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

Mark Tortorella

Advisor

Nathanial Zola

MD

Past deals in 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.

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.

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.