5 Startup Accelerators Worth Applying to This July

These programmes are still open in July for founders looking for funding, mentorship and investor access.

Jul 10, 2026

Every startup has to start somewhere, and sometimes the right accelerator can make the difference between building quietly and growing quickly.

If you've been looking for funding, mentorship, or a way into a strong founder network, here are five programmes still accepting applications before the end of July.

/1. Antler Lagos Residency, Cohort 4

Not every accelerator expects you to show up with a polished startup. Antler is one of the few that welcomes ambitious founders before they've found a co-founder or even settled on an idea. The residency is designed to help participants build companies from scratch, with selected teams eligible for up to $250,000 in pre-seed investment..

Deadline: Rolling. Antler encourages early applications to secure a seat.

/2. Y Combinator, Fall 2026 Batch

Y Combinator remains the accelerator every founder has heard of, and its Fall 2026 batch is still accepting applications. The programme runs from October to December 2026 in San Francisco, and startups accepted receive investment immediately rather than waiting for the batch to officially start. Founders can also apply ahead of time to future batches through YC's Early Decision process if this timeline does not fit.

Deadline: July 27, 8:00 pm Pacific Time.