pitch to investors
💡 The format is 100% online, meaning you can join from anywhere. You’ll work alongside a cohort of global founders, with over 25 countries represented in recent cohorts.
Investment & Funding Opportunities
Funding isn’t just a perk at Propellant Labs—it’s built into the program’s DNA. From investor access to strategic feedback, founders get the chance to raise real capital while building a solid foundation.💸
📌 What You Need to Know
- Funding Opportunity: Founders pitch for up to $250,000 in potential investment from Buko Ventures US Investment Fund.
- Equity Structure: There’s no equity required to join the program—startups retain full ownership. However, if you secure investment, you may be asked to give up 10–15% equity, based on the negotiated terms.
- Program Cost: Participation comes with a flat fee of $2,400, which covers expert coaching, strategic mentorship, investor intros, and a spot on Demo Day.
- Demo Day: Each cohort ends with a live pitch event where startups present to a curated group of angels, VCs, and family offices.
🔔 Note: Investment isn’t guaranteed. The strongest pitches come from founders who combine traction, clarity, and coachability.
💡 Pro Tip: Prepare for Demo Day from day one. Treat every session like investor prep—because by the end, you’ll be in front of the people who can write checks.ween you and them. Propellant Labs accelerator simply makes the introduction—they don’t interfere with deal terms or take a cut.
Who Can Apply?
Propellant Labs keeps it accessible—but still selective.🗓️
Here’s who they’re looking for:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Geography | US, UK, Canada, Germany, Sweden (all programs); global for Cleantech |
| Stage | Idea, prototype, MVP, or live product |
| Fundraising status | No restrictions—bootstrapped, pre-seed, or already fundraising |
| Incorporation | Not required |
🌍 You’ll need to choose the track that matches your industry. Every accelerator has a different application deadline and start date, so check the program page carefully.
Upcoming Cohorts
| Program | Start Date | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Fintech Accelerator | Nov 4, 2024 | Oct 27, 2024 |
| Tech Accelerator | May 13, 2025 | TBD |
| Cleantech Accelerator | May 13, 2025 | TBD |
| Ecommerce Accelerator | May 13, 2025 | TBD |
Application Process
It’s all online—and surprisingly straightforward.
📝 Step-by-Step:
- Go to the Propellant Labs Accelerator website
- Choose your program and click “Apply”
- Fill out the application form (expect questions about your product, team, traction)
- Upload your pitch deck
- Submit before the deadline for your chosen cohort
🔍 Pro Tip: They don’t list required materials in full, but most accelerators want a clear explanation of:
- What problem you’re solving
- Your business model and market
- Team bios
- Any traction or customers
- Your goals for the next 6-12 months
What Propellant Labs Accelerator Looks For
These traits help you stand out:
🔍 Strong founder-market fit
Why are YOU the right person to solve this? What makes your background relevant?
🔍 Clear industry alignment
Apply to the right program and speak the language of your vertical. The more specific, the better.
🔍 Realistic vision with growth potential
They love scalable businesses with logical go-to-market plans.
🔍 Openness to feedback
Founders who take coaching seriously get more out of the experience—and it shows.
🔍 Early validation
Pilot customers? Pre-orders? Beta testers? Show them that people want what you’re building.
Tips for a Winning Application
Want to rise above the noise? Here’s how to make your application resonate with the Propellant Labs selection team—and with investors too.
💡 Tell a Compelling Story
Don’t just state your idea—tell the story behind it. Why did you choose this problem? What personal or professional experience pushed you to build this solution? Emotional connection matters. Investors and accelerators love founders who are personally connected to the mission because that usually means long-term commitment and grit.
🎯 Keep It Focused
Trying to do everything at once is a red flag. Instead, show that you’re laser-focused on solving one core problem. Be crystal clear about what you’re solving, who it’s for, and how your solution delivers unique value. This demonstrates clarity, strategic thinking, and discipline—all traits Propellant Labs accelerator looks for.
📈 Show Progress (Even If It’s Small)
You don’t need millions in revenue, but you do need momentum. Have you built an MVP? Talked to potential users? Run any small pilots? Even customer interviews or a waitlist count. Validation shows initiative, reduces investor risk, and proves you’re not just pitching theory—you’re in the game.
🧮 Know Your Numbers
You don’t need to be a finance expert, but you should understand the basic numbers behind your business. Be prepared to talk about Total Addressable Market (TAM), Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC), Lifetime Value (LTV), revenue targets, and basic financial projections. This shows you’re thinking like a founder, not just a builder.
🙌 Highlight Coachability
Propellant Labs invests in people as much as ideas. Be humble, open to feedback, and eager to grow. Use your application to show how you’ve learned from past mistakes or incorporated mentor feedback. They’re not looking for perfect founders—they’re looking for those who can evolve quickly.
🎨 Tailor Your Pitch Deck
Don’t send a generic deck. If you’re applying to the Fintech track, use fintech language, show market trends, and reference relevant competitors. If it’s Cleantech, align with current climate goals and regulations. Tailoring your pitch deck to the specific accelerator track signals effort and industry awareness—and that always stands out.
Meet the People Behind the Program
Propellant Labs accelerator is led by seasoned entrepreneurs and VCs, including:
| Name | Experience Highlights |
|---|---|
| Gene Swank | Bootstrapped global company, bestselling author, FOX business host |
| David Dowling | NetZero leadership, early CPC advertising pioneer |
| Zach Zelner | Scaled ecom brand to $8M in 30 days |
| Wade Eyerly | Founder of Surf Air (valued at $1.4B) |
| Lisa Song Sutton | Entrepreneur, investor, real estate leader |
| James Sowers | Forbes-ranked angel investor |
🤝 That means mentorship here isn’t theoretical. These folks have built, exited, raised, and scaled—exactly what you want in a support team.
Why Founders Love Propellant Labs
From hundreds of global participants, testimonials mention:
✅ Access to experienced mentors
✅ Highly actionable advice
✅ Tight-knit founder community
✅ Flexibility to join from anywhere
🌟 It’s especially ideal for bootstrapped founders, international startups, and anyone looking for targeted industry support.
Final Thoughts on Getting Into Propellant Labs Accelerator
The Propellant Labs Accelerator is an excellent option for early-stage startups seeking expert guidance, global networking, and investment opportunities.
With structured mentorship, tailored fundraising support, and access to a diverse investor network, this virtual accelerator is ideal for founders who want to scale their businesses efficiently and pitch for funding—all while staying flexible in their location.
If you’re a founder looking for high-value mentorship, an engaged startup community, and funding opportunities, Propellant Labs can provide the resources you need to accelerate your startup’s growth.
📌 And remember: the real value is in the relationships, not just the Demo Day.
🚀 Apply now and take your startup to the next level!
