Tech Startups Selected for 2025 Pre-Accelerator Program
The 10-week virtual program, starting October 13, 2025, offers mentorship, workshops, and resources to help early-stage founders develop their minimum viable products and scale their divers… Over a 10-week period, participants will develop their minimum viable products (MVPs) and prepare to enter the tech landscape with enhanced readiness.
Ten tech startups have been selected to participate in the 2025 cohort of a prestigious pre-accelerator program. These startups, hailing from various sectors such as media, SaaS, fintech, and entertainment, were chosen from a competitive pool of nearly 1,000 applicants across the United States. The program emphasizes culturally grounded innovation and aims to support early-stage founders in scaling their diverse ventures.
Program Structure and Objectives
The 2025 cohort will be guided by the Geekz Ventures Program, a non-profit virtual pre-accelerator that focuses on underestimated entrepreneurs. The program offers a comprehensive package of community, curriculum, coaching, and funding. Over a 10-week period, participants will develop their minimum viable products (MVPs) and prepare to enter the tech landscape with enhanced readiness.
Geekz Ventures is industry-agnostic with a particular focus on media and technology. The program is supported by notable partners, including Village Capital and the Black Innovation Alliance, providing participants with access to a broad ecosystem of resources and expertise. The collaboration is further strengthened by partnerships with AWS, CrowdStrike, and Nvidia, which help eliminate barriers for early-stage companies through cloud technology and cybersecurity innovation.
Mentorship and Workshops
Mentorship is a cornerstone of the program, offering early-stage founders guidance from industry experts. This includes specialized workshops designed to enhance key entrepreneurial skills. A notable session on storytelling in pitch decks will be led by Mike Lightman, who is recognized for his expertise in crafting compelling narratives that attract investors and stakeholders.
Additionally, Chantel Cohen will conduct sessions focused on achieving work-life integration, a critical aspect for maintaining balance and sustainability in the high-pressure startup environment. These sessions aim to equip founders with strategies to manage the demands of entrepreneurial life effectively.
Selection and Launch
The selection process for the program was rigorous, with only 35 applicants reaching the finalist stage. The final selection of ten startups was announced at the RSA 2025 Conference, underscoring the program's emphasis on excellence and innovation. The cohort will officially launch on October 13, 2025, and is set to conclude in December 2025.
The program's focus on AI-powered penetration testing and foundational AI models demonstrates a commitment to advancing technical capabilities within the cohort. This is complemented by the inclusion of ten startups from the Asia-Pacific and Japan regions, highlighting the program's global reach and diversity.
Global Initiatives and Future Prospects
In parallel, three Indian startups have been selected for the GenAI Accelerator, part of the AWS Generative AI Accelerator 2025. This initiative provides mentorship from AWS experts and industry leaders, further enhancing the global collaborative efforts in AI innovation.
Overall, the 2025 pre-accelerator program represents a significant opportunity for tech startups to leverage expert mentorship, develop critical skills, and access a supportive ecosystem. As the cohort progresses through the program, participants are expected to emerge better equipped to navigate the evolving tech landscape and contribute to the industry's future growth.