Top 25 Accelerators for Early-Stage Startups in South America (2025)

The early-stage startup ecosystem in South America is growing rapidly, and accelerators play a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurs through investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Below is a curated list of the top 25 accelerators for early-stage startups in South America for 2025, based on the most recent data available.

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1. Y Combinator (Presence in South America)

Description: Globally renowned accelerator, with a significant presence and investments in South American startups.

Data Points:

Focus: Broad range of sectors, tech-focused.
Investment Size: $500k standard investment.
Program Length: 3 months.
Network: Extensive global network of mentors and investors.
Success Rate: High rate of follow-on funding and exits.
Learn more about Y Combinator

2. Startup Chile

Description: Government-backed program attracting international and local startups to Chile.

Data Points:

Focus: Diverse sectors, with emphasis on innovation.
Funding: Up to $80,000 equity-free funding.
Program Length: 4-7 months.
Network: Strong connections in Latin American market.
Support: Access to office space, mentoring, and community.
Discover more about Startup Chile

3. ACE (Brazil)

Description: One of the most active accelerators in Brazil, with a focus on high-growth potential.

Data Points:

Focus: Tech startups across various sectors.
Investment: Seed funding with potential for follow-on rounds.
Program Length: Varies by program, usually 4-6 months.
Mentorship: Experienced mentors and industry experts.
Network: Strong connections with Brazilian VCs and corporations.
Learn more about ACE

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4. NXTP Labs (Regional)

Description: A leading early-stage VC and accelerator with a strong regional presence.

Data Points:

Focus: Early-stage tech startups across Latin America.
Investment Size: Seed to Series A funding.
Program Length: 3-4 months accelerator programs.
Network: Broad regional and international investor network.
Support: Strong focus on scaling and market expansion.
Discover NXTP Labs

5. Wayra (Regional - Telefónica)

Description: Corporate accelerator from Telefónica, with a focus on startups with synergistic potential.

Data Points:

Focus: Telecom, digital, and technology-related startups.
Investment: Seed funding and access to Telefónica's resources.
Program Length: Varies by program.
Network: Access to a broad network of international and regional markets.
Mentorship: Corporate-level mentorship.
Learn more about Wayra

6. 500 Startups (Regional)

Description: Global accelerator with significant activity and investments in South America.

Data Points:

Focus: Broad range of sectors, tech-focused.
Investment Size: Varies by program, often seed-stage investment.
Program Length: Varies by program, usually 4 months.
Network: Global network with strong connections to Silicon Valley.
Resources: Strong global alumni network.
Explore 500 Startups

7. Endeavor (Regional)

Description: A global network supporting high-impact entrepreneurs.

Data Points:

Focus: High-growth potential startups, across all sectors.
Investment: Access to capital through network.
Program Length: Ongoing mentorship and support.
Network: Extensive global network of mentors and investors.
Mentorship: Experienced and successful entrepreneurs.
Learn more about Endeavor

8. Liga Ventures (Brazil)

Description: Corporate accelerator with a strong focus on connecting startups with corporations in Brazil.

Data Points:

Focus: Tech startups in partnership with large corporations.
Investment: Early-stage funding and partnership opportunities.
Program Length: Varies based on the corporate partner program.
Network: Strong ties to Brazilian corporate sector.
Mentorship: Corporate mentorship and expertise.
Discover more about Liga Ventures

9. Rockstart (Regional)

Description: International accelerator with programs in Latin America.

Data Points:

Focus: Tech and SaaS startups.
Investment Size: Seed-stage investments.
Program Length: 6 months.
Network: Strong connections to European and Latin American markets.
Support: Business development support and mentorship.
Learn more about Rockstart

10. MassChallenge (Regional)

Description: A global accelerator with a strong presence in various Latin American cities.

Data Points:

Focus: High-impact startups across all sectors.
Funding: Equity-free and access to grants and investors.
Program Length: 4 months.
Network: Access to a large global network.
Mentorship: Mentorship with industry experts.
Explore MassChallenge

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11. Acelera Partners (Brazil)

Description: A Brazilian accelerator with a strong track record of investing in early-stage startups.

Data Points:

Focus: Tech startups, various sectors.
Investment Size: Seed funding.
Program Length: Typically 4-6 months.
Network: Strong network with Brazil's ecosystem.
Mentorship: Hands-on mentoring.
Learn more about Acelera Partners

12. Inovativa Brasil

Description: A national program for startups in Brazil, providing acceleration and funding opportunities.

Data Points:

Focus: Startups across various sectors.
Investment: Opportunities for grant funding.
Program Length: Varies by program, usually 3-6 months.
Network: Access to government programs and networks.
Support: Mentorship and connections to investors.
Explore Inovativa Brasil

13. Magma Partners (Regional)

Description: A VC firm and accelerator with a focus on investing in Latin American startups.

Data Points:

Focus: Early-stage tech startups in Latin America.
Investment Size: Seed and Series A funding.
Program Length: Varies by program.
Network: Regional investor network.
Support: Hands-on acceleration program.
Learn more about Magma Partners

14. The Founder Institute (Regional)

Description: A global accelerator with programs in several South American countries.

Data Points:

Focus: Early-stage founders, across various sectors.
Investment: Varies, usually at the later stages.
Program Length: 4 months intensive program.
Network: Global network of founders, mentors and investors.
Support: Structured process with mentoring and support.
Discover The Founder Institute

15. Startupbootcamp (Regional)

Description: A global network of industry-focused startup accelerators, with operations in South America.

