Elpis Labs joined AcceleratorCon to share firsthand insights on how accelerator reviewers think. The discussion revealed what truly drives application decisions — from credible traction to clear market logic — and why clarity matters more than polish when founders apply to global programs.

Amazon’s $2B Climate Pledge Fund supports technologies that turn CO2 into materials, electrify freight, reinvent recycling, and scale low-carbon solutions. Amazon acts as both investor and customer, accelerating climate tech that can drive measurable decarbonization globally.

Salesforce Ventures has deployed over $6B into 630+ enterprise software startups, using strategic investing to build a global ecosystem — not just a portfolio. Their model blends venture-level returns with deep product integration, AI innovation, and values-driven impact.

Quantum startup funding surged 138% in 2024, hitting $1.9B across 62 rounds — and corporate venture capital is leading the charge. IBM Ventures, Intel Capital, and NVIDIA NVentures are redefining how quantum innovation moves from lab to market.

Tyson Ventures and ADM Ventures are reshaping the future of food by investing in alternative proteins and FoodTech startups. These CVCs combine capital, manufacturing expertise, and distribution networks to accelerate innovation and address global protein demand sustainably.

Corporate venture capital arms like Qualcomm Ventures, JLL Spark, and bp Ventures are redefining how cities evolve. Their investments in IoT, AI, and smart infrastructure shape the connected, sustainable urban environments of tomorrow.

M12, Cisco Investments, and S Ventures aren't just writing checks — they're building strategic ecosystems that transform promising startups into enterprise-ready security solutions.

Global VC funding in defense startups hit $31 billion in 2024, with aerospace giants like Lockheed Martin, RTX, and Northrop Grumman leading the charge through their corporate venture arms. These CVCs offer more than capital—they provide startups with industry expertise, government contract pathways, and access to world-class engineering talent that traditional VCs can't match.

Silicon Valley's most influential corporate venture arms — Intel Capital, GV, and Samsung Next — are driving the next wave of AI and DeepTech innovation. These tech giants bring unprecedented resources to startups: from Intel's semiconductor expertise to Google's AI infrastructure and Samsung's global hardware reach, creating a powerful ecosystem where breakthrough technologies can rapidly scale.

Media giants are rewriting the investment playbook! Comcast Ventures, Bertelsmann, and FT Ventures are actively funding startups across media tech, creator tools, and immersive storytelling. With 120+ investments hitting multi-year peaks and media-backed startups showing superior exit rates.

Big Pharma just placed a $4B bet on biotech startups! Pfizer, Novartis, and Roche are rewriting drug discovery through strategic CVC investments. With corporate investors backing 41% of all biopharma deals and startups showing 30% higher FDA approval rates, the future of medicine is being funded today.

Supply chain startups are attracting unprecedented attention. With $15.4B invested in 2024 and corporate giants like Amazon, Maersk, and Flexport actively backing AI and automation solutions, logistics startups now have access to both capital and strategic partnerships that can transform their growth.

NVIDIA and AMD are redefining the AI chip race — not just through performance, but by how they engage with startups. While NVIDIA builds a closed ecosystem powered by strategic investments and developer programs, AMD is betting on openness and acquisitions to drive innovation.

Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour are racing to innovate beyond performance wear by investing in tech-driven startups. From connected fitness platforms to sustainable materials and Web3 experiences, these sportswear giants are using venture capital to shape the future of athletic and lifestyle brands.