Selected participants receive grant funding, coaching and access to accounting channel support
NEW YORK (August 4, 2026) — CPA.com, the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) today announced the opening of applications for the 2027 Startup Accelerator cohort. The program helps early-stage technology companies accelerate growth while advancing innovation across the accounting and finance profession.
Early-stage technology companies developing AI-powered solutions across accounting, audit, tax and advisory are encouraged to apply for the 2027 Startup Accelerator. Selected participants receive a $25,000 grant, coaching and mentorship and accounting channel specific guidance from profession leaders, technology experts and experienced advisors. The cohort also gains opportunities to showcase their solutions at premier professional events, including AICPA ENGAGE and CPA.com's DCPA conference.
"Being part of the CPA.com Startup Accelerator has been one of the most valuable experiences in Kintsugi's growth,” said Pujun Bhatnagar, founder and CEO, Kintsugi AI. “The program gave us direct access to the CPA community's real pain points, sharpened how we think about product and go-to-market, and connected us with mentors and peers who genuinely wanted to see us succeed. It's rare to find a cohort this generous with its time and this sharp with its feedback."
The Startup Accelerator helps participants refine their products through direct engagement with accounting professionals while building relationships across the profession's innovation ecosystem. Now in its ninth year, the program continues to spotlight cutting-edge innovation reshaping the accounting profession. Learn more about past participants.
"The Startup Accelerator is a key part of CPA.com’s and AICPA's commitment to advancing innovation across the accounting profession," said Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com. "By connecting emerging technology companies with accounting leaders, we're helping founders better understand the evolving needs of firms and refine solutions that deliver meaningful value to practitioners. At the same time, it’s highly effective at helping us stay current with the latest technologies and how they benefit and support accounting and finance professionals."
To be eligible for consideration, companies should have:
- An innovative solution focused on accounting, audit, tax or advisory services
- A working product with active users
- Seed or pre-Series A funding (with some exceptions)
Applications for the 2027 cohort are open through Nov. 30, 2026. After the application process closes, a short list of applicants will be invited to pitch their solutions to a committee of subject matter experts. The new cohort will be announced in early 2027.
To apply, visit accelerator.cpa.com. For inquiries, contact Vendela Hale at vendela.hale@hq.cpa.com.
About CPA.com
CPA.com is the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, enabling firms and finance teams to evolve and innovate across audit, tax and advisory services. It delivers leading-edge strategies, resources and technologies to help firms and finance teams of all sizes stay ahead of a rapidly changing marketplace, deliver more value to clients, and position for long-term success. CPA.com is an affiliate of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). For more information, visit www.CPA.com.
About AICPA
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world’s largest member association representing the CPA profession, with a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.
