About Us

Walt Disney had a dream and the entrepreneurial will to make that dream come true. Combining creativity and innovation, he built a company that is forever inventing new ways to tell great stories. From the Multiplane camera and the first feature-length animated film, to Audio-Animatronics® and computer-generated animation, Disney has always been at the forefront of technology.

Through the Disney Accelerator, select companies will gain access to the range of creative expertise and resources of The Walt Disney Company to help them develop new entertainment experiences and products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should apply to the Disney Accelerator?

The program is open to venture-backed, growth-stage startups with a vision for making an impact on the future of technology and entertainment. We are looking for companies with innovative technologies and business concepts that would complement the breadth of The Walt Disney Company’s portfolio of experiences.

How many companies are in the program?

Each Disney Accelerator cohort consists of approximately 6 to 10 companies.

When can I apply?

Applications open in the fall of each year, approximately September through November.

What are the dates of this program?

The 2024 program will begin in January, concluding with a Demo Day in late May.

Is the Disney Accelerator in person?

Disney Accelerator attendance is hybrid, requiring in-person attendance at our headquarters in Glendale, California for key milestone weeks of the program, including introductory meetings and Demo Day. Additionally, executive meetings for business development will take place in person in Glendale when appropriate.

What is the weekly time commitment to participate?

Time commitment varies depending on the phase of the program. Key milestones at the beginning of the program require full, in-person, availability for approximately two weeks. After that, cohort members will have ongoing, sometimes concentrated, meeting schedules regarding business development opportunities with Disney executives.

What resources and opportunities will be provided during the program?

The Disney Accelerator provides participating companies with investment capital, access to co-working space at Disney’s creative campus and mentor support and guidance from top Disney executives.

Does Disney invest in the companies?

We typically make an investment in the participating companies.

Will the information in my application be treated as confidential?

Your application must include only non-confidential information. Please do not submit any business plans, trade secrets, or “secret sauce.” All information disclosed to us in your application will be considered non-confidential public information. Disney will only treat information as confidential if the information is covered by a formal, written confidentiality agreement signed by Disney prior to disclosure.

Does Disney own the intellectual property (IP) developed by my company during the Disney Accelerator program?

IP developed by a participating company is retained by that company, unless otherwise agreed to in writing.

Anything else I need to know from a legal perspective?

Your application to the Disney Accelerator program doesn’t create relationship between us, other than your agreement to this site’s Terms of Use, and you won’t receive any compensation for your application.

I have more questions, who can I email to learn more?

You can reach out to info@disneyaccelerator.com to learn more about the Disney Accelerator.