500 Global

500 Global (formerly 500 Startups) is a global venture capital firm and seed accelerator headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 2010 by Dave McClure and Christine Tsai, the firm has grown into one of the most prolific early-stage investors in the world, with portfolio companies in over 80 countries. 500 Global manages multiple funds and runs accelerator programs across several geographies.

Role

500 Global plays a dual role as both a venture capital investor and an accelerator operator. The firm invests at the pre-seed and seed stages while also running structured accelerator programs that provide founders with mentorship, operational training, and connections to follow-on investors. This combination of capital and programmatic support makes it accessible to first-time founders across emerging markets.

Programs

500 Global runs accelerator batches in multiple locations, including programs focused on specific regions and sectors. Each batch provides selected startups with seed funding, a multi-week curriculum covering growth marketing, fundraising, product development, and customer acquisition. The firm also runs thematic programs in areas like fintech, edtech, and government technology. In addition to its accelerator, 500 Global invests through its venture funds in startups at various stages.

Notable Alumni

500 Global's portfolio includes globally recognized companies such as Canva, Twilio, Udemy, Credit Karma, and Grab. In India, the firm backed redBus, which was later acquired by MakeMyTrip. The breadth of its portfolio reflects the firm's global reach and sector-agnostic approach.

Who Benefits

Early-stage founders anywhere in the world who are building scalable technology businesses. The accelerator programs are particularly suited for founders in emerging markets who need structured support, global investor access, and operational training. Indian founders benefit from 500 Global's network across Southeast Asia and the United States.

Strategic Impact

With over 2,600 portfolio companies across 80+ countries, 500 Global is one of the most geographically diverse venture firms in existence. Its early bets on companies like Canva and Credit Karma delivered outsized returns, while its emerging market programs have helped build startup ecosystems in regions that traditionally lacked access to venture capital. The firm's global network provides Indian founders with cross-border market access and fundraising opportunities.