Techstars
A mentorship-driven accelerator network with city and vertical programs worldwide
Cohort investment, 13-week mentor-driven program, and lifetime network access
- Best for
- Idea, Pre-seed
- Available in
- Global
- Program type
- Accelerator
- Last verified
- Apr 20, 2026
About this program
Techstars is one of two names every founder hears when they start researching accelerators. The model is different from Y Combinator in a way that matters: Techstars runs many concurrent programs rather than a single batch, each with its own host city, partner network, and thematic focus. A fintech team applying to a Techstars fintech program lands in a cohort surrounded by fintech mentors and fintech partners; a climate team applying to a climate track lands in the climate equivalent. That structure tends to produce deeper domain networks at the cost of the single-brand density a YC batch provides.
The core mechanics are stable across the portfolio: a 13-week in-person cohort, a mentor-driven curriculum, a demo day at the end, and lifetime access to the Techstars alumni community and partner perks marketplace afterward. What varies is the specific track: its host city, its investor partners, its geographic focus, and the exact shape of the investment. Techstars has revised the investment structure more than once over the last several years, so the number you hear quoted by an alum may not match what a new cohort signs today.
For founders evaluating programs, the practical decision is which specific Techstars track fits your product, and which other accelerators you are weighing against the same 13 weeks. The track page is the source of truth for current terms, application windows, and attendance expectations.
What you get
- Cohort investment, 13-week mentor-driven program, and lifetime network access
- 3-month window to apply benefits
- Offer type: Accelerator · Mentorship
Eligibility
Early-stage technology startups building for a specific Techstars track. Programs accept teams worldwide and evaluate on founding team quality, fit with the track's thesis, and willingness to commit to a 13-week structured cohort.
- Stage
- Idea, Pre-seed
- Region
- Global
- Incorporation required
- Not required
How to apply
- Browse techstars.com/programs to find the track that fits your product, stage, and geography.
- Apply through the track's application portal during its open application window.
- Top applicants progress through interview rounds and a final selection stage.
- Accepted teams sign investment paperwork and attend the 13-week program, typically in person at the track's host city.
Frequently asked questions
How is Techstars different from Y Combinator?
Both are cohort-based accelerators that pair investment, mentor networks, and demo day. Techstars is organized as city-based and vertical programs with corporate partners (fintech, climate, industrial, and other verticals). Y Combinator runs a single batch model from San Francisco. Techstars tends to attract founders looking for deep domain mentorship or regional presence; YC tends to attract founders optimizing for the widest single-brand founder network.
What are the current investment terms?
Terms have been revised over the years and can vary by track. The canonical historical structure was a $20,000 equity investment plus a $100,000 convertible note. Current deal structures and equity percentages should be confirmed on the specific program page before applying; Techstars updates them periodically.
Do I need to relocate for the program?
Most Techstars programs run in person at the host city for the 13-week cohort. Some tracks have experimented with hybrid or remote formats. Check the specific track page for current attendance expectations; they vary across the portfolio of programs.
What happens after the program ends?
Accepted companies become Techstars portfolio companies with lifetime access to the mentor network, alumni community, and the Techstars perks marketplace. Demo day connects cohort companies to a curated investor audience at the end of each program.
You'll be redirected to Techstars to apply. FounderDeals never handles applications.
Alternatives to Techstars
Other accelerators & grants programs founders weigh against Techstars. Each links out to the provider's official page.