In a significant move to foster innovation in cybersecurity, CrowdStrike, in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and NVIDIA, has announced the selection of 36 startups for the 2025 Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator. This initiative aims to empower the next generation of cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) security companies by providing them with mentorship, technical expertise, and potential funding opportunities.
Program Overview
The Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator is a free, eight-week program meticulously designed to support early-stage startups specializing in various cybersecurity domains. These domains include cloud security, application security, identity management, generative AI in cybersecurity, data security, and security operations (SecOps). The program is open to startups across the United States and the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) regions.
Participants will benefit from personalized mentorship sessions with industry experts and executives from CrowdStrike, AWS, and NVIDIA. Additionally, they will have access to top-tier global cybersecurity investors, specialized enablement sessions, and up to $25,000 in AWS Activate credits to utilize AWS services. The program also offers a free one-year AWS Business Support subscription valued at up to $5,000.
Key Dates and Events
- Program Kick-off: February 24-25, 2025
- Program Conclusion: April 17, 2025
- Demo Day: May 1, 2025
The program will culminate in an in-person Demo Day at the AWS Startup Loft in San Francisco, coinciding with the RSA Conference in April 2025. During this event, startups will have the opportunity to present their innovations to a panel of experts, investors, and industry stakeholders. Notably, the winning presentation may qualify for funding from the CrowdStrike Falcon Fund, a strategic investment vehicle dedicated to nurturing next-generation security leaders.
Expansion and Collaboration
This marks the second annual installment of the Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator. The inaugural program, launched in 2024, focused exclusively on EMEA-based startups and saw the participation of 23 companies. Building on its success, the 2025 program has expanded its reach to include startups from the United States, reflecting a commitment to fostering global cybersecurity innovation.
The inclusion of NVIDIA as a collaborator in this year’s program underscores the growing importance of AI in cybersecurity. NVIDIA, renowned for its advancements in AI technologies and accelerated computing, will provide participants with access to cutting-edge AI tools and resources. Bartley Richardson, Director of Cybersecurity Engineering at NVIDIA, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, “For startups seeking to tackle the most pressing security challenges, the Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator provides the AI technologies, accelerated computing resources, and technical expertise they need.”
Success of the Inaugural Cohort
The first cohort of the Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator achieved remarkable success. Collectively, the participating startups raised over $150 million from leading global venture capitalists, despite a challenging fundraising environment. This accomplishment highlights the program’s effectiveness in equipping startups with the necessary tools, knowledge, and networks to thrive in the competitive cybersecurity landscape.
Application Process
Applications for the 2025 Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator opened on September 16, 2024, and closed on January 10, 2025. The selection process was rigorous, with hundreds of applicants vying for a spot in the program. Startups were evaluated based on factors such as the experience of the founding team, target market, product maturity, evidence of traction, and team composition. Eligible startups were required to have a full-time technical lead, a developed Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and demonstrable early traction, such as pilot customers, user growth, or initial revenue.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator commences, the selected startups are poised to embark on a transformative journey. With the combined support of CrowdStrike, AWS, and NVIDIA, these innovators are well-positioned to develop groundbreaking solutions that address the evolving challenges in the cybersecurity domain. The program not only aims to accelerate the growth of these startups but also to contribute significantly to the global cybersecurity ecosystem by introducing advanced technologies and approaches to safeguard digital assets.
For more information about the Cybersecurity Startup Accelerator and future application opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official program page on the AWS Startups website.
