Techstars

Techstars is a global platform that invests in and supports early-stage technology companies. Founded in 2006, it operates a mentorship-driven accelerator program, providing seed funding, intensive mentorship, and access to a network of investors and entrepreneurs. Techstars has programs in various locations worldwide, including Boston, Boulder, New York, Seattle, London, Chicago, and Austin. It invests $118,000 in each company, with $18,000 in seed funding and an optional $100,000 convertible debt note. Techstars also has industry-specific accelerator programs, such as Techstars Retail and Techstars Music, focusing on retail and music technology, respectively. Its portfolio includes over 1,000 companies with a combined market cap of $8.1 billion.

Hyder Alabed

Program Director

Ethan Austin

Director

Sarah Bain

Managing Director

Ravid Chowdhury

Investment Manager

Saalim Chowdhury

Managing Director

Andrew Cleland

Chief Investment Officer

Todd Deacon

Managing Director

Maelle Gavet

CEO and Board Member

Kirstin Hunter

Managing Director

Matt Kozlov

Managing Director

Scott Kraege

Managing Director

Ryan Kuder

Founder and Managing Director, Techstars Anywhere Accelerator

Kerty Levy

Managing Director

Raphaele Leyendecker

Managing Director

Bob Moczydlowsky

Managing Director and Founder, Techstars Music

Bruno Morency

Managing Director

Zach Nies

Managing Director

Hilla Ovil-Brenner

Managing Director

Julie Penner

Program Director

Neal Sales-Griffin

Managing Director

Martin Schilling

Managing Director

KJ Singh

Managing Director

Vijay Tirathrai

Managing Director

Kartik Varma

Managing Director

Jenna Walker

Managing Director

Anne Wellington

Managing Director

Past deals in Kenya

HubIQ

Pre Seed Round in 2024
HubIQ is a logistics company based in Kenya and the United States that focuses on providing streamlined logistics solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Kenya and East Africa. The company offers a comprehensive platform that combines warehousing, transportation, and delivery services, utilizing a network of strategic storage locations to enhance last-mile delivery. By catering primarily to sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, and e-commerce, HubIQ enables businesses to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency, thus facilitating better supply chain management and supporting their growth in the digital landscape.

Treepz

Seed Round in 2021
Treepz is a technology-driven transportation company focused on enhancing mobility across Africa. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Ontario, Canada, Treepz operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, and Kenya, providing users with a reliable and comfortable commuting experience. Its application allows users to book trips for daily, inter-city, or corporate travel at the tap of a button. The platform offers features such as vehicle assistants, licensed drivers, and e-wallet payments, ensuring that users can book and pay for fast and convenient trips in real-time. Through its innovative approach, Treepz aims to create a safer and more efficient transportation system for commuters in the region.

Treepz

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Treepz is a technology-driven transportation company focused on enhancing mobility across Africa. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Ontario, Canada, Treepz operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, and Kenya, providing users with a reliable and comfortable commuting experience. Its application allows users to book trips for daily, inter-city, or corporate travel at the tap of a button. The platform offers features such as vehicle assistants, licensed drivers, and e-wallet payments, ensuring that users can book and pay for fast and convenient trips in real-time. Through its innovative approach, Treepz aims to create a safer and more efficient transportation system for commuters in the region.

Mobius Motors

Series A in 2018
Mobius Motors Ltd. designs, manufactures, and sells vehicles tailored for the African mass market, focusing on the specific needs of consumers in developing regions. Founded in 2011 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, the company produces affordable vehicles that facilitate the transportation of heavy cargo, operate effectively over rough terrains, and serve public transport and goods delivery needs. By providing appropriate transport solutions, Mobius Motors aims to enhance mobility in rural Africa and contribute to a more connected and prosperous continent.

Beyonic

Seed Round in 2016
Beyonic, Inc. is a technology company based in Kampala, Uganda, that specializes in web-based services and APIs focused on mobile payment solutions. Founded in 2006, the company provides a platform that enables businesses to manage two-way mobile money payments across multiple carriers and banks, facilitating transactions in Uganda, Kenya, and other countries. Beyonic's services allow clients to efficiently handle various payment needs, including payroll, debt collection, and disbursement of funds, through a centralized system that connects to 26 mobile payment networks and over 20 banks. By utilizing a cloud-based payment platform, Beyonic aims to simplify cashless transactions for businesses and projects, enhancing the ability to make last-mile digital payments in emerging markets. As of June 30, 2020, Beyonic operates as a subsidiary of MFS Africa Limited.

iNuka Pap

Seed Round in 2016
iNuka Pap Limited is a Kenyan company founded in 2014 that operates a mobile platform designed to offer instant loans to members of savings and credit co-operatives (SACCOs) and microfinance institutions (MFIs) across Africa. The platform provides users with immediate access to short-term cash advances, which can help address urgent financial needs. In addition to loan services, iNuka Pap also facilitates other consumer services such as prepaid electricity, airtime, and insurance. By enabling members to manage their small cash emergencies conveniently and efficiently, the company aims to enhance financial accessibility for its users.

Mobius Motors

Pre Seed Round in 2013
Mobius Motors Ltd. designs, manufactures, and sells vehicles tailored for the African mass market, focusing on the specific needs of consumers in developing regions. Founded in 2011 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, the company produces affordable vehicles that facilitate the transportation of heavy cargo, operate effectively over rough terrains, and serve public transport and goods delivery needs. By providing appropriate transport solutions, Mobius Motors aims to enhance mobility in rural Africa and contribute to a more connected and prosperous continent.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.