Techstars

Techstars Central LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Boulder, Colorado, operates as a startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology-oriented companies. It specializes in a mentorship-driven accelerator program, selecting ten startups each summer to participate in a three-month incubation period, offering funding of $120,000 in exchange for equity. Techstars invests primarily in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, and IoT, while avoiding investments in medical devices, healthcare technology, and local service-oriented businesses. In addition to its primary accelerator, Techstars has various specialized programs, including those focused on music, retail, mobility, and social impact, with global reach extending to regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The firm prefers taking minority stakes, typically between six and ten percent, without seeking board representation or investor rights. Techstars has built a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio, which includes over 1,000 companies with a significant collective market capitalization.

Ethan Austin

MD of the Techstars Western Union Accelerator

Max Kelly

Managing Director of Techstars London

Lesa Mitchell

Managing Director

Vijay Tirathrai

Managing Director

Mark Tortorella

Advisor

Nathanial Zola

MD

Past deals in Estonia

Votemo

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Votemo offers engagement tool for live and hybrid events with original video overlay of results. Main tools are polls, commenting, Q&A, reactions, micropayment. Votemo can be used on any event platform, added as iFrame, added as widget, invite people via QR code or url. Using Votemo tools will increase event engagement and ROI of event organiser.

Iomob

Seed Round in 2022
Iomob Technologies OÜ is a company based in Tallinn, Estonia, that specializes in creating an open, decentralized mobility marketplace powered by blockchain technology. Founded in 2018, Iomob focuses on facilitating collaboration between various mobility providers, including established companies, startups, and public transit authorities, to enhance urban mobility systems. The company's platform integrates public transport with private mobility services, enabling a seamless and efficient experience for users. Through its innovative approach, Iomob aims to support the development of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) solutions, allowing residents and visitors to navigate cities more effectively and sustainably.

Cachet

Seed Round in 2020
Cachet is a "trustee" data layer between the sharing economy platforms and insurance providers. We aggregate and enrich cross-market data about how much service providers are providing service on various competing platforms and via that enable insurance companies to sell more personalised coverage. We have started with the ride-hailing/mobility sector since it has the highest number of participants.

Lingvist

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Lingvist Inc. is a language-learning software company based in Tallinn, Estonia, founded in 2013 by Ott Jalakas, Mait Muntel, Andres Koern, and Tanel Hiir. The company utilizes statistical analysis and adaptive machine learning algorithms to develop its language-learning tools, which aim to help users acquire new languages in approximately 200 hours. Lingvist's platform is accessible through both an online interface and mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. The software features a smart algorithm that monitors user progress and errors, adapting lessons in real time to align with individual learning levels and memory patterns.

Introwise

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Introwise is a social platform for events and their communities

Cachet

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Cachet is a "trustee" data layer between the sharing economy platforms and insurance providers. We aggregate and enrich cross-market data about how much service providers are providing service on various competing platforms and via that enable insurance companies to sell more personalised coverage. We have started with the ride-hailing/mobility sector since it has the highest number of participants.

Gelatex Technologies

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Gelatex Technologies is a Techstars-backed materials technology company that invented the fastest technology for producing bio-based nanofibers on a large scale. It is a platform technology that enables faster and up to 100 cheaper nanofiber production for applications like 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering, cultured meat, bio-based filters, eco-friendly leather-like textile, energy storage, wound care, and many more. The technology is patent-pending and the machinery fully functional. The company was founded in 2016 and until COVID-19 pandemic developed eco-friendly leather-like textile from gelatin nanofibers, using this nanofiber production technology as part of the process. COVID-19 was a trigger to understand the wider potential of the technology which then led to pivot. The company is based in Estonia and holding incorporated in UK (2019).

Iomob

Seed Round in 2019
Iomob Technologies OÜ is a company based in Tallinn, Estonia, that specializes in creating an open, decentralized mobility marketplace powered by blockchain technology. Founded in 2018, Iomob focuses on facilitating collaboration between various mobility providers, including established companies, startups, and public transit authorities, to enhance urban mobility systems. The company's platform integrates public transport with private mobility services, enabling a seamless and efficient experience for users. Through its innovative approach, Iomob aims to support the development of Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) solutions, allowing residents and visitors to navigate cities more effectively and sustainably.

Vita Inclinata

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Vita Inclinata Technologies, Inc. specializes in innovative solutions for helicopter hoisting and sling load control systems, primarily serving the aerospace and construction industries. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, with additional offices in Seattle, Washington, and Estonia, the company addresses a critical challenge in helicopter operations: the stabilization of suspended loads during rescue missions. Its flagship product, the Load Stability System (LSS), is a platform-agnostic, autonomous control system that effectively mitigates oscillatory and rotational movements of hoisted loads. By integrating a proprietary control algorithm with the helicopter's stabilization computer, the LSS minimizes swinging motions, allowing rescuers and medical personnel to perform their tasks with greater precision and care during operations such as Search and Rescue, MEDEVAC, and other critical missions.

Natufia

Seed Round in 2018
Natufia Labs PLC provides hydroponic equipment that automatically grows nutritious assortment of fresh plants and herbs in households and restaurant kitchens. The company offers kitchen garden equipment, organic plant seeds, microgreens seeds, and accessories, such as ceramic cups, measurement test kits, harvesting displays, replacement LEDs, and hydroponic gardening literature. It serves chefs, hotels, lounges and bars, spas and nutrition centers, designers and architects, distributors, and retail sectors. It sells its products online. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Tallinn, Estonia.

