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AICPA and CPA.com Startup Accelerator

How your Startup could be accelerated

What types of solutions are we looking for?

We’re focused on three specific themes, both of which ultimately help the profession perform and add value at a higher level.

Broadly, this includes solutions that transform firm and finance team  operations — from tax, audit and client advisory services (CAS) to practice management and workflow orchestration — as well as technologies that automate and enhance regulatory compliance, reporting and risk management.

The common denominator: platforms that create measurable operational leverage and enable professionals to operate at a higher level.

ACCOUNTECH — Platforms that modernize firm operations and elevate how accounting and finance services are delivered. These solutions reduce friction across workflows, increase visibility into performance and create the capacity for higher-value advisory work.

Key areas of interest include:
  • Automation and optimization of core accounting, tax and audit workflows
  • Enablement of scalable CAS
  • Practice management, workflow orchestration and engagement visibility
  • Real-time financial insight, forecasting and performance analytics
  • Intelligent automation that enhances profession-wide expertise
  • Digital asset and emerging reporting capabilities

REGTECH — Technologies that strengthen compliance, oversight and risk management across the financial ecosystem. As regulatory complexity increases, these platforms bring intelligence, automation, and transparency to monitoring and reporting processes.

Key areas of interest include:
  • Automated compliance workflows and regulatory reporting
  • AI-driven monitoring and reporting accuracy
  • Real-time risk detection and mitigation
  • Strengthening of internal controls and audit readiness
  • Fraud detection and prevention technologies
Testimonial

“The Accelerator Program was instrumental in shaping our accounting channel partnership strategy. Exposure to industry veterans and thought leadership quickly helped us understand firm priorities and trends, which accelerated our positioning and go-to-market playbook within the industry. We're now partnered with hundreds of accounting firms and it's safe to say we got a significant head start due to the uniquely insightful conversations and feedback facilitated by the CPA.com. Furthermore, participation in the Accelerator elevated Tabs' profile within the industry and we continue to make new connections because of this increased brand awareness.”

Caitlin Lu

Head of Partnerships at Tabs

Eligibility

Seed or pre-Series A, with some exceptions

Must have a functioning product or service leveraging artificial intelligence

Must have a value proposition for the accounting profession

What we offer

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FUNDING

Selected startups will be offered a $25,000 grant. 

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ACCESS

Startups will be given access to the profession including to members, firms, press, and other customers that can help their businesses grow.

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KNOWLEDGE

We will provide unmatched subject-matter expertise, coaching, mentorship, and knowledge about the profession to help each selected startup refine its value proposition, scale and grow.

Timing for the 2026 cohort

August 2025

Applications open

November 30, 2025

Applications close

January 2026

Announcement of the new cohort. Upon selection, the full accelerator program is ~6 months.

March 2026
(NYC)

The cohort will convene in person for two days of learning and mentoring. The Advisory Panel and applicable Association executives will attend this session.

February - June 2026
(virtual and in person)

Ongoing coaching calls and meetings with each startup to provide guidance, expertise, access to applicable channels, learning, and feedback on growth plans and progress.

June 2026

The cohort will have an opportunity to present at ENGAGE 2026, North America’s premier accounting conference.

July 2026

Applications open for the 2026 cohort

September 2026

Webinar to present virtually to practitioners about their solutions.

November 30, 2026

Applications Close

December 2026

Showcase at Digital CPA, the leading conference for practitioners curious about technology and its impact on the accounting landscape.

Contact

For questions about the program or inquiries about submitting an application, please contact:

Vishal Thakkar, Senior Director, Alliance Management
vishal.thakkar@hq.cpa.com

Vendela Hale, Lead Manager, Corporate Alliances
vendela.hale@hq.cpa.com