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Accel’s Atoms 3.0 Accelerator Ignites Growth for AI and Industry 5.0 Startups

Accel atoms
Preeti Bali / 7:49 am / April 1, 2024

Leading venture capital firm Accel has unveiled the eight startups chosen for its latest Atoms accelerator program, Atoms 3.0. This six-month intensive program provides targeted support and resources to nurture pre-seed ventures operating in the cutting-edge fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Industry 5.0 (human-machine collaboration).

Atoms 3.0 Offers Comprehensive Support System

Atoms 3.0 equips participating startups with a potent arsenal for growth and collaboration. The program offers financial backing of up to USD 500,000, access to valuable perks worth over USD 5 million, and personalized mentorship from industry veterans. Additionally, startups gain entry into a vibrant network of founders, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Accel, a globally recognized venture fund with a distinguished portfolio including Flipkart, Cure.fit, and Swiggy, brings its expertise and connections to the table.

Focus on Cutting-Edge Technologies

Atoms 3.0 marks a shift towards a thematic program design. This allows for deeper, sector-specific mentorship tailored to the unique needs of AI and Industry 5.0 startups. “This shift allows us to provide more focused guidance to exceptional founders building in these exciting domains,” explained Prayank Swaroop, a partner at Accel.

Meet the Next Wave of Disruptors

The eight carefully selected startups represent the “vanguard of innovation” in AI and Industry 5.0. Four ventures are pushing boundaries in AI:

  • Tune AI: Offers a comprehensive AI stack for enterprise applications.
  • Skoob: A generative AI platform designed to enhance reading experiences.
  • Meritic: A financial planning tool that utilizes AI storytelling to empower users.
  • Arivihan: India’s first fully automated AI-based learning platform.

The Industry 5.0 space is represented by:

  • Spintly: Provides an Internet of Things (IoT) platform for intelligent building management.
  • Asets: Offers a multidisciplinary platform combining computer-aided design (CAD), simulation, and engineering design.

Two additional startups are currently operating in “stealth mode,” keeping their innovations under wraps for now.

Beyond Capital: Building Skills and Networks

“The Atoms 3.0 program equips founders with invaluable knowledge in crucial areas like talent acquisition, customer acquisition strategies, and investor pitch refinement,” said Barath Shankar Subramanian, another Accel partner.

A Legacy of Fostering Innovation

Previously, Atoms adopted a broader approach, supporting ventures across various sectors. With Atoms 3.0, Accel has strategically shifted its focus to mentor startups navigating the rapidly evolving landscapes of AI and Industry 5.0. Accel partners Prayank Swaroop and Barath Shankar Subramanian, leading the AI and Industry 5.0 domains respectively, believe that while these fields offer immense potential, the rapid pace of innovation necessitates the right mindset and sector-specific guidance for founders to thrive.

Building on the success of the first two Atoms cohorts, which saw participating startups raise over USD 200 million in funding, Atoms 3.0 continues to nurture innovation and entrepreneurial triumphs. The program extends beyond financial support, offering founders access to crucial learning sessions and networking opportunities.

Testimonials from Program Participants

Pallavi Chakravorty, co-founder and CEO of Meritic, a beneficiary of Atoms 3.0, highlights the program’s strong sense of community. “Beyond the funding and learning sessions, Atoms has provided us with an invaluable network of over 200 founders from Accel’s portfolio companies,” she shared.

Naman Maheshwari, co-founder of Tune AI, emphasizes the effectiveness of the program design. “Atoms stands out with its engaging sessions featuring industry experts and successful entrepreneurs. The program has been instrumental in our growth trajectory, and I highly recommend it to any pre-seed founder seeking exceptional mentorship,” he added.

Rohin Parkar, co-founder and CEO of Spintly, considers Accel Atoms a top choice for pre-seed and seed funding. “The program’s guidance on product-market fit, go-to-market strategies, and marketing-driven growth has been immensely valuable. Additionally, the program offers unparalleled access to a network of accomplished professionals, and we have received exceptional support from Accel’s investment team,” Parkar concluded.

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