Description
Plug and Play Tech Center is a global innovation platform, startup accelerator, and venture capital firm headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. Founded in 2006 by Saeed Amidi, it connects startups with corporations, investors, governments, and universities to drive innovation and growth across hundreds of industry verticals. Plug and Play operates 60+ accelerator programs worldwide and runs one of the most active early-stage investing machines on the planet.
Plug and Play is known for its innovation ecosystem model — combining accelerator programs, real-world corporate pilot opportunities, and optional venture investments — and for supporting thousands of startups globally.
Specific Funding Stage
Pre-Seed / Seed (Core Early Investing)
- Through Plug and Play Ventures (its VC arm), the organization actively invests in pre-seed and seed-stage companies across technology sectors.
- The investments are typically minority, early-stage positions and are separate from accelerator participation.
Growth & Later Stage (Selective/Vertical Funds)
- Plug and Play has also launched industry-focused funds (e.g., fintech & AI, regional funds) that may invest in later stages such as Series A/B alongside ecosystem partners.
- Their accelerator programs accept companies at various stages (seed through Series C) for corporate engagement and business development.
Investment Amount and Percentage Equity (Company-Level)
Check Size
- When investing via Plug and Play Ventures, typical early checks are reported in the ~$25K to ~$500K range, though amounts can vary by round and fund strategy.
- Some vertical or regional funds structured with partners might deploy larger amounts (e.g., €200K–€500K in specific Spanish fund vehicles).
Equity Taken
- Plug and Play does not impose a fixed equity percentage across all companies; ownership is negotiated deal-by-deal when it chooses to invest.
- As a result, typical stakes are minority and non-controlling, aligning with standard early-stage venture capital practice.
Equity & Program Participation
- Participation in many accelerator programs does not require equity — startups can join without giving up cap-table shares simply to participate in corporate pilots, mentorship, and networking.
- Investment decisions and equity terms are separate from accelerator program participation.
Equity Structure
- Investments are made using standard early-stage instruments, often:
- SAFEs or convertible notes for early rounds
- Priced preferred equity in seed/Series A
- Equity allocations and terms are negotiated per company and depend on valuation, co-investor structure, and strategic involvement.
Application / Submission Method
Submission Method
- Founders can explore opportunities through:
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Vertical-specific accelerator applications open on Plug and Play’s website.
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Direct outreach to Plug and Play Ventures or introductions through ecosystem partners.
- Invitations or corporate partner referrals tied to specific industry programs.
Interaction
- Accepted startups participate in tailored vertical programs (e.g., fintech, insurtech, mobility, health, IoT), engage with corporate partners, and may receive introductions to investors — separate from whether Plug and Play itself invests capital.
