Techstars Update: September 2026

September 30, 2026

At Techstars, we find and fund the world's most ambitious founders. See what we were up to in September.

Capital + Programs + Connection = Opportunity

Techstars is the accelerator and investor for founders who do more faster. Since 2006, we've backed the world's most promising early-stage startups, and today every accelerator company gets $220K in capital, three months of relentless hands-on mentorship, and a network of investors, operators, and corporate partners that keeps opening doors for years. With programs in the world's leading startup hubs and across specialized verticals, we take founders from first check to global scale. The proof: a portfolio worth more than $300 billion, built by unicorns and thousands of high-growth companies still writing their stories.

See what we were up to in September.

In review:
8 accelerator programs accepting applications
13+ upcoming Techstars Startup Weekend events
7 portfolio companies secured funding
1 portfolio company was acquired

Capital

At Techstars, we find and fund the world's most ambitious founders. Each year, we select companies to join one of our 3-month, mentorship-driven accelerators, investing $220K in capital and providing hands-on mentorship and access to the Techstars network.

Portfolio Companies

Since 2006, Techstars has invested in 5,000+ companies. 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.

Programs

During each three-month Techstars Accelerator program, we surround companies with the best mentors and an unrivaled network of corporate partners, investors, and alumni. We provide funding and fundraising opportunities, workshops, and curated resources, not to mention countless moments where you can learn from your peers. It’s a proven model that has helped build thousands of successful companies.

Applications Open

The following accelerator programs are currently accepting applications.

Apply by November 18, 2026:

Northwestern Medicine & Techstars Healthcare Accelerator

Techstars AI Health Baltimore

Techstars Anywhere Accelerator

Techstars Boston Accelerator

Techstars Chicago

Techstars London Accelerator

Techstars New York City Accelerator

USC and Techstars Accelerator

Connection

Events & Pre-Accelerator Activity

Techstars offers events and programs to help you build, expand your network, and connect with founders at every stage.

Founder Catalyst

Techstars Founder Catalyst is a pre-accelerator program providing early-stage founders with invaluable startup education and mentorship. This part-time, primarily virtual experience is perfectly suited for founders looking to hone their entrepreneurial skills, better understand their target customers, and dig deeply into refining the solutions they are offering the world.

Startup Weekend & Startup Week

Techstars Startup Weekend is a three-day program where aspiring entrepreneurs can experience startup life in hundreds of cities worldwide.

Techstars Startup Week is a celebration of entrepreneurship and the people shaping the startup community in your city.

See our worldwide October community events:

Techstars Startup Weekend AI Winston-Salem
Oct 2, 2026 – Oct 4, 2026

Techstars Startup Weekend Seward
Oct 2, 2026 – Oct 4, 2026

Techstars Startup Weekend Women Madurai
Oct 2, 2026 – Oct 5, 2026

Techstars Startup Weekend Annecy
Oct 9, 2026 – Oct 11, 2026

Techstars Startup Weekend Strasbourg
Oct 9, 2026 – Oct 11, 2026

Techstars Startup Weekend Uni Muscat
Oct 15, 2026 – Oct 17, 2026

Techstars Startup Weekend Juiz de Fora
Oct 16, 2026 – Oct 19, 2026

Techstars Startup Weekend Pelotas
Oct 16, 2026 – Oct 19, 2026

Techstars Startup Weekend Santiago
Oct 16, 2026 – Oct 19, 2026

Techstars Startup Weekend Social Innovation Taizz
Oct 22, 2026 – Oct 24, 2026

Techstars Startup Weekend Žilina
Oct 23, 2026 – Oct 25, 2026

Techstars Startup Weekend Funchal
Oct 23, 2026 – Oct 26, 2026

Techstars Startup Weekend Salisbury
Oct 30, 2026 – Nov 1, 2026

View a full list of upcoming Techstars events.

Techstars Events

Techstars hosts a variety of virtual and in-person events throughout the year for founders.

Our upcoming events:

Shaping What’s Next with Techstars, Zendesk & DigitalOcean at SF Tech Week

Oct 5 | San Francisco

Join us for a curated rooftop gathering, bringing together founders, operators, and industry leaders shaping what’s next across AI, TechBio, and Robotics.

Aerospace & Defense Mixer at LA Tech Week

Oct 14 | Los Angeles

Join Techstars, the U.S. Space Force, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, along with leading space tech founders, investors, and industry members, at Techstars’ office in Culver City.

Watch USC innovators take the virtual stage!

Nov 5 | Virtual

From the beauty industry to the space industry, learn about early-stage breakthroughs to game-changing tech. USC faculty, alumni, and student founders are ready to share their visionary startups. Join us for the USC and Techstars University Catalyst virtual Pitch Day Showcase on November 5 from 12–2 PM PT. Secure your spot.

View a full list of upcoming Techstars events.

Industry Events

One Way Summit

Techstars is a proud ecosystem partner of the One Way Summit, the U.S. flagship event for immigrant founders. 1,000+ people will gather to celebrate the immigrant entrepreneurs driving U.S. innovation. Our community has received a special invitation to join using the following discount codes:

TSSTA50 - 50% off Standard Pass (full event access except workshops and VIP perks)
TSPRE50 - 50% off Premium Pass (+ access to expert-led workshops)

Oct 28 & 29 | San Francisco

Register Now

Opportunity

Check out the latest news from across the global Techstars portfolio.

Fundraising News

Pixxel (Techstars 2019) raises $100M to expand satellite production.

Optio (Techstars 2018) raises $1M to launch a SaaS version and push into new markets.

Notey (Techstars 2023) closes a $3M Seed round and opens its European operation in Malta.

O-ID (Techstars 2025) raises $1.2M Pre-Seed for its humanoid robots.

Locus Lock (Techstars 2023) raises strategic funding to speed up access to software-defined GNSS.

Mona (Techstars 2025) raises an oversubscribed $3.5M round.

MoneyStack (Techstars 2023) raises $1M in new funding to bring financial crisis care into behavioral health treatment, starting with gambling addiction.