Description
StartUpNV is Nevada’s statewide nonprofit startup accelerator and incubator that supports founders from early idea through scalable growth. Through its AccelerateNV program, StartUpNV helps scalable startups refine product-market fit, achieve traction, and prepare for fundraising. Companies in the accelerator receive a $50,000 investment via FundNV, mentorship from experienced operators, access to mentors and capital networks, and co-working resources in Las Vegas or Reno. StartUpNV also offers incubation and business development programs such as IncubateNV, GrowNV, bootcamps, and pitch education to prepare founders for capital-raising success.
Eligibility
• Nevada-based startups focusing on scalable business models and significant growth potential.
• Companies with an MVP, beta product, or early revenue and raising pre-seed/seed investment within ~90 days.
• Founders willing to engage in cohort mentoring, pitch practice, and growth planning.
• Earlier ideas or pre-revenue ventures can engage via IncubateNV or GrowNV before applying to AccelerateNV.
Process
Pitch & Invitation: Founders participate in regular open pitch days where they present to advisors, mentors, and investor partners. Invitations to incubator or accelerator follow from this process.
Acceptance & Onboarding: Selected companies enter the AccelerateNV program (limited to ~10 companies per cohort).
Due Diligence: Startups complete diligence steps and meet accelerator milestones. FundNV reviews and moves toward term sheet.
Investment & Program: Accepted companies receive the $50K FundNV investment and program support, including mentor engagements, workspace, and coaching geared toward scaling and investor readiness.
Graduation & Follow-On Funding: Graduates often progress to seed or Series A rounds with investor connections facilitated by StartUpNV and allied partners.
What an Applicant can Obtain
✔ $50,000 USD pre-seed investment from FundNV (plus potential matching from state funds).
✔ Mentorship from experienced founders, investors, and industry experts.
✔ Access to co-working space and ecosystem resources in Reno and Las Vegas.
✔ Pitch preparation and regular public pitch exposure to advisors and investors.
✔ Connections to additional local and regional capital networks including AngelNV and the 1864 Fund.
✔ Foundational programs to prepare concept-stage founders for later accelerator entry.
