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.

Ethan Austin JD

Director

Sarah Bain

Managing Director

Saalim Chowdhury

Managing Director

Timothy Dorr

Managing Director

Maelle Gavet

CEO and Board Member

Terry Gold

Managing Director

Kirstin Hunter

Managing Director

Raphaele Leyendecker

Managing Director

Bob Moczydlowsky

Managing Director

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

Sunil Sharma

Managing Director

KJ Singh

Managing Director

Oyin Solebo

Managing Director

Vijay Tirathrai

Managing Director

Kartik Varma

Managing Director

Jenna Walker

Managing Director

Anne Wellington

Managing Director

Past deals in Virginia

Tradeverifyd

Series A in 2025
Mesur.io Inc. is a company focused on developing innovative solutions for measuring and monitoring in-ground environmental data. Founded in 2016 and based in Danville, Virginia, it offers a product called Earthstream, which specializes in calibrating and transmitting agricultural data. The company also features an analytics platform that integrates this data with various external sources, such as soil and plant databases, satellite imagery, and weather forecasts, to deliver actionable insights. Mesur.io's technology illuminates supply chains back to their raw materials and provides a risk score that assesses a supplier's ability to deliver products. This capability allows agricultural enterprises to better understand supply chain risks and optimize their operations, ultimately leading to cost savings in labor, water, and raw materials.

MOLG

Seed Round in 2024
MOLG is a Virginia-based company that specializes in developing digital and automation tools tailored for the manufacturing industry. The company has created a circular manufacturing platform that focuses on the autonomous assembly and disassembly of sustainable and cost-effective products. By leveraging artificial intelligence and robotics, MOLG aims to advance the concept of autonomous micro-factories, enabling manufacturers to achieve enhanced transparency and value recovery in the circular economy. Through its innovative solutions, MOLG supports businesses in optimizing their processes and services while promoting sustainability in manufacturing practices.

Instant Car Fix

Pre Seed Round in 2024
Instant Car Fix, headquartered in Ashburn, Virginia, operates an online platform that facilitates mobile car repair and maintenance services. The company caters to both individual car owners and fleet managers, offering 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 vehicle issues.

Kinometrix

Seed Round in 2023
Kinometrix Inc. is a healthcare analytics company based in Fairfax, Virginia, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing a risk assessment and notification system aimed at preventing avoidable patient falls within hospitals. Utilizing an artificial intelligence platform, Kinometrix analyzes electronic health record data to deliver real-time predictions of patient fall risk. Its software employs machine learning algorithms and wearable balance sensor technology to alert healthcare staff to specific risk factors, such as gait impairment and medication effects. By providing actionable insights and individualized assessments, Kinometrix enables clinicians to effectively monitor and manage patients' fall risk status, ultimately enhancing patient safety and care outcomes.

xHood

Pre Seed Round in 2023
xHood is a community organization based in Woodbridge, Virginia, dedicated to supporting Black queer parents as they navigate the challenges of family-building. The organization provides a safe space for these individuals to connect with one another, fostering deep relationships and support networks. By addressing issues such as systemic racism, homophobia, transphobia, and the Black reproductive health crisis, xHood offers guidance and resources tailored to the unique experiences of the Black LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, it connects parents with vetted family products and service providers, enhancing their ability to nurture their families without the fear of isolation.

Lenme

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Lenme is a mobile application that streamlines the process of peer-to-peer lending and borrowing. It addresses the needs of the 140 million Americans who require small loans for unexpected expenses, offering a more accessible alternative to traditional financing options like bank loans, credit cards, or payday loans. The platform connects borrowers seeking loans with investors looking to earn returns by lending money. By leveraging extensive data on each borrower, Lenme enables lenders to provide more competitive rates, thereby reducing the high costs typically associated with small loans. The application features a user-friendly interface that simplifies the lending process, allowing borrowers to request loans on their own terms while offering investors a less volatile investment opportunity. Overall, Lenme aims to lower interest rates and fees, creating a more equitable lending environment.

