If you’ve ever wished you had a community-oriented resource to help launch, grow, or scale your startup, you’re in luck — startup incubators are exactly that! Incubators of all kinds are located across the globe and offer a litany of resources to help your startup reach important milestones. We’ve rounded up some of the best startup incubators from around the world and for all types of startups and entrepreneurs.
Top Startup Incubators
Startup incubators are an excellent resource for companies at all stages and within all industries. However, finding the right incubator for your startup’s needs is the first step to taking advantage of all of the things incubators have to offer.
1. Idealab
About
Idealab, the longest running startup technology incubator was founded in 1996 and is located in Pasadena, California. This incubator boasts over 150 formed companies with 45 IPOs and acquisitions under its belt. Idealab’s founder, Bill Gross, has been a speaker at several impressive organizations such as TED and World Economic Forum in addition to his extensive experience as an entrepreneur. Idealab has also expanded to include Idealab Studios, an extension of the successful incubator that focuses on AI/robotics, commerce, enterprise, and clean energy.
Best For:
- Tech startups
- Eco-tech startups
- Artificial intelligence startups
Pros
- Idealab has a history of building successful companies
- Tech startups and inventors can find the tools they need for business and product development
- Introductions to an extensive network of entrepreneurs, founders, and more
Cons
- Reportedly high turnaround of employees can result in negative company culture
2. CodeBase
About
CodeBase, the Edinburgh-based startup incubator, started with a simple goal: to offer a large city-central space to startup entrepreneurs that was affordable and complete with super-fast wifi. Since its inception in 2014, this entrepreneurial support system has grown immensely. Offering resources in over 20 different cities across the UK and online, CodeBase’s reach is vast.
Best For:
- Tech startups
- UK-based startups
- Tech designers and developers
Pros
- Mentorship services provide entrepreneurs with a network of supportive, educational resources.
- Workspaces available across the UK in several locations.
- Potential introductions to impactful investors and funding opportunities.
Cons
- UK-based incubator and therefore not attainable for all startups outside the region.
3. LE CAMP
About
An entity of the International Quebec International Economic Development Organization, LE CAMP is a Quebec-based startup incubator geared towards tech startups both in Canada and abroad. LE CAMP is both an accelerator and incubator, offering a myriad of services tailored to each startup’s unique needs to aid it in growing through the early stages of launch.
Best For:
- Tech startups
- Canadian companies
- Early-stage startups
Pros
- While LE CAMP is based in Quebec, they offer international communities and resources
- You can find impactful mentorship programs through the incubator
- This is a growth-oriented incubator that can help scale your company
Cons
- This incubator and accelerator is only for early-stage startups
4. DMZ
About
DMZ is an incubator that works with high-growth startups to validate, launch, and scale their company from the ground up. Recently, DMZ has altered their business model to be able to provide a highly customized experience for each startup’s individual needs. From accessing capital to strategies for sourcing talent — DMZ has a litany of resources for high-growth startups to scale and flourish.
Best For:
- Tech startups
- Early-stage startups
- High-growth startups
Pros
- DMZ is well versed in helping startups quickly scale up
- Startups in this community can take advantage of resources for assistance in early stages, such as startup idea validation, and in later stages, like launching and scaling the company
- Each startup’s experience is tailored to their needs
Cons
- Limited to high-growth startups
5. Launch Academy
About
Based in Western Canada, Launch Academy boasts an impressive track record, with 6,000 entrepreneurs having participated in their incubator program. The main goal of Launch Academy is to help startups expand on a global scale using their Startup Visa program as well as help entrepreneurs learn how to launch, grow, and scale their startup by learning from experienced founders.
