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
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 Electric Vehicle

Three Wheels United

Series A in 2022
Three Wheels United India Services Private Limited provides financing for electric light vehicles. It provides financing solutions with loan and asset management technology. The company was incorporated in 2010 and is based in Bengaluru, India.

Ecolectro

Seed Round in 2022
Ecolectro makes materials that make clean fuels and chemicals. The company is commercializing a proprietary platform of novel polymers that are best in class, allowing its customers to produce devices that last longer and cost less. Ecolectro has defensible IP, state-of-the-art facilities, experienced personnel, and strong customer traction.

Ecolectro

Funding Round in 2021
Ecolectro makes materials that make clean fuels and chemicals. The company is commercializing a proprietary platform of novel polymers that are best in class, allowing its customers to produce devices that last longer and cost less. Ecolectro has defensible IP, state-of-the-art facilities, experienced personnel, and strong customer traction.

CYCLE

Seed Round in 2020
GetHenry provides electric vehicle subscriptions incl. software and service to delivery companies and couriers.

Ateios

Seed Round in 2020
Ateios is enabling a new generation of thin and flexible electronics with our ultra-thin, conformable, and customizable batteries. The company's current focus is zinc-oxide batteries, that achieve 2-5x higher energy density compared to coin cells. Ateios’ novel manufacturing process allows customizable batteries that can be shaped around the needs of the product. The company was founded in 2018.

Hiveway

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Hiveway is a car share program that facilitates participation in the future of mobility through vehicle sourcing and fleet management services. It provides an all-in-one integrated platform for managing fleets, finding drivers, and overseeing the rental process. Additionally, Hiveway offers a unique solution for investors interested in financing shared cars. The company features in-house fleet management software that allows clients to monitor performance, adjust pricing in real-time, and rent vehicles across multiple websites. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the overall efficiency and accessibility of car sharing.

GO TO-U

Pre Seed Round in 2020
We deliver a seamless EV charging experience with comfort, confidence and simplicity.

CYCLE

Pre Seed Round in 2020
GetHenry provides electric vehicle subscriptions incl. software and service to delivery companies and couriers.

EVA

Pre Seed Round in 2020
ELECTRIC VISIONARY AIRCRAFTS, INC. designs landing and charging stations for drones and electric flying vehicles. It also manufactures battery-enabled aircrafts. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Lisbon, Portugal with additional offices in Toulouse, Paris, France; Doha, Qatar; and Tokyo Japan.

Hiveway

Seed Round in 2019
Hiveway is a car share program that facilitates participation in the future of mobility through vehicle sourcing and fleet management services. It provides an all-in-one integrated platform for managing fleets, finding drivers, and overseeing the rental process. Additionally, Hiveway offers a unique solution for investors interested in financing shared cars. The company features in-house fleet management software that allows clients to monitor performance, adjust pricing in real-time, and rent vehicles across multiple websites. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the overall efficiency and accessibility of car sharing.

Ateios

Seed Round in 2019
Ateios is enabling a new generation of thin and flexible electronics with our ultra-thin, conformable, and customizable batteries. The company's current focus is zinc-oxide batteries, that achieve 2-5x higher energy density compared to coin cells. Ateios’ novel manufacturing process allows customizable batteries that can be shaped around the needs of the product. The company was founded in 2018.

FuelSave

Pre Seed Round in 2019
FuelSave is a disruptive energy efficiency enhancement company with a strong R&D and engineering background, that combines its own patented innovations and core technologies with components from industry-leading providers to provide highly innovative and efficient turnkey energy solutions in a variety of sectors. FuelSave was founded in 2012, in order to enhance the fuel efficiencies & reduce emissions for trucks and utility vehicles in an innovative & sustainable way. The focus in R&D quickly widened up for various use cases in other markets where the technology can be adapted and deployed to bring measurable benefits to the users that make economical sense while reducing the impact in the environment.