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, known as "Nabors." The company focuses on delivering caregiving, companionship, and social engagement services, facilitating on-demand support for tasks such as errands and transportation. Naborforce aims to enhance the aging experience by promoting productive and connected living, thereby addressing social isolation among seniors. The platform supports aging in place, offering peace of mind for family caregivers while also providing flexible income opportunities for its employees. Through its services, Naborforce strives to enable older adults to lead convenient, safe, and fulfilling lives.

Konduit Works

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Konduit is a no-code fintech infrastructure company based in Reston, Virginia, founded in 2021. It specializes in connecting banks, fintechs, and other technological solutions through a seamless platform designed for financial institutions. The Konduit platform enables banks to efficiently onboard and adopt third-party fintech solutions, allowing lenders to offer real-time pre-qualified rates for consumer loans at a reduced cost. By integrating individual fintech solutions, the platform helps lenders address comprehensive business challenges. Additionally, it assists borrowers in finding optimal rates for student refinancing and personal loans from local lenders, thereby facilitating debt reduction while enabling local financial institutions to meet demand within their geographic areas.

MOLG

Pre Seed Round in 2022
MOLG is a Virginia-based company that specializes in developing digital and automation tools tailored for the manufacturing industry. The company has created a circular manufacturing platform that focuses on the autonomous assembly and disassembly of sustainable and cost-effective products. By leveraging artificial intelligence and robotics, MOLG aims to advance the concept of autonomous micro-factories, enabling manufacturers to achieve enhanced transparency and value recovery in the circular economy. Through its innovative solutions, MOLG supports businesses in optimizing their processes and services while promoting sustainability in manufacturing practices.

Joint

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Joint is a technology-driven residential housing platform dedicated to supporting the military community. Founded in 2020 and based in Alexandria, Virginia, the company provides its members with exclusive access to high-quality homes tailored to their unique needs as they progress through their careers. Joint simplifies the process of finding a home by offering integrated services that create a seamless living experience. Additionally, the platform emphasizes the financial advantages of homeownership, enabling military service members and their families to convert their rent into long-term wealth. Through these offerings, Joint aims to enhance the quality of life for military personnel and their families, allowing them to thrive both at home and in their service.

Tradeverifyd

Seed Round in 2021
Mesur.io Inc. is a company focused on developing innovative solutions for measuring and monitoring in-ground environmental data. Founded in 2016 and based in Danville, Virginia, it offers a product called Earthstream, which specializes in calibrating and transmitting agricultural data. The company also features an analytics platform that integrates this data with various external sources, such as soil and plant databases, satellite imagery, and weather forecasts, to deliver actionable insights. Mesur.io's technology illuminates supply chains back to their raw materials and provides a risk score that assesses a supplier's ability to deliver products. This capability allows agricultural enterprises to better understand supply chain risks and optimize their operations, ultimately leading to cost savings in labor, water, and raw materials.

Workchew

Seed Round in 2021
WorkChew Inc. is a marketplace platform that connects mobile and remote workers with coworking spaces available in restaurants and hotels across Chicago, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Founded in 2018 by Maisha Burt and Allyson McDougal, the company focuses on providing a productive and safe environment for remote workers. The platform offers a self-serve option where users can view available spaces, amenities, and book seats for short durations. Restaurants and hotels that partner with WorkChew retain all profits from food and beverage sales, while WorkChew earns a commission from conference room bookings at hotels. This innovative approach allows remote workers to access affordable coworking spaces equipped with essential services like high-speed Wi-Fi and food options, enhancing their work experience while supporting local businesses.

Avenify

Funding Round in 2021
Avenify Corporation is a peer-to-peer lending platform based in Reston, Virginia, that focuses on income share agreements (ISAs) to finance education. Founded in 2018, Avenify simplifies the financing process for nursing students by offering them ISAs, which allow them to pay a percentage of their future income in exchange for funding their education. The platform also connects investors with students, facilitating access to both federal and private loan options to cover tuition fees. By providing transparent and straightforward financing terms, Avenify aims to support students in their educational pursuits and help them secure employment after graduation.

