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 Virginia

MOLG

Seed Round in 2024
MOLG is a company based in Virginia, USA, that specializes in developing digital and automation tools tailored for the manufacturing industry. Its primary focus is on a circular manufacturing platform that facilitates the autonomous assembly and disassembly of sustainable products. By leveraging artificial intelligence and robotics, MOLG aims to advance the concept of micro-factories, allowing businesses to enhance transparency and recover value in the circular economy. The company's innovative approach supports manufacturing processes that are both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.

Instant Car Fix

Pre Seed Round in 2024
Instant Car Fix, headquartered in Ashburn, Virginia, is a private company specializing in mobile car repair and maintenance services. Through its online platform, the company offers real-time pricing and scheduling for a range of services, from brake repairs and battery replacements to AC services and pre-purchase car inspections. Certified mechanics travel to customers' preferred locations, such as home or office, to diagnose and fix vehicles, providing a convenient and efficient solution for car and fleet owners.

Kinometrix

Seed Round in 2023
Kinometrix Inc. is a healthcare analytics company focused on preventing avoidable patient falls through its advanced risk assessment and notification system. Founded in 2017 and based in Fairfax, Virginia, the company leverages machine learning algorithms and wearable balance sensor technology to alert hospital staff about patients' fall risks. Its software utilizes electronic health record (EHR) data to offer real-time predictions of fall risk, identifying specific factors such as gait impairment and medication that contribute to a patient’s individual risk profile. By analyzing key metrics and providing actionable reports, Kinometrix enables nursing staff to effectively manage patient safety and reduce the incidence of falls within healthcare settings.

xHood

Pre Seed Round in 2023
xHood is a community-focused organization based in Woodbridge, Virginia, dedicated to supporting Black queer parents as they navigate the complexities of family-building in the face of systemic challenges. It provides a safe and nurturing environment for individuals within the Black LGBTQ+ community, addressing issues related to the Black reproductive health crisis, systemic racism, homophobia, and transphobia. By fostering deep connections among parents, xHood helps to create robust support systems, allowing members to access vetted family products and services tailored to their unique needs. Through its initiatives, xHood aims to combat feelings of isolation and promote a sense of belonging among its members.

Lenme

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Lenme is a mobile application designed to streamline peer-to-peer lending and borrowing, addressing the needs of millions of Americans who require small loans for unexpected expenses. The platform connects borrowers seeking flexible loan options with lenders interested in earning returns on their investments. By leveraging extensive data on each borrower, Lenme enables lenders to offer competitive rates, reducing the average high costs associated with traditional lending methods, which often lead to exorbitant interest rates. This approach not only provides borrowers with an alternative to traditional financing options, such as bank loans and credit cards, but also allows investors to participate in a less volatile investment market. Overall, Lenme aims to create a more accessible and efficient lending ecosystem.

Naborforce

Series A in 2022
Naborforce LLC, founded in 2018 and based in Richmond, Virginia, provides a platform that connects older adults with a network of vetted helpers, referred to as "Nabors." This service aims to enhance social engagement and offer on-demand support for tasks such as errands, transportation, and assistance around the home. Naborforce promotes connected and fulfilling aging by addressing issues of isolation among seniors and facilitating aging in place. The company's approach also supports family caregivers by providing backup assistance, while offering flexible employment opportunities for its helpers. Overall, Naborforce strives to create a supportive environment that fosters productive and joyous living for aging adults.

Konduit

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Konduit is a no-code fintech infrastructure established in 2021 and based in Reston, Virginia. It facilitates the seamless integration of banks and fintech solutions, enabling financial institutions to quickly adopt third-party technologies. The platform provides real-time pre-qualified rates for consumer loans, significantly reducing costs for lenders. It allows borrowers to access optimal rates for student refinancing and personal loans from local credit unions and mid-sized financial institutions. By combining various fintech solutions, Konduit helps lenders address comprehensive business needs while supporting borrowers in managing their debt effectively and connecting them with local lending options.

