List of Most Prominent London Tech Accelerators

London has become one of the most vibrant tech hubs in the world, attracting startups and entrepreneurs from all over the globe. One of the key factors behind this growth is the presence of numerous tech accelerators in the city. These accelerators provide startups with the resources, mentorship, and funding businesses need to scale. 

On the other hand, the number of startups is growing amazingly. The latest evidence indicates more than 70,000 startups in the United States and about 6,000 in the United Kingdom. All these companies need investment. While it is apparent that most emerging startups fail, many might service due to the influx of finances. At this point, tech accelerators are there to recognize the promising tech companies and ensure they reach the later stages of their maturity.

Keeping all these aspects in mind, let’s take a deeper look at the phenomenon of tech accelerators, determine their different types, and discover some of the benefits these bring. In addition, we will provide a list of top tech accelerators in London to give you a head start. Perhaps, all this information can help grow and scale your business. 

What is a Tech Accelerator?

As the technology industry continues to expand rapidly, the need for support systems to help startups grow and thrive has become increasingly critical. Keeping that in mind, what are startup accelerators? Tech accelerators are organizations or programs designed specifically to provide startups with the resources, mentorship, and support they need to succeed in this dynamic industry.

The primary goal of a tech accelerator is to speed up the growth and success of startups by offering them access to funding, office space, mentorship, and other valuable resources. With the rapid proliferation of these programs, there are now over 7,000 accelerator programs globally, located primarily in North America, Europe, and Asia. A staggering number of 19,800 investments have been issued to startups in 2021 alone, the number which is double what was issued between 2005 and 2015.

Joining a startup accelerator program could be just the boost your business needs! Here are five key benefits of startup accelerators:

1. Build your network: Tech accelerator programs connect you with a community of like-minded investors, mentors, and other founders, opening up valuable networking opportunities to help you find investors, partners, and team members.
2. Get personalized guidance: With personalized one-on-one mentoring and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and investors, you can develop the skills you need to overcome early-stage challenges and prepare your startup for future success.
3. Collaborate with peers: As a member of a tech accelerator program, you'll have the chance to connect and collaborate with other early-stage founders, sharing knowledge and learning from one another.
4. Get initial funding: Startup accelerator programs often provide initial venture capital, which can be just what you need to hire new team members, rent office space, and invest in other key resources.
5. Raise more capital: Tech accelerator programs can increase your chances of success by helping you prepare to raise additional capital through seed funding. In fact, accelerated companies are 50% more likely to raise seed funding than non-accelerated companies.

At this point, tech accelerators help grow small companies to create a new type of thriving business culture, one that can give back a bit later. It is important to know that there are different types of tech accelerators, something we will speak about next. 

Types of Tech Accelerators

Tech accelerators come in different shapes and sizes. Yet, from a fundamental standpoint, one can speak about pre-seed accelerators along with seed and beyond startup accelerators. These can be differentiated by several factors. Besides, different types of tech accelerators serve various purposes and are best suited for particular startups. 

Pre-Seed Accelerators

Pre-seed accelerators are the perfect place to start for startups in their earliest stages of development. Typically, these programs provide mentorship, resources, and a small amount of funding to validate the idea and help the business take off. 

Pre-seed startup accelerators may offer education and networking opportunities to help founders build their skills and connect with potential investors. By joining these programs, entrepreneurs can gain valuable knowledge and support to turn their vision into a reality.
 

Seed and Beyond Startup Accelerators

For startups that have already developed an MVP and secured initial funding, seed and beyond startup accelerators provide a more advanced level of support. These programs offer access to larger funding rounds, mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and connections to potential customers and partners. 

Seed and beyond startup accelerators may also provide office space, legal and accounting services, and other resources to help startups scale their businesses. With the help of these accelerators, entrepreneurs can take their businesses to the next level and achieve long-term success.
 

Top London Tech Accelerators

Now that you know more about the phenomenon of startup accelerators, their benefits, and their different types, it is time to take a closer look at some practical examples. Without further ado, here are the top London tech accelerators to watch for in 2025. 

Hotbed

Hotbed's mission is clear: to empower early-stage startups with the knowledge, tools, and networks they need to scale effectively. What sets it apart from other accelerators is its tailored approach to supporting each unique business. By focusing on a startup's specific goals and challenges, Hotbed optimizes the growth trajectory for innovative ideas across various industries.

Here's what the accelerator's partners get access to:

1. Data access to exclusive insights from Hotbed's extensive founder community to enhance marketing strategies and better target outreach efforts.
2. Media, communications, and PR with opportunities to be featured across press releases, media platforms, and initiatives connected to the accelerator's events and programs.
3. Trusted endorsement from the community. When founders connect through Hotbed's platform, the endorsement adds credibility that truly resonates.
4. Speaker opportunities to establish thought leaders by speaking at our multiple events and programs.
5. Brand reach amplification to diverse networks, including engagement across social media, newsletters, the community of founders, and collaborating partner organizations.
6. Customized co-branded events to design bespoke events tailored to meet startups' specific objectives and build meaningful connections.

