What it is
MACH37 Cyber Accelerator is an accelerator for cybersecurity startups. It was established in 2013 as a regional economic development effort by Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology (CIT, now VIPC) with funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia. In 2017 CIT asked VentureScope to lead and revamp operations; VentureScope took majority ownership in 2018 and full ownership in 2020. MACH37 describes itself as the first publicly funded accelerator out of Virginia to be commercialized into a self-sustaining, stand-alone business. Alongside the accelerator, its website sells market intelligence reports on cyber and other technology sectors.
Programs for founders
- MACH37 Cyber Accelerator: a 12-week virtual program for early-stage startups building cyber-related products or services, focused on networking, business strategy and fundraising. It runs as a U.S. track operated from Washington, DC, and a newer European track based in the Netherlands.
- Cyber Pre-Accelerator: business fundamentals for startups not yet ready for a fast-paced accelerator, covering vision, value proposition and product-market fit, company formation, team building and founder wellbeing.
- Growth Stage Accelerator: a pilot with customized support for cyber startups scaling to the next level, covering leadership, operations, customer expansion and raising the next round.
The program aims to help founders validate their business model with paying customers, connect with experts and prepare for investment. MACH37 reports a network of more than 400 mentors, including current and former government leaders, industry executives and founders, and lists startup perks from partners such as AWS, Google Cloud and Microsoft for Startups.
Who it is for
MACH37 targets early-stage companies building cyber technologies, including work in AI and machine learning, quantum computing, encryption, space communication, cyber-physical systems and industrial controls, cloud and edge computing, IoT, intrusion and vulnerability detection, and ransomware protection. Because the accelerator is virtual, it accepts startups globally; applicants pick the U.S. or European track based on which market they plan to enter first.
How to apply and terms
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through the apply page, which currently lists a U.S.-based Spring 2027 cohort. The programs page lists no participation fee and says participants may be able to explore funding through VentureScope, but investment is not guaranteed. The site does not publish equity terms or check sizes, so ask about them before committing. Experienced operators can apply to join the mentor network.
Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem
MACH37 grew out of Virginia's push to build a cybersecurity startup base near federal customers, and it has a long track record in the region. Since 2013 it reports launching more than 94 cyber companies, with 83 percent still in business and 64 percent raising follow-on investment. Alumni listed on its Hall of Fame include Huntress, ThreatLocker and RunSafe, and named exits include Steel Mountain (acquired by Avast) and Syncurity (acquired by Swimlane).
