Techstars Accelerator 🚀 Accelerator
$220K (5% plus an uncapped MFN SAFE) for a three-month, mentor-driven programme in cities worldwide.
| Investment | $220k |
|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Early-stage startups that fit a programme theme; some programmes are limited by region or time zone. Techstars takes 5% via a $20K CEA plus an uncapped $200K MFN SAFE ($100K SAFE in Asia-Pacific). |
| Open in | Worldwide, United States, United Kingdom, East Asia |
| Partner code needed | No: apply directly |
| Deadline | Rolling; each regional/vertical programme (Anywhere, London, Space, etc.) sets its own window at techstars.com/accelerators |
| Terms last checked | 2026-10-15 |
About Techstars Accelerator
What you get
Techstars runs three-month, mentor-driven accelerators. Its current terms (announced April 2025 for Fall 2025 programmes onwards) are $220,000: a $20,000 post-money Convertible Equity Agreement that converts into 5% of your common stock, plus a $200,000 uncapped MFN SAFE. Both convert when you close a priced round of at least $1 million. Techstars says it takes "a minimum of 5%, plus whatever the uncapped MFN Safe converts into"; its example is roughly 1% extra at a $20M pre-money next round. Accelerators in Asia-Pacific offer a $100,000 uncapped MFN SAFE instead. Techstars says there is no fee to join.
Who qualifies
Each accelerator has its own theme. The current list includes Boston, Boulder, Chicago, New York City, London, Tokyo, Techstars Anywhere (remote), Space, AI Health Baltimore, Alabama EnergyTech, Future of Food, healthcare programmes and ABN AMRO's Future of Finance. Techstars Anywhere is remote-first for companies in North American time zones, with three in-person offsites.
Good to know
- Deadlines, start dates and demo days are set per programme; check the specific accelerator's page at techstars.com/accelerators for current windows rather than relying on any date you see elsewhere.
- Some older city pages still show the earlier $200K figure; the April 2025 terms page is the current reference.
- Your total dilution depends on how the MFN SAFE converts.
Verdict
A large, established network with public terms and many themed programmes. A good fit if one of its verticals matches what you build.
How to apply
- Pick a programme on techstars.com/accelerators that fits your sector and location.
- Check that programme page for its application window and final deadline.
- Apply through apply.techstars.com.
- Go through the programme team's interviews.
- Read the CEA, SAFE and side letter with a lawyer before signing.
Who it is for
Steps Techstars Accelerator helps with
Pros
- Public terms and no programme fee
- Many themed programmes plus a remote option
- Large mentor and alumni network
Cons
- Minimum 5% plus the MFN SAFE
- Deadlines and themes differ per programme
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