Top Funding and Accelerator Programs for Startups in 2025

Discover a range of funding opportunities, accelerator programmes, and grants designed to support startups at every stage of growth. From early-stage investment to mentorship and networking, these programmes offer the resources needed to scale innovative businesses across various industries. Explore the best opportunities to help bring your vision to life and take your startup to the next level.

In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, startups need more than just innovative ideas to succeed—they require the right resources, mentorship, and funding to scale their visions. A growing number of accelerators, grants, and funding opportunities are designed to support founders across various industries, from space technology to sustainable energy. These programmes offer tailored investment, expert coaching, and invaluable networking to help entrepreneurs transform their ideas into impactful, scalable businesses. In this article, we explore some of the top funding and accelerator opportunities that can propel startups towards their next big milestone.

Funding and Advice for Space Services

Businesses across all sectors looking to leverage space technologies can access funding and support through a range of opportunities. The programme focuses on developing commercial services that utilise satellite navigation, earth observation, satellite telecommunication, space weather, or space technologies.

Key Highlights:

• Who can apply? Businesses from any industry seeking to incorporate space technologies into their services.
• Scope of support: Funding and advisory services for projects involving satellite-based technologies and applications.
• Application process:
  • Submissions are open year-round.
  • Proposals can be submitted through the Call for Proposals for Downstream Applications, the Competitive Tender, or a Non-Competitive Thematic Call for Proposals.

NDRC Accelerator

The NDRC Accelerator is designed to empower ambitious entrepreneurs with globally scalable, innovative tech startups. It provides a combination of investment and expert coaching from seasoned mentors and Entrepreneurs in Residence.

Key Highlights:

• Who can apply? Tech startups with the ambition to scale globally.
• Support offered:
  • Investment of €100,000 per startup, delivered through a founder-friendly uncapped SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) with a 20% discount.
  • Access to mentorship and coaching from accomplished professionals.
• Application process:
  • Rolling applications are open year-round, allowing startups to apply at any time.

LAUNCH Accelerator

The LAUNCH Accelerator supports startups by providing investment, extensive networking opportunities, and expert-led growth strategies.

Key Highlights:

• Who can apply? Startups ready to scale and optimise their growth strategies.
• Support offered:
  • Investment of $125,000 per startup for each cohort.
  • Cohorts include 7–14 startups, with additional investment opportunities through the LAUNCH Fund & Syndicate, offering cheque sizes ranging from $25,000 to $5 million.
  • A 15-week programme where founders:
    • Meet over 700 investors.
    • Gain expertise in growth strategies and scaling.
  • Approximately 100 startups are funded annually.
• Application process: Applications are open for rolling cohorts throughout the year.

Distill Ventures Pre-Accelerator

Distill Ventures offers early-stage financial support to founders, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, aiming to prepare them for investment.

Key Highlights:

• Who can apply? Founders from specific backgrounds looking for early-stage financial support.
• Support offered:
  • Funding ranging from less than £1 million to over £10 million.
  • Investment is structured through a minority stake, with a call option for Diageo to acquire the company at a pre-agreed future point.
  • Close collaboration with founders to understand their goals and funding needs before presenting to the Investment Board.
  • While the investment process can be time-consuming, it is essential for long-term success and partnership.
• Application process: Applicants must be prepared to invest time in presenting their business and goals clearly before pitching.

Rockstart Accelerator

Rockstart empowers early-stage startups with visionary goals focused on a regenerative and sustainable future. It offers investment and mentoring across three key domains: Energy, AgriFood, and Emerging Technologies.

Key Highlights:

• Who can apply? Ambitious founders with groundbreaking visions for a sustainable future in the domains of Energy, AgriFood, or Emerging Technologies.
• Support offered:
  • Investment from early-stage to Series B with co-investments.
  • Domain-focused programs tailored to each sector, offering mentorship, market introductions, and strategic advice.
  • Customized content to help founders plan and prepare for their business’s next steps and fundraising efforts.
  • Introductions to the right co-investors and resources.
  • Rockstart Community Weeks: Regular in-person events offering networking opportunities, expert learning, and peer-to-peer connections.
• Application process: Applications are open year-round, with ongoing in-person events for portfolio companies.