A new accelerator program aimed at fostering Bitcoin start-ups has been initiated in Texas Hill Country by Early Riders, a venture fund focused on cryptocurrency. Named The Stables, this program is designed to provide significant backing for innovative companies worldwide that are developing market-ready solutions in the financial services and technology sectors related to Bitcoin.
The accelerator program will disburse between 2 to 5 BTC in funding to selected start-ups and offer a four-week residency that includes access to a network of Bitcoin developers and operators. Michael Tanguma, founder of Early Riders and Onramp, has emphasized a focus on consumer investments with immediate commercial viability, remarking, “We focus on consumer investments that have commercial viability today — things that people want and will pay for today.”
The Stables is particularly looking for start-ups that address pressing market needs within Bitcoin financial services. These include innovative approaches to multi-institution custody for lending, bit bonds, and real estate debt facilities. The program aims to attract solutions from globally significant markets such as Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, where establishing fiat-to-Bitcoin on-ramps is vital for broader adoption.
Key areas of interest for The Stables include consumer-focused solutions that tackle common challenges, such as secure custody, inheritance planning, and smooth conversions from fiat to Bitcoin. Tanguma noted the ongoing obstacles many users face in safely entering the Bitcoin space, including converting local fiat currencies into BTC and securing it thereafter.
Drawing on historical precedents like the Lightning Network, Tanguma expressed a desire to see broader adoption and usage of Bitcoin-related technologies. He pointed out that while there are emerging technologies in place, obstacles remain in making Bitcoin accessible to users. Moreover, he indicated that significant advancements in digital finance could benefit from Bitcoin’s design. “We know it will make sense for economic activity in a digital world, especially with AI, to be using satoshis instead because it has a better design surface and more programmability,” he explained.
Submissions for The Stables are now open, with a plan to select five promising candidates for a demo day featuring Early Riders’ limited partners and advisors. The winning candidate will receive funding based on Bitcoin’s current value, alongside residency in a supportive environment tailored for concentration. Amenities include childcare and wellness facilities to enhance the paces of work and innovation. The inaugural cohort for the accelerator is slated for summer 2026.
Early Riders underscores the efficiencies tied to Bitcoin-driven financial models. With a projected annual growth rate of 30% to 50% on capital held in Bitcoin, the organization aims to help start-ups prioritize robust unit economics over traditional fiat growth models. Tanguma emphasized the importance of using a global footprint to meet diverse investment needs, stating, “This is a global opportunity.”
The accelerator also promises a pathway for follow-on funding, providing access to a network of over 50 investors. Drawing on his previous experiences, Tanguma aims to promote multi-institution custody solutions that can offer significantly enhanced security compared to self-custody while minimizing friction and time costs.
Through The Stables, Early Riders seeks to champion start-ups dedicated to practical innovations that will facilitate and encourage the widespread adoption of Bitcoin in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
