Website : https://www.techstars.com/
X : @Techstars
LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/company/techstars
Techstars is one of the most prominent and active startup accelerators in the world, having funded over 3,700 companies since its founding in 2006. With accelerator programs running in dozens of cities across the globe—each backed by a deep mentor network and strong local investor ties—Techstars offers more than just capital. It’s a 13-week, mentorship-driven accelerator that emphasizes traction, community, and fundraising.
Each selected company receives $20,000 in exchange for 6% equity, plus a $100,000 convertible note to support early scaling. Founders are surrounded by mentors, alumni, and investors, culminating in a high-profile Demo Day. But Techstars isn’t just about a single event—it’s built around long-term relationships and community.
Who Should Apply to Techstars?
Techstars is best suited for early-stage startups that are ready to accelerate quickly with hands-on support. It’s ideal for founders who:
- Are at or near product-market fit and looking for help scaling.
- Want to leverage a global network of mentors and investors, especially in specific verticals like healthtech, fintech, sustainability, and enterprise SaaS.
- Prefer a structured program with deep local ecosystems in hubs like New York, London, Berlin, Los Angeles, or Toronto.
- Value community-first culture—the kind where introductions, connections, and warm leads are currency.
Unlike Y Combinator’s emphasis on explosive growth and velocity, Techstars tends to back founders who are building solid, sustainable companies and benefit from deep coaching and a tight-knit cohort experience.
Application Tips
- Tailor your application to the specific Techstars program you’re applying to—each one has a theme or industry focus.
- Show traction or unique insight into your market. Even at the idea stage, evidence of deep founder-market fit goes a long way.
- Be coachable. Techstars wants founders who are open to feedback and willing to engage with mentors.
- Clearly explain what you hope to achieve during the 13 weeks and why now is the right time for your startup to accelerate.