IMPACT Accelerator
IMPACT Accelerator (ISDI Accelerator) is a Madrid-based, publicly funded startup accelerator that runs multiple vertical programs (Connected Car, Growth, RobotUnion, UNICEF Lab) offering equity-free grants of €60k–€250k, delocalized mentorship via its AcceleraTHOR platform, and corporate piloting with partners including Ferrovial, Danone, PSA, FIA, Toyota, and UNICEF.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersMadrid, Spain
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What IMPACT Accelerator does
IMPACT Accelerator (also marketed as ISDI Accelerator) is a publicly funded startup acceleration program founded in 2014 and headquartered in Madrid, Spain, operated by Internetsia S.L., a wholly-owned subsidiary of ISDI (Instituto Superior para el Desarrollo de Internet). The program runs multiple specialized verticals, including IMPACT Connected Car (connected vehicles, partnered with Groupe PSA and FIA), IMPACT Growth (smart content, smart cities, smart agrifood, smart manufacturing), IMPACT RobotUnion (robotics), IMPACT EOI AceleraStartups (regional Spanish programs), UNICEF Lab (social impact, co-run with UNICEF Comité Español), and Ignite-LDR. Since inception, IMPACT has accelerated 154 startups from 64 countries and distributed approximately €45 million in equity-free funding, with those startups subsequently raising €183 million in follow-on capital. The accelerator has been ranked World Top 5 Public Business Accelerator by UBI Global (2019-2020) and Top 10 Global Accelerator by Gust (2016).
The accelerator delivers its programs through an "Open Acceleration" model supported by its proprietary AcceleraTHOR platform, which enables delocalized, remote participation so that startups do not have to relocate to access mentorship and corporate piloting opportunities. Programs combine equity-free grants (€60,000 to €250,000 per startup depending on the track), curated mentoring from a network of 140+ international mentors drawn from companies such as Google, Airbnb, Booking.com, Tesla, and LinkedIn, training bootcamps in Madrid, Copenhagen, and Barcelona, and demo days at events including 4YFN and Mobile World Congress. Unlike traditional venture accelerators, IMPACT does not take equity in accelerated startups.
IMPACT's revenue model is grant-centric rather than equity-centric. Primary capital flows from the European Commission via Horizon 2020 / INNOSUP grant instruments, supplemented by program management fees from corporate partners such as Ferrovial, Danone, PSA Group, FIA, DOCOMO Digital, MADE, Toyota Motor Europe, and UNICEF, who co-design verticals and provide pilot opportunities. Secondary revenue comes from Corporate Innovation Labs engagements (intra-entrepreneurship workshops, internal innovation programs) and co-branded competitions such as the Toyota Startup Awards. With a stated headcount of 1-10 employees, the entity operates as a lean program-management and platform layer atop public funding and corporate sponsorship.
IMPACT Accelerator firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- IMPACT Accelerator
- Legal name
- Instituto Superior para el Desarrollo de Internet (ISDI)
- Website
- https://impact-accelerator.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- IMPACT Accelerator (ISDI Accelerator) is a Madrid-based, publicly funded startup accelerator that runs multiple vertical programs (Connected Car, Growth, RobotUnion, UNICEF Lab) offering equity-free grants of €60k–€250k, delocalized mentorship via its AcceleraTHOR platform, and corporate piloting with partners including Ferrovial, Danone, PSA, FIA, Toyota, and UNICEF.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
IMPACT Accelerator industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Startup Acceleration Services
- NAICS
- Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Grantmaking Foundations (813211)
- SIC
- Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Entrepreneurship, Startup Incubation & Pitch Programs (EDAMAKAK), Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD), Impact Investing & Social Finance (Funds, CDFIs, Microfinance) (BPAGALAA)
Keywords
Where IMPACT Accelerator is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Madrid
- HQ country
- Spain
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
IMPACT Accelerator business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Grant Distribution: IMPACT Accelerator operates as a publicly funded accelerator that distributes equity-free grants to startups. Funding comes from European Commission Horizon 2020 programs and other public sources. The accelerator does not take equity in exchange for funding, making it distinct from traditional venture capital models.
