Draper Backs Cardano Accelerator with $80M Orion Fund

Billionaire venture capitalist Tim Draper is backing the Apex Growth Accelerator, a new initiative aimed at helping Cardano-based startups become investor-ready. The program, launched by Draper University, the Cardano blockchain network, and the Orion Fund, will provide selected companies with access to investments of up to $70,000 in exchange for 3.5% equity.

The Apex Growth Accelerator specifically targets companies operating within the Cardano ecosystem, including projects in decentralized finance (DeFi), real-world assets, and other innovative sectors. Organizers have emphasized that participating startups should already have substantial progress or traction in their development.

The program aims to identify high-potential startups and prepare them for entry into the broader investment landscape, with a focus on practical support and community-building within Cardano.