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 LGBT

Legal Equalizer

Funding Round in 2021

Legal Equalizer is a privately owned startup based in Atlanta, Georgia, founded in 2015. It offers a multi-faceted application designed to help individuals understand their legal rights during encounters with law enforcement. The app aims to foster positive interactions between citizens and police by addressing common misunderstandings and misinformation regarding legal rights. Key features include real-time legal assistance from licensed attorneys and the ability to send an SOS message to three chosen contacts, providing them with the user's location during a police encounter. By educating users and facilitating communication, Legal Equalizer seeks to reduce conflict and promote informed engagement between the public and law enforcement.

Legal Equalizer

Pre Seed Round in 2021

QuirkChat

Pre Seed Round in 2021

Quirktastic Inc. operates a live streaming and social networking platform designed for geeks, gamers, and hobbyists. The company's flagship app, Quirktastic, allows users to connect with others who share similar interests, whether they are nearby or across the globe. It emphasizes fostering platonic relationships within the nerd community and offers a variety of content, including series, anime, and comics. Additionally, Quirktastic promotes inclusivity by prioritizing underrepresented groups in geek culture, such as women, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. The platform is also a marketplace, selling apparel and other merchandise related to geek culture. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, the app is accessible on both iOS and Android devices.

Troglo LTD

Pre Seed Round in 2020

Troglo LTD is a company based in London, United Kingdom, that focuses on enhancing sexual health through its innovative monitoring platform. Established in 2018, the platform allows users to log their activities, track partners, and monitor testing, thereby promoting better sexual wellbeing. Additionally, Troglo aims to modernize sexual healthcare services, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals, by facilitating access to remote care and empowering users with tailored features that cater to their specific health needs.

Rad

Seed Round in 2015

Rad operates a global network focused on virtual reality, 360 video, and immersive experiences, catering to the growing demand for innovative content consumption. Through its platform, Rad delivers a diverse range of programming, including eSports, music, comedy, and sports, appealing particularly to Millennial and Gen Z audiences. The service stands out by offering a variety of viewing formats such as 2D, 3D, 4K, live, and immersive VR content. Additionally, Rad incorporates blockchain technology and peer-to-peer networking, enabling viewers to earn rewards points and engage with the community. This unique combination positions Rad as a hub for next-generation viewers seeking edgy and interactive entertainment.

Rad

Seed Round in 2015

Lassy Project

Seed Round in 2014

Lassy Project is a free service that gives parents and guardians the ability to notify an entire local community about their missing child or at-risk adult in seconds. With the single push of a button that sends a text alert, parents and guardians can mobilize a trusted group of family, friends, and neighbors immediately to help with their search. This group of community members is called their “network” and they are the most important asset users have if a loved one goes missing. It was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Longmont, Colorado.