Accelerator Profile

Berkeley SkyDeck

Berkeley SkyDeck is the official startup accelerator of the University of California, Berkeley. SkyDeck offers all the benefits of a traditional accelerator along with the vast resources of the world’s number one ranked public university. Formed as a partnership between UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, the College of Engineering, and the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research, SkyDeck offers a powerful environment for startups to grow and launch. The robust and vibrant ecosystem includes a deep network of advisors, industry partners, and accredited investors.

Location: Berkeley, California
Founded: 2012
Program format: 6-month cohort programs

Investment Thesis

We believe academic founders are brilliant, energetic, and a source of innovation that will fundamentally change our lives. We believe science has no territorial boundaries, and look forward to enabling change globally. With $85M under management, the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund supports entrepreneurial activity through Berkeley SkyDeck, the world’s premier academic accelerator. It also supports research and education at the world's premier academic institution, by donating 50% of carried interest to UC Berkeley. Berkeley SkyDeck is proud to support promising startups in the Bay Area and around world.