Plug and Play Tech Center

Plug and Play occupies a unique position in the accelerator landscape: it is primarily a corporate innovation platform that runs accelerators as a mechanism to connect startups with large enterprises. While YC and Techstars focus on helping startups raise venture capital, Plug and Play focuses on helping startups land enterprise customers and pilot programs. This makes it an ideal fit for B2B startups that need corporate validation more than investor introductions.

The scale of Plug and Play is staggering. It operates 60+ locations worldwide and runs over 80 vertical-specific programs annually, covering fintech, insurtech, health, supply chain, food and beverage, energy, mobility, real estate, and more. Each program is backed by corporate partners who actively engage with the startups, often leading to pilot projects, partnerships, and acquisition conversations.

The Plug and Play model is founder-friendly in that it does not always take equity. Many programs are non-dilutive, funded entirely by corporate partners who pay Plug and Play for access to curated deal flow. This makes Plug and Play attractive for startups that want the benefits of an accelerator, including mentorship, corporate access, and workspace, without giving up equity.

Plug and Play runs 12-week accelerator programs organized by industry vertical. Each program includes workshops, mentor sessions, corporate partner meetings, and a Demo Day. Startups are matched with relevant corporate partners based on their technology and target market.

The programs are structured around "selection days" where startups pitch to corporate partners, followed by the 12-week program, and culminating in an "Expo Day" where startups present their progress. Many programs are non-dilutive, though Plug and Play also operates a venture arm that invests in select companies.

Duration: 12 weeks per program Batch size: 15-25 companies per vertical program

Many programs are non-dilutive (no equity taken). When Plug and Play invests through its venture arm, typical terms are $25K-$500K for negotiable equity. Terms vary significantly by program and stage.

• PayPal (early tenant/graduate)
• Dropbox
• LendingClub
• SoundHound
• Honey (acquired by PayPal)
• N26
• Rappi
• Flutterwave

1. Target the right vertical. Plug and Play runs 80+ industry-specific programs. Apply to the one that matches your technology and target customer.
2. Emphasize enterprise readiness. Corporate partners want startups that can run pilots and integrate with existing systems.
3. Highlight any existing corporate relationships or enterprise traction, even small pilots or letters of intent.
4. Be clear about what you need from corporate partners: distribution, data, technical integration, or co-development.
5. Non-dilutive programs are competitive. Apply early and follow up with the program team.