Key Points
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Accel and Prosus will co-invest in startups under the Atoms X program, doubling funding access for early-stage founders.
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Each startup can now raise between $500,000 to $2 million, up from the earlier $250,000 to $1 million range.
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The collaboration opens new doors for Indian founders, focusing on innovation and “Leaptech” sectors beyond deep tech.
Accel Expands Atoms X Program to Strengthen Early-Stage Support
Accel, one of India’s most active venture capital firms, has taken a major step forward by joining hands with Prosus to co-invest in its early-stage founder program, Atoms X. The collaboration marks a new phase of growth for India’s startup ecosystem, aiming to give fresh entrepreneurs more capital, resources, and mentorship. Earlier, Accel was the sole investor in the Atoms X initiative, offering funding between $250,000 and $1 million. With Prosus joining as a co-investor, startups selected under the program will now have access to $500,000 to $2 million, effectively doubling the support they can receive in their initial phase.
The Atoms X program has been known for identifying and nurturing some of India’s most promising startups across sectors. With Prosus stepping in, the program will not only provide capital but also bring global connections, expertise, and strategic guidance. This partnership aims to create a stronger foundation for early-stage founders to transform their ideas into scalable and sustainable businesses.
Prosus Expands Its India Investment Strategy Through Collaboration
Prosus, a global technology investor with a strong presence in India, sees this partnership as a strategic move to deepen its engagement with the country’s fast-growing innovation ecosystem. By co-investing in Accel’s Atoms X program, Prosus will help expand funding opportunities for startups that focus on solving real-world challenges using technology. The goal is to identify ambitious founders at the earliest stages of their journey and provide them with not only financial support but also access to networks, mentorship, and market insights.
Through this collaboration, Prosus aims to back entrepreneurs working on bold ideas across sectors such as fintech, edtech, healthtech, and Leaptech. The latter—Leaptech—represents a broader category that goes beyond traditional deep tech and includes innovations with the potential to create transformative impact. Prosus’ involvement ensures that startups under Atoms X can access the company’s international resources, allowing them to think globally while building locally. This move reflects Prosus’ confidence in India’s startup potential and its commitment to nurturing a new generation of founders capable of global success.
Accel Focuses on Leaptech and Founder-Led Innovation
Accel continues to position itself as a key supporter of Indian founders, focusing particularly on sectors that combine technology with real-world application. The firm has a long history of backing some of India’s most successful startups and remains committed to creating a pipeline of strong early-stage companies. Through the Atoms X program, Accel aims to discover and empower founders who are not only building for India but also reimagining how technology can solve large-scale problems.
The focus on Leaptech highlights Accel’s belief in technologies that leap beyond traditional deep tech definitions. Leaptech includes everything from advanced AI applications and automation tools to innovative consumer platforms that can disrupt existing industries. By expanding the program to include Prosus as a co-investor, Accel is enabling these startups to scale faster and more efficiently. The increased capital means that founders can focus on building strong products, hiring the right talent, and expanding into new markets without worrying about early funding constraints.
Prosus and Accel’s Joint Vision for India’s Startup Future
Prosus and Accel share a common vision of creating an inclusive, well-funded ecosystem for emerging entrepreneurs. Both firms have been instrumental in shaping India’s digital economy and believe that early-stage support is key to driving long-term growth. With Atoms X, the two venture giants are not only providing capital but also access to experience, global connections, and operational know-how that can help startups navigate early challenges.
This partnership is also expected to bring greater diversity into India’s entrepreneurial landscape. By supporting a wide range of sectors and founders, Accel and Prosus are encouraging innovation from every corner of the country. Whether it’s a fintech app simplifying digital payments or a Leaptech solution revolutionizing healthcare, the focus remains on empowering founders who think differently and act boldly.
In the coming years, this collaboration could serve as a model for how global and local investors can work together to build a robust early-stage ecosystem. The joint effort between Accel and Prosus underlines a simple yet powerful message — India’s startup revolution is only just beginning, and the next generation of founders will have stronger financial and strategic backing than ever before.
Conclusion
Accel and Prosus’ collaboration for the Atoms X program represents a landmark shift in India’s early-stage investment landscape. By doubling available funding and opening the program to global collaboration, the two firms are setting a new benchmark for how startups can be nurtured from inception. This initiative not only strengthens India’s position as a global innovation hub but also demonstrates the growing confidence of investors in the country’s entrepreneurial potential. With a focus on Leaptech and founder-led innovation, the Atoms X program is poised to empower a new wave of startups that can redefine industries and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs.
