In a significant boost for India's startup ecosystem, global venture capital powerhouses Accel and Prosus have announced their collaboration to co-invest €1 million each through their newly rebranded Atoms 3.0 accelerator program.
The revamped initiative, now called 'Atoms,' represents a strategic evolution from their previous 'Atoms 2.0' program and aims to identify and nurture promising early-stage Indian startups with global potential.
Investment Structure and Vision
The program will see both venture capital firms committing €1 million (approximately ₹8.9 crore) each, creating a total investment pool of €2 million (approximately ₹17.8 crore) for selected startups. This substantial financial backing comes with comprehensive mentorship and guidance from industry experts.
According to the official announcement, Atoms will function as a sector-agnostic accelerator, focusing on startups at their inception stage. The program is designed to support entrepreneurs from the very beginning of their journey, providing them with the necessary resources to build scalable businesses.
Program Benefits Beyond Capital
Selected startups will receive more than just financial investment. The program offers:
- Substantial seed funding to kickstart operations
- Hands-on mentorship from experienced investors and operators
- Strategic guidance on product development and market fit
- Access to extensive networks of both Accel and Prosus
- Operational support to navigate early-stage challenges
Strengthening India's Startup Foundation
This joint initiative underscores the continued confidence of global investors in India's startup potential. Both Accel and Prosus have established strong track records in the Indian market, having backed numerous successful ventures that have grown into industry leaders.
The Atoms program represents a strategic move to identify and nurture the next generation of Indian startups that can potentially achieve global scale and impact. By focusing on the earliest stages of startup development, the accelerator aims to build a strong foundation for future unicorns and decacorns.
The application process for Atoms is now open, inviting ambitious entrepreneurs with innovative ideas to apply for this transformative opportunity that could catapult their startups to international success.
