Investor directory

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 RoundSeed RoundArtificial IntelligenceMachine LearningSeries AShow more
http://techstars.com/ventures
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https://www.capitaliq.com/CIQDotNet/company.aspx?companyId=431767203
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Ethan Austin

MD of the Techstars Western Union Accelerator

Mark Tortorella

Advisor

Nathanial Zola

MD

Past deals in Automotive

Autority

Seed Round in 2021
Autority operates as a subscription-based multi-channel benefits platform designed for vehicle owners, offering significant savings and perks. The platform helps vehicle owners save hundreds of dollars annually while providing additional services at no cost. It also supports auto shop owners by driving new customer traffic, thereby increasing their sales and service opportunities. Additionally, Autority features a B2B marketplace that allows auto part suppliers to effectively sell their products. The company has developed an automotive application that streamlines vehicle-related payments, enabling users to manage expenses such as traffic fines, insurance, tolls, and fuel efficiently. This comprehensive approach facilitates quick access to payment receipts, enhancing the overall experience for vehicle owners and service providers alike.

Autority

Seed Round in 2021
Autority operates as a subscription-based multi-channel benefits platform designed for vehicle owners, offering significant savings and perks. The platform helps vehicle owners save hundreds of dollars annually while providing additional services at no cost. It also supports auto shop owners by driving new customer traffic, thereby increasing their sales and service opportunities. Additionally, Autority features a B2B marketplace that allows auto part suppliers to effectively sell their products. The company has developed an automotive application that streamlines vehicle-related payments, enabling users to manage expenses such as traffic fines, insurance, tolls, and fuel efficiently. This comprehensive approach facilitates quick access to payment receipts, enhancing the overall experience for vehicle owners and service providers alike.

Automotus

Seed Round in 2021
Automotus, Inc. is a technology company based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2017. It specializes in developing computer vision software designed to enhance traffic and parking management through the utilization of existing camera networks. By providing cities with advanced video analytics, Automotus enables communities to better respond to the evolving dynamics of urban mobility, where trends such as ride-sharing and delivery services are increasingly prevalent. The company offers tools and data that facilitate effective city planning and resource allocation for parking and traffic management. Automotus's solutions automate on-ground parking operations and deliver real-time insights, thereby assisting urban planners in making informed decisions about mobility ecosystems.

AutoDo-It (Techstars '20)

Pre Seed Round in 2020
AutoDo-It is a one-stop-shop community and e-commerce (market-network) platform built to empower the DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Automotive communities.

Automotus

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Automotus, Inc. is a technology company based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2017. It specializes in developing computer vision software designed to enhance traffic and parking management through the utilization of existing camera networks. By providing cities with advanced video analytics, Automotus enables communities to better respond to the evolving dynamics of urban mobility, where trends such as ride-sharing and delivery services are increasingly prevalent. The company offers tools and data that facilitate effective city planning and resource allocation for parking and traffic management. Automotus's solutions automate on-ground parking operations and deliver real-time insights, thereby assisting urban planners in making informed decisions about mobility ecosystems.

Automotus

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Automotus, Inc. is a technology company based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2017. It specializes in developing computer vision software designed to enhance traffic and parking management through the utilization of existing camera networks. By providing cities with advanced video analytics, Automotus enables communities to better respond to the evolving dynamics of urban mobility, where trends such as ride-sharing and delivery services are increasingly prevalent. The company offers tools and data that facilitate effective city planning and resource allocation for parking and traffic management. Automotus's solutions automate on-ground parking operations and deliver real-time insights, thereby assisting urban planners in making informed decisions about mobility ecosystems.

Octane Technologies

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Made by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, the Octane mobile application provides a video game like cruising experience, in addition to a map-based database of stunning routes and car-related events.

Le Car

Pre Seed Round in 2019
To simplify the car buying process and empower people to make better mobility choices. Le Car matches people to vehicles aligned with their needs and wants.

