Curated list of startup incubators and accelerators from Los Angeles and guides to their programs
Los Angeles has transformed into one of the most dynamic startup ecosystems in the United States, blending entertainment, technology, and creative innovation. Known as "Silicon Beach," the region stretches from Santa Monica to Playa Vista and beyond, creating a unique environment where media companies, tech startups, aerospace firms, and creative agencies intersect. Local startup incubators in Los Angeles and accelerator programs reflect this diversity, offering founders access to entertainment industry connections, venture capital, technical talent, and a lifestyle that attracts top entrepreneurs from around the world.
MedTech Innovator is a virtual accelerator designed for early- to mid-stage startups in digital health and life sciences. The program supports companies developing innovative healthcare technologies and does not require equity or participation fees, making it fully founder-friendly.
While primarily virtual, the accelerator includes mandatory in-person events where startups meet industry leaders, investors, and potential partners. Participants gain access to mentorship, strategic guidance, and a global network within the healthcare technology ecosystem.
Based in Los Angeles but open to startups worldwide, MedTech Innovator helps emerging healthtech companies refine their products, strengthen commercialization strategies, and accelerate their path to market.
The Cedars-Sinai Accelerator is a three-month program in Los Angeles designed for innovative healthcare startups. Selected companies receive a $100,000 investment, along with mentorship from more than 300 leading clinicians, executives, and healthcare experts. Participants also gain access to a broad network of entrepreneurs and investors within the health innovation ecosystem.
Since its launch in 2016, the accelerator has supported over 80 healthcare startups, including notable companies like Acolyte Health, CancerAid, and HomeHero. Through funding, expert guidance, and deep industry connections, Cedars-Sinai Accelerator helps founders refine their solutions and accelerate their path to market.
Launched in 2023, a16z Speedrun is a 12-week accelerator from Andreessen Horowitz built for early-stage founders at the intersection of technology, AI, and entertainment. Despite being new, it has already deployed over $100 million into more than 120 startups, quickly becoming a launchpad for fast-moving innovation.
Speedrun runs two cohorts each year — a summer batch in Los Angeles and a winter batch in San Francisco. The program focuses on next-gen tools, 3D, gaming, XR, and platforms shaping the future of creative and AI-powered industries.
Founders accepted into Speedrun receive funding plus direct access to a16z’s global network of operators, product leaders, and investors. The curriculum is built around rapid product validation, go-to-market strategy, and scaling in competitive environments, supported by 1:1 mentorship and peer learning.
Applications are open to founders from anywhere in the world.
Next on the list is Techstars, which has backed more than 3,500 startups, including well-known names like Uber, Twilio, and DigitalOcean.
Techstars invests up to $120,000 in each company. This includes $20,000 upfront plus the right to purchase 6% of your fully diluted shares at your next qualified financing round (typically when you raise $250,000+). The 6% common stock is issued right before that financing event. Full investment terms are available on the Techstars website.
You apply through an online form, which usually takes 2–5 hours to complete. Many founders speak with Techstars mentors beforehand to make sure their application communicates their startup clearly and effectively.
If your application makes it through the initial review, you’ll receive an invitation to a two-round interview, usually within four weeks. Common interview questions include:
If I gave you $200K to hire people, who would you hire?
Who are your target customers?
What outcome are you hoping to achieve by joining Techstars?
What are your most important leading indicators or KPIs this week?
How did you validate this market, and how big is the opportunity?
If you pass the interview rounds, you’ll meet with the Techstars screening committee, which includes the managing director, program manager, mentors, and corporate partners. Clear that stage, and you officially join the three-month Techstars program.
Month 1 is all about building your network. You’ll meet around 100 mentors from the Techstars ecosystem—experts across product, marketing, leadership, hiring, fundraising, and more.
Month 2 is about execution. You’ll use what you learned to push your startup forward: building product milestones, hitting KPIs, onboarding early users, or sharpening your business model.
Month 3 focuses on storytelling and fundraising. You’ll polish your pitch deck, develop investor materials, and practice communicating your vision to customers, investors, and future team members. The month ends with Demo Day.
After the program, Techstars continues supporting founders through its alumni network and ongoing mentorship.
Los Angeles's startup community thrives on a culture of collaboration and open knowledge sharing. The city's unique blend of entertainment industry veterans, tech entrepreneurs, and creative innovators creates an environment where founders regularly share insights, mentor new teams, and help each other navigate the challenges of building companies in LA's distinctive ecosystem.
Programs like Techstars LA, Amplify.LA, Science Inc, and Launchpad LA regularly host sessions where successful founders discuss fundraising strategies, product development, customer acquisition, and how to leverage LA's unique advantages in media, entertainment, and lifestyle sectors. These conversations are practical and honest, reflecting real experiences from building companies in Southern California's market.
For example, alumni from Disney Accelerator and Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs—entertainment-focused programs—frequently return to guide new founders through content licensing, media partnerships, and navigating relationships with major studios and networks. A startup working on creator economy tools might receive advice from a CEO who successfully partnered with major entertainment companies or built distribution through streaming platforms.
