Cleveland offers a supportive setting for new businesses, with a clear focus on health and software startups. Local accelerators are a central part of this system, offering money and guidance to founders.

JumpStart Inc. is a major player, having funded over 160 companies. North Coast Ventures is another key contributor with nearly 100 investments of its own.

Below is our list of the best 5 accelerators and incubators in Cleveland.

Failory's Top 5 Picks

This non-profit provides development assistance and non-dilutive capital to entrepreneurs, aiming to invigorate the Northeast Ohio economy. They primarily support software and health tech startups, allowing founders to scale their businesses without giving up equity.

Year Founded2003
FoundersRay Leach
Investment AmountTrailblazer Software: up to $125K non-dilutive; Trailblazer HealthTech: $50K covered
Equity Taken0%
Nº of Investments165
Nº of Exits17
Duration (Weeks)12

North Coast Ventures brings together over 250 investors and entrepreneurs across six contributed capital funds to invest in early-stage companies. Beyond just capital, their portfolio companies gain direct access to this extensive network of seasoned operators for mentorship and strategic guidance.

Year Founded2006
FoundersTodd Federman, Claiborne Rankin
Nº of Investments92
Nº of Exits9
Bizdom Logo

3. Bizdom

Bizdom operated as a non-profit accelerator, offering seed funding and intensive mentorship to web and tech-based startups. Its core mission was to help launch and grow innovative businesses to fuel entrepreneurship in Detroit and Cleveland.

Year Founded1997
FoundersDan Gilbert
Nº of Investments29
Nº of Exits4

Flashstarts operates as a dual accelerator and venture fund, supporting early-stage software startups in sectors like healthcare IT and digital media. Their unique model, powered by a combination of experts and interns, provides founders with hands-on guidance and crucial seed capital.

Year Founded2013
FoundersJennifer Keiser Neundorfer, Charles Stack
Nº of Investments26
Nº of Exits2
BioMotiv Logo

BioMotiv functions as a therapeutic accelerator, advancing breakthrough discoveries from research institutions into novel medicines. They build a portfolio of companies in the life sciences and medicine sectors to bring new treatments to patients faster.

Year Founded2012
Founders
Nº of Investments6
Nº of Exits