Description

• Plug and Play runs industry-vertical accelerator programs spanning many sectors (e.g., fintech, health, mobility, brand & retail, sustainability) and stages — mostly focused on pre-seed through early growth ventures. 
  
  
• Its LA hub functions as a regional deployment point for these programs, mobilizing corporate partnerships and cohort activities locally while startups remain participants in the Plug and Play global acceleration ecosystem. 
  
  

• Plug and Play acts as both a startup accelerator and a venture capital investor. Its broader platform invests in early-stage tech companies globally, typically at pre-seed and seed stages (reports suggest initial checks in roughly $50K–$400K range, though actual terms vary by fund and program). 
  
  
• Equity terms are negotiated per deal rather than a fixed universal accelerator-style equity share. As a corporate innovation and VC platform, the capital terms depend on the specific vertical, program, and negotiation with founders. 
  
  

• Unlike standardized accelerators where equity is mandated for participation, Plug and Play’s accelerator access doesn’t necessarily require equity by default — its core value comes from corporate introductions, pilot opportunities, and ecosystem access. However, venture investments it participates in will have equity terms negotiated on a case-by-case basis when it leads or joins a financing round. 
  
  

• Accelerator Access: Access to Plug and Play programming and corporate partner networks does not automatically come with a fixed equity charge — instead, startups benefit from strategic introductions and pilot pathways that can drive capital efficiency and external funding traction. 
  
  
• VC Investments: Separately, Plug & Play Ventures invests in startups at early stages — with negotiated equity stakes as part of those investments through its venture funds or syndicates, much like a venture capital firm. 
  
  
• Flexible Model: Because Plug and Play functions as both an innovation platform and a VC network, its involvement spans corporate partnership access, pilot engagements, and equity investments, depending on company stage and program fit. 
  
  

• Founders typically apply to Plug and Play’s accelerator programs through the Plug and Play website, selecting programs aligned with their sector or geographic cohort. 
  
  
• While there is no fixed equity requirement for application, competitive selection depends on traction fit, product maturity, team, and strategic partner demand. 
  
  

• The LA hub may offer local cohort events, Office Hours, and corporate demos tailored to the Southern California ecosystem, but startups still engage with the Plug and Play global framework for mentorship, introductions, and acceleration. 
  
  

Eligibility

• Broad industry verticals, including but not limited to:
  
  
  • Fintech & Insurtech
    
    
  • Health & Wellness
    
    
  • Mobility & IoT
    
    
  • Brand & Retail / eCommerce
    
    
  • Sustainability & Energy
    
    
  • Enterprise & AI/ML
    
    
  • Supply Chain & Logistics 
    
    

• Founders typically engage at pre-seed through early growth — ready for strategic corporate trials, pilot programs, and broader investor exposure via Plug and Play’s partner networks. 
  
  

• Los Angeles, CA, USA (regional hub) — part of a globally distributed accelerator model with presence in 60+ cities internationally. 
  
  

• Founders with scalable tech or innovation solutions, strong domain expertise, and alignment with corporate partner interests in a given vertical are best positioned to benefit. 
  
  

Process

What an Applicant can Obtain

• Corporate Partnerships: Plug and Play’s biggest value is connecting startups to 500+ corporate partners worldwide for pilot deals, customer acquisition, and technology validation. 
  
  
• Acceleration Resources: Mentorship, workshops, curated introductions, and pathways to potential pilot programs or collaboration with large enterprise partners. 
  
  
• Investor Network: Access to Plug and Play’s venture investors and syndicate connections, helping founders prepare for and secure follow-on capital. 
  
  
• Global Reach: Even though plugged into the LA ecosystem locally, startups can tap Plug and Play’s global accelerator and VC ecosystem across continents. 
  
  
• Specialized Tracks: Some industry initiatives — such as fashion & retail accelerators (e.g., SHOPLINE partnership) — provide niche programming, non-dilutive incentives, and market expertise tailored to specific startup categories.