Best For:
- Tech startups
- Startups looking to expand globally
- High-growth startups
Pros
- While this is a Canada-based startup incubator, they have supported entrepreneurs from over 100 countries
- Entrepreneurs gain the tools to expand globally
- Experienced entrepreneurs and founders guide members providing invaluable insights
Cons
- This incubator is exclusively for tech startups
6. Tech Ranch®
About
Tech Ranch is an Austin, Texas-based startup incubator that prioritizes helping startups with their market readiness, providing them with tools to meet the demands and challenges of their unique startup ecosystem. Startups looking to expand their reach and develop a strong network to support their entrepreneurial goals will likely benefit from this community.
Best For:
- Early-stage startups
- Research-based startups
- Innovative startups
Pros
- Startups looking to expand their reach to a global market can gain the tools they need here
- Members gain an introduction to impactful funding opportunities
- Tech Ranch supports startups at all stages — from launch to scale
Cons
- May not be ideal for smaller startups
7. Plug and Play
About
Plug and Play offers a variety of services to startups. Technically one of the top startup accelerators, Plug and Play differs from a traditional accelerator program by offering non-dilutive funding while also providing founders with mentorship and networking opportunities. Plus, Plug and Play offers startup challenges, business development services, and additional investment opportunities for companies looking for funding alone.
Best For:
- Startups that have seen some initial traction
- Startups with a minimum viable product (MVP)
- Tech startups
Pros
- Plug and Play is experienced in helping to build successful startups
- It offers many opportunities for mentorship and networking as well as a wealth of resources
- It has funding opportunities that don’t require startups to sacrifice company equity
Cons
- It’s more of an accelerator program than an incubator
8. WorcLab
About
The WorcLab is a startup incubator and coworking space located in Worcester, Massachusetts. Startups at WorcLab have access to a prototyping lab, electronics lab, and Technocopia makerspace, as well as private offices to meet and collaborate with your team.
Best For:
- Startups developing products or prototypes
- Early-stage startups
- Small teams
Pros
- Members have access to a myriad of software and business resources
- Entrepreneurs can develop their prototypes to bring to market
- Potential access to venture capital to support and fund their startup
Cons
- Not ideal for established, growth-stage startups
9. ACE Incubator
About
Based in Amsterdam, ACE Incubator is a community-oriented space for entrepreneurs, students, tech professionals, and academics to obtain the necessary support and resources needed to launch a startup. This incubator is poised to help startups build for optimal scalability.
Best For:
- Europe-based startups
- Growth-stage startups
- Tech startups
Pros
- Members gain access to programs, mentors, and networking opportunities
- Potential access to venture capital to fund and support startups
- ACE Incubator offers an AI (artificial intelligence) lab
Cons
- Competitive application process
10. Venture Catalysts
About
Venture Catalysts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is geared towards developing strong, inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, which they call ecosystem-as-a-service (EaaS). Members can expect to gain growth and investment opportunities as well as acceleration and a strong support network.
Best For:
- Growth-stage startups
- Large-scale startups
- Diverse startups
Pros
- Venture Catalysts is dedicated to developing an inclusive and diverse startup ecosystem
- Startups that are looking for investment opportunities to propel their company forward can find impactful resources here
- Growth and scalability are prioritized
Cons
- Not ideal for seed or early-stage startups
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a startup incubator?
A startup incubator is a program that helps early stage startup founders refine their startup idea, build products, and create the foundation for their new business venture.
What is the difference between incubators and startup accelerators?
Startup accelerators focus on scale for early stage companies that have exhibited some initial traction. Accelerator programs typically run for a fixed term and offer participating startups funding, mentorship, office space, and support needed to scale their businesses quickly. Startups will often participate in multiple accelerator programs throughout the lifecycle of their business.
In contrast, incubators are most often geared toward idea stage and pre-seed startups. Rather than focusing solely on growth as startup accelerators do, incubators are built to help founders refine their concept, build minimum viable products (MVPs), and create a strong foundation for their venture.
What is a startup accelerator?
A startup accelerator program is built to help founders scale startups that typically already have traction. Accelerator programs usually invest in these startups and help their portfolio companies find a product-market fit, acquire new customers, and build their network to achieve rapid growth. For more on these types of programs, read our guide to the best startup accelerators.