About Techstars
Since 2006, Techstars has been investing in the world’s most ambitious founders. We find great founders early, through a global network two decades in the making, and back them with capital, mentorship, and the connections they need to grow.
#GiveFirst
At Techstars, we believe in helping without expecting something in return. Whether you're a founder, mentor, or partner, our first question is always: "How can we support you?" We lead with generosity, not transactions, because great communities are built on trust and collaboration.
Techstars Network
Since 2006, our mission has been rooted in a single core value: Give First. We provide early-stage teams with the capital, institutional credibility, and localized support needed to navigate fundraising and accelerate growth.
Founders
From first-time entrepreneurs to early-stage teams, Techstars gives startups the funding, mentorship, and connections they need to build fast and grow smart. Techstars founders also have access to perks valued at more than $4M.
Mentors
Mentorship is the heart of Techstars. Leaders from companies like HubSpot, Stripe, Google, Nike, Amazon, ESPN, and more share their insights and experience, building lifelong connections that power the entire network.
Partners
Corporations, startup communities, universities, and governments partner with Techstars to access innovation, support local entrepreneurial ecosystems, and co-create the future of their industries.
Investors
Techstars is a leading pre-seed and early-stage venture capital firm. We have delivered strong, consistent returns across our portfolio since our first accelerator in 2007.
What We Do
Accelerators
Our accelerator programs are the foundation of Techstars, offering mentorship-driven investment to startups that are ready to grow fast.
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Founder Catalyst
A pre-accelerator program helping founders gain the tools, mentorship, and support to launch successful startups.
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Startup Weekend
A three-day event for aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas, assemble a team, and bring a company to life.
Read MoreOUR HISTORY
From a Boulder Idea to a Global Network
Explore the key milestones that shaped our journey and meet some of the people who played a pivotal role along the way.
Feb. 18, 2006
The Techstars Idea Is Born
The founding email is sent from David Cohen to David Brown with the original idea for Techstars.
Nov. 14, 2006
Techstars Is Officially Incorporated
Techstars becomes a reality with founders David Cohen, David Brown, Brad Feld, and Jared Polis.
Summer 2007
The First Accelerator Class Begins
Techstars hosts its first accelerator program in Boulder, Colorado.
July 2007
Startup Weekend is Born
Andrew Hyde creates Startup Weekend and hosts the first event in Boulder.
2009
Startup Weekend Incorporates
Marc Nager, Clint Nelson, and Franck Nouyrigat join as co-founders of Startup Weekend and set up an office in Seattle.
2009
Techstars Ventures
Techstars launches its first venture fund, Techstars Ventures 2009 ($5M).
2009
Second Accelerator Location Launches
Techstars launches an accelerator program in Boston.
2010
Startup Digest Newsletters Added
Startup Digest joins the Startup Weekend family.
2010
Third Accelerator Program Launches
Techstars launches an accelerator program in Seattle.
2010
Startup Week Comes Together
The first Startup Week, which grows out of Startup Weekend, happens in 2010 in Boulder.
2011
Expansion Continues
Techstars launches a fourth accelerator program location in New York City.
2012
Techstars Ventures 2012
Techstars raises its second fund, Techstars Ventures 2012 ($25M).
2012
Startup Week Expands
Four communities adopt the Startup Week format: Boulder, Denver, Austin, and Lincoln.
2013
Techstars Acquires Chicago Accelerator
Techstars acquires Excelerate Labs to create the Techstars Chicago Accelerator.
2013
Global Expansion into London
Techstars launches its first international accelerator by acquiring Springboard in London.
2014
Techstars Ventures 2014
Techstars raises its third fund, Techstars Ventures 2014 ($155M).
2014
Startup Week Goes International
Startup Week expands to 14 new cities, including locations in Canada.
2015
Techstars Launches Six New Accelerator Program Locations
New programs include a partnership with Target and expansion into Israel and South Africa.
2015
Startup Week Spans Continents
Startup Week goes overseas, expanding to Europe, Africa, and Asia.
2015
Techstars Acquires UP Global
Techstars acquires UP Global, the organization behind Startup Weekend, Startup Week, and Startup Digest, to join forces in helping founders succeed.
2016
Eight More Programs Begin
Techstars opens new accelerator program locations in Germany and the U.S.
2016
Startup Week's Exponential Growth
By 2016, there are 47 Startup Weeks worldwide with 83,000+ attendees.
2017
Techstars Accelerators Continue to Go Global
Techstars continues to expand, opening accelerators in Australia, France, UAE, and Norway.
2017
Joint Venture with ANSR to Create Techstars India
Techstars announces a joint venture with ANSR, a leader in Global In-House Centers, to further expand Techstars' network in India.
2017
First Techstars Anywhere Class
Techstars Anywhere Accelerator launches to create an accessible Techstars accelerator experience for great founders, anywhere.
2020
A New Look for Techstars
Techstars shares a new, simplified brand identity for a more unified way to tell our story.
2021
Founder Catalyst Begins
Techstars runs the first Founder Catalyst pre-accelerator program.
2022
Techstars and J.P. Morgan Partner to Invest in Diverse Founders
Techstars announces new accelerator programs powered by J.P. Morgan that invest more than $80M in diverse founders across the U.S.
2023
World’s Most Active Pre-Seed Investor Again
Crunchbase names Techstars as the world’s most active pre-seed investor two years in a row.
2024
10,000+ Founders Supported
Techstars surpasses supporting more than 10,000 founders through its global accelerator programs.
2025
22 Unicorns in the Portfolio
Techstars announces 22 portfolio companies have reached unicorn status.
2026
Techstars and Global Brain Formalize Strategic Partnership
Techstars and Global Brain announce a strategic partnership to accelerate innovation in Japan and globally.
Ready to Apply
to Techstars?
Techstars Accelerators give early-stage startups three months of intensive, mentorship-driven support, connecting you with the specialized expertise, global community, and capital you need to grow faster.
Apply Today