Techstars
Techstars
Description
Techstars is one of the world's largest startup accelerators, operating 40+ programs across multiple industries and geographies. Their standard offer is $120,000-$150,000 in seed funding for 6-10% equity, combining cash investment with an intensive 3-month mentorship program. With 3,500+ portfolio companies including SendGrid, DigitalOcean, and ClassPass, Techstars provides access to a vast network of mentors, alumni, and investors.
For ZHC builders, Techstars offers industry-specific tracks (AI, fintech, healthcare, etc.) and a more distributed model than YC — with programs in 20+ cities globally, remote options, and specialized accelerators for specific verticals. The emphasis on mentor relationships and corporate partnerships can accelerate go-to-market for B2B automation companies.
Eligibility
Program Structure
- Duration: 3 months intensive + ongoing alumni support
- Investment: $120K-$150K for 6-10% equity (varies by program)
- Format: Cohort-based with 10-12 companies per batch
- Location: 20+ cities worldwide + remote options
- Mentorship: 100+ mentor hours per company
Selection Criteria
- Strong technical or domain-expert founding team
- Working product or validated concept
- Early traction (users, revenue, or LOIs) preferred
- Coachable founders committed to rapid growth
- Scalable business model with clear path to Series A
ZHC-Specific Fit
✅ Excellent for:
- B2B automation and workflow tools
- Vertical-specific AI applications
- Founders wanting geographic flexibility
- Industry-specific programs (AI, fintech, healthcare)
- Teams needing corporate partnership introductions
❌ Poor fit if:
- Idea stage without prototype
- Not willing to engage intensively with mentors
- Local services business without scale potential
- Founders who can't relocate for 3 months (unless remote program)
Application Process
Application Process
| Step | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Online application | Rolling | Written application + pitch deck + video |
| Initial review | 2-3 weeks | Program team screening |
| Interviews | 1-2 weeks | Multiple conversations with program staff |
| Final decision | 1 week | Acceptance and term sheet |
| Program kickoff | Batch start | 3-month intensive begins |
| Demo Day | Week 12 | Investor presentations |
Investment Terms
| Component | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Cash investment | $20K-$100K |
| Convertible note | $100K-$150K |
| Total package | $120K-$150K |
| Equity | 6-10% |
What You Get
- Seed funding ($120K-$150K)
- 3-month intensive program
- 100+ hours of mentorship
- Office space (most programs)
- Corporate partnership introductions
- Alumni network (3,500+ companies)
- Investor network access
- Perks and discounts ($400K+ value)
- Lifetime alumni support
Program Types
- General accelerators - Open to all industries
- Thematic programs - AI, fintech, healthcare, etc.
- Corporate accelerators - Partnered with Fortune 500s
- Remote programs - Location-independent