Techstars Update - January 2023

Jan 31, 2023
Featured

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:

60 new investments

3 partner deals

1 portco acquisition

9 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.

New portcos

Techstars has invested in 60 companies through 5 programs in the past month. Each program has selected 10-12 companies as part of this term’s cohort, bringing our total portfolio to 3,340 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. Meet the latest Techstars portfolio companies:

Techstars Atlanta powered by J.P. Morgan:

Aspen Apothecary | Bhala AI | Buzzbassador | DiversiBoard | Friendly Shoes | LyRise | Neufluence | Private Packs | RemoteCoach | Retavo | Super Bloom Bakery | tychon

Techstars Chicago powered by J.P. Morgan:

Activated Scale | Clickvoyant | Daedalus Technologies | dev-docs | Globowl | Leagueswype | Parkster.ai | Pay4Me App | SMART Charts | STIGMA | TasteMedia |  XpressRun

Techstars Detroit powered by J.P. Morgan:

BOXX | Capsa Technology | Gildform | Good & Well Brands | LearnHaus | Locus Mobility | Opnr | Peadbo | Pluck.eco | Socian Technologies | SQOR.io | Tour

Techstars Miami powered by J.P. Morgan:

Aerialoop | Allison | Docokids | Fathouse | FynOps | Medscrape | Mimedik | Official | Second Degree | Talisman+ | Topset Learning | Vaale

Techstars Washington DC powered by J.P. Morgan:

ALIVE Podcast Network | Beepboop | CarpeDM Dating | Cerebro NeuroTech | Clymb | EQLAB | K'ept Health | Navina | Poly Platform | Right Hear | University Startups | Wellthi

New 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 newest partners supporting Techstars founders:

Techstars Future of Longevity and AARP’s AgeTech Collaborative™ Announce New Relationship

This relationship is designed to further stimulate innovation of products and services for the 50+ plus market and the family caregivers who support their aging loved ones. 

“We are always looking for impressive, early stage companies addressing challenging problems in inspirational and novel ways to join that platform we’re building, consolidating all things AgeTech in one place, and are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome some of the terrific startups from Techstars,” said Rick Robinson, VP & GM of the AgeTech Collaborative™.

Techstars and Tech Central join forces to invest in Sydney's startup scene

Local technology startups are set to boost their growth with Techstars, a global investment business providing access to capital, one-on-one mentorship, and programming for early-stage entrepreneurs, joining Sydney’s Tech Central district. 

Techstars, MCIT, RAED Ventures, and Saudi National Bank Announce the Continuation of The Riyadh Techstars Accelerator

The continuation of this program underscores Techstars’ commitment to making innovation and entrepreneurship more accessible and inclusive for entrepreneurs no matter where they operate around the world.

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. 

Applications opening

Learn more about our 3-month accelerators where founders gain funding, mentorship, and access to the Techstars network for life. The following programs have applications opening soon:

ABN AMRO + Techstars Future of Finance Accelerator

Applications open: February 13, 2023

Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator

Applications open: February 13, 2023

Techstars Austin Accelerator

Applications open: February 13, 2023

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 Workforce Development Accelerator

February 8 | 4 PM MST | Virtual

Techstars Seattle Accelerator

February 9 | 6:30 PM PST

Techstars New York City Accelerator

February 10 | 5:00 PM ET

The Minnesota Accelerator by Techstars

February 15 | 5:30 PM CST

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. Check out the Founder Catalyst program currently accepting applications:

Anywhere in the US

Apply by March 1, 2023

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 around the world. See our February events below:

Gujranwala Startup Week

February 6-10, 2023

Techstars Startup Weekend Burgos

February 10-12, 2023

Peru Startup Week

February 20-24, 2023

Techstars Startup Weekend Change Maker Nairobi

February 24-26, 2023

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:

Techstars Pitch Series

February 7-21, 2023 | 12 PM MT | Zoom

During this 3-part Techstars Pitch Series, you'll learn the necessary tips to improve your pitch and put it into practice.

Inside a Corporate Accelerator: How working with startups transformed the Minnesota Twins, Comcast, and Equinor

February 9, 2023 | 8 AM PST | Crowdcast

Collaboration between corporations and startups is more critical than ever. Join our virtual panel and hear how three Techstars partners – the Minnesota TwinsEquinorand Comcast – have transformed their businesses and fostered innovation through a corporate accelerator.

Virtual Meet and Greet

February 28, 2023 | 11:30 AM MT | Crowdcast

Learn more about our mentorship-driven accelerators, receive updates on application dates and process, gain insights on preparing your application, and network with like-minded entrepreneurs.

Industry events

Techstars staff attend many prominent industry events, including:

LEAP 2023

February 6-9, 2023 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Opportunity

The Techstars worldwide network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Check out the latest exit and funding news from the Techstars portfolio from last month:

Portco exits

Mint State Labs (Filecoin 2022), an entertainment and gaming technology provider that helps creators easily build, distribute and market blockchain-powered experiences, was acquired by Orange Comet, Inc.

Portco funding

Twelve Labs (Seattle 2021) lands $12M for AI that understands the context of videos.

Focus Impact Partners, LLC and Meaningful Partners LLC announced a strategic growth investment in Skiptown (Austin 2018).

AltScore (Boulder T1 '22) announced the closure of our $3.5MM Seed Round.

Slingshot Aerospace (LA 2017) completes a $40.8 million funding round.

CLT pet startup Skiptown (Austin 2018) scoops up $27M.

Barcelona-based fintech Novicap (Barclays 2014) raises a €200 million debt facility to fuel growth for businesses and organizations.

Cybersecurity Startup SafeHouse Tech (Barclays Tel-Aviv 2018) Bags $6 Mn From Gonpo Tsering.

Hollywood staffing app Husslup (Comcast 2021) raises $2.5m seed round.

Automotus (Smart Mobility 2020) raises $9M to scale automated curb management tech.

Other news

Techstars CEO Maëlle Gavet’s predictions for 2023: Maëlle Gavet talks with Bloomberg Technology

ArabNews, US venture capital firm launches Riyadh-based accelerator program, Jan. 24, 2023