Workchew

Pre Seed Round in 2020
WorkChew Inc. is a marketplace platform that connects mobile and remote workers with coworking spaces available in restaurants and hotels across Chicago, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Founded in 2018 by Maisha Burt and Allyson McDougal, the company focuses on providing a productive and safe environment for remote workers. The platform offers a self-serve option where users can view available spaces, amenities, and book seats for short durations. Restaurants and hotels that partner with WorkChew retain all profits from food and beverage sales, while WorkChew earns a commission from conference room bookings at hotels. This innovative approach allows remote workers to access affordable coworking spaces equipped with essential services like high-speed Wi-Fi and food options, enhancing their work experience while supporting local businesses.

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, known as "Nabors." The company focuses on delivering caregiving, companionship, and social engagement services, facilitating on-demand support for tasks such as errands and transportation. Naborforce aims to enhance the aging experience by promoting productive and connected living, thereby addressing social isolation among seniors. The platform supports aging in place, offering peace of mind for family caregivers while also providing flexible income opportunities for its employees. Through its services, Naborforce strives to enable older adults to lead convenient, safe, and fulfilling lives.

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 event experience for brands and organizations. Founded in 2016 and based in Tysons Corner, Virginia, MeeteR's platform enables users to streamline various aspects of event management, including ticket sales, event services, and the event approval process. The platform facilitates tasks such as collecting and managing ticket sales, processing payments, and integrating with customer relationship management and marketing software. By providing a customizable solution, MeeteR aims to help brands increase attendance, drive ticket sales, and effectively engage their audiences at events.

AnswersNow

Pre Seed Round in 2018
AnswersNow, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing a mobile platform aimed at supporting parents and caregivers of children with autism. Founded in 2016 and based in Richmond, Virginia, the platform offers a range of educational resources, behavioral learning tools, and on-demand expert support. It facilitates a step-by-step learning process for children while allowing caregivers to save, store, and monitor their child's progress. The platform connects users through private messaging and video, providing personalized guidance and emotional support. AnswersNow's team consists of board-certified behavioral analysts, ensuring that users receive expert advice from professionals with extensive training and qualifications.

AnswersNow

Pre Seed Round in 2018
AnswersNow, Inc. is a company that specializes in developing a mobile platform aimed at supporting parents and caregivers of children with autism. Founded in 2016 and based in Richmond, Virginia, the platform offers a range of educational resources, behavioral learning tools, and on-demand expert support. It facilitates a step-by-step learning process for children while allowing caregivers to save, store, and monitor their child's progress. The platform connects users through private messaging and video, providing personalized guidance and emotional support. AnswersNow's team consists of board-certified behavioral analysts, ensuring that users receive expert advice from professionals with extensive training and qualifications.

Tradeverifyd

Seed Round in 2018
Mesur.io Inc. is a company focused on developing innovative solutions for measuring and monitoring in-ground environmental data. Founded in 2016 and based in Danville, Virginia, it offers a product called Earthstream, which specializes in calibrating and transmitting agricultural data. The company also features an analytics platform that integrates this data with various external sources, such as soil and plant databases, satellite imagery, and weather forecasts, to deliver actionable insights. Mesur.io's technology illuminates supply chains back to their raw materials and provides a risk score that assesses a supplier's ability to deliver products. This capability allows agricultural enterprises to better understand supply chain risks and optimize their operations, ultimately leading to cost savings in labor, water, and raw materials.

Tradeverifyd

Seed Round in 2018
Mesur.io Inc. is a company focused on developing innovative solutions for measuring and monitoring in-ground environmental data. Founded in 2016 and based in Danville, Virginia, it offers a product called Earthstream, which specializes in calibrating and transmitting agricultural data. The company also features an analytics platform that integrates this data with various external sources, such as soil and plant databases, satellite imagery, and weather forecasts, to deliver actionable insights. Mesur.io's technology illuminates supply chains back to their raw materials and provides a risk score that assesses a supplier's ability to deliver products. This capability allows agricultural enterprises to better understand supply chain risks and optimize their operations, ultimately leading to cost savings in labor, water, and raw materials.

