Techstars Founder Catalyst Global Spring 2026 Program

The Techstars Founder Catalyst Global Spring 2026 Program is a virtual pre-accelerator powered by Techstars, designed exclusively for founders from our partner communities in Istanbul, Sarajevo, Omaha, Uzbekistan, Belfast and Natwest startup Network in the United Kingdom.

Running from March 17 to May 22, 2026, this highly selective 10-week experience will help early-stage founders sharpen their story, validate product-market fit, and accelerate their path toward growth and funding.

Participants would gain access to world-class Techstars masterclasses, tailored bonus workshops, strategic partner sessions (including exclusive tools + credits), and personalized 1:1 guidance from Techstars mentors, operators, and investors.

We’re looking for ambitious entrepreneurs with deep problem insight, strong execution, resilience, and a drive to build scalable companies in large, meaningful markets. If you're ready to take your startup to the next level and build the momentum you need to scale, this program is just the right opportunity.

2026 - Virtual Program

About the Program

The Techstars Founder Catalyst Global Spring 2026 Program is a 10-week virtual pre-accelerator designed by Techstars to help early-stage founders. Throughout the program, you’ll dive into hands-on masterclasses, practically tailored bonus workshops, strategic partner sessions packed with exclusive perks, and weekly pitch coaching from seasoned mentors and investors. You’ll join a talented cohort of founders from rising global startup communities all working to sharpen their story, accelerate traction, and prepare for the next stage of growth.

✨ What You’ll Get

• Weekly live masterclasses taught by Techstars leaders + industry experts

• Tailored bonus workshops for founders on product, marketing, operations, etc.)

• Unlimited support across the 10 weeks from world-class Techstars mentors

• Pitch coaching from the Techstars team to perfect your investor story

• Access to exclusive perks (tools, credits, support)

• A powerful global founder peer group for accountability + collaboration

🏆 Who Should Apply?

Founders: We are accepting applications only from startups based in the below areas or surrounding communities:

• Istanbul, Turkey

• Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzgovina

• Omaha, Nebraska, USA

• Uzbekistan

• Belfast

Selection Criteria:

• An amazing team: strong individual strengths, a shared passion, and a desire to learn + create

• A scalable market with big potential

• Pre- or post-revenue, with notable traction (customers, pilots, or waitlist); if post-revenue, MRR up to $5K

• Beyond ideation: a great idea that’s already moving toward product or growth

• Raised no more than $400K

• Demonstration of traction or data gathering such as pilot projects, user engagement, pre-orders, or customer waitlists is encouraged

• Have raised no more than $400K in external funding to date

FAQs

What is the Techstars Global Founder Catalyst Program?

The Global Founder Catalyst Program is a virtual pre-accelerator created by Techstars to help early-stage founders tell their story with confidence, validate their product, and build real momentum toward growth and investment. After a successful first cohort in Fall 2025 run in partnership with Sarajevo, Istanbul, and Omaha, the Startup Community Partnership is expanding.

This spring, we’re welcoming new partners from Uzbekistan and from the startup communities of Belfast and NatWest in the UK, bringing even more communities together to run local events, support emerging talent, and nominate exceptional founders to join this global Techstars-powered experience.

Why should founders participate?

Founders get access to world-class masterclasses, tailored role-based workshops, exclusive partner offers, expert pitch feedback and industry-leading mentors.  All designed to accelerate growth. 

Who is eligible?

• Must be building a for-profit company (non-profits are not eligible)

• Must commit to attending masterclasses, mentor sessions and the final pitch

• Must be prepared to complete due diligence and follow the Techstars Code of Conduct

• Must have reliable internet access and at least one English-speaking team member (this is a virtual program, delivered in English)

• We cannot accept applications from founders doing business in: Russia, North Korea, Iran, Syria, Cuba, Venezuela, or Crimea/Donetsk/Luhansk regions of Ukraine

At what stage should a company be to apply?

Companies should have invested time in customer discovery, have some initial traction (up to $5K MRR), and be moving toward product-market fit.  They don’t need to have raised any funding or hit specific sales targets. We’re looking for companies that have raised less than $400K.

What type of sessions does the program include?

• Weekly live masterclasses

• Tailored role-based workshops (for product, marketing, operations, etc.)

• Exclusive partner sessions (with tools, credits, resources)

• Unlimited world-class mentorship

• Pitch feedback from the Techstars team

• Exclusive events held by your local Startup Community Partnership team

Where will the program be based?

The program is 100% virtual. No relocation or travel required.

Will I receive funding?

No, this is a non-equity pre-accelerator.

Will completing Founder Catalyst help me apply to a Techstars Accelerator later?

Yes! While there’s no guaranteed invitation, Founder Catalyst participants have a higher acceptance rate into Techstars accelerators compared to the general applicant pool.

Is there an attendance requirement?

Yes, we expect founders to fully engage in the program: masterclasses, workshops, mentor meetings, and the final pitch.

What is the time commitment?

Expect to spend 8–12 hours per week for 10 weeks. This includes 3 hours in masterclasses, 2-4 mentor meetings (optional), 1 hour Pitch Feedback, and 1 hour with Startup Community Partnership local engagement. Founders working full-time or part-time on their companies are both welcome.

Do I need to be in a specific industry?

No, we accept startups across industries, as long as they meet the eligibility and selection criteria.

What are the evaluation criteria?

We evaluate applications and interviews based on:

✅ Team: Are the founders capable, coachable, and deeply connected to the problem? Do they show resilience, curiosity, and the ability to execute?

✅ Idea / Product: Is the solution innovative and significantly better than current alternatives? Has progress been made on the MVP or product?

✅ Market Size / Opportunity: Is the market large, growing, and able to support major players? Does the team understand how to monetize?

✅ Traction: Are there early signals of demand (users, pilots, revenue, waitlists, partnerships, awards) or have they already launched and have a recurring monthly revenue of up to $5K (approx).

✅ Program Benefit: Will the founders benefit meaningfully from the program, resources, structure, and mentorship provided?

The Team