Accel Atoms 4.0 Apps Now Open, Targeting $500 Billion Consumer Market “Bharat”

New Delhi, September 16 (IANS): Accel Atoms 4.0, the fourth edition of Accel’s pre-seed scaling program, is now open for applications until November 17, the global VC firm announced on Monday.

The current edition of the sector-specific thematic programme focuses on two categories of pre-seed startups – those building for ‘Bharat’ and those building on or with the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Accel defines “Bharat” as middle-income households spread across Tier 2, Tier 3 and rural India, which is currently estimated to be a $500 billion consumer market. Interestingly, 20 percent of the rural population has higher MPCE (monthly expenditure per person) than 50 percent of the urban population. Accel believes that many Indian unicorns will emerge from Bharat on this occasion.

Through a 3-month hybrid program, pre-seed startups selected for Accel Atoms 4.0 will receive mentorship from top industry experts in AI and Bharat, and over $5 million in benefits from leaders like AWS, Google, Stripe, and others to cover initial infrastructure needs. Startups that make exceptional progress during the program will be eligible to apply for an investment of up to $1 million.

Anand Daniel, Partner at Accel, will lead the Bharat group. Since joining the firm in 2010, Anand has focused on investments in Bharat, consumer technology, internet markets, AI, fintech and healthtech. He has led investments in ApnaMart, BlackBuck, Bounce, Emeritus, MyGlamm, Niyo, OrangeHealth, Rupeek, SenseHQ, Simplismart, Spinny, Swiggy, Vedantu, Zolve and other early-stage companies.

The AI ​​cohort will be led by Prayank Swaroop. Prayank is also a partner at Accel and has been with the company since 2011, focusing on AI, cybersecurity, markets, and SaaS. He has led investments in Aavenir, Bizongo, DhiWise, Dr. Droid, Securden, and Zetwerk, among other early-stage companies.

Founders participating in the Accel Atoms 4.0 program will also have access to Accel’s global community of over 300 founders, mentors, and prospects, as well as collaborations with organizations like xto10x, allowing them to gain deeper mentorship, expert insights, and support.

According to the VC firm, applications and more information about the program can be found at https://atoms.accel.com.