Membership Details

About the TechStars Network

Over the last several years, TechStars has been approached by organizations from around the world in their efforts to launch programs based upon the TechStars model. We've always tried to be helpful and responsive. To date, we have helped more than 100 organizations. As a more formal and structured way to continue to support these organizations, we created the TechStars Network.

The TechStars Network consists of independently owned and operated regional organizations that utilize a mentorship-based, startup accelerator model based upon the successful TechStars model. The TechStars Network provides networking opportunities, training and ongoing support for members of the network. Watch David Cohen's video describing the TechStars Network to learn more.

Vision for the TechStars Network

Our vision for the TechStars Network is to foster connections between those who have (mentors) and those who will or just might (entrepreneurs), resulting in an increase in the pace of innovation and the ability for more communities to foster entrepreneurial success. We believe the proliferation of this model is a very positive trend for entrepreneurs, investors, and local start-up ecosystems. By bringing programs together to create and share best practices, resources and knowledge, we can increase the success of member programs and improve entrepreneurial ecosystems across the globe.

Membership Benefits

Membership includes a wide variety of benefits and services detailed below.

Attend the Annual Member Conference

TechStars Network members are invited to attend the exclusive annual Member Conference. This members-only event creates a unique atmosphere that fosters networking and the sharing of information and best practices specific to the acceleration model.

Communicate Easily with your Peers

Members may opt to join our private email lists, allowing for easy access to the entire membership for questions, referrals, etc. This is a fantastic way to quickly extend your network and reach incredible mentors outside of your network.

Connect with new Mentors and Investors

TechStars receives many inquiries from potential new investors and mentors. As appropriate, TechStars will collect these leads for the Network on an opt-in basis, and pass on the leads to members based on fit and interest.

Get Support for your Founders

TechStars Network members are invited to attend and send their company founders to the exclusive Annual Founder’s Meeting hosted and organized by the network. Founders benefit from the experiences of a wider network of start-ups.  The TechStars Network also facilitates other opportunities for cross-program company promotion on an opt-in basis.

Get Insider Access

Members are welcome to send attendees to any TechStars Investor Day event, which are normally restricted to in-network investors only. Network members can also invite other members to their Investor Days and attend the Investor Days of other members.

Get Better Faster

Network members have access to members-only professional development opportunities, including workshops and webcasts hosted by the network. As available, members are granted access to recorded video mentor presentations, PowerPoint presentations, past TechStars and Network Member company investor presentations, and much more.

Receive More Applications

TechStars receives thousands of applications annually, and accepts less than 2% of these into the program. Many high quality applications remain, and these are given the choice to opt-in for distribution of their applications to network members. TechStars Network members may also opt in to share excess applications with other Network Members. This generates new application flow for network members.

Increase Your Program's Visibility

Members of the TechStars Network receive a listing on the TechStars Network page, as well as a link to their home page. Members have access to contact information for all other member organizations, providing excellent networking opportunities.

Get More Media Exposure

The TechStars Network serves as a united voice for the seed accelerator industry and works with the media around the world. When contacted, the network facilitates introductions and relationships between journalists and members.

Leverage the Network Brand

Members of the TechStars Network may display the TechStars Network Member badge for websites and promotional materials, further enhancing their own credibility and allowing them to publicly display their association with TechStars.

Receive Member Discounts, Upgrades and Special Products

Through membership in the TechStars Network, members receive deals, discounts and upgrades through the Members Card on premier brands including Apple, W Hotels, Virgin Airlines, Starwood Resorts, Amazon Web Services, the Resumator, Media Temple, Wistia, Grasshopper, Wow Rack, and more. Members also have access to specially designed liability insurance for Seed Accelerator Programs which offers unique liability protection for executives and mentors involved in the program. Furthermore, members receive aggregated discounts and free services that are useful to start-ups.

Get a Jump Start on your Program

TechStars Network offers access to years of TechStars know-how contained in our detailed online Playbook and budget documents. Here, we describe the best practices and procedures that we use to run TechStars, in great detail. TechStars Network members also receive access to redacted legal documents including TechStars Operating Agreements and agreements used for companies funded by TechStars. These items are offered exclusively to Network Members as part of our JumpStart package (additional fees apply).

Get Access to Premium Consulting Services

Network members also have exclusive access to optional additional service offerings provided by TechStars and Network Members (additional fees apply). These include:

• Extended on-site training during live operating U.S. TechStars locations.
• "Fly on the wall" observation of U.S. TechStars locations.
• Off-site individualized training and consulting at your location.
• Initial "turnkey" deployment and training of your program.
• Application review and screening.

TechStars also maintains, publishes, and fields inquiries for a registry of members who are willing to provide paid consulting services to other prospective or member organizations. For those organizations willing to provide consulting services based on their experience and knowledge, this benefit provides additional revenue opportunities to members.

Membership Criteria

The following are the minimum criteria for TechStars Network members. Additionally, TechStars filters network members on a quality basis.

• Program must use short-term, mentorship model.
• Program must not charge entrepreneurs - must either invest or grant funding.
• Program must maintain an independent primary brand.
• Program must publish management team and mentor bios on the website or be willing to share with the TechStars Network.
• Membership is open to both for-profit and non-profit organizations (non-profit discounts are available).
• There are no restrictions on geography.
• Prospective programs are encouraged to apply.

Please contact us for information about our low annual membership dues, questions about the TechStars Network or apply today to join the Network.