The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants and its technology arm, CPA.com, are seeking new applicants for its jointly created global startup accelerator program.
The program focuses on innovation in accounting, finance and regulatory technology.
According to the Association, the accelerator has attracted interest from early-stage companies in 14 countries since it launched in 2017. Successful applicants for the program’s third class can tap the expertise of senior leadership of both the Association and CPA.com, as well as an advisory group with diverse backgrounds in entrepreneurship, accounting and finance. They also gain access to CPA firm leaders, Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMAs) in major corporations, and other influencers within the profession. In addition, they can qualify for up to $25,000 in funding.
Applications for the latest accelerator class are due Nov. 30, 2019. Selections will be made by early 2020. Companies that are chosen will be featured next June at AICPA Engage, the annual conference held by the American Institute of CPAs, and in December 2020 at the AICPA/CPA.com Digital CPA Conference, which specializes in accounting technology and practice development topics.
“We offer deep insight into the rapidly changing dynamics of the accounting profession for participants in the accelerator,” said Lawson Carmichael, chief operating officer of the Association, in a statement. “In turn, we understand that innovation in the profession can come from all sources, and we want to embrace and support change and better quality.”
The startup accelerator program is open to entrepreneurial companies worldwide. To be eligible, companies should:
- Be at seed or pre-Series A stage (some exceptions will be made);
- Have a working product or service; and
- Be focused on accounting technology or regulatory technology solutions.
For questions about the program, contact Mark Brooks, the Association’s associate director of innovation and strategic partnerships, mark.brooks@aicpa-cima.com, or Kacee Johnson, strategic advisor for CPA.com, kacee.johnson@hq.cpa.com.
To apply, visit the startup accelerator program page at
