Submit Applications for AICPA and CPA.com Startup Accelerator

The aim is to strengthen the ability of individual accountants and finance teams to be the go-to analysts, strategists and consultants that are indispensable to organizations across the globe.

What types of companies are they looking for?

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

• ACCOUNTECH — Tools and platforms that improve efficiencies for accounting and finance professionals as well as advanced technologies that enable firms to shift their focus to value-added advisory services.
  • Examples may include but are not limited to:
    • Automation of routine accounting tasks
    • Automating collection and analysis of data that accountants can use to inform strategy
    • Artificial intelligence to augment human decision-making
    • Blockchain platforms and/or cryptoasset reporting
    • Business Intelligence and Predictive Analytics
    • Financial and Tax Planning Solutions
    • Cybersecurity tools & platforms
• REGTECH — Technologies that facilitate the delivery of regulatory requirements and help businesses meet the challenges of regulatory monitoring, reporting, compliance, risk management and fraud detection.
  • Examples may include but are not limited to:
    • Machine learning and artificial intelligence that help financial institutions manage, analyze and report accurate information
    • Technology to detect real-time market or operational risks
    • Compliance & Risk controls
• ESG — Solutions that enable the accounting & finance professional to support, audit and advise on Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives. A growing category that provides an evaluation of a firm’s collective conscientiousness as it relates to environmental and social factors.
  • Examples may include but are not limited to:
    • Data collection or repository
    • Dashboards that track ESG initiatives performance
    • Audit tools
    • Reporting solutions

What they offer

• Funding
  • Selected startups will be offered a $25,000 grant.
• Access
  • Startups will be given access to the profession including to members, firms, press, and other customers that can help their businesses grow.
• Knowledge
  • They 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.

Eligibility Criteria

• Seed or pre-Series A, with some exceptions
• Must have a functioning product or service
• Must have a value proposition for the accounting profession

For more information, visit CPA.com.