Similarly, aerospace and defense-focused programs connect founders with executives who understand LA's deep aerospace heritage. Companies building in satellite technology, defense tech, or advanced manufacturing can learn from leaders who've worked with SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, and other major aerospace players headquartered in Southern California.
LA's knowledge-sharing culture also benefits from the city's creative mindset. Founders regularly exchange ideas at beach meetups, rooftop networking events, and casual gatherings that blend business with LA's lifestyle culture. This relaxed yet productive atmosphere makes it easier for new founders to build authentic relationships and learn from experienced entrepreneurs.
In Los Angeles, joining a startup accelerator or incubator means gaining access to a diverse knowledge network—where entertainment executives, tech founders, and creative leaders all contribute to helping the next generation succeed.
Los Angeles's startup accelerators play a vital role in organizing the city's entrepreneurial community, hosting events, workshops, and networking opportunities that bring together founders, investors, entertainment industry leaders, and technical talent. These programs help create cohesion in LA's geographically spread-out ecosystem, ensuring founders stay connected and supported.
Major programs like Techstars LA, Amplify.LA, and Launchpad LA regularly organize pitch competitions, demo days, founder dinners, and industry-specific meetups. Their calendars are filled with events designed to help early-stage startups access the resources they need—from investor introductions to partnerships with major entertainment and technology companies.
Specialized accelerators like Disney Accelerator, Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, and Warner Music Group's innovation programs organize entertainment-focused events that bring together startups and media executives. These gatherings create unique opportunities for founders building in creator economy, content technology, music tech, and digital media to meet decision-makers from major entertainment companies.
LA accelerators also organize events that reflect the city's lifestyle and creative culture. You might find a startup pitch session at a Venice Beach coworking space, a networking mixer on a Santa Monica rooftop, or a founder hike in the Hollywood Hills. These settings create relaxed environments where authentic connections form naturally.
Community hubs like Cross Campus, The Riveter, and Plug and Play Tech Center host regular events that serve as gathering points for LA's startup scene. These venues offer workshops, speaker series, and networking nights that keep the ecosystem energized and accessible.
By consistently organizing events and creating spaces for collaboration, Los Angeles's accelerators ensure that the startup community remains vibrant, connected, and able to leverage the city's unique advantages in entertainment, technology, and creative industries.
One of the most valuable aspects of Los Angeles's startup incubators is their ability to connect founders with the right people across the city's diverse industries. Whether it's introducing a creator economy startup to talent managers, connecting a media tech company with studio executives, or linking a consumer brand to influencers and retail partners, LA incubators excel at strategic matchmaking.
Programs like Techstars LA, Amplify.LA, and Science Inc curate networks based on each startup's specific needs. If a founder is building entertainment technology, they're introduced to producers, content executives, and media investors. If a startup is working on consumer products or direct-to-consumer brands, they meet influencers, retail partners, and brand marketing experts who understand LA's consumer landscape.
These programs offer structured networking opportunities:
– Mentor matching with industry specialists
– Investor office hours with LA VCs and angels
– Entertainment industry roundtables
– Creator and influencer networking events
– Corporate partnership showcases
– Alumni connection events
These aren't casual introductions. LA incubators facilitate warm connections to decision-makers who can provide strategic partnerships, investment, or early customer relationships. For many founders, a single introduction from their incubator becomes transformative—leading to a content deal, a celebrity investor, or a partnership with a major entertainment company.
LA's entertainment-tech crossover also creates unique networking opportunities. Incubators help founders navigate relationships with talent agencies, production companies, streaming platforms, and music labels—connections that are difficult to access without insider introductions.
After graduation, the networking power continues. Alumni Slack channels, private events, and ongoing mentor relationships keep founders connected to opportunities. In LA's relationship-driven ecosystem, a strong network built through your incubator often becomes the foundation for long-term success.
Startups that go through Los Angeles's incubators and accelerators have strong track records of attracting investment from local angels, regional VCs, entertainment industry investors, and national venture funds. The city's programs help founders refine their pitch, prove market traction, and build relationships with investors who understand LA's unique strengths in media, consumer brands, and technology.
Programs like Techstars LA, Amplify.LA, Science Inc, and Launchpad LA have collectively helped launch companies that have raised hundreds of millions in venture capital. Investors know that startups graduating from these programs have been coached, vetted, and connected to networks that can help them scale in LA's competitive market.
LA's focus on consumer brands, entertainment tech, creator economy, and lifestyle businesses has attracted specialized investors. Startups from entertainment-focused accelerators often secure funding from media-focused VCs, celebrity investors, and strategic partners like major studios and streaming platforms. Consumer brand startups attract investment from funds specializing in DTC, fashion tech, and lifestyle companies.
Many founders report that investment momentum begins during the program itself. Demo days, investor showcases, and warm introductions from mentors frequently lead directly to term sheets. It's common for LA accelerator graduates to close seed rounds within weeks of finishing their program, thanks to relationships built during their time in the cohort.
