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

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Ethan Austin

MD of the Techstars Western Union Accelerator

Mark Tortorella

Advisor

Nathanial Zola

MD

Past deals in Wireless

Lynq

Series A in 2022

Lynq, established in 2014 and based in Brooklyn, New York, specializes in the manufacturing of handheld personal location devices. The company focuses on providing a decentralized and secure method for transmitting location data, allowing users to communicate over long distances without relying on traditional infrastructure. Lynq's innovative approach incorporates unique frequency-hopping techniques, enabling the transmission of location information in a manner that minimizes the risk of detection and interception. This commitment to privacy and security distinguishes Lynq's offerings in the personal location device market.

Zerv

Seed Round in 2021

Zerv is modern technology that enables smartphones to communicate with any access reader without updates to the system. Period. Access badges and readers have been doing the job for years, however the overwhelming majority cannot communicate with your smartphone. Instead of costly and timely updates, use Zerv’s solution to bridge the gap, and reap the benefits of mobile access.

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.

Workfrom

Pre Seed Round in 2020

Workfrom, Inc. develops and operates web platform and mobile application that enables users to find workspaces and wireless local area networking (WiFi) for work while travelling and flying. The company's platform also helps users to find reliable places to park their laptops and get work done based on the things they need like access to power outlets and low noise levels. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Portland, Oregon.

Chipolo

Pre Seed Round in 2019

Chipolo d.o.o., founded in 2013 and based in Trbovlje, Slovenia, develops a Bluetooth-enabled tracking device designed for both iPhone and Android platforms. The device assists users in locating lost items such as keys, wallets, bags, and phones through a dedicated application. Chipolo’s product is versatile, allowing users to attach it to various belongings, including personal items and pets, enhancing the ease of tracking. Its innovative technology provides a practical solution for individuals seeking to keep track of their possessions, thereby reducing the stress and inconvenience associated with lost items.

WIFIPLUG

Convertible Note in 2019

WIFIPLUG is an app controlled smart plug and smart light switch that enables you to control your lights & devices remotely. They are the first 2 pioneers 2 patents with regards to saving money automatically and securing the home using Machine Learning. They are the first company to work with all the major voice platforms including, Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and IFTTT. The only smart plug with open source API for simple easy integration with B2B WIFIPLUG is based in Leeds, United Kingdom & has an office in St.Louis, USA.

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.

Lynq

Seed Round in 2018

Blind Tiger Communications

Convertible Note in 2018

Blind Tiger Communications, Inc. designs and manufactures communication devices and radio-frequency identification (RFID) systems. It provide multilingual government and public safety agencies worldwide a wireless security platform-as-a-service implementing security, automation, management, and unified communication management system. The company develops and manufactures devices that allow users to manage mobile devices over a specific geographic area and prevents explosives triggered by those phones. The company provides managed access platform for wireless devices across all licensed and unlicensed spectrum. It provides wireless intrusion, detection, and defeat system (WIDDS). The company through its communication devices also offers mobile network restoration and broadcast messaging services. Blind Tiger Communications, Inc. was incorporated in 2012 and is based in Blairsville, Georgia.

Blind Tiger Communications

Pre Seed Round in 2018

Radiomaze

Pre Seed Round in 2017

Radiomaze delivers home security for everyone by leveraging the existing WiFi devices already home as motion sensors.

Cucumber Tony

Seed Round in 2017

Cucumber is an orchestration platform for WiFi devices. It lets businesses manage their networks from a single-pane of glass.

CANDL

Seed Round in 2017

CANDL, Inc., based in Atlanta, Georgia, specializes in designing and developing a portable 4G hotspot that integrates light, power, and sound features. Since its incorporation in 2014, the company has focused on providing a SIM-less global Wi-Fi solution, enabling business travelers and digital nomads to maintain connectivity in over 150 countries. The CANDL Go hotspot offers users a high-speed connection to local cellular networks without incurring roaming fees or the complications associated with SIM cards. Customers can purchase the device and pay only for the data they consume, benefiting from an uncomplicated service without data limits, speed throttling, or complex contracts.