In 2024, Impressit entered into a partnership with Hotbed. We kicked off our collab during the remarkable Founders Camp event, where our CEO, Roman Zomko, delivered an insightful talk on "Building during a crisis." More details here.

The Bakery

The Bakery is a tech accelerator that collaborates with large enterprises to discover and develop innovative products and services. Their program provides startups with access to funding, mentorship, and resources, as well as opportunities to connect with potential corporate partners.

Their comprehensive roadmap and mantras aid startups in navigating and seizing opportunities in the ever-evolving market. The Bakery welcomes all tech or tech-enabled businesses with disruptive ideas, from entrepreneurs and innovators to early and later-stage startups.

The Bakery offers four different programs tailored to specific startup stages and goals: 

1. The Start Programme is for entrepreneurs seeking idea validation 
2. The Accelerate Programme is for early-stage startups looking to fast-track growth 
3. The Partner Programme is for startups aiming to generate more revenue 
4. The Invest Programme is for startups searching for investment and new business prospects

These programs offer a grant opportunity for startups to reach next-level investment input. As a result, you can bring forward your products and services to a broader audience. 
 

Breed Reply

Breed Reply is a venture capital firm and a startup accelerator offering funding and support to startups in the Internet of Things (IoT) industry. They offer mentorship, office space, and other resources to help startups develop and scale their businesses.

Breed Reply is a venture capital firm that specializes in funding and supporting startups in the Internet of Things (IoT) industry. Focusing on the United States and Europe, they offer mentorship, office space, and other resources to help early-stage companies develop and scale their businesses. Breed Reply has recently backed three new startups in the smart home, health, and energy sectors.

Techstars London

Techstars is a renowned global network of tech accelerators that provides support and resources to startups across various industries. Their London program focuses on tech and software startups, providing them with mentorship, funding, and connections to potential investors and customers. Techstars’ vast network of mentors and investors has helped many startups grow and succeed.

Techstars is a significant part of the thriving Londonese startup community. With its reputation as the #6 strongest startup ecosystem in the world, London attracts many talented founders, innovators, and investors from around the world. Techstars’ London program is designed to help startups learn from experienced mentors and connect with potential investors and customers, making it a valuable resource for tech and tech-enabled businesses looking to grow.

Techstars’ London program is open to all tech or tech-enabled businesses, and they are looking for strong and balanced teams with a wide array of skill sets. The program offers a $100,000 convertible note and $20,000 to support living expenses during the tech accelerator program. Techstars receives a 6% equity until the startup raises a priced equity financing of $250,000 or more. Techstars’ deal terms are transparent and designed to help startups grow, making it a valuable resource for those looking to accelerate their growth and take their business to the next level.
 

Huckletree

Huckletree is a coworking space and a startup accelerator offering resources and support to startups in the technology and creative industries. Their Alpha Accelerator program is a 12-week in-house accelerator designed for pre-seed businesses founded by underrepresented individuals. 

The Alpha Accelerator is ideal for pre-seed founders or founding teams focused on smart city and urban innovation. It offers an intensive 12-week program designed to supercharge your business and give you everything you need to prepare for raising your seed round. The program is delivered by experts, including serial entrepreneurs, world-class operators, and investors with strong ties to Huckletree's Urban Futures theme. The tech accelerator is packed with learnings and practical knowledge to help you launch your business on strong foundations.

Huckletree's Alpha Accelerator is built for pre-seed founders who have not yet raised their seed round but intend to raise at least £350,000 in the six months following the program's start date. The tech accelerator is on the lookout for purpose-driven, for-profit startups that are championing urban innovation. Additionally, Huckletree is committed to supporting founders from underrepresented backgrounds who have talent, passion, and commitment to make a positive impact.
 

Startupbootcamp

Startupbootcamp InsurTech is a global insurance tech accelerator program that supports early-stage startups in the insurance technology sector. The program works closely with a portfolio of leading insurance companies to promote collaborative innovation in the field. Every year, the tech accelerator selects the ten most promising startups in the sector from all over the world and provides them with the mentorship, resources, and funding they need to grow and scale their businesses.

To qualify for the Startupbootcamp InsurTech program, startups must be early-stage insurance technology companies with innovative technology. The program offers participating startups the opportunity to connect with other teams, mentors, and industry leaders, as well as investors from the local ecosystem. In addition, startups have access to workspace at the tech accelerator's office, perks from partner companies, and exposure to the broader Startupbootcamp ecosystem.

The Startupbootcamp InsurTech program provides startups with a unique opportunity to take their businesses to the next level. Through mentorship, resources, and funding, startups can develop innovative technologies that have the potential to disrupt the insurance industry. With access to the program's network of industry experts and investors, startups can accelerate their growth and make a meaningful impact on the insurance sector.

Potential VC

Potential VC is a venture capital firm and a startup accelerator that believes in providing more than just funding to early-stage startups. They aim to establish a deep, enduring relationship with the founders and help them spin into a different orbit. Potential VC offers patient capital and support to fund managers whose goals and consciousness align with theirs.

