500 Global2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
500 Global's flagship program, now called The 500 Fellowship. Up to $50K upfront with up to $1M more later, and a four-month program in San Francisco.
- Up to $50K
- Funding
- Not published
- Equity
- 4 months
- Program length
- Dates TBA
- Applications
About 500 Global
500 Global is a venture capital firm that started in 2010 as 500 Startups, founded by Dave McClure and Christine Tsai. It became one of the most active early stage investors in the world and runs accelerator programs in many countries. Its flagship program in San Francisco is now called The 500 Fellowship, and the application page still labels the current intake as Flagship Accelerator Batch 36. The terms have changed from the old model. Older guides quote $150K for 6% equity, but the current official page says accepted companies can receive up to $50K right away, with the potential for up to $1M more as they progress. The same page lists a program fee of $35,000 per startup for Phase 1, excluding travel. Founders should read the term sheet carefully, because the investment and the fee are separate line items. The program lasts four months in San Francisco. It is built for founders who think globally and either operate in the US or plan to within six months. Many participants come from outside the US, which reflects the firm's history of backing companies in more than 75 countries. Past guest speakers at the program include founders of Talkdesk, Carta and Superhuman. Talkdesk itself went through the 500 Startups accelerator in 2011.
What 500 Global looks for
500 Global says it wants founders in the top 0.1% of their field. It looks for a deep, nonobvious insight about a market and an unfair advantage that helps the team win it. It prefers founders who already think globally and who are in the US or plan to be within six months. The program covers customer discovery through fundraising, so teams with an early product and some signs of demand fit best. The page also tells founders to apply anyway if they do not meet every criterion.
How the 500 Global program works
The 500 Fellowship runs for four months in San Francisco. After acceptance, founders kick off in person and move into a weekly rhythm. Each week includes group days with the full batch and one to one sessions with the 500 team. The curriculum focuses on the riskiest parts of the business: customer discovery, product market fit, go to market, pitching, fundraising and partnerships. The program is staged. Phase 1 carries the $35,000 fee and the initial investment of up to $50K. Companies that hit milestones can access further capital, up to $1M in total follow-on according to the official page. The program ends with a showcase where companies present to local and international investors and partners. Founders also get access to the wider 500 Global network of portfolio founders, mentors and investors across its regional programs.
How to apply to 500 Global
- 1Submit the online application on 500.co/founders/flagship with details on your team, product, market insight and traction.
- 2If shortlisted, complete a series of interviews with the 500 Global team.
- 3Review the offer, including the up to $50K initial investment and the $35,000 Phase 1 program fee.
- 4Confirm you can be in San Francisco for the four month program, or that your company operates in the US or will within six months.
- 5Watch the application page for the next batch window, since Batch 36 applications closed on October 11.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Notable 500 Global alumni
Companies that went through or were backed by 500 Global.
500 Global vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 Global | Up to $50K | Not published | San Francisco, CA | Next deadline not announced yet |
| PearX | Up to $2M | Pear targets about 7% own… | San Francisco Bay Area | Rolling admissions |
| a16z speedrun | Up to $1M | 10% for $500K | San Francisco, CA | November 1, 2026 (5 days left) |
| Village Global | Up to $1M | Not published | San Francisco, CA | Rolling admissions |
| Sequoia Arc | Up to $1M | Negotiated per company | In person | Next deadline not announced yet |
| South Park Commons Founder Fellowship | $1M | 7% for the $400K upfront | San Francisco, New York City or Bangalore | Next deadline not announced yet |
500 Global FAQ
When is the 500 Global application deadline?+
500 Global has not announced its next deadline yet (Batch 36 runs Nov 30, 2026 to Apr 9, 2027 (applications closed Oct 11). Next batch dates not yet published.). We check the official site every month and update this page when dates are published.
How much does 500 Global invest in its flagship program?+
The official 500 Fellowship page says accepted companies can receive up to $50K right away, with the potential for up to $1M more as they progress. Older guides quote $150K for 6% equity, but that is not what the current page shows. The page also lists a $35,000 program fee for Phase 1, excluding travel, so check the full terms before you sign.
Is the 500 Global accelerator remote?+
No. The 500 Fellowship is a four month program based in San Francisco, California. It starts with an in person kickoff and runs weekly group days and one to one sessions. 500 Global prefers founders who already operate in the US or plan to within six months of the program.
Which well known companies went through 500 Startups?+
Talkdesk took part in the 500 Startups program in 2011. Twilio, Udemy and Credit Karma are also widely listed among early 500 Startups investments. The firm has backed thousands of companies since 2010 across more than 75 countries, under both the 500 Startups and 500 Global names.
Sources: 500.co, descubre.vc, networkworld.com, schedule.sxsw.com