The program
Who is the Family Accelerator for?
Entrepreneurial families, in the U.S. and internationally, with a next-generation founder who wants to build something of their own. Founders from the second and third generations join the Family Founders track; the principals who back them join the Family Sponsors track.
Does the Family Accelerator take equity in my company?
No. Ownership stays with the founder and family. Instead of taking a stake, the program charges a fixed, transparent fee: $5,000 to apply and a $20,000 program fee once accepted.
Can I join to modernize my family's existing business?
Yes. Founders can take one of two paths: launch a new venture, or reinvent an established family business with new markets, new products and new ways of working. Both paths run through the same twelve weeks and five modules.
How does the program use AI?
Module 2, Digital Transformation & AI (weeks 5–6), helps every founder rethink, innovate and adapt: an AI-first operating model for new ventures, and an AI and digital transformation roadmap for family businesses. Our board includes experts in AI and decision science.
What will I leave with?
Five deliverables, one from each module: a business plan with a clear go-to-market strategy, an AI roadmap, a financial plan and fundraising roadmap, a family charter, and an investor pitch delivered at Family Pitch Day at the end of week 12.
How long is the program?
Twelve weeks, in five modules: Business Plan & Go-to-Market, Digital Transformation & AI, Financial Fluency & Fundraising, Wellness, Leadership & Legacy, and Final Pitch Preparation. Cohort I begins in Winter 2026. See the full program.
What does a typical week look like?
Cohort masterclasses run Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00am–12:00pm Central Time. Thursday is open for independent work and 1:1 time with mentors. On Fridays, 10:00am–12:00pm CT, all mentors and founders meet for Mentor Office Hours. The program opens with a Welcome Retreat before Week 1, and a Speaker Series runs every one to two weeks.
How many projects are in Cohort I?
Cohort I is limited to 20 projects.
Can families outside the United States apply?
Yes. The Family Accelerator is a global program, open to entrepreneurial families in the U.S. and internationally. The hybrid format lets founders and sponsors take part from wherever they live, and our team works in English and Spanish.
Is the program in person or online?
Both. The program is hybrid, combining online sessions with in-person time in Austin, Texas, the program's home base.
Why did Williams Advisers International create the Family Accelerator?
Because the families we serve keep facing the same three questions: how to grow generational wealth, how to prepare the next generation for succession, and how to talk about money and ambition across generations. The program answers all three with a real venture the family builds and funds together.
What kinds of ventures can apply?
Startups, growth-stage companies and new ventures within a family business, across seven focus sectors: FinTech & Payments, PropTech & Real Assets, AI & Intelligent Systems, Energy & Infrastructure, Defense & Security Technology, Healthcare, Wellness & Longevity, and Strategic Ventures, Sports & Entertainment. See the sector theses.
What is required of the Family Sponsor?
Every venture needs a committed Family Sponsor. Sponsors commit to a pre-seed investment of at least $200,000 in their founder's venture.
Fees and applying
What does it cost?
A $5,000 application fee, paid online when you apply, and a $20,000 program fee paid in three installments: $10,000 on acceptance, $5,000 after week 3 and $5,000 after week 6. The total is $25,000.
Is the application fee refundable?
No, but it covers up to two reapplications. If your application isn't accepted, you receive in-depth written feedback from our board and may reapply up to two more times without paying the fee again.
Do I have to attend a webinar?
No. Webinars are free, confidential and open to all prospective applicants. Attendance isn't required to apply, but it is strongly recommended.
What should I prepare for my application?
A founding team overview (bios, experience, prior ventures), an executive summary of the venture (2–4 pages), your target sector and market size, 18-month financial projections, your capital needs and intended use of the seed investment, and your current or proposed governance structure.
How do I learn more before applying?
Join one of our free live webinars on Zoom: a program overview with Q&A (register here), or book a private intro call. You can also download the program deck.
How do I apply?
Six steps: join a webinar (recommended), book a private intro call, submit your application with the $5,000 fee, receive in-depth written feedback from our board within 10 business days, and, once accepted, follow the payment schedule: $10,000 on acceptance, $5,000 after week 3 and $5,000 after week 6.
Does the program guarantee funding?
Each venture starts with its Family Sponsor's pre-seed commitment of at least $200,000. Beyond that, the program prepares founders to raise from outside investors, but it does not guarantee outside funding or investment.
Ready to build?
Applications for Cohort I are open. Limited to 20 projects.