500 Startups
500 Global
Description
500 Global (formerly 500 Startups) is one of the world's most active early-stage venture capital firms, having invested in 5,000+ companies across 75+ countries with a combined portfolio valuation exceeding $20B. Their flagship 4-month accelerator program provides $150,000 for 6% equity, combining capital with intensive growth marketing training, global expansion support, and access to a vast mentor network. Notable alumni include Canva (unicorn), Credit Karma ($7B exit to Intuit), Grab (SEA's largest super-app), Udemy, and Talkdesk.
2025/2026 Focus: 500 Global continues to lead in diversity (40%+ international founders, strong female founder representation) and practical, metrics-driven acceleration. The program emphasizes growth marketing, global expansion, and fundraising preparation—making it particularly valuable for startups ready to scale beyond initial product-market fit. In 2025, they launched multiple specialized programs including the Creators Ventures Accelerator in Dubai (10-week hybrid program) and continue operating regional accelerators worldwide. Their Flagship program runs quarterly batches (Batch 36 starting December 2024) with applications typically closing 8 weeks before program start.
For ZHC builders, 500 Global offers exceptional growth marketing expertise, global market access, and a proven track record of scaling startups to significant exits. The firm particularly excels at helping companies with customer acquisition, international expansion, and connecting with follow-on investors. With 500+ mentors globally and a 5,000+ strong alumni network, founders gain immediate access to practical, execution-focused support.
Eligibility
Accelerator Program (2025/2026)
Flagship Accelerator (Silicon Valley)
- Duration: 4 months intensive
- Investment: $150,000 for 6% equity
- Format: Cohort-based with 30-40 companies per batch
- Location: San Francisco (in-person required)
- Stage: Post-revenue with growth traction strongly preferred
- Application: Rolling basis via F6S platform; 8 weeks before batch start
- Acceptance Rate: ~1.5% (highly competitive)
Regional Programs
- Multiple accelerator programs across Asia, Latin America, Middle East
- Creators Ventures Accelerator (Dubai): 10-week hybrid, $35,000 program fee
- Terms vary by regional program and market
Selection Criteria (2025)
Must-Have:
- Working prototype or MVP in market
- Measurable traction (revenue, users, engagement)
- Strong founding team with execution capability
- Scalable business model with clear unit economics
- Growth mindset and ambition for global markets
- Ability to relocate to SF for 4-month program (Flagship)
Evaluated On:
- Monthly revenue and month-over-month growth rate
- Customer acquisition cost (CAC) and lifetime value (LTV)
- Product-market fit signals and customer testimonials
- Market size and addressable opportunity
- Team background and domain expertise
- Go-to-market strategy and distribution channels
- Defensibility and competitive advantages
ZHC-Specific Fit
✅ Excellent for:
- Growth-stage startups ready to scale (post-PMF)
- Global expansion ambitions (500's specialty)
- Marketing and growth-focused companies
- Diverse founding teams (40%+ international)
- Startups needing SF investor exposure
- Companies with measurable traction
- B2C, marketplace, and SaaS models
- International founders targeting US market
❌ Poor fit if:
- Pre-launch or pre-revenue stage
- No growth traction or metrics to show
- Local-only market focus
- Not willing to relocate for 4-month program
- Deep-tech requiring long R&D cycles
- Hardware-first with no software component
- Seeking hands-off capital only
Investment Focus Areas
Primary Sectors:
- SaaS and cloud software
- Fintech and payments
- Marketplace platforms (two-sided)
- E-commerce and retail tech
- Consumer internet and mobile apps
- EdTech and future of work
- Healthtech and digital health
- Creator economy and social platforms
- AI/ML applications (emerging focus)
Geographic Focus:
- Global reach with investments in 75+ countries
- Strong presence: US, Latin America, Southeast Asia, Middle East
- Emerging markets expertise
2025 Program Updates
New Initiatives:
- Creators Ventures Accelerator (Dubai, hybrid 10-week program)
- Continued emphasis on growth marketing curriculum
- Enhanced Demo Day with global investor reach
- FounderHub perks: $1M+ in credits for AI tools, hosting, banking
- Stronger focus on AI-enabled business models
Application Process:
- Online application via F6S (2-3 hours to complete)