Salient Energy

Seed Round in 2019
Salient Energy is focused on the commercialization of a novel zinc-ion battery developed from research at the University of Waterloo. This innovative battery technology is designed for electricity storage in the grid, offering a safer and more sustainable alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries. Salient Energy's proprietary cathode materials uniquely incorporate zinc into their crystal lattice, resulting in a relatively high energy density. This advancement allows for the use of traditional battery designs compatible with existing manufacturing processes, making it feasible to produce these batteries in current facilities worldwide. Consequently, Salient Energy's products provide a cost-effective, long-lasting solution for energy storage, catering to the needs of electric industry stakeholders.

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.

Unlimited

Seed Round in 2019
Unlimited (Techstars Detroit 2019) is the only modular electric powertrain for micromobility (eBikes, eScooters, eSkateboards), the most fun and convenient solution to last mile trips that are over-served by cars and public transportation. Through a partnership with Loaded (loadedboards.com), we intend to influence the future of micro-mobility. We believe that the shared passion of our combined teams will allow us to explore uncharted and exciting new directions in e-skate and alternative transportation! Where we're going, the possibilities are Unlimited!

Damon Motors

Seed Round in 2019
Damon is unleashing the full potential of personal mobility for the world’s commuters. With its proprietary electric drivetrain, the company has developed the world’s safest, smartest, fully connected electric motorcycle platform employing radical innovations in battery propagation resistance, sensor fusion and AI. Designed as a platform for worldwide line extension, Damon motorcycles will ship direct to consumer on subscription plans to drive scale. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Damon is a Techstars Mobility company founded by serial entrepreneurs Jay Giraud and Dom Kwong. Damon’s investors include Round 13 Capital, Techstars, Fontinalis, Extreme Venture Partners and Pallasite Ventures.

EVA

Pre Seed Round in 2019
ELECTRIC VISIONARY AIRCRAFTS, INC. designs landing and charging stations for drones and electric flying vehicles. It also manufactures battery-enabled aircrafts. The company was founded in 2017 and is based in Lisbon, Portugal with additional offices in Toulouse, Paris, France; Doha, Qatar; and Tokyo Japan.

Veho

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Veho Tech, Inc. is a parcel delivery service aimed at e-commerce retailers, providing end-to-end transportation solutions. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, the company utilizes advanced technology and a crowdsourced model for final-mile delivery. Veho has developed a mobile application that allows users to monitor, track, and check the status of their packages, enhancing the delivery experience for both retailers and customers. By enabling individuals with cars to participate in the delivery process, Veho creates a flexible and efficient logistics network.

Three Wheels United

Seed Round in 2019
Three Wheels United India Services Private Limited provides financing for electric light vehicles. It provides financing solutions with loan and asset management technology. The company was incorporated in 2010 and is based in Bengaluru, India.

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.

Optivolt

Convertible Note in 2018
Optivolt Labs, Inc. is a Chicago-based company established in 2017 that specializes in developing solar integration platforms for machines and devices powered by lithium-ion and polymer batteries. As the demand for autonomous technologies increases, Optivolt addresses the challenge of battery dependency, which affects various products from off-grid sensors to mobile electronics. The company aims to facilitate an era of self-charging machines by offering an optimized technology stack for solar integration. This includes efficient power transfer systems, solar development and simulation tools, as well as cloud-based APIs. These innovations enable a range of devices, such as e-scooters, electric vehicles, drones, and smartphones, to recharge using ambient light, thereby contributing to a sustainable and clean energy future. Optivolt is committed to advancing photovoltaic energy harvesting technologies to support the growing need for autonomy in modern devices.

