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Sprint Accelerator
Sprint Accelerator was founded in 2013 by Sprint Corporation to bridge the telecom giant with emerging technology startups.
Sprint Accelerator
Sprint Accelerator was founded in 2013 by Sprint Corporation to bridge the telecom giant with emerging technology startups. The initiative operated as a hybrid: part corporate accelerator, part venture investment vehicle, with offices in New York, Kansas City, Nashville, and Grand Rapids. Its wealth origin traces to Sprint’s operating revenue and strategic budget allocation, not a single family fortune. The program focused on enterprise software, digital health, fintech, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and energy transition & renewables. Startups received mentorship, Sprint’s network and API access, and potential follow-on funding. Portfolio companies included Propel (digital health), AiCure (AI-driven clinical trials), and Zūm (mobility and transportation logistics) — all cited in publicly available pitch decks and acceleration cohort records. Geographic footprint spanned the US, with each office targeting local startup ecosystems. Total team size and deployment numbers are not publicly disclosed. The accelerator graduated multiple cohorts from 2013 through 2018, but no recent cohort activity has been reported since the T-Mobile merger closed in 2020. T-Mobile US assumed the program's assets and personnel post-merger, though the Sprint Accelerator brand has since been absorbed into T-Mobile’s broader innovation efforts. The structural differentiator was its dual role as a corporate VC and accelerator — combining small equity checks, mentorship, and operational integration with a Fortune 50 parent. This model is distinct from standalone VC firms or non-corporate accelerators due to its direct access to Sprint's mobile network, customer base, and spectrum assets.
General information
Firm type
other
Year founded
2013
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
New York
Corporate office
New York, NY, United States
Additional offices
Kansas City, MO, United States · Nashville, TN, United States · Grand Rapids, MI, United States
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who made investment decisions at Sprint Accelerator?
Investment decisions were made by a team of Sprint corporate development and strategy executives, including the managing director of Sprint Accelerator at the time. No named principals are publicly available post-merger. The program operated under Sprint's corporate innovation unit.
How did Sprint Accelerator source deal flow?
Deal flow came primarily through competitive cohort applications, Sprint's existing telecom industry relationships, and partnerships with local startup ecosystems in New York, Kansas City, Nashville, and Grand Rapids. The accelerator also leveraged Sprint's corporate partners and customer base to identify startups.
Did Sprint Accelerator commit capital directly to startups?
Yes — it provided equity investments typically in the range of $100K–$500K per startup in exchange for an equity stake. Investments were structured as seed or Series A rounds. The accelerator did not disclose a dedicated fund size.
What investment stages did Sprint Accelerator target?
Sprint Accelerator focused on early-stage startups, particularly seed and Series A companies. It did not invest in growth-stage or later-round private companies, nor in public equities.
Which sectors did Sprint Accelerator explicitly avoid?
The accelerator avoided sectors unrelated to telecommunications, mobility, digital health, and enterprise software — including heavy manufacturing, real estate, and natural resources. It also did not participate in cryptocurrency or blockchain investments.
How is Sprint Accelerator related to T-Mobile?
Sprint Accelerator was a division of Sprint Corporation. After the merger of Sprint and T-Mobile US was completed in April 2020, the accelerator program was integrated into T-Mobile's innovation and corporate venture operations. The Sprint Accelerator brand is no longer active as a standalone entity.
Does Sprint Accelerator maintain philanthropic structures?
No — Sprint Accelerator was purely a for-profit corporate venture and accelerator. It had no separate philanthropic foundation. Post-merger, T-Mobile operates the T-Mobile Foundation, a separate 501(c)(3) entity.
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