SkyDeck is industry-agnostic: we accept applications from companies in all industries.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
UC & GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Roughly 20 startups are selected every 6 months to receive a $200,000 investment from the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund. Startups from all over the world are eligible and encouraged to apply. Historically, about 2/3 of the startups were founded outside the US. UC-affiliated companies and international startups continue to be a priority for SkyDeck. Learn more about the Global Founders Program.
The SkyDeck Berkeley Acceleration Method is a 6-month acceleration process for promising startups in any vertical. Between 20 and 25 selected Cohort teams receive a $200K investment from Berkeley SkyDeck Fund. Cohort teams participate in mandatory sessions, are matched with a Lead Advisor, have designated work space at SkyDeck, and present at Demo Day.
Between 60 and 80 selected Pad-13 teams have access to some of the same resources as Cohort teams, excluding the guaranteed fund investment, aspects of the mentorship program, and ability to pitch to 800+ investors at Demo Day.
The Berkeley SkyDeck Fund has the option of investing in all Pad-13 teams who raise an institutional round up to 10% of that round at the same terms as the other investors.
SkyDeck Cohort and SkyDeck Pad-13 teams receive access to: 600+ SkyDeck Advisors, weekly roundtables, workshops, and events, space to work at SkyDeck (Pad-13 do not have designated space but may work in open areas), and $750K+ in-kind legal, financial, and tech resources from SkyDeck Resource Partners!
SkyDeck has a suite of dedicated business development resources connecting startups to customers in every industry, using our industry partner network and the Berkeley Alumni Network of 500,000 living alums.
Applications Open January 2025 – February 14, 2025
Interviews March 3, 2025 – March 28, 2025
Orientation Monday, May 5, 2025
Start & End Dates May 5, 2025 – October 17, 2025
Cohort Demo Day October, 2025
