Top 18 Accelerators and Incubators in North Carolina (2026)
North Carolina's startup scene is supported by a diverse group of accelerators and incubators. These programs cover many fields, from financial technology to energy and biotechnology.
For example, Queen City Fintech has made over 50 investments in financial and insurance technology startups. Similarly, the Truist Foundation has backed more than 50 companies to help build better communities.
Below is our list of the best 18 accelerators and incubators in North Carolina.
Failory's Top 10 Picks
Focusing exclusively on fintech and insurtech, Queen City Fintech runs an accelerator program for early-stage startups. The program provides founders with deep access to a network of mentors and partners within the financial services industry.
| Year Founded | 2011 |
| Founders | Daniel Roselli |
| Nº of Investments | 55 |
| Nº of Exits | 5 |
| Program Type | On-Site |
| Duration (Weeks) | 12 |
Operating as a seed-stage investment fund, The Startup Factory provided crucial mentorship and capital to B2B and enterprise software startups. During its run, the accelerator helped its portfolio of 35 companies secure over $30 million in follow-on funding.
| Year Founded | — |
| Founders | Dave Neal |
| Nº of Investments | 34 |
| Nº of Exits | 5 |
Joules Accelerator forges connections between promising energy startups and major US energy corporations to accelerate business development. This model provides entrepreneurs with direct access to industry leaders, helping them scale their innovations within the complex energy sector.
| Year Founded | 2012 |
| Founders | Curtis Watkins |
| Nº of Investments | 28 |
| Nº of Exits | 4 |
Collaborative Ventures champions business diversity by providing entrepreneurs with crucial education, technical assistance, and networking support. They foster a more inclusive business ecosystem, with a focus on supporting companies in fields like EdTech and medical devices.
| Year Founded | 1997 |
| Founders | Jeffrey L. Green, Mark Williams, Luther Carter |
| Nº of Investments | 7 |
| Nº of Exits | 2 |
5. RevTech Labs
With a specialized focus on FinTech and InsurTech, RevTech Labs helps early-stage startups launch through its 12-week accelerator program. Founders gain access to critical resources and a community of mentors to build and grow their technology businesses.
| Year Founded | 2012 |
| Founders | Adam Hill, Daniel Roselli |
| Nº of Investments | 10 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
| Duration (Weeks) | 12 |
The Association and CPA.com Startup Accelerator champions innovation in the accounting industry by providing $25,000 in funding to promising early-stage startups. Backed by the global expertise of AICPA & CIMA, they offer founders the resources and connections needed to modernize the profession.
| Year Founded | 2017 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 4 |
| Nº of Exits | 1 |
| Program Type | Online |
| Duration (Weeks) | 24 |
First Flight Venture Center propels high-science, high-impact startups by helping them move discoveries from the lab to the marketplace. They provide early-stage technology and biotech companies with tailored resources, mentorship, and critical connections to commercialize their innovations.
| Year Founded | 1991 |
| Founders | Julie Cai |
| Nº of Investments | 9 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
Truist Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations to strengthen small businesses and create pathways to economic mobility. Through grants and national pitch competitions, it provides critical funding and support with a strong focus on Black, Latine, and women-owned businesses.
| Year Founded | 2020 |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | 52 |
| Nº of Exits | — |
Telford Ventures invests in exceptional founders building the future of B2B software. Comprised of former operators, the firm provides hands-on expertise and a valuable network to help early-stage companies scale.
| Year Founded | — |
| Founders | — |
| Nº of Investments | — |
| Nº of Exits | — |
City Startup Labs provides intensive training and coaching to prepare African American millennials for entrepreneurship and technology-focused careers. The accelerator aims to build a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem by equipping its participants with critical business skills and connections.
| Year Founded | 2012 |
| Founders | Henry Rock |
| Nº of Investments | — |
| Nº of Exits | — |
8 Additional North Carolina Accelerators and Incubators Worth Applying To
Our top picks are just a starting point for founders in the Tar Heel State. The additional programs here have collectively backed over 65 companies, adding to the state's growing startup community.
The right fit often comes down to your specific industry and stage. Here’s a look at the other accelerators and incubators helping founders across North Carolina.
| Accelerator/Incubator | Year Founded | Nº Investments | Nº Exits |
|---|---|---|---|
 Southeast TechInventures | 2003 | — | — |
 The Pink Ceiling | 2016 | 2 | — |
 101 Weston Labs | — | 3 | — |
 Clarkston Consulting | 1991 | 2 | — |
 Ferment.Co | 2021 | 2 | — |
 Winston Starts | 2017 | 1 | — |
 Bank of America Breakthrough Lab | 1986 | 18 | — |
 GRO Incubator | 2020 | 39 | — |