The investment landscape in LA has strengthened significantly with active groups like Mucker Capital, Upfront Ventures, March Capital, and celebrity investors who actively scout talent from LA's incubator programs. LA also benefits from proximity to numerous family offices, entertainment industry wealth, and investors who understand both technology and media.
In Los Angeles, joining a startup accelerator or incubator doesn't just give you training—it positions you in front of investors who understand your market and are actively looking to fund the next generation of innovation in entertainment, consumer brands, and technology.
Los Angeles's incubators actively promote their alumni, leveraging the city's media connections and entertainment industry relationships to create visibility for startups. Through press features, social media amplification, industry showcases, and strategic introductions, incubators give their graduates ongoing marketing support that helps them attract customers, partners, and investors.
Major programs like Techstars LA, Amplify.LA, and entertainment-focused accelerators regularly highlight alumni success stories on their websites, newsletters, and social channels. These features reach thousands of people across LA's business and entertainment community—investors, entertainment executives, influencers, and fellow founders—creating valuable visibility.
LA incubators also organize high-profile showcases and demo days that attract media attention. Entertainment-focused programs host events where alumni present to studio executives, streaming platforms, and media investors. Consumer brand accelerators organize retail showcases where startups demonstrate products to buyers, influencers, and brand partners. These events provide alumni with platforms to generate buzz and secure business opportunities.
Another powerful advantage is LA's entertainment media ecosystem. When an incubator's alumni achieve milestones, the news often spreads through entertainment trade publications like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and TechCrunch's LA coverage. Incubators leverage relationships with journalists and media outlets to help alumni secure press coverage that amplifies their visibility.
LA's influencer culture also creates unique marketing opportunities. Incubators often facilitate connections between alumni and creators, influencers, and entertainment personalities who can help promote products organically. A consumer product startup might get introduced to YouTube creators or Instagram influencers through their incubator's network.
In Los Angeles, an incubator isn't just a place to start your company—it's a launchpad that continues to create visibility, open doors to entertainment and media opportunities, and promote your work as you grow. That ongoing support leverages LA's unique position at the intersection of technology, entertainment, and culture.
Building a startup in Los Angeles offers unique advantages—from entertainment industry access and creative talent to year-round sunshine and diverse markets. Whether you're launching a media tech company, consumer brand, or SaaS startup, here are some tips to help you make the most of LA's ecosystem.
Leverage LA's Entertainment Connections
If your startup touches media, content, or consumer brands, LA's entertainment industry access is invaluable. Attend industry events, leverage incubator connections, and build relationships with talent agencies, production companies, and media executives. Many entertainment professionals are open to startup collaborations.
LA's startup scene is geographically distributed:
– Santa Monica/Silicon Beach: Tech companies, VCs, established startups.
– Playa Vista: Tech hub, major tech company offices, modern spaces.
– Hollywood: Entertainment tech, media companies, content startups.
– Culver City: Creative agencies, production companies, tech-media crossover.
– Downtown LA: Emerging startup scene, diverse industries, arts district.
Being near your industry can accelerate partnerships and hiring.
UCLA, USC, and Caltech have strong entrepreneurship programs and research partnerships. Many offer pitch competitions, incubator programs, and access to technical talent. USC's entertainment connections and UCLA's Anderson School programs are particularly valuable for startups.
LA's startup scene thrives on sector-focused events. Attend LA Tech Week, entertainment tech showcases, consumer brand meetups, and creator economy gatherings. Industry-focused events help you meet the right people faster than general networking.
LA's business culture values relationships, creativity, and authenticity. Take time to build genuine connections rather than transactional networking. Follow up on introductions, be authentic in your interactions, and understand that many deals happen through trusted relationships built over time.
LA's traffic is legendary. Schedule meetings strategically to avoid rush hour, consider location clustering when planning your day, and embrace coffee meetings near your office or home. Many founders say that being thoughtful about geography saves hours each week.
LA has a strong investor community including VCs, angels, and celebrity investors. Attend pitch events, office hours, and networking mixers to get on their radar. LA investors often understand entertainment, consumer brands, and lifestyle businesses better than investors in other markets.
Join coworking spaces, attend founder dinners, participate in accelerator alumni groups, and connect at beach or hiking meetups. LA's founder community is collaborative and supportive, and these relationships provide valuable support during the startup journey.
LA's weather, beaches, hiking trails, and cultural diversity create a quality of life that helps attract top talent. Don't feel guilty about enjoying what LA offers—many founders find that beach walks, hikes, and outdoor activities actually improve their creativity and decision-making.
LA is filled with designers, content creators, videographers, and marketing talent. Take advantage of this creative ecosystem to build exceptional brands, content, and user experiences. The city's creative culture can become a major competitive advantage.
Los Angeles rewards founders who show up consistently, build authentic relationships, and leverage the city's unique advantages in entertainment, creativity, and lifestyle. Take advantage of the resources, stay connected to the community, and enjoy building your company in one of the world's most dynamic cities.
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