Here is an update of three accelerators that are accepting applications for new startups.
- Techstars Austin and Chicago: Techstars provides seed funding from over 75 top venture capital firms and angel investors who are vested in the success of your startup, as well as intense mentorship from hundreds of the best entrepreneurs in the world. Techstars has programs in top startup locations (Boston, Boulder, Chicago, New York City, Seattle, London, and Austin), on a regular schedule. Techstars invests $118K in each company it funds through $18K in seed funding and an optional $100K convertible debt note. Techstars itself is backed by over 75 different venture capital firms and angel investors who are vested in their success. Participating startups are also provided with three months of intensive top-notch mentorship, various Benefits, and the chance to pitch to angel investors and venture capitalists at the end of the program. Techstars companies average over $1.6M in outside venture capital raised after leaving Techstars. Programs in Austin and Chicago are currently accepting applications. The early application is March 1st and the final deadline is March 5th. Click HERE for more information or to apply.
- SixThirty: This St. Louis-based accelerator focuses on fostering the development of technology startups (fintech) in the financial services sector. SixThirty provides fintech startups with $100K in funding, mentors, and connections to the top financial services companies in the country. Backed by the St. Louis Regional Chamber and venture capital firm Cultivation Capital, SixThirty selects eight financial-based technology startup companies each year, four for the Fall class and four in the spring. Those companies selected to take part in the four-month accelerator program will receive hands-on training, mentoring, and networking opportunities with the top financial services companies in the region. Applications are due today (February 7). You can apply HERE.
- Bitcoin Startup Virtual Incubator: This Hong Kong-based incubator is funded by Bitcoin. The objective of Seedcoin is to incubate and fund digital currency startups creating products and services such as exchanges, online and mobile payment solutions, applications, hardware, and guide them through the first key stages of their development.Seedcoin aims to develop at least 15 bitcoin-centric startups in the first year of incubation. Seedcoin incubates both its own bitcoin business ideas and external seed-stage startups. At this stage, the cryptocurrency environment could be described as an accelerated version of the hi-tech startup environment. ASIC miners become obsolete in a few months, business models are regularly challenged by new regulations and newcomers keep on launching disruptive technologies and new business models. Bitcoin is a disruptive technology. Bitcoin startup teams constantly need to adapt to this fast shifting environment, this ability is a key success factor greatly affecting the startup chances to survive and grow. The Incubator provides up to $50,000 per team and takes 10% to 15% equity.
I will post more information about global startup accelerators, incubators and startup events next week. Contact me today if you need help developing a winning application for a startup accelerator or incubator.
