Techstars runs a mentorship-driven, 3-month accelerator across dozens of city- and industry-specific programs worldwide, investing $220K in each company. It’s a strong fit for pre-seed to seed teams who value intensive mentorship and a specific network over a single large check.
- The offer:
- $220k per company
- Location:
- Multiple cities, United States
- Duration:
- 12 weeks
Why this could be a strong fit
Ideal for early founders who want intensive, hands-on mentorship and a specific city or industry network, with a local Demo Day and follow-on investor introductions.
What you need to qualify
- You apply to a specific accelerator. Each program sets its own industry focus, location and timing, and one application can be submitted to more than one program.
- Remote-first programs still carry location conditions. Techstars Anywhere asks founders to be in North American time zones and to attend three offsites in VC hubs during the program.
- Accepting a place means accepting the investment terms: a $200,000 uncapped MFN Safe plus a $20,000 convertible equity agreement that converts into 5 percent common stock at a priced round of at least $1 million.
Eligibility
- Eligible stages
- All stages
- Countries
- Global, subject to the provider’s eligibility and approval
How to apply
- 1
Pick the accelerators you want
Browse the programs at techstars.com/accelerators. Each one publishes its own Applications Open date, Final Deadline, accelerator start and Demo Day on its program page, so choose by location, industry focus and timing.
- 2
Record your videos and prepare the deck
The application asks for a product demo video, a pitch deck and a team introduction video in the company section, so produce these before you start writing.
- 3
Apply at apply.techstars.com
The form covers your founder profile, the problem and the product, traction, revenue and funding, target audience, competitors, timing, customer acquisition and next milestones. A final optional step lets you select the accelerators currently accepting applications that you want to be considered for.
- 4
Review the investment terms if you are accepted
Techstars invests $220,000 at acceptance: $200,000 through an uncapped MFN Safe with no valuation cap, plus $20,000 through a convertible equity agreement that converts into 5 percent common stock when you raise a priced round of at least $1 million. Asia-Pacific programs invest $120,000, using a $100,000 uncapped MFN Safe. A side letter covers pro rata, digital-assets and drag-along rights.