Berkeley SkyDeck

Berkeley SkyDeck is a highly regarded startup accelerator and a vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurship, deeply embedded within the University of California, Berkeley. Founded in 2012, SkyDeck's mission is to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs by providing them with unparalleled access to UC Berkeley's intellectual capital, research, and a vast network of mentors and investors. Its investment thesis focuses on early-stage startups across a broad spectrum of industries, prioritizing ventures with strong technological innovation, scalable business models, and high-potential teams. SkyDeck operates a flagship accelerator program that runs twice a year, accepting cohorts of promising startups. This program offers extensive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and UC Berkeley faculty, along with access to a global network of advisors. Beyond the accelerator, SkyDeck also runs a unique 'SkyDeck Fund,' which invests in its cohort companies, further aligning its success with that of its startups. Geographically, while based in Berkeley, California, SkyDeck attracts and supports startups from around the world, fostering a truly global entrepreneurial community. Portfolio highlights include numerous companies that have gone on to raise significant follow-on funding and achieve successful exits, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in nurturing high-growth ventures. What makes SkyDeck stand out is its direct connection to a world-renowned research university, providing startups with access to cutting-edge technology, brilliant minds, and a culture of innovation that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. This deep integration with UC Berkeley's academic and research excellence, combined with its robust mentorship and funding model, positions SkyDeck as a unique and powerful launchpad for startups.