Accel Research
Investment Thesis
Accel is a global venture capital firm with 40+ years of history serving as the first partner to exceptional teams everywhere, from inception through all phases of private company development. The firm has backed some of the most iconic technology companies including Atlassian, Slack, Spotify, and Flipkart. Accel combines deep operational expertise with global reach across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Portfolio Composition
Accel has an extensive portfolio spanning multiple technology sectors. Notable mega exits include:
Software & SaaS: Atlassian (now public, founded 2002), UiPath (automation), CrowdStrike (cybersecurity), Freshworks (CRM), Segment (CDP), Qualtrics (survey/feedback)
Fintech: Fiverr (freelance platform), Swiggy (food delivery, raised $1B+), Flipkart (e-commerce), Myntra (fashion)
Security: CrowdStrike, Cyera, Synthesia, Blackpoint Cyber
Media & Creator: Spotify (now public), Frame.io (video review), Bumble (dating)
Enterprise: 1Password (password management), Deliveroo (food delivery), Docusign, Jet.com
AI & Intelligence: Recent investments in AI agents and data platforms (Anko, ASETS, Synthesia)
Recent Activity
Accel remains actively investing with recent focus on AI, cybersecurity, and data infrastructure. Recent Series C/B investments include Synthesia (AI video), Cyera (cloud security), Headway (mental health), and Blackpoint Cyber (incident response). Notable 2025 portfolio milestone: Amagi IPO.
Team & Leadership
Accel operates with a team of 81 people including 48 partners. Rafael Quintanilla is part of this partnership. The firm maintains strong co-investment relationships with leading funds including Lightspeed Venture Partners.
Investment Stage & Size
Accel invests from inception through later stages, with particular strength in seed-to-Series B. The breadth of their portfolio (100+ companies) suggests significant deployment with both lead and follow positions. Check sizes range from $250K seed investments to multi-million Series investments.
Geographic Focus
Global coverage including North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, with emerging market focus evident in Indian portfolio companies (Flipkart, Swiggy, Urban Company, Myntra).
Sectors
Technology-driven companies across software, mobile, enterprise software, fintech, design, big data, IoT, HR tech, and cybersecurity.