Unlike traditional VCs, tech accelerators, or incubators, Potential VC begins with no-agenda chats with their team. They try to understand the founders as human beings and figure out how they can help them. The firm trusts in the power of serendipity and may take days, weeks, months, or even years to unlock the potential of a startup.

Potential VC offers a range of support to the startups they invest in. They may introduce them to amazing people in their community and network, provide advice and support on becoming more self-aware and developing into conscious leaders, help them find meaningful, impact-driven projects, open up opportunities to join existing Potential projects or businesses, and even provide time freedom to play and explore when they see a passion that aligns with their goals. Additionally, Potential VC enables exceptional people to run impact funds. Overall, their aim is to help startups grow and scale their businesses while making a positive impact on society.

Pario Ventures

Pario Ventures is a venture capital firm and a tech startup that has been providing funding, mentorship, and support to startups in the technology industry since its inception in 2010. Their focus on FinTech, Financial Services, and Automotive has made them a prominent player in the investment world, with 96 investments to date.

One of the unique features of Pario Ventures is its commitment to working with entrepreneurs, CEOs, and business owners to identify and implement an exit strategy for the founder or shareholder. This focus on a successful exit strategy ensures that founders can feel confident in their investment and allows them to plan for the long term.

Pario Ventures is active in investment for the startup, scale phase, and pre-IPO stages. With offices in London, New York, and Brussels, Pario is well-positioned to invest in companies globally and provide the support and mentorship necessary to help startups develop and scale their businesses.

Entrepreneur First

Entrepreneur First (EF) is a globally renowned startup accelerator that is focused on providing support to founders in the technology industry. Their goal is to offer mentorship, resources, and funding to help startups build and grow their businesses. Unlike conventional tech accelerators, they don't require a pre-existing team or a developed idea. Instead, they select individuals based on their potential, ambition, and willingness to make a significant impact.

EF has a highly charged environment designed to bring people together and help them realize their potential. They have pioneered this model, and over the past seven years, they've built more startups this way than anyone else. They are focused on all tech or tech-enabled businesses and have supported founders in sectors such as AI, health tech, and gaming.

Entrepreneur First offers an investment of £80,000 for equity of 10%. They help to build cohesive teams and develop ideas. The teams work closely with experienced leaders and have the opportunity to pitch to investors during Demo Day. With their unique approach, Entrepreneur First has become one of the most successful tech accelerators globally. They have helped to create hundreds of successful startups, including Magic Pony Technology, which was acquired by Twitter for $150 million, and CloudNC, which raised $25 million in its Series A round.

CyLon

CyLon is a London-based tech accelerator that specializes in supporting startups in the cybersecurity industry. They provide funding, mentorship, and resources to help startups grow and scale their businesses. With a focus on securing the digital future, CyLon has been supporting global entrepreneurs since 2015 to build scalable companies that help to secure the digital economy.

To be eligible for support from CyLon, startups must have an MVP and an innovative idea that contributes to cybersecurity. They are looking for startups that can help secure the digital economy, and they prioritize those with the most potential to scale. Startups that receive support from CyLon benefit from access to training, workshops, and mentoring, as well as validation of their ideas and access to industry leaders.

For startups that meet the requirements, CyLon offers an investment of £15,000 for an equity stake of 3%. This investment is accompanied by extensive support throughout the program, including mentoring and access to industry experts. Additionally, startups have the opportunity to pitch to potential investors and industry leaders at the end of the program. CyLon’s program is designed to help startups develop and scale their businesses, and they have a track record of success in supporting emerging cybersecurity businesses.
 

L Marks

L Marks is a startup accelerator providing corporate innovation services to large companies to identify and develop innovative products and services. They offer startups access to funding, mentorship, and resources, as well as connections to potential corporate partners. L Marks' goal is to help startups attract customers, build a brand, and become profitable by matching them with major players in the market.

L Marks is not a typical startup accelerator, but a catalyst for change. They welcome early and growth-stage startups worldwide with innovative ideas. Their focus is on all tech or tech-enabled businesses, and they tailor their approach to meet each startup's individual needs.

L Marks offers various programs that include perks from support partners, mentoring, and the possibility to establish meaningful relationships with industry leaders. L Marks deal terms vary, depending on the program. Regardless of the program, startups can expect a tailored approach that meets their needs, and access to support partners to help them achieve success.

Conclusion

London's tech accelerators are vital in driving innovation and growth in the tech industry. From providing startups with access to funding and mentorship to creating a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, these startup accelerators are helping to build a thriving ecosystem that supports the growth of the tech industry. 

As London continues to establish itself as a leading global tech hub, the presence of these tech accelerators will be crucial in shaping the future of the industry and the success of the next generation of tech startups. It does not matter whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or an established tech company, London's startup accelerators offer a wealth of opportunities to help you achieve your goals and drive innovation in the industry.