Tradeverifyd

Seed Round in 2018
Mesur.io Inc. is a company focused on developing innovative solutions for measuring and monitoring in-ground environmental data. Founded in 2016 and based in Danville, Virginia, it offers a product called Earthstream, which specializes in calibrating and transmitting agricultural data. The company also features an analytics platform that integrates this data with various external sources, such as soil and plant databases, satellite imagery, and weather forecasts, to deliver actionable insights. Mesur.io's technology illuminates supply chains back to their raw materials and provides a risk score that assesses a supplier's ability to deliver products. This capability allows agricultural enterprises to better understand supply chain risks and optimize their operations, ultimately leading to cost savings in 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 an innovative online service based in Richmond, Virginia, established in 2015, designed specifically for freelancers and independent contractors. The company offers a unique banking solution that helps these workers manage their 1099 income effectively. Painless1099 provides an online bank account that automatically withholds taxes based on individual factors such as filing status and number of dependents, ensuring users set aside the appropriate amount for tax obligations. Additionally, the service automates health insurance payments, assists in establishing a SEP IRA for retirement savings, and encourages users to save for unexpected expenses. By integrating these features, Painless1099 aims to provide freelancers with the benefits typically associated with traditional employment while allowing them to maintain control over their self-employment careers.

Card Isle

Seed Round in 2015
Card Isle Corporation is a company that specializes in designing and selling personalized boutique greeting cards through automated kiosks and an online platform. Founded in 2013 and based in Blacksburg, Virginia, Card Isle enables customers to create custom greeting cards on-site or via its website. The company offers two main solutions: a Print-at-Home option that allows users to print boutique-quality cards using their Canon printers, and an eCommerce service that provides greeting and photo card design through various channels, including in-store and over the phone. By focusing on personalized, on-demand printing, Card Isle eliminates the need for extensive inventory of greeting cards, ensuring that each card is tailored to the customer's specifications. The company's services cater to a wide range of clients, including hospitals, airports, military bases, universities, convenience stores, and corporate campuses across the United States.

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, founded in 2014. It specializes in providing a platform that allows brides to purchase or borrow designer wedding dresses using advanced fit tech and interactive imaging technology. The company's portal also enables married women to sell or rent their designer wedding dresses, promoting sustainability through the reuse of these items. Additionally, Borrowing Magnolia partners with boutiques through a B2B platform, helping them expand their market for dresses that are no longer wanted or able to be sold in-store.

Card Isle

Seed Round in 2015
Card Isle Corporation is a company that specializes in designing and selling personalized boutique greeting cards through automated kiosks and an online platform. Founded in 2013 and based in Blacksburg, Virginia, Card Isle enables customers to create custom greeting cards on-site or via its website. The company offers two main solutions: a Print-at-Home option that allows users to print boutique-quality cards using their Canon printers, and an eCommerce service that provides greeting and photo card design through various channels, including in-store and over the phone. By focusing on personalized, on-demand printing, Card Isle eliminates the need for extensive inventory of greeting cards, ensuring that each card is tailored to the customer's specifications. The company's services cater to a wide range of clients, including hospitals, airports, military bases, universities, convenience stores, and corporate campuses across the United States.

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 technology company that specializes in providing tools for social media marketing, particularly on Facebook. Founded in 2010 and based in Blacksburg, Virginia, the company offers a range of products designed to help businesses create engaging Facebook fan pages, contests, sweepstakes, and mobile-optimized landing pages. Heyo's software features intuitive drag-and-drop builders and templates that enable users to easily customize their online presence and campaigns across various platforms. The company emphasizes mobile compatibility, allowing for seamless integration of content on mobile devices. As an industry leader in mobile app development, Heyo also facilitates the creation of apps that can publish across mobile, Facebook, and the web, making it simpler for businesses to connect with their customers and enhance their online engagement.

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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