Atlas Accelerator

What they do

Founded in 1996 by Mike Crill, Atlas Accelerator pioneered a unique support model for cash-strapped startups on the West Coast. Recognizing that early-stage companies desperately needed high-level executive expertise but could not afford them full-time, Atlas provided fractional executives who integrated directly into the startup's leadership team. Rather than deploying traditional cash investments, Atlas worked primarily for stock, aligning its interests with the founders. At its peak, it was one of the largest accelerators on the West Coast with over 30 professionals, though it has since wound down operations.

What they look for

Atlas Accelerator believed there was a "proven methodology to starting and building great companies" and that the key to success was a highly "customer and market-centric approach." Their thesis was built on execution rather than passive capital deployment. They looked for early-stage technology entrepreneurs in the Pacific Northwest and West Coast who needed strategic and operational execution to get their products to market.

Stage

Pre-seed, Seed, Series A

Sectors

SaaS, Healthcare, Climate, Consumer, Deeptech, Media, Other

Based

Seattle, US