Polysync

Seed Round in 2018
Polysync Technologies, Inc. specializes in creating a platform for the development, testing, and deployment of driverless vehicle applications. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with additional offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Palo Alto, California, and Europe, Polysync offers software tools and services that facilitate the research, development, and production of autonomous vehicle components. Its solutions are utilized by automotive engineering services, developers, government agencies, and universities globally, enabling safer and more efficient advancements in autonomous mobility. Polysync's products are currently operational in over 17 countries, underscoring its impact on the autonomous vehicle industry.

Autobon AI

Pre Seed Round in 2018
Autobon Holdings, Inc. specializes in developing vehicle assistance software aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency, safety, and operational effectiveness for truckers and fleet owners. The company's innovative technologies, including Autobon Visor and CargoCam, facilitate the tracking and monitoring of cargo and trucks, thereby improving overall logistics management. Founded in 2016 and based in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, Autobon is committed to transforming existing semi-trucks into safer and more automated vehicles. By providing a low-cost autopilot platform, Autobon empowers America's truck drivers and fleets to engage with the evolving landscape of autonomous transportation.

NRJ

Pre Seed Round in 2017
NRJ specializes in providing its clients with auto repair services.

FreshCar

Funding Round in 2017
Carma offers a software platform for vehicle subscriptions.

Polysync

Seed Round in 2016
Polysync Technologies, Inc. specializes in creating a platform for the development, testing, and deployment of driverless vehicle applications. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with additional offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Palo Alto, California, and Europe, Polysync offers software tools and services that facilitate the research, development, and production of autonomous vehicle components. Its solutions are utilized by automotive engineering services, developers, government agencies, and universities globally, enabling safer and more efficient advancements in autonomous mobility. Polysync's products are currently operational in over 17 countries, underscoring its impact on the autonomous vehicle industry.

CarServ

Seed Round in 2016
CarServ is a SaaS solution for the automotive repair industry. They provide a dynamic operation and innovative customer interaction management platform for these businesses to manage the back office as well as the entire customer communication process during and after the repair. Their focus is providing a path to predictable revenue for repair facilities as well as a consistent, high-quality experience for customers; all based on better data and insight around the repair process. CarServ is based in Austin, Texas, but growing fast!

Polysync

Pre Seed Round in 2015
Polysync Technologies, Inc. specializes in creating a platform for the development, testing, and deployment of driverless vehicle applications. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with additional offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Palo Alto, California, and Europe, Polysync offers software tools and services that facilitate the research, development, and production of autonomous vehicle components. Its solutions are utilized by automotive engineering services, developers, government agencies, and universities globally, enabling safer and more efficient advancements in autonomous mobility. Polysync's products are currently operational in over 17 countries, underscoring its impact on the autonomous vehicle industry.

My Dealer Service

Convertible Note in 2015
My Dealer Service empowers automotive service departments with digital connectivity and workflow management, elevating efficiency and creating an unprecedented customer experience. The web application connects automotive service centers with their customers and enables its users to know the current status of their repairs. My Dealer Service was founded in March 2013 and is based in Denver, Colorado.

My Dealer Service

Pre Seed Round in 2015
My Dealer Service empowers automotive service departments with digital connectivity and workflow management, elevating efficiency and creating an unprecedented customer experience. The web application connects automotive service centers with their customers and enables its users to know the current status of their repairs. My Dealer Service was founded in March 2013 and is based in Denver, Colorado.

Motoroso

Seed Round in 2015
Motoroso Inc. operates an online platform designed for automotive and power sports enthusiasts, facilitating connections to content, community, and products. The platform allows users to discover and browse a variety of multimedia, including images, videos, articles, and how-tos. Users can showcase their own projects, highlight related content with interactive markers, follow their favorite brands and profiles, and engage with the community through questions and answers. Founded in 2013 and based in Palo Alto, California, Motoroso aims to enhance the enthusiast lifestyle by providing a comprehensive experience that spans from inspiration to purchasing products.

Otto

Pre Seed Round in 2013
Otto is an autonomous startup focused on the development of self-driving technology for trucks. The company works on technology that enables drivers to let their truck steer by itself on certain parts of the highway. Otto also provides solutions that can be fitted onto trucks, thus supporting drivers to have safer journeys, take small naps, and even have lunch while the vehicle is self-steering.