Successful applicants receive a grant, expert mentorship and visibility at premier profession events
NEW YORK (Aug. 7, 2025) — The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and CPA.com today announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Startup Accelerator cohort, a program designed to empower and accelerate growth for early-stage companies developing future-ready solutions for the accounting and finance profession.
Startup and early-stage technology companies focused on accounting, tax, audit and advisory solutions are encouraged to apply. Selected participants will receive a $25,000 grant, mentorship from industry subject matter experts and access to high-profile opportunities at premier profession events, including AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE and CPA.com’s Digital CPA conference.
"The Startup Accelerator program helped us develop key relationships with leading firms and provided valuable guidance around product positioning and strategy,” said Ben Stein, CEO and co-founder of Keeper, a 2025 program participant. “It made us much more informed about the accounting profession and was instrumental in accelerating our growth."
Participating startups gain access to a legacy network of advisors with deep experience in accounting, finance, emerging technology and professional services. Now in its eighth 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 our efforts to drive innovation in the accounting profession by connecting firms and finance professionals with cutting-edge technology solutions that help enhance efficiency, transform service models and deliver deeper client value to support their long-term success,” said Michael Cerami, EVP, CPA.com.
To be eligible for consideration, companies must meet the following criteria:
- An innovative solution focused on accounting, audit, tax or advisory services
- Demonstrate the active use of artificial intelligence within the solution
- A working product with active users
- Financing at either seed or pre-Series A stage (with some exceptions)
Applications for the 2026 cohort are currently open through Nov. 30, 2025. 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 2026.
To apply, visit accelerator.cpa.com. For inquiries, contact Vendela Hale at vendela.hale@hq.cpa.com.
About CPA.com
CPA.com brings innovative solutions to the accounting profession, either in partnership with leading providers or directly through its own development. The company has established itself as a thought leader on emerging technologies and as the trusted business advisor to practitioners in the United States, with a growing global focus. Our company’s core mission is to drive the transformation of practice areas, advance the technology ecosystem for the profession, and lead technology research and innovation efforts for practitioners. A subsidiary of the American Institute of CPAs, the company is also part of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the world’s most influential organization representing the profession. For more information, visit CPA.com.
About AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
AICPA & CIMA, together as the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (the Association), advance the global accounting and finance profession through our work on behalf of 597,000 AICPA and CIMA members, candidates and registrants in 188 countries and territories. Together, we are the worldwide leader on public and management accounting issues through advocacy, support for the CPA license, the CGMA designation and specialized credentials, professional education and thought leadership. We build trust by empowering our members, candidates and registrants with the knowledge and opportunities to be leaders in broadening prosperity for a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future.