EcoG

Convertible Note in 2018
EcoG GmbH is a developer of an Internet of Things (IoT) operating system and platform tailored for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Founded in 2017 and based in Fürth, Germany, with additional offices in Oslo and Detroit, EcoG connects users, vehicles, and local businesses through its cloud-based platform. This platform allows charging infrastructure operators to implement a personalized and customized fast-charging experience while enabling shared revenue streams and value-added services. EcoG provides a comprehensive starter kit that includes charging control, backend connectivity, payment solutions, and user interface components, as well as tools for the development and simulation of EV charger software. The company's offerings empower charger manufacturers and operators to differentiate their services, thus enhancing the overall EV charging ecosystem.

SparkCharge

Seed Round in 2018
SparkCharge is an automotive company based in Boston, Massachusetts, that specializes in the development and manufacturing of charging stations for electric vehicles. Established in 2014, the company focuses on creating portable and fast-charging solutions with a modular design. By addressing the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure, SparkCharge aims to provide efficient charging options for consumers and businesses alike.

Stark Mobility

Seed Round in 2018
A uniquely designed electric board that’s built for owning the streets. It’s much more than a Skateboard. It’s design and technology smashed together in a tiny package on four wheels.

Damon Motors

Convertible Note in 2017
Damon is unleashing the full potential of personal mobility for the world’s commuters. With its proprietary electric drivetrain, the company has developed the world’s safest, smartest, fully connected electric motorcycle platform employing radical innovations in battery propagation resistance, sensor fusion and AI. Designed as a platform for worldwide line extension, Damon motorcycles will ship direct to consumer on subscription plans to drive scale. Based in Vancouver, Canada, Damon is a Techstars Mobility company founded by serial entrepreneurs Jay Giraud and Dom Kwong. Damon’s investors include Round 13 Capital, Techstars, Fontinalis, Extreme Venture Partners and Pallasite Ventures.

EcoG

Pre Seed Round in 2017
EcoG GmbH is a developer of an Internet of Things (IoT) operating system and platform tailored for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. Founded in 2017 and based in Fürth, Germany, with additional offices in Oslo and Detroit, EcoG connects users, vehicles, and local businesses through its cloud-based platform. This platform allows charging infrastructure operators to implement a personalized and customized fast-charging experience while enabling shared revenue streams and value-added services. EcoG provides a comprehensive starter kit that includes charging control, backend connectivity, payment solutions, and user interface components, as well as tools for the development and simulation of EV charger software. The company's offerings empower charger manufacturers and operators to differentiate their services, thus enhancing the overall EV charging ecosystem.

Wheeli

Convertible Note in 2017
Wheeli Corporation develops a carpooling application for college students. Students with cars split driving costs, make new friends, and reduce their carbon footprint by selling their empty car seats to students needing a ride to the driver's destination. The company was founded in 2015 and is based in Bronx, New York.

TEQ Charging

Seed Round in 2017
Currently, there are too many electric vehicles for the number of publicly available charging stations, causing issues for both EV drivers and property managers. TEQ Charging’s power management system moves cumbersome electrical infrastructure to the cloud and queues available power from one vehicle to the next throughout the day, ensuring each car receives its charge by the time requested. By using this system, property managers can install more charging stations without spending a fortune expanding their electrical infrastructure.

TEQ Charging

Pre Seed Round in 2016
Currently, there are too many electric vehicles for the number of publicly available charging stations, causing issues for both EV drivers and property managers. TEQ Charging’s power management system moves cumbersome electrical infrastructure to the cloud and queues available power from one vehicle to the next throughout the day, ensuring each car receives its charge by the time requested. By using this system, property managers can install more charging stations without spending a fortune expanding their electrical infrastructure.

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.

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.

Revio

Convertible Note in 2015
Revio is a telematics hardware platform that uses connected devices to make power sports safer and more secure.

Elegus Technologies

Seed Round in 2015
Elegus Technologies, Inc. develops and commercializes separator membranes made from nanoscale fibers. It membranes satisfy the requirements of multiple energy storage technologies, including lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries, lithium-air batteries, and more. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Detroit, Michigan.

Revio

Seed Round in 2015
Revio is a telematics hardware platform that uses connected devices to make power sports safer and more secure.