Techstars' Chicago accelerator (formerly Excelerate Labs), run on a hybrid schedule.
- The offer:
- $220k per company
- Location:
- Remote
- Duration:
- 13 weeks
What you need to qualify
- All ambitious founders are welcome to apply.
- Techstars Chicago is especially interested in founders building something inevitable, even if others do not see it yet.
- The program is long on the Midwest and intensely founder-focused, and offers dedicated downtown Chicago office space, so expect to be present in Chicago.
- Accept the standard Techstars terms: $20,000 for 5 percent common stock plus a $200,000 uncapped MFN SAFE.
Eligibility
- Eligible stages
- All stages
- Countries
- Global, subject to the provider’s eligibility and approval
How to apply
- 1
Create your Techstars founder profile
Start at apply.techstars.com. The founder profile section asks for first name, last name, title, contact email, current location, LinkedIn URL, phone number and whether you are working on your startup full time.
- 2
Complete the accelerator application
One application covers every Techstars accelerator. It asks about the problem, the product, industries, team, traction, revenue and funding, business model, target audience, competitors, competitive advantage, timing, customer acquisition and next milestones. Techstars says it takes most teams one to four hours the first time, and you can keep updating sections before you submit.
- 3
Record two videos and attach your deck
The form asks for a product demo video, a pitch deck and a team introduction video. Techstars says the demo does not need to be polished, just show what you actually have.
- 4
Select Techstars Chicago as a program choice
You can choose several accelerators that are accepting applications at the time you apply. Techstars states that your application is submitted to the general Techstars pool as well as any specific program you choose.
- 5
Interviews and screening committee
Techstars staff review every submission and aim to review all applications within four weeks of applications closing. An interview invitation can arrive anytime between one and four weeks after the application deadline, followed by a second round and a virtual interview with the screening committee.