MOLG

Pre Seed Round in 2022
MOLG is a company based in Virginia, USA, that specializes in developing digital and automation tools tailored for the manufacturing industry. Its primary focus is on a circular manufacturing platform that facilitates the autonomous assembly and disassembly of sustainable products. By leveraging artificial intelligence and robotics, MOLG aims to advance the concept of micro-factories, allowing businesses to enhance transparency and recover value in the circular economy. The company's innovative approach supports manufacturing processes that are both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.

Joint

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Joint is a technology-driven residential housing platform focused on serving the military community. Founded in 2020 and based in Alexandria, Virginia, the company provides exclusive access to attractive homes tailored for military members as they progress in their careers. Joint simplifies the housing process by offering integrated services that enhance the home experience, while also presenting financial advantages that allow members to convert rental payments into wealth. This approach aims to support military service members and their families in achieving a better quality of life as they fulfill their duties.

Mesur.io

Seed Round in 2021
mesur.io Inc. specializes in developing devices and solutions for measuring and monitoring in-ground environmental data. Founded in 2016 and based in Danville, Virginia, the company offers a platform called Earthstream that integrates various data sources, including soil and plant databases, satellite imagery, and weather forecasts, to provide actionable insights. Additionally, mesur.io focuses on supply chain risk management by offering a risk score through its Tradeverifyd platform. This score assists enterprises in assessing supplier reliability and resilience, enabling more informed decision-making within supply chains. By leveraging agricultural data, mesur.io helps organizations automate processes and optimize resource usage, ultimately reducing costs related to labor, water, and raw materials.

Workchew

Seed Round in 2021
WorkChew Inc. operates a marketplace platform that connects mobile and remote workers with coworking spaces in restaurants and hotels located in Chicago, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Founded in 2018, the company offers a flexible work environment that includes food, drinks, and essential amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi. WorkChew caters to both businesses and individual users, allowing enterprises to secure workspaces for their remote employees while also providing a self-serve option for individuals to book spaces for short durations. Restaurants and hotels featured on the platform retain all revenue from food and beverage sales, while WorkChew earns a commission from conference room bookings in hotels. This model enables professionals to find affordable and productive workspaces without incurring high costs, making it a valuable resource for remote workers.

Avenify

Funding Round in 2021
Avenify Corporation operates a peer-to-peer lending platform that specializes in income share agreements (ISAs) to finance education, particularly for nursing students. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Avenify simplifies the process of obtaining funding for tuition by connecting students with investors. Through its platform, the company provides transparent financing options that enable students to pay a percentage of their future income in exchange for educational funding. In addition to financial support, Avenify assists graduates in securing employment, thereby enhancing their overall educational experience and future career prospects.

Workchew

Pre Seed Round in 2020
WorkChew Inc. operates a marketplace platform that connects mobile and remote workers with coworking spaces in restaurants and hotels located in Chicago, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Founded in 2018, the company offers a flexible work environment that includes food, drinks, and essential amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi. WorkChew caters to both businesses and individual users, allowing enterprises to secure workspaces for their remote employees while also providing a self-serve option for individuals to book spaces for short durations. Restaurants and hotels featured on the platform retain all revenue from food and beverage sales, while WorkChew earns a commission from conference room bookings in hotels. This model enables professionals to find affordable and productive workspaces without incurring high costs, making it a valuable resource for remote workers.

Naborforce

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Naborforce LLC, founded in 2018 and based in Richmond, Virginia, provides a platform that connects older adults with a network of vetted helpers, referred to as "Nabors." This service aims to enhance social engagement and offer on-demand support for tasks such as errands, transportation, and assistance around the home. Naborforce promotes connected and fulfilling aging by addressing issues of isolation among seniors and facilitating aging in place. The company's approach also supports family caregivers by providing backup assistance, while offering flexible employment opportunities for its helpers. Overall, Naborforce strives to create a supportive environment that fosters productive and joyous living for aging adults.

MeeteR

Pre Seed Round in 2019
MeeteR, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing and operating an event management platform designed to enhance the effectiveness of events for brands. Founded in 2016 and based in Tysons Corner, Virginia, MeeteR's platform facilitates various aspects of event management, including ticket sales, event approval processes, and audience engagement. It enables brands to create custom-branded event platforms that streamline operations such as registration and payment processing. By integrating with CRM and marketing software, MeeteR helps organizations increase attendance, drive sales, and ensure successful event outcomes.