- Program Management Services: ISDI Accelerator provides acceleration program design and management services to corporate partners seeking innovation pipelines, including UNICEF for social impact projects and Toyota for mobility initiatives.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Equity-free grant funding for early-stage startups |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
IMPACT Accelerator product offering
Product offeringCore offering
IMPACT Accelerator is a publicly funded startup accelerator that runs multiple specialized, equity-free acceleration programs for early-stage and growth-stage startups across verticals including connected vehicles, robotics, smart cities, smart agrifood, smart content, and smart manufacturing. Selected startups receive equity-free grant funding (ranging from €60k to €250k depending on the program), intensive mentorship from a network of 100+ international executives, training bootcamps, corporate piloting opportunities with partner firms such as Ferrovial, Danone, Groupe PSA, and FIA, and Demo Day exposure at major international events. Programs are delivered through a delocalized remote model supported by the proprietary AcceleraTHOR platform, and the accelerator also designs and manages bespoke corporate innovation programs for partners including UNICEF and Toyota.
Product overview
IMPACT Accelerator (also known as ISDI Accelerator) is a startup acceleration platform that offers multiple specialized programs. The core portfolio includes: IMPACT EOI AceleraStartups (regional subsidized programs), IMPACT Connected Car (automotive/mobility), IMPACT Growth (growth-stage startups), IMPACT RobotUnion (robotics), UNICEF Lab (social impact), and Ignite-LDR. The platform also provides Corporate Innovation Labs services and uses its proprietary AcceleraTHOR software for delocalized program delivery. All programs offer equity-free funding ranging from €60k to €250k, mentoring from a network of 100+ international mentors, training bootcamps, and Demo Day investor access.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- IMPACT Connected Car: Mobility and connected vehicle startup acceleration program
- IMPACT Growth
- IMPACT RobotUnion
- IMPACT EOI AceleraStartups
- Ignite-LDR
- UNICEF Lab
- AcceleraThor
- Toyota Startup Awards
Products and services
- IMPACT EOI AceleraStartups 5-month, 100% subsidized regional acceleration program for startups in Spain across Madrid, Catalunya, mobility, and telco verticals, providing 40 hours of mentoring, networking, and access to funding.
- IMPACT Connected Car Acceleration program for startups in the connected vehicle space offering up to €60k equity-free funding across six verticals: safety and security, driver assistance, well-being, mobility management, vehicle management, and infotainment.
- IMPACT Growth Growth-stage startup acceleration program offering up to €250k equity-free funding across four verticals: Smart Content, Smart Cities, Smart Agrifood, and Smart Manufacturing, plus access to Kibo Ventures private investment up to €1.5M.
- IMPACT RobotUnion Robotics sector acceleration program offering up to €223k equity-free funding across five verticals within the robotics industry.
- UNICEF Lab Social impact accelerator for projects focused on children in Spanish-speaking countries, offering up to €50,000 in funding, 3-month acceleration, mentorship, and Demo Day. Joint initiative with UNICEF Comité Español and ISDI.
- Ignite-LDR Startup acceleration program offered by IMPACT Accelerator for startups in Spain.
- Softlanding in Spain Pre-acceleration program helping international startups expand into the Spanish and European market, covering business culture, regulation, fundraising, and ecosystem integration with mentor matching.
- Corporate Innovation Labs Open Acceleration services helping corporations develop internal innovation initiatives, plans, workshops, and intra-entrepreneurship programs.
- Toyota Startup Awards Pitching competition for inclusive mobility startups run with Toyota Motor Europe, offering exhibition at 4YFN Barcelona and a fast track to the Toyota Accelerator Program powered by ISDI Accelerator for winners.
Quantifiable outcome
- 154 startups accelerated from 64 countries
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use IMPACT Accelerator
Customer profileNamed customers12 records
Segments9 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
IMPACT Accelerator technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature2 records
IMPACT Accelerator partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
14 partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- FundingBoxcoreFundingBox serves as coordinator for multiple IMPACT programs including IMPACT Growth and IMPACT Connected Car. The platform connects startups with tech-related communities and public funding opportunities.
