Techstars Update - September 2023
Sep 28, 2023
Capital + Programs + Connection = Opportunity
Techstars connects unstoppable founders, wherever they are, with capital, programs, and connections to open up opportunities. See what we've been up to this month!
In review:
4 upcoming Demo Day events
5 portcos closing funding rounds
Capital
Each year we choose more than 500 early-stage companies to join one of our 3-month, mentorship-driven accelerators, investing $120K and providing hands-on mentorship and access to the Techstars network for life. Check out the latest companies graduating from our programs and the partners who support them.
Portcos
As of September 1, Techstars's total portfolio has reached 3,762 companies. Since 2006, our founder-first philosophy has connected us with startups across a range of verticals, linking them to a network of successful mentors and partners.
Partners
Our mission is to enable everyone to contribute to and benefit from, entrepreneurs’ success. By connecting entrepreneurs with corporations and organizations around the globe, we can drive innovation and solve the world’s largest problems. Meet the partners supporting Techstars founders:
Techstars, the largest pre-seed investor in the world, and The Ohio State University are partnering to bring a new accelerator program to drive growth in Columbus and the greater region by investing in the most promising software startups and innovators.
“Ohio State is pleased to partner with Techstars to offer emerging entrepreneurs access to infrastructure, support and training to build out their disruptive ideas and accelerate economic growth in Central Ohio,” said Peter Mohler, Acting President and Executive Vice President for Research, Innovation and Knowledge at Ohio State. “Inspired by Ratmir’s vision, the Techstars partnership is another important part of our strategy to impact the innovation ecosystem at Ohio State and across the state of Ohio.”
Programs
Techstars accelerators have one goal: to help entrepreneurs succeed. We believe that great entrepreneurs and startups are everywhere but opportunity is not evenly distributed, which is why we continue to launch programs around the world.
During each three-month 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’s helped build thousands of successful companies, all over the world.
Demo Days
Techstars accelerator programs culminate with a celebration at Demo Day. This is each company’s chance to show the world how much progress they’ve made in just a few short months. Investors can learn more about our latest investments and portfolio companies by registering for a Techstars program’s live virtual or in-person Demo Day event:
Techstars Tech Central powered by the NSW Government
October 5 | NSW
October 5 | Virtual
Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator
October 5 | Virtual
Techstars Atlanta powered by Cox Enterprises
October 16 | Atlanta
Connection
Events & Pre-Accelerator Activity
We believe that while people and ideas are equally distributed, opportunity and resources are not. That’s why we are committed to increasing access to entrepreneurship. All over the world. Connect with Techstars at the following events.
Founder Catalyst programs
Founder Catalyst is a pre-accelerator program providing early-stage entrepreneurs 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.
To learn more about Founder Catalyst, click here.
Startup Weekend events
Startup Weekend is a three-day program where aspiring entrepreneurs can experience startup life in hundreds of cities worldwide. See our October events below:
Techstars Startup Week Statewide Alaska
October 2-6 | Alaska
Techstars Startup Weekend EdTech São Paulo
October 6-8 | São Paulo
Techstars Startup Weekend Uni Los Angeles
October 6-8 | Los Angeles
Techstars Startup Week Edmonton
October 10-14 | Edmonton
Techstars Startup Weekend Blois
October 13-15 | Blois, France
Techstars Startup Weekend Zilina
October 13-15 | Zilina, Slovakia
Techstars Startup Wekeend AI Singapore
October 13-15 | Singapore
Techstars Startup Weekend Agro Santiago
October 20-22 | Santiago
Techstars Startup Weekend Chisinau
October 20-22 | Chisinau, Moldova
Techstars Startup Weekend Conejo Valley
October 20-22 | Westlake Village
Techstars Startup Weekend Farroupilha
October 20-22 | Farroupilha
Techstars Startup Weekend Haugesund
October 20-22 | Haugesund, Norway
Techstars Startup Weekend Orlando
October 20-22 | Orlando
Techstars Startup Weekend São Luiz Gonzaga
October 20-22 | São Luiz Gonzaga
Techstars Startup Weekend Videira
October 20-22 | Videira
October 20-27 | Bogota
Techstars Startup Weekend Fin Tech São Paulo
October 27-29 | São Paulo
For a full list of upcoming Techstars Community events, click here.
Virtual events
Techstars hosts a variety of virtual events throughout the year for entrepreneurs. View our upcoming events below:
Virtual Meet and Greet October
Tuesday, October 24 | 12 pm PT
Learn more about our Techstars Mentorship-Driven Accelerators and find out if Techstars is a good fit to help accelerate your startup.
October 3rd, 10th, and 17th
Join Techstars for an exclusive 3-part pitch series event, designed to give you the knowledge and tools you need to successfully pitch your startup.
Part 1: How to Perfect Your Pitch An interactive workshop where we'll share a framework for creating a great pitch.
Part 2: Pitch Practice with Guest Judge Ready to practice your pitch? Get actionable feedback to improve your pitch. 3-5 founders will get the opportunity to practice their pitch with a special guest judge.
Part 3: Mock Investor Interview with VC Guest Speaker A fun and practical exercise to learn how a live investor meeting goes down. 5-6 founders will get the opportunity to participate in the mock interview.
Industry events
Techstars staff attend many prominent industry events, including:
November 13-16 | Lisbon
Opportunity
The Techstars worldwide network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Check out exit and funding news from the Techstars portfolio during the month of September.
Portco news
Trellis (Techstars Los Angeles 2018), the LA-based provider of a state trial court data platform, raises $15M in a Series B funding round.
Freight Farms (Techstars Boston 2013), a local farming solution for global food supply, is combining with SPAC Agrinarm Acquisition.
Certa (Techstars Seattle 2013), a compliance, governance and risk management platform for enterprises, pulls in $35M in a Series B round.
Prewitt Ridge (Techstars Los Angeles 2020), a collaboration software for engineering teams, raises a $4.1M seed round.
REEV (Techstars Future of Longevity 2023), a care solution for neurological gait disorders, collects €3M in funding.
Ara Labs (Techstars Detroit 2016), the manufacturer of car-top advertising screens, is currently raising for a $50M funding round.
Other news
Pulse 2.0, Techstars: Sarah Bain On The Farm To Fork Accelerator And Entrepreneurship, September 14
Globe Newswire, Techstars Toronto and Schulich School of Business Announce Partnership, September 19
Business Post, Techstars Web3-focused accelerator to return to Dublin, September 25
Fort Worth Report, Could an improved shoe insole save you from injury? This startup founder thinks so, September 25
