Bronco Ventures Accelerator Prep School
Are you building a startup or know someone who is? Applications are now open for the 2026 Bronco Ventures Accelerator Prep School, and we encourage you to apply or help us spread the word to anyone who would benefit from this opportunity to grow their venture and prepare for top-tier accelerator programs. Since its inception five years ago, Bronco Ventures has played a pivotal role in supporting early-stage startups led by Santa Clara University (SCU) alumni. To date, BVA companies have raised over $100 million, and SCU has earned a place on CrunchBase’s list of top 25 universities in the U.S. for most funded startups. This is an exciting time for SCU entrepreneurs, and we would love for you to be a part of our rapidly growing program!
Bronco Ventures offers a free annual program - the Bronco Ventures Accelerator Prep School - designed to help startup founders learn about growth and funding options, as well gain admission to high-quality accelerator programs, including our very own Bronco Ventures Accelerator.
The Accelerator Prep School provides the opportunity to experience a supportive, dynamic, and hands-on environment that will spark innovation and prepare you to push your venture forward. Throughout the program, you will learn how to take your business idea and expand it through roadmapping, problem-solving, and pitch development. By the end of the cohort, you will be better prepared to apply to the full Bronco Ventures Accelerator or other prestigious Silicon Valley accelerators like Y Combinator, Alchemist, or 500 Startups.
As a participant in the Accelerator Prep School, your startup will benefit from:
- Expert-led Workshops: Learn from industry leaders and gain insights into the operational aspects of scaling a startup.
- World-Class Mentorship: Gain access to an exceptional network of mentors and seasoned entrepreneurs, who are dedicated to your success.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow Bronco entrepreneurs and build valuable relationships within the SCU startup community.
- Business Pitch Competition: Showcase your startup to a panel of investor judges to receive instant feedback and possibly cash prizes.
If you are ready to take the next step, please apply for our 2026 cohort, which runs from March through May. The Accelerator Prep School application is due on February 13 and can be found here.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Cristina Cismas Florea at ccismasflorea@scu.edu. We would be thrilled to discuss how the Bronco Ventures Accelerator Prep School can support you and your venture.