The SE Ventures Accelerator is a specialized 12-week program designed to propel pre-seed startups within the Climate Tech, Industrial Tech, and Enterprise AI sectors. Backed by SE Ventures—a global venture capital platform with over $1 billion in assets under management—and supported by Schneider Electric, the program focuses on helping founders achieve product-market fit and scale their innovations. By providing a combination of upfront capital, strategic mentorship, and unique access to a massive global customer base, the accelerator serves as a catalyst for early-stage companies aiming to transform the industrial and energy landscapes.
Core Investment and Financial Support
The program offers a standardized financial package to ensure all participating startups have the necessary runway to focus on growth:
- Upfront Funding: Each participating startup receives $100,000 via a SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) with an uncapped valuation.
- Follow-on Potential: Participants gain exposure to SE Ventures’ larger investment team for potential future funding rounds as the company scales.
- Operational Resources: Access to specialized tools and credits designed to reduce the overhead costs of early-stage development.
Target Technology Domains
The accelerator seeks bold founders working on high-impact solutions in the following categories:
- Climate and Energy Tech: Innovations in power electronics, thermal management, energy optimization, and sustainable infrastructure.
- Industrial Tech: Technologies focusing on software-defined automation, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain resilience.
- Enterprise AI: Applications of physical AI, agentic AI, and specialized software that enhance industrial operations or enterprise productivity.
Program Structure and Mentorship
The 12-week curriculum is designed to be intensive yet founder-friendly, focusing on tangible business outcomes:
- Product-Market Fit Focus: Dedicated modules aimed at refining the value proposition and validating the solution with real-world users.
- Expert 1:1 Mentorship: Direct access to seasoned entrepreneurs, domain experts, and the SE Ventures investment team for personalized strategic guidance.
- The Schneider Electric Connection: Unique opportunities to leverage Schneider Electric’s global ecosystem, including potential access to thousands of customers and deep technical expertise.
- Hybrid Format: A flexible structure that combines remote work with select in-person engagements, primarily focused on the North American market.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
SE Ventures looks for high-potential teams that meet specific organizational and technical benchmarks:
- Company Stage: The program is specifically designed for pre-seed startups that are post-incorporation but have not yet raised a significant Seed round.
- Team Composition: Preference is given to founding teams of two or more individuals with deep technical or domain expertise.
- Future Funding Goals: Ideal candidates are those planning to raise a Seed round within the 12 months following the program.
- Geographic Focus: While open to various regions, the program is primarily geared toward startups operating within or targeting the North American market.
Application and Key Dates
The selection process is highly competitive and follows a clear timeline for the upcoming cohort:
- Application Deadline: Interested founding teams must submit their applications by January 30, 2026.
- Application Requirements: Teams are expected to provide details on their technology, market opportunity, and founding history through the official application portal.
The SE Ventures Accelerator provides a rare opportunity for pre-seed founders to align themselves with one of the world’s most active industrial venture capital platforms. By bridging the gap between early-stage innovation and global corporate scale, the program empowers entrepreneurs to solve critical challenges in energy and automation with the backing of a $1B+ investment engine. Founders ready to accelerate their path to product-market fit can engage with the program during its current application cycle to secure the resources and network necessary for long-term success.