AnswersNow

Pre Seed Round in 2018
AnswersNow, Inc. is a technology-driven company that specializes in supporting parents and caregivers of children with autism. Founded in 2016 and based in Richmond, Virginia, it offers a mobile platform that provides educational resources, behavioral learning tools, and on-demand expert support. The platform facilitates a step-by-step learning process for children, allowing caregivers to save, store, and monitor their progress effectively. AnswersNow's telehealth services connect families with board-certified behavioral analysts through private texts and videos, offering personalized counseling and emotional support tailored to individual needs. This approach aims to make applied behavior analysis therapy more accessible to families, regardless of their circumstances or location.

AnswersNow

Pre Seed Round in 2018
AnswersNow, Inc. is a technology-driven company that specializes in supporting parents and caregivers of children with autism. Founded in 2016 and based in Richmond, Virginia, it offers a mobile platform that provides educational resources, behavioral learning tools, and on-demand expert support. The platform facilitates a step-by-step learning process for children, allowing caregivers to save, store, and monitor their progress effectively. AnswersNow's telehealth services connect families with board-certified behavioral analysts through private texts and videos, offering personalized counseling and emotional support tailored to individual needs. This approach aims to make applied behavior analysis therapy more accessible to families, regardless of their circumstances or location.

Mesur.io

Seed Round in 2018
mesur.io Inc. specializes in developing devices and solutions for measuring and monitoring in-ground environmental data. Founded in 2016 and based in Danville, Virginia, the company offers a platform called Earthstream that integrates various data sources, including soil and plant databases, satellite imagery, and weather forecasts, to provide actionable insights. Additionally, mesur.io focuses on supply chain risk management by offering a risk score through its Tradeverifyd platform. This score assists enterprises in assessing supplier reliability and resilience, enabling more informed decision-making within supply chains. By leveraging agricultural data, mesur.io helps organizations automate processes and optimize resource usage, ultimately reducing costs related to labor, water, and raw materials.

Mesur.io

Seed Round in 2018
mesur.io Inc. specializes in developing devices and solutions for measuring and monitoring in-ground environmental data. Founded in 2016 and based in Danville, Virginia, the company offers a platform called Earthstream that integrates various data sources, including soil and plant databases, satellite imagery, and weather forecasts, to provide actionable insights. Additionally, mesur.io focuses on supply chain risk management by offering a risk score through its Tradeverifyd platform. This score assists enterprises in assessing supplier reliability and resilience, enabling more informed decision-making within supply chains. By leveraging agricultural data, mesur.io helps organizations automate processes and optimize resource usage, ultimately reducing costs related to labor, water, and raw materials.

Mesur.io

Seed Round in 2018
mesur.io Inc. specializes in developing devices and solutions for measuring and monitoring in-ground environmental data. Founded in 2016 and based in Danville, Virginia, the company offers a platform called Earthstream that integrates various data sources, including soil and plant databases, satellite imagery, and weather forecasts, to provide actionable insights. Additionally, mesur.io focuses on supply chain risk management by offering a risk score through its Tradeverifyd platform. This score assists enterprises in assessing supplier reliability and resilience, enabling more informed decision-making within supply chains. By leveraging agricultural data, mesur.io helps organizations automate processes and optimize resource usage, ultimately reducing costs related to labor, water, and raw materials.

Distil Networks

Series C in 2016
Distil Networks, Inc. is a cybersecurity company that specializes in developing cloud-based software to protect websites and APIs from malicious bots and automated attacks. Founded in 2011 and based in Arlington, Virginia, the company provides solutions that effectively block a wide range of threats, including web scraping, competitive data mining, form spam, and click fraud, without disrupting legitimate user activity. Their offerings include Bot Defense for API, which safeguards public-facing APIs from unauthorized access and exploitation. Utilizing a robust global machine learning infrastructure, Distil Networks analyzes real-time attack patterns to enhance its bot mitigation capabilities. The company serves enterprise clients across various industries, contributing to a more secure web environment. Distil Networks operates as a subsidiary of Imperva, Inc.

