Applications for Techstars Spring 2026 now open

Global startup accelerator Techstars last week opened the application process for its next cohorts, with programs beginning in Spring 2026. Startups from anywhere can apply, with programs available to businesses who relocate for the duration of their program. Midwest startups who’d rather stay where they are can also apply, either to the remote-only ‘Techstars Anywhere’ program or - for healthtech businesses - for the program in partnership with Northwestern Medicine that takes place in Chicago. 

Members of these programs will be among the first cohorts to take advantage of upgraded investment packages, with Techstars now offering up to $220,000 in support for each startup that joins. That’s a notable jump from the previous amount of $120,000, indicating how the accelerator is adapting to the evolving needs of early-stage companies. 

Techstars outlined the revised investment structure earlier this year. It involves deploying $200,000 through an uncapped Most Favored Nation (MFN) SAFE - a common convertible security in startup funding - and an extra $20,000 via a Post-Money Convertible Equity Agreement (CEA). In return, the accelerator receives a 5% stake of each company within the cohort in common stock, along with what the SAFE eventually values the company at. By way of example, “if your next round is valued at $20M pre-money, the $200,000 MFN Safe would then convert into 1% additional ownership at that time” Techstars explained.

The aim of this setup - according to their announcement - is to give founders clearer terms and better alignment with investors, while potentially enhancing their leverage for future funding rounds. In an article published at the time of the funding announcement change, Techrunch suggested that Techstars’ funding terms “now closely mirror those of Y Combinator”.

Since launching in 2006, Techstars has invested in more than 4,900 startups across the globe - covering North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Its alumni include SendGrid, which was purchased by Twilio for $2 billion, and Email and Marketing app Mailchimp, now part of Intuit. In the Midwest, alumni include SkySpecs from Michigan, SpotHero from Illinois and Branch App from Minnesota. Typically, 74% of companies that have been through Techstars raise capital within three years, with the average amount being $1 million, according to the accelerator’s own data.

The program itself lasts approximately three months, during which startups work on refining their business models, scaling operations, and preparing for investor pitches. Benefits of participation, other than funding - are the ability to tap into a huge network of mentors, investors, and industry veterans to help guide the business on everything from product development and customer acquisition to hiring, governance, and expanding internationally.

Techstars also throws in partner benefits worth over four million dollars - things like cloud hosting credits, software discounts, and infrastructure perks that help lower operational costs for founders. 

The selection process prioritizes founder experience, the strength of the team and market potential, while the focus on mentorship and building personal support ecosystems is intended to support startups long after the formal program ends.