Plug and Play

Plug and Play is a prominent global innovation platform headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, recognized for its unique approach to fostering corporate innovation and startup growth. Unlike traditional venture capital firms, Plug and Play operates primarily through accelerator programs, acting as a bridge between early-stage startups and large corporations. This model allows them to identify promising technologies and facilitate pilot projects, strategic partnerships, and investment opportunities for their extensive network of corporate partners. Their comprehensive ecosystem spans over 50 locations worldwide, making them a significant player in the global startup landscape.

The firm's investment strategy is deeply integrated with its accelerator programs, primarily focusing on seed to Series A stage companies. As part of their accelerator participation, startups typically receive an initial investment, often ranging from $50,000 to $150,000, in exchange for equity. While these initial checks are relatively modest, Plug and Play's value proposition extends far beyond capital, offering unparalleled access to a network of over 500 corporate partners, mentorship, and potential follow-on funding from their own funds or their corporate LPs. Their sector-agnostic approach is channeled through numerous industry-specific programs, including FinTech, Mobility, Health, Supply Chain, and Energy.

Plug and Play has established itself as one of the most active early-stage investors globally, having invested in over 2,000 startups since its inception. Their portfolio boasts several notable success stories, including unicorns like PayPal, Dropbox, N26, and Lending Club, underscoring their ability to identify and nurture high-potential ventures. By facilitating thousands of introductions between startups and corporations annually, Plug and Play plays a critical role in driving innovation, enabling established companies to adapt to new technologies, and helping startups scale rapidly through strategic collaborations.