- ISDIcoreISDI (Instituto Superior para el Desarrollo de Internet) is the parent company and founding entity of ISDI Accelerator. ISDI is a digital business school providing entrepreneurial training and channeling the entrepreneurial interest of its students into the accelerator programs.
- AcceleracecoreAccelerace, one of the top investors and accelerators from Northern Europe, co-leads the IMPACT Growth acceleration program alongside ISDI, providing mentorship and investment expertise.
- FIWARE FoundationcoreProvides open-source Cloud-based FIWARE technology integration support for startups, enabling development of smart solutions. IMPACT programs include specialized FIWARE training with global experts.
- Mobile World Capital BarcelonacoreSupports IMPACT programs by featuring startups at world-class international events including 4YFN (Four Years From Now), the startup business platform of Mobile World Capital Barcelona.
- Ferrovial ServicioscoreLeading corporate partner for Smart Cities and Infrastructures vertical. Provides corporate coaching, pilot program opportunities, and industry expertise to accelerated startups.
- DanonecoreCorporate partner leading the Smart Agrifood vertical, providing domain expertise, mentorship, and potential pilot programs for agricultural technology startups.
- DOCOMO DigitalcoreCorporate partner leading the Smart Content vertical, offering expertise in digital content, telecommunications, and media for content-focused startups.
- MADEcoreDanish corporate partner leading the Smart Manufacturing vertical, providing industry expertise and manufacturing innovation pathways for startups.
- Groupe PSAcoreMajor automotive corporation providing corporate coaching and technical validation for IMPACT Connected Car startups in the connected vehicle space.
- FIA (Federation Internationale de l'Automobile)coreGlobal automobile federation providing consumer perspective expertise, mobility policy insights, and industry connections for connected car and mobility startups.
- CTAGcoreAutomotive Technology Center of Galicia providing technical coaching and validation for IMPACT Connected Car startups, specializing in connected vehicle technologies.
- UNICEFcoreUNICEF Lab is a social impact accelerator created with UNICEF Comité Español and ISDI Accelerator, focused on finding innovative solutions for childhood challenges in Spain and Latin America, offering up to €50,000 in direct funding.
- Toyota Motor EuropecoreToyota Motor Europe partnered with ISDI Accelerator to launch the Toyota Startup Awards, seeking innovative mobility solutions for inclusive mobility, accessibility, and disruptive mobility at 4YFN Barcelona.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights6 records
IMPACT Accelerator competitors and assessment
Company assessmentMarket position
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
IMPACT Accelerator social profiles
Digital presenceIMPACT Accelerator financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
IMPACT Accelerator leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
IMPACT Accelerator subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries6 records
IMPACT Accelerator funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
IMPACT Accelerator M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments116 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about IMPACT Accelerator
What does IMPACT Accelerator do?
IMPACT Accelerator is a publicly funded startup accelerator that runs multiple specialized, equity-free acceleration programs for early-stage and growth-stage startups across verticals including connected vehicles, robotics, smart cities, smart agrifood, smart content, and smart manufacturing. Selected startups receive equity-free grant funding (ranging from €60k to €250k depending on the program), intensive mentorship from a network of 100+ international executives, training bootcamps, corporate piloting opportunities with partner firms such as Ferrovial, Danone, Groupe PSA, and FIA, and Demo Day exposure at major international events. Programs are delivered through a delocalized remote model supported by the proprietary AcceleraTHOR platform, and the accelerator also designs and manages bespoke corporate innovation programs for partners including UNICEF and Toyota.
Is IMPACT Accelerator a public or private company?
IMPACT Accelerator is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was IMPACT Accelerator founded?
IMPACT Accelerator was founded in 2014. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is IMPACT Accelerator based?
IMPACT Accelerator is headquartered in Madrid, Spain, in the Europe region.
How does IMPACT Accelerator make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Grant Distribution is the primary driver. The others are program Management Services.
Does IMPACT Accelerator have an API?
No public API is recorded for IMPACT Accelerator.
What industry is IMPACT Accelerator in?
IMPACT Accelerator's product category is Startup Acceleration Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSANAAAM, Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated), with a secondary code of EDAMAKAK, Entrepreneurship, Startup Incubation & Pitch Programs. Its NAICS code is 81321 and its SIC code is 8742.