Description
Disney Accelerator is an annual corporate accelerator program run by The Walt Disney Company that supports growth-stage startups building innovative technologies, entertainment experiences, and media products aligned with Disney’s strategic vision. Participants gain capital, mentorship from senior Disney leaders, strategic resources, and unique collaboration opportunities with one of the world’s most influential entertainment brands.
Specific Program / Funding Stage
Growth-Stage / Early Scale (Core Focus)
- The program typically targets venture-backed, growth-stage startups that have traction and are positioned to scale rapidly within or adjacent to entertainment, media, immersive experiences, generative tech, or consumer technology.
- Each cohort includes ~5–10 companies who join a ~3-month accelerator that culminates in a Demo Day at Disney’s lot in Burbank, CA.
Investment / Funding Model
Capital Investment
- Disney Accelerator typically makes direct investments in participating companies, though the amount for individual investments isn’t publicly fixed.
- In early cohorts (e.g., around 2014–2016), participants received investment capital (historically ~$120K per company), but Disney removed this fixed cap in later years and now negotiates terms according to the company and cohort context.
- Because the program is run internally by Disney (no longer through Techstars), capital terms are corporate-driven and deal-by-deal, more similar to corporate VC investments than standard accelerator offers.
Equity Taken
- Disney does invest for equity, but Disney Accelerator does not publish a standardized equity percentage that it takes across all companies (equity is subject to negotiation as part of the investment deal).
- As a corporate accelerator, negotiations reflect Disney’s strategic value and partnership potential, not a uniform equity formula like many traditional accelerators.
Equity / Ownership Structure
- Investments are negotiated per company based on stage, strategic alignment, and potential collaboration pathways with Disney business units.
- Participating companies retain IP ownership of the products they build during the program unless specified otherwise under a separate agreement — Disney does not automatically claim IP developed by companies in the accelerator.
Application / Submission Method
How to Apply
- Startups apply through the official Disney Accelerator website once applications open each year (typically in spring).
- Applicants provide business details, team background, product/technology overview, and alignment with Disney’s innovation areas.
Selection Process
- Applications are reviewed by Disney Accelerator leadership, and selected startups undergo interviews and evaluations prior to cohort placement.
Process
Application & Selection: Spring open application window with competitive review.
Cohort Kickoff: Program typically begins mid-year with an in-person orientation and workshops.
Mentorship & Development: Tailored mentorship and collaborations with Disney teams throughout the program.
Demo Day: Showcase accomplishments and strategic direction in front of Disney and broader investor community.