Painless1099

Convertible Note in 2016
Painless1099, LLC is a digital service designed to assist freelancers and independent contractors in managing their tax obligations efficiently. Established in 2015 and based in Richmond, Virginia, the company provides a smart online bank account that facilitates the separation of 1099 income from taxes. It automatically withholds taxes based on user-specific information, such as dependents and filing status, ensuring that users can allocate their funds appropriately. In addition to tax management, Painless1099 offers features that help automate health insurance payments and set up a SEP IRA for retirement savings, effectively providing a portable benefits package reminiscent of traditional employment. This comprehensive approach enables freelancers to enjoy financial benefits typically reserved for W-2 employees while maintaining control over their careers.

Card Isle

Seed Round in 2015
Card Isle Corporation specializes in designing and selling personalized boutique greeting cards, utilizing automated kiosks and an online platform. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, the company provides a unique service that allows customers to create custom greeting cards on-site or online. Its offerings include a Print-at-Home solution, enabling users to print high-quality cards using personal printers, and an eCommerce platform that facilitates card design through various channels, including in-store and phone orders. By eliminating the need to stock pre-printed cards, Card Isle ensures that every card is personalized and printed on demand, catering to a diverse clientele that includes hospitals, airports, military bases, universities, convenience stores, and corporate campuses across the United States. The company features designs from local and independent artists, allowing customers to send meaningful and relevant greetings.

Distil Networks

Series B in 2015
Distil Networks, Inc. is a cybersecurity company that specializes in developing cloud-based software to protect websites and APIs from malicious bots and automated attacks. Founded in 2011 and based in Arlington, Virginia, the company provides solutions that effectively block a wide range of threats, including web scraping, competitive data mining, form spam, and click fraud, without disrupting legitimate user activity. Their offerings include Bot Defense for API, which safeguards public-facing APIs from unauthorized access and exploitation. Utilizing a robust global machine learning infrastructure, Distil Networks analyzes real-time attack patterns to enhance its bot mitigation capabilities. The company serves enterprise clients across various industries, contributing to a more secure web environment. Distil Networks operates as a subsidiary of Imperva, Inc.

Borrowing Magnolia

Convertible Note in 2015
Borrowing Magnolia is a technology-driven company based in Charlottesville, Virginia, that specializes in bridal dress rental and resale services. Founded in 2014, it offers brides the opportunity to purchase or borrow designer wedding dresses through an innovative platform that features a curated selection of new, gently used, and sample gowns in various sizes and styles. The company also allows married women to sell or rent their own designer dresses, promoting sustainability by facilitating the reuse of bridal attire. Additionally, Borrowing Magnolia collaborates with boutiques to help them expand their market by offering a platform for dresses that are no longer in inventory. This approach not only supports brides in finding their ideal wedding attire but also assists in reducing waste in the bridal fashion industry.

Card Isle

Seed Round in 2015
Card Isle Corporation specializes in designing and selling personalized boutique greeting cards, utilizing automated kiosks and an online platform. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Blacksburg, Virginia, the company provides a unique service that allows customers to create custom greeting cards on-site or online. Its offerings include a Print-at-Home solution, enabling users to print high-quality cards using personal printers, and an eCommerce platform that facilitates card design through various channels, including in-store and phone orders. By eliminating the need to stock pre-printed cards, Card Isle ensures that every card is personalized and printed on demand, catering to a diverse clientele that includes hospitals, airports, military bases, universities, convenience stores, and corporate campuses across the United States. The company features designs from local and independent artists, allowing customers to send meaningful and relevant greetings.

LawnStarter

Convertible Note in 2014
LawnStarter, Inc. is an online marketplace based in Austin, Texas, that connects consumers with lawn care professionals for a range of lawn maintenance and outdoor services. Founded in 2013, the company provides essential services such as lawn mowing, edging, and blowing, as well as specialty offerings like fertilization, aeration, over seeding, and leaf removal. LawnStarter enhances the customer experience by offering instant quotes and scheduling options through its platform, which utilizes geolocation algorithms to optimize route density for service providers, thereby increasing their efficiency and profitability. The company operates across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

