Databricks, which bills itself as the Data and AI company, has announced the launch of its AI Accelerator Program, a product development and investment initiative focused on accelerating pre-seed and seed-stage startups. This program builds on strong momentum from Databricks Ventures, which has already backed more than 40 companies. A key benefit for program participants is direct access to the Databricks VC Network, a coalition of leading investors focused on up-and-coming data and AI startups. “Databricks’ AI Accelerator is more than a program – it’s a community of founders building the next generation of AI-native companies,” said Andrew Ferguson, VP of Databricks Ventures, who founded the VC firm. Through investments from Databricks Ventures and programs like Databricks for Startups, the $100 million Databricks Free Edition initiative and the Databricks University Alliance, Databricks is lowering barriers to innovation to equip the next generation of startups and talent for success.