Wivity

Seed Round in 2016

Wivity Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in manufacturing sockets and modems capable of connecting to any network throughout the product life cycle. In addition to its hardware offerings, Wivity provides development boards that facilitate the integration of these components into various devices, as well as expansion slots tailored for cellular connectivity in Wi-Fi devices. The company also focuses on cybersecurity solutions for connected devices, including a cryptographic private key registry that is being standardized by the SunSpec Alliance. Furthermore, Wivity offers a governance and SaaS infrastructure designed for web3 collaborations, combining industry best practices with decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) principles to support the implementation and governance of decentralized infrastructure. Products are available for purchase online.

Rally Networks

Seed Round in 2016

Rally Networks provides location-based marketing services for mobile companies. It offers its services through multiple platforms: Wi-Fi, smartphone charging, digital display, and proximity beacons. It seeks to engage customers with contextual messaging. The company’s partner locations include bars, restaurants, coffee shops, malls, stadiums, and hotels. Rally Networks was co-founded by Cory Azzalino, Duncan Swezey, and Jeff Walker in 2013 and is based in Venice Beach, California.

Sweet

Seed Round in 2015

Sweet is a service designed to help consumers reduce their mobile phone expenses without compromising on coverage. The company identifies opportunities for savings, as nearly 70% of U.S. wireless subscribers are currently overpaying for their plans. Customers can save an average of $300 per year by utilizing Sweet's platform, which simplifies the process of switching carriers. By handling communications with service providers, Sweet ensures a quick and easy sign-up experience. The company prioritizes customer privacy and security, employing advanced encryption methods to protect personal information. Sweet collaborates with major carriers to provide nationwide coverage and reliable service. The company is supported by experienced entrepreneurs from well-known firms, enhancing its credibility in the telecommunications market.

Pilot

Seed Round in 2015

Pilot is a new kind of internet provider for businesses in urban cities.

Pilot

Convertible Note in 2015

Pilot is a new kind of internet provider for businesses in urban cities.

Mutable

Seed Round in 2015

Mutable is an infrastructure platform designed to empower a consortium of Cable and Wireless providers, allowing them to compete with traditional cloud infrastructure in the emerging technology sector. The platform focuses on facilitating the development and deployment of microservices, providing a robust framework that supports innovative solutions within the telecommunications industry. By leveraging its technology, Mutable aims to enhance the capabilities of its partners, enabling them to offer competitive alternatives in a rapidly evolving market.

Astro

Pre Seed Round in 2014

Astro specializes in developing an automated home system of devices. It requires no installation, no new infrastructure, and no new wireless networks making it the simplest platform on the market.

Freedom Audio

Seed Round in 2014

Drifter's customized operating system allows you to download songs from your favorite music apps (like Spotify and Beats Music) and play music on the go. Drifter has built-in WiFi, Bluetooth and a 16 GB hard-drive

ROCKI

Pre Seed Round in 2014

ROCKI is the definitive Wifi streaming standard for everyone - for existing speakers (consumers) as well as new speakers (speaker manufacturing partners). Multi-room, multi-user, enjoy music everywhere on multiple speakers, controlled via any smartphones, tablets and computers. Simple, affortable, immediate and available now, ROCKI is at least 6 months ahead of competition with a time and price advantage.

ROCKI

Convertible Note in 2014

ROCKI

Seed Round in 2014

Wire

Seed Round in 2013

Wire Labs is a startup founded by ex-Amazon engineers Piragash Velummylum and Jordan Timmermann creating a mobile messaging application called “Wire.” The app, currently in a private beta release, is targeting the teen audience with photo and video messaging features and promise of real-time feedback.

Wifido

Pre Seed Round in 2013

Wifido creates a mobile application that is easy to control and manage to connect devices and sensors. It is Scandinavian design, sustainable, and future-proof. Wifido has a back-up battery to operate even in the event of a power failure. The 4G module also ensures the connection, and it is smart and secure to use. It is also expandable, it can be used to control homes. And it features more accessories and services. The device also records events, a built-in camera provides high-resolution images and recorded video from events that happen in homes. The camera detects movement and gives notifications if something moves in the room.

MFlux

Pre Seed Round in 2002

MFlux Lighting provides an out-of-the-box solution of portable, cordless, lithium-ion battery powered construction-site lighting. The system is wirelessly controlled and connected with motion sensors, cameras, and remote dimmers.