Berkeley SkyDeck

What is Berkeley SkyDeck?

Berkeley SkyDeck is a premier startup accelerator program affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley, committed to driving innovation and entrepreneurship. With a guiding vision of helping visionary entrepreneurs 'take flight,' Berkeley SkyDeck offers a comprehensive ecosystem designed to bolster early-stage companies. Since its inception in 2012, the accelerator has been a catalyst for startup success, evidenced by over $2.0 billion raised by 'SkyTeams,' and a record of 60% of these teams receiving funding, including 25 Series A and B funding rounds and 17 exits through acquisitions.

The program emphasizes a robust mentorship scheme through an extensive network of over 750 advisors and mentors who provide guidance on various aspects of business development including customer acquisition and fundraising. It prides itself on facilitating introductions to a diverse and top-tier venture capital pool and on using Berkeley's vast alumni network to help startups succeed.

Their commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) is significant, with a dedicated DEI committee ensuring a reflective diversity among founders and extended support to underrepresented entrepreneurs. SkyDeck manages the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund, which invests $200,000 into startups selected for the accelerator program, and continues to engage in later-stage investment rounds with Berkeley founders. The fund, notable for its public-private partnership model, shares half of its profits with UC Berkeley.

With total assets under management amounting to $24 million, the fund's investment parameters include a minimum investment of $50,000, a maximum of $100,000, and a 'sweet spot' investment average of $75,000. Berkeley SkyDeck hosts a variety of specialized tracks and programs, offers access to talent through affiliation with UC Berkeley, and conducts the Berkeley Acceleration Method (BAM) workshops.

Other programs include Berkeley SkyDeck Europe, Milano, Innovation Partners Program, and the SkyDeck Incubator Pad-13, each tailored to different startup needs and stages.

What they say:

UC Berkeley's official startup accelerator. We help Cal entrepreneurs and transformational startups from outside of the US. Bring us your moonshot!

What we look for: We invest in and accelerate transformational startups from outside of the US. We love deeptech, biotech, quantum computing, spacetech, AI, battery technology and everything that involves heavy research and academic efforts. Startups must have raised less than $1M to apply.

How we help: Berkeley SkyDeck leverages our network of 500,000 Berkeley alumni to help startups succeed.Located on top of the tallest building in downtown Berkeley, we combine the consulting know-how of traditional accelerators with the vast resources of our research university. This robust partnership is coupled with SkyDeck’s unique mentorship program to create a powerful environment for your startup.Our mentors and our large network of investors connects you to the expertise and the capital you need to launch and grow your startup...to the moon.