LawnStarter

Pre Seed Round in 2014
LawnStarter, Inc. is an online marketplace based in Austin, Texas, that connects consumers with lawn care professionals for a range of lawn maintenance and outdoor services. Founded in 2013, the company provides essential services such as lawn mowing, edging, and blowing, as well as specialty offerings like fertilization, aeration, over seeding, and leaf removal. LawnStarter enhances the customer experience by offering instant quotes and scheduling options through its platform, which utilizes geolocation algorithms to optimize route density for service providers, thereby increasing their efficiency and profitability. The company operates across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Distil Networks

Series A in 2014
Distil Networks, Inc. is a cybersecurity company that specializes in developing cloud-based software to protect websites and APIs from malicious bots and automated attacks. Founded in 2011 and based in Arlington, Virginia, the company provides solutions that effectively block a wide range of threats, including web scraping, competitive data mining, form spam, and click fraud, without disrupting legitimate user activity. Their offerings include Bot Defense for API, which safeguards public-facing APIs from unauthorized access and exploitation. Utilizing a robust global machine learning infrastructure, Distil Networks analyzes real-time attack patterns to enhance its bot mitigation capabilities. The company serves enterprise clients across various industries, contributing to a more secure web environment. Distil Networks operates as a subsidiary of Imperva, Inc.

Distil Networks

Seed Round in 2013
Distil Networks, Inc. is a cybersecurity company that specializes in developing cloud-based software to protect websites and APIs from malicious bots and automated attacks. Founded in 2011 and based in Arlington, Virginia, the company provides solutions that effectively block a wide range of threats, including web scraping, competitive data mining, form spam, and click fraud, without disrupting legitimate user activity. Their offerings include Bot Defense for API, which safeguards public-facing APIs from unauthorized access and exploitation. Utilizing a robust global machine learning infrastructure, Distil Networks analyzes real-time attack patterns to enhance its bot mitigation capabilities. The company serves enterprise clients across various industries, contributing to a more secure web environment. Distil Networks operates as a subsidiary of Imperva, Inc.

Heyo

Pre Seed Round in 2012
Heyo, Inc. is a company that specializes in social media marketing services, offering tools and solutions for businesses to enhance their online presence. Founded in 2010 and based in Blacksburg, Virginia, Heyo provides products such as customizable templates, promotions, and drag-and-drop builders that enable users to create Facebook contests, sweepstakes, and mobile-optimized landing pages. The company's software allows businesses to effectively engage with customers on Facebook, a key platform for both small and large enterprises. Additionally, Heyo is recognized for its capabilities in mobile app development, facilitating the creation of mobile-friendly content that can reach customers directly. Formerly known as Lujure Media, Inc., Heyo operates as a subsidiary of Votigo, Inc., focusing on helping organizations drive traffic, generate leads, and increase sales through innovative digital campaigns.

Distil Networks

Seed Round in 2012
Distil Networks, Inc. is a cybersecurity company that specializes in developing cloud-based software to protect websites and APIs from malicious bots and automated attacks. Founded in 2011 and based in Arlington, Virginia, the company provides solutions that effectively block a wide range of threats, including web scraping, competitive data mining, form spam, and click fraud, without disrupting legitimate user activity. Their offerings include Bot Defense for API, which safeguards public-facing APIs from unauthorized access and exploitation. Utilizing a robust global machine learning infrastructure, Distil Networks analyzes real-time attack patterns to enhance its bot mitigation capabilities. The company serves enterprise clients across various industries, contributing to a more secure web environment. Distil Networks operates as a subsidiary of Imperva, Inc.

Distil Networks

Debt Financing in 2012
Distil Networks, Inc. is a cybersecurity company that specializes in developing cloud-based software to protect websites and APIs from malicious bots and automated attacks. Founded in 2011 and based in Arlington, Virginia, the company provides solutions that effectively block a wide range of threats, including web scraping, competitive data mining, form spam, and click fraud, without disrupting legitimate user activity. Their offerings include Bot Defense for API, which safeguards public-facing APIs from unauthorized access and exploitation. Utilizing a robust global machine learning infrastructure, Distil Networks analyzes real-time attack patterns to enhance its bot mitigation capabilities. The company serves enterprise clients across various industries, contributing to a more secure web environment. Distil Networks operates as a subsidiary of Imperva, Inc.
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