Data Points:

Focus: Focus on specific industries, tech heavy.
Investment Size: Seed-stage investments.
Program Length: Usually 3 months.
Network: Global network of partners and investors.
Mentorship: Industry-focused mentors.
Explore Startupbootcamp

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16. StartSe (Brazil)

Description: A Brazilian platform for tech and innovation, offering acceleration programs.

Data Points:

Focus: Tech startups, digital transformation.
Investment: Seed funding and connections to investors.
Program Length: Varies by program.
Network: Strong Brazilian network.
Support: Mentorship and training programs.
Learn more about StartSe

17. Artemisia (Brazil)

Description: A Brazilian accelerator focused on social impact businesses.

Data Points:

Focus: Social impact and purpose-driven startups.
Investment: Seed investments and access to impact funds.
Program Length: Varies based on the program.
Network: Impact investor network.
Mentorship: Specialized support for social ventures.
Discover more about Artemisia

18. Founder Gym (Regional)

Description: Focuses on early-stage training and support for startup founders in South America.

Data Points:

Focus: Early-stage founders across various sectors.
Investment: Access to investors.
Program Length: Various programs and bootcamps.
Network: Strong community of founders.
Support: Founder skill development and mentorship.

19. Platzi (Regional)

Description: While primarily an online education platform, Platzi has a strong influence in the startup ecosystem with educational resources and a network.

Data Points:

Focus: Tech education and digital skills for entrepreneurs.
Investment: Connections to VCs and investment funds.
Program Length: Ongoing courses, workshops and training.
Network: Large community of entrepreneurs and talent.
Support: Access to educational tools.
Learn more about Platzi

20. Endeavor ScaleUp (Regional)

Description: A program run by Endeavor to support scaling startups.

Data Points:

Focus: Startups ready to scale.
Investment: Access to investment networks.
Program Length: Ongoing mentorship and support.
Network: Regional and global network.
Support: Expert support for scaling.
Discover Endeavor ScaleUp

21. iLab (Chile)

Description: Innovation lab and accelerator, with a focus on connecting startups with the Chilean ecosystem.

Data Points:

Focus: Technology and innovation focused startups.
Investment: Access to seed funding and grants.
Program Length: Varies by program.
Network: Chilean corporate and investor network.
Support: Hands-on business development.
Learn more about iLab

22. Ucubator (Peru)

Description: A Peruvian accelerator program supporting early-stage companies.

Data Points:

Focus: Startups in various sectors.
Investment: Opportunities for seed funding.
Program Length: 4-6 months.
Network: Strong Peruvian network.
Support: Mentorship and business development programs.
Discover Ucubator

23. HubBox (Argentina)

Description: A community and accelerator focused on tech innovation.

Data Points:

Focus: Technology startups.
Investment: Access to funding networks.
Program Length: Varies by program.
Network: Local and regional Argentinian network.
Support: Mentorship, events, and networking.
Learn more about HubBox

24. Parque Tecnológico Itaipu (Paraguay)

Description: Technology Park that supports innovation and provides acceleration for startups in Paraguay.

Data Points:

Focus: Innovation and tech.
Investment: Access to public funding opportunities.
Program Length: Varies.
Network: Paraguayan network.
Support: Access to research and facilities.
Discover Parque Tecnológico Itaipu

25. Incubadora de Empresas del Litoral (Argentina)

Description: An incubator and accelerator in Argentina, focused on early-stage companies.

Data Points:

Focus: Various startups.
Investment: Access to seed funding opportunities.
Program Length: Varies based on programs.
Network: Local Argentinian network.
Support: Mentorship, office space, and training.
Learn more about Incubadora de Empresas del Litoral

Disclaimer: This list is based on the most current information available as of January 17, 2025. The accelerator landscape is dynamic, and rankings/data can change frequently. The availability and depth of data for each accelerator varied, and some estimates were made based on available trends and reports. Please use this as a starting point for further research.

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FAQ

Q: What is the top accelerator for early-stage startups in Chile?

A: Startup Chile is the leading accelerator program for early-stage startups in Chile. Learn more about Startup Chile.

Q: Which accelerator has a significant presence in South America and is globally renowned?

A: Y Combinator is renowned globally and has a significant presence in South America. Visit Y Combinator.

Q: What accelerator focuses on high-growth potential tech startups in Brazil?

A: ACE is known for focusing on high-growth potential tech startups in Brazil. Discover ACE.

Q: Which accelerator offers equity-free funding in Chile?

A: Startup Chile offers up to $80,000 in equity-free funding. Learn more about Startup Chile.

Q: What accelerator is backed by Telefónica and supports tech-related startups?

A: Wayra supports tech-related startups with backing from Telefónica. Explore Wayra.

Q: Which accelerator is known for its strong connections to Silicon Valley?

A: 500 Startups has a strong global network with connections to Silicon Valley. Visit 500 Startups.

Q: Which accelerator in Brazil focuses on social impact businesses?

A: Artemisia focuses on social impact and purpose-driven startups in Brazil. Discover Artemisia.

Q: What regional accelerator program supports scaling startups?

A: Endeavor ScaleUp is a program that supports startups ready to scale. Learn more about Endeavor ScaleUp.

Q: Which Chilean accelerator connects startups with the local ecosystem?

A: iLab is focused on connecting startups with the Chilean ecosystem. Explore iLab.

Q: What is a prominent accelerator for tech innovation startups in Argentina?

A: HubBox is known for supporting tech innovation startups in Argentina. Visit HubBox.

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.