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.

Focus

Pre Seed Round Seed Round Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Series A Show more

http://techstars.com/ventures

https://crunchbase.com/organization/techstars

https://facebook.com/techstars

https://linkedin.com/company/techstars

https://twitter.com/techstars

https://www.capitaliq.com/CIQDotNet/company.aspx?companyId=431767203

https://www.privateequityinternational.com/database/#/profile?id=14977

Ethan Austin

MD of the Techstars Western Union Accelerator

Mark Tortorella

Advisor

Nathanial Zola

MD

Past deals in Europe

AnsuR Technologies AS

Funding Round in 2020

AnsuR, based in Norway & Spain, provides software for mission-critical satellite communication of multimedia content, reducing bandwidth by 99% and increasing efficiency by 100 times.

Poliloop

Seed Round in 2020

Poliloop B.V., based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, specializes in converting non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastics into biodegradable products. The company has developed a microbial cocktail capable of degrading various types of single-use plastics, including PET, PP, LDPE, HDPE, PS, CPE, and EVA. This innovative process can function under suboptimal conditions and has been tested on both individual and mixed plastics, including those contaminated with food debris. Poliloop's method not only addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste but also produces valuable end-products such as bioplastics and biogas, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy. The degradation process begins within two days, with complete breakdown of the polymers occurring over approximately two months.

Raybased

Pre Seed Round in 2018

Raybased Holding AB, founded in 2011 and based in Gothenburg, Sweden, specializes in developing and selling wireless professional systems designed for building automation. The company's solutions enable the control, monitoring, and optimization of various electrical functions within a building, including heating, ventilation, lighting, and security systems. Raybased offers a range of products, such as smart controllers, smart readers, DALI converters, modbus operators, multisensors, gateways, and local servers. With a focus on integrating energy efficiency with Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, Raybased positions itself as a leader in enhancing energy management and operational efficiency in modern buildings.

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.

Courtsdesk

Seed Round in 2017

Courtdesk provides online database of court cases and reporting in Ireland. Enda Leahy founded it in 2015, with its headquarters in Dublin in Ireland.

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.

Bidvine

Convertible Note in 2014

Bidvine Limited provides an online platform that connects customers with local service professionals to help accomplish event, health, home, learning, wellness, and other projects in the United Kingdom. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in London, United Kingdom.

Testlio

Seed Round in 2013

IKKOS

Seed Round in 2012

IKKOS (pronounced E-kos) is named after Ikkos of Tarentum, the first recorded Olympic coach in ancient Greece. Ikkos was known as “the trainer of champions”. After winning the pentathlon at the 84th Olympiad in 444 B.C., he became known for his coaching ability and led two fellow Tarentine athletes to win the same event. They brought this Greek theme in highlighting a dimension of their team members. They know IKKOS is Greek, and that some of the names they chose are Roman. As a global team with big dreams, they’re ok with that.