For several years now, TechStars has been frequently approached by numerous organizations across the globe who wanted to replicate the design of the TechStars program. We have always had an open-source philosophy and have been transparent with the results of the program, our documents, and have openly shared what it’s like to be a part of the program as an entrepreneur or as a mentor. We’ve also already proactively helped numerous seed accelerators.

With open-source spirit, we have encouraged others to build on top of what we’ve created and to make it better for their own communities. When communities and accelerators with similar philosophies call asking to work together, we are thrilled to do so, and the creation of an international affiliate program is a natural result. International affiliate members are chosen based on a shared and particularly close alignment of philosophy, and in situations where we think we can facilitate the building of a vibrant entrepreneurial community. TechStars can help affiliates to quickly build their mentor networks, teach best mentoring practices, and thereby also attract the region’s best entrepreneurs. It’s great for investors because they see high-quality startups who have been well coached. And it’s great for the community because mentorship becomes more ingrained into the culture, which then attracts still more entrepreneurial talent.

With that, TechStars would like to introduce Startupbootcamp, a three-month startup accelerator based in Copenhagen, Denmark, as our first Global Affiliate. Like all future TechStars affiliates, Startupbootcamp is a completely independent organization which will leverage TechStars’ mentorship and community model, and it will retain its have own brand and management. TechStars will provide support and guidance on an ongoing basis.

TechStars also has plans to also physically bring the affiliates together for an annual conference to share best practices and to build lasting global relationships.

We’re thrilled that Tom Keller is now our Managing Director, International and will lead all of our efforts with the Global Affiliate program. Tom has shared a few more thoughts on his personal blog.

For more information, visit http://www.techstars.org/affiliate/ or drop Tom a note.