- Initial review by team (~3,000 applications per batch)
- Partner interview (30-45 minute video call)
- Final decision (4-5 weeks from deadline)
- Acceptance and onboarding
Upcoming Batches (2026):
- Batch 30 (Spring 2026): Deadline March 31, 2026 → Program May 6 - Aug 30
- Batch 31 (Fall 2026): Deadline August 31, 2026 → Program Oct 7 - Feb 28, 2027
Application Process
Application Process (2025/2026)
| Step | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Online application | Rolling | Submit via F6S: pitch deck, metrics, team info |
| Initial screen | 2-3 weeks | Team evaluates ~3,000 applications per batch |
| Partner interviews | 3-4 weeks | 30-45 min deep dive with investment team |
| Final decision | 4-5 weeks | Acceptance rate ~1.5% (30-40 selected) |
| Program start | 8 weeks post-deadline | 4-month intensive begins |
| Mid-program check-ins | Ongoing | Weekly office hours, mentor sessions |
| Demo Day | Week 16 | Investor showcase + pitch event |
| Post-program support | Lifetime | Alumni network access, follow-on funding |
Investment Terms (2025)
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total investment | $150,000 |
| Equity | 6% |
| Structure | Cash + SAFE or direct equity |
| Valuation cap | Negotiated per company |
| Follow-on potential | Yes, from 500 Global funds |
What You Get
✓ $150,000 seed investment ✓ 4-month growth accelerator (in-person SF) ✓ Growth marketing curriculum (500's specialty) ✓ Mentor network (500+ mentors globally) ✓ Investor introductions and Demo Day ✓ Office space (flagship program) ✓ Global expansion support and market entry advice ✓ Fundraising preparation and pitch coaching ✓ Lifetime alumni network access (5,000+ companies) ✓ FounderHub perks ($1M+ in credits) ✓ Access to 500 Global's follow-on funds ✓ Post-program support and connections
Program Structure
Week 1-4: Foundation
- Team building and cohort bonding
- Growth marketing fundamentals
- Metrics and KPI framework setup
- Customer acquisition strategies
- Product optimization workshops
Week 5-8: Acceleration
- Advanced growth tactics
- Distribution channel experiments
- Mentor office hours (weekly)
- Investor pitch development
- Unit economics optimization
Week 9-12: Scale Prep
- International expansion strategies
- Fundraising roadmap and deck refinement
- Demo Day preparation
- Strategic partnerships development
- Sales and marketing automation
Week 13-16: Launch
- Final pitch rehearsals
- Investor introductions
- Demo Day presentation
- Follow-on funding discussions
- Alumni integration
Program Tracks
Flagship (San Francisco)
- Main program, 4 months in-person
- Quarterly batches (Batch 36, 37, 38 in 2025-26)
- Full curriculum and mentor access
Regional Programs
- Global locations (Asia, LATAM, MENA)
- Localized support and market expertise
- Connection to flagship network
Thematic Programs
- Creators Ventures Accelerator (Dubai, 2025)
- Industry-specific batches (fintech, healthtech, etc.)
Application Tips (2025)
Must Include:
- Monthly revenue and YoY/MoM growth rate
- Customer acquisition cost (CAC) and lifetime value (LTV)
- Current fundraising status and runway
- Product demo or working prototype link
- Team background and relevant experience
- Market size and go-to-market strategy
Application Questions:
- What problem are you solving?
- What's your unique insight or competitive advantage?
- How big is your addressable market?
- What's your go-to-market strategy?
- Why 500 Global specifically?
- What are your traction metrics?
- What's your monthly burn and runway?
Success Factors:
- Apply early (rolling review process)
- Include 60-second video pitch if possible
- Focus on traction metrics and growth
- Highlight team's unique domain expertise
- Show clear product-market fit with testimonials
- Demonstrate how 500 Global's network accelerates you
- Be honest about challenges and mitigation plans
- Emphasize global ambitions
Post-Acceptance Process
- Legal & Investment Docs (2 weeks)
- Pre-Program Onboarding (1-2 weeks)
- Housing & Relocation (as needed)
- Program Kickoff (Week 1)
- Regular Check-ins (weekly)
- Demo Day (Week 16)
- Alumni Integration (ongoing)
Contact
- 500 Global
- Apply to Flagship Accelerator
- Application Platform (F6S)
- Email: accelerator@500.co
- Twitter: @500Global
- LinkedIn: 500 Global
- Flagship Location: San Francisco, California
- Global Offices: 20+ countries
Key Contacts:
- Flagship Accelerator: accelerator@500.co
- Regional Programs: Check regional site for contacts
- Press Inquiries: press@500.co
- General Inquiries: hello@500.co