MACH37 Cyber Accelerator ® is the premier accelerator for information security entrepreneurs and cyber startups. It goes beyond the traditional model of typical startup accelerators by providing focused mentorship and support to cyber and cybersecurity innovators. Its extensive network of visionaries, practitioners, and successful entrepreneurs come from all sectors of the security industry, and its curriculum is designed to propel cyber startups into the marketplace. MACH37® ensures that these startups are equipped with the skills to connect with customers, grow and compete for funding, and generate traction.

MACH37® refers to “escape velocity,” the minimum velocity needed to escape earth’s gravitational field.  We felt that this was an apt name for our accelerator, because newly launched technology companies must push past forces that inherently prevent their growth.

Our unique 90-day program design places heavy emphasis on the validation of product ideas and the development of relationships that produce an initial customer base and investment capital - accelerating a founder’s path to a sustainable business model. Since 2013, MACH37® has launched over 70 cyber companies - 83% of our graduates are still in business and 64% have raised follow-on investment.

History:

VentureScope® owns and operates MACH37 Cyber Accelerator®. MACH37® was originally established in 2013 as a regional economic development effort by the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) (nowVIPC) with funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Due to their experience in accelerator operations, entrepreneurship, investment and cyber, CIT asked VentureScope to lead and revamp their operations in 2017. VentureScope® acquired majority ownership in 2018 and full ownership in 2020. MACH37® is the first publicly funded accelerator out of Virginia to be successfully commercialized into a stand-alone self-sustaining business and now serves startups, investors, and technical ecosystems across the globe. The accelerator program is expanding operations in Europe.