Natufia

Seed Round in 2018
Natufia Labs PLC provides hydroponic equipment that automatically grows nutritious assortment of fresh plants and herbs in households and restaurant kitchens. The company offers kitchen garden equipment, organic plant seeds, microgreens seeds, and accessories, such as ceramic cups, measurement test kits, harvesting displays, replacement LEDs, and hydroponic gardening literature. It serves chefs, hotels, lounges and bars, spas and nutrition centers, designers and architects, distributors, and retail sectors. It sells its products online. The company was founded in 2014 and is based in Tallinn, Estonia.

Teamscope

Pre Seed Round in 2017
Teamscope, Inc. is a company based in Tallinn, Estonia, that specializes in creating visual and interactive insights through big data analytics aimed at improving team building. Founded by professionals from executive search, data science, and technology sectors, Teamscope provides a platform designed to assist managers in making informed hiring decisions and fostering high-performing teams. By utilizing a unique algorithm, the platform assesses the values, personality traits, and core competencies of existing team members. It then recommends the ideal characteristics to seek in new candidates and evaluates their compatibility with both the role and the team dynamics. Additionally, Teamscope generates detailed behavioral profiles and interview guides for candidates, aiding hiring managers in selecting the most suitable individuals for their teams.

Palleter

Seed Round in 2016
Thousands of trucks are connected to Palleter, keeping their locations updated in real time. Palleter learns the routes of connected trucks and can predict where these trucks are headed next. Professional customers of Palleter — freight forwarders, merchants and produces — get their shipment offers matched to such trucks that are nearby and headed the same direction anyway. Pallter is free to use and earns money by taking a fee from successful matches.

Deekit

Seed Round in 2015
Deekit OÜ specializes in developing and operating an online virtual whiteboard designed for collaborative visual communication. Founded in 2012 and based in Tallinn, Estonia, Deekit's platform allows users such as designers, developers, entrepreneurs, freelancers, teachers, and students to engage in real-time collaboration by integrating various forms of content, including drawings, text, and images. The whiteboard serves a diverse range of applications, from brainstorming and knowledge sharing to problem-solving across meetings, design sessions, and educational environments. By facilitating infinite collaboration, Deekit enhances the user experience and promotes effective teamwork, making it a valuable tool for both corporate teams and individuals.

Testlio

Convertible Note in 2014
Testlio Inc. offers a comprehensive online mobile app testing solution designed to streamline quality assurance processes for businesses. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, with additional offices in Estonia, Testlio connects clients with a community of experienced and vetted testers through its end-to-end QA management platform. This platform integrates seamlessly with existing tools, providing high visibility throughout the testing process. Testlio's services include functional testing, localization, and detailed reporting, allowing companies to offload quality assurance tasks with flexible requirements. The company's ability to assemble dedicated QA teams that work globally and around the clock enables clients to meet deadlines and enhance product quality. Testlio's notable clients include Microsoft, Lyft, Salesforce, and CBS Interactive, among others.

Lingvist

Seed Round in 2014
Lingvist Inc. is a language-learning software company based in Tallinn, Estonia, founded in 2013 by Ott Jalakas, Mait Muntel, Andres Koern, and Tanel Hiir. The company utilizes statistical analysis and adaptive machine learning algorithms to develop its language-learning tools, which aim to help users acquire new languages in approximately 200 hours. Lingvist's platform is accessible through both an online interface and mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. The software features a smart algorithm that monitors user progress and errors, adapting lessons in real time to align with individual learning levels and memory patterns.

Lingvist

Pre Seed Round in 2014
Lingvist Inc. is a language-learning software company based in Tallinn, Estonia, founded in 2013 by Ott Jalakas, Mait Muntel, Andres Koern, and Tanel Hiir. The company utilizes statistical analysis and adaptive machine learning algorithms to develop its language-learning tools, which aim to help users acquire new languages in approximately 200 hours. Lingvist's platform is accessible through both an online interface and mobile applications for iOS and Android devices. The software features a smart algorithm that monitors user progress and errors, adapting lessons in real time to align with individual learning levels and memory patterns.

Testlio

Seed Round in 2013
Testlio Inc. offers a comprehensive online mobile app testing solution designed to streamline quality assurance processes for businesses. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, with additional offices in Estonia, Testlio connects clients with a community of experienced and vetted testers through its end-to-end QA management platform. This platform integrates seamlessly with existing tools, providing high visibility throughout the testing process. Testlio's services include functional testing, localization, and detailed reporting, allowing companies to offload quality assurance tasks with flexible requirements. The company's ability to assemble dedicated QA teams that work globally and around the clock enables clients to meet deadlines and enhance product quality. Testlio's notable clients include Microsoft, Lyft, Salesforce, and CBS Interactive, among others.

GrabCAD

Pre Seed Round in 2011
GrabCAD is a mechanical engineering community founded in 2009, headquartered in Boston, USA, with a development team based in Estonia. It serves as a platform for engineers, designers, manufacturers, and STEM students to share talent, expand knowledge, and collaborate. The company provides a free CAD model library and hosts engineering competitions, fostering engagement and innovation within the engineering community. Additionally, GrabCAD offers printing solutions that streamline the design and 3D printing workflow, helping clients efficiently manage print requests and reduce associated time losses.