The Best Accelerators for International and Remote Founders

Most famous accelerators are in the US, but you don't need to be American — or even live in the US — to get in. Of the more than 100 programs in our directory, the large majority accept international founders, and a growing number run fully remote or hybrid. This guide covers what "international" and "remote" really mean for each program, and how to choose.

Can international founders join top US accelerators?

Yes. Y Combinator, Techstars, 500 Global and many others regularly fund founders from around the world. A few things to know:

• In-person programs need you there. YC and a16z speedrun run in San Francisco. Plan for visas and three months of travel. YC's form asks where you live now and where the company will be based after the program.
• Incorporation. US investors usually prefer — or require — a US parent company (often a Delaware C-corp). Many accelerators help you restructure after acceptance; you rarely need to do it before applying.
• Market focus doesn't need to be the US. Plenty of accelerator companies sell primarily in Latin America, Africa, Europe or Asia.

Accelerators for founders in Europe

• Seedcamp — London-based, one of Europe's most active pre-seed and seed investors, rolling applications.
• Entrepreneurs First — invests in individuals before they have a team; cohorts in Europe and Asia.
• EWOR — a highly selective fellowship and accelerator founded by experienced European founders, with a hybrid format.
• Antler — day-zero investor with programs in many European cities.
• Startup Wise Guys — B2B-focused accelerator active across Europe.

Accelerators for founders in the Middle East, Asia and Latin America

• Flat6Labs — one of the most active early-stage investors in the Middle East and North Africa.
• Surge (Peak XV) — Peak XV's program for startups in India and Southeast Asia.
• Start-Up Chile — a government-backed program that offers non-dilutive funding to founders who build from Chile.
• Plug and Play — runs programs across many countries, built around corporate partners.

Browse every region in the program directory, filtering by region and "accepts international".

Remote and hybrid programs

If relocating isn't possible, look for programs that run remotely or in a hybrid format:

• Alchemist can be attended in person in San Francisco or remotely — the application asks for your preference.
• On Deck Founders is a largely remote fellowship.
• EWOR and Seedcamp offer hybrid support.

Remote programs trade some intensity for flexibility. If you can travel for even part of the program, in-person time usually pays off in relationships.

Tips for international applicants

1. Explain your location decision. Programs ask where you'll build and why. A clear rationale — customers, talent, cost — reads well.
2. Show you can sell into your market. Local distribution and customer access are a strength, not a weakness.
3. Address logistics up front. Visa status, willingness to travel and incorporation plans belong in the "anything else" field if they aren't asked directly.
4. Apply to a mix. Combine global programs with strong regional ones. Our guide on how many accelerators to apply to explains why.

The bottom line

Your passport isn't the barrier — application quality and fit are. Pick programs that match your market and your ability to travel, and apply to several. Applyseed drafts each application from one profile, whichever programs you choose.