Techstars Anywhere Accelerator

History and Founding Story

Launched in 2017, the Techstars Anywhere Accelerator pioneered a remote-first model, extending the reach of Techstars' renowned accelerator programs to a broader range of founders. This initiative was born from the understanding that top-tier talent and innovative ideas are not confined to specific geographic hubs, and that providing flexibility could unlock significant potential. The program was designed to deliver the full value of a traditional Techstars accelerator without requiring founders to relocate, while still incorporating crucial in-person elements to foster deeper connections and collaboration.

Mission and Values

The core mission of Techstars Anywhere is to support groundbreaking companies across any industry, providing them with the resources, mentorship, and network needed to accelerate their growth. The program values innovation, speed, and conviction, actively seeking founders who are domain experts building "value-generating technologies of tomorrow." This includes a particular interest in fields like robotics, energy, applied and physical AI, and materials science, though the program remains industry-agnostic. The emphasis is on transformative ideas, regardless of the founder's location within American timezones.

Program Structure and Timeline

Techstars Anywhere offers both "In Person" and "Hybrid" program formats. The "In Person Program" for March 2026, for example, opens applications on August 25th, 2025, with a final deadline of November 19th, 2025. The accelerator commences on March 9th, 2026, and culminates in a Demo Day on June 4th, 2026. The "Hybrid Program" for September 2026 follows a similar structure, with applications opening on March 2nd, 2026, a final deadline of June 10th, 2026, a start date of September 14th, 2026, and Demo Day on December 10th, 2026. While primarily remote, the program includes three mandatory in-person offsites held in various startup hubs, providing critical opportunities for face-to-face interaction, workshops, and networking.

Mentorship and Network

A cornerstone of the Techstars experience is its robust mentorship network. The Anywhere program connects participating companies with a diverse group of experienced mentors, including investors, successful founders, and industry experts. The Spring 2025 team is led by Managing Director Kerty Levy and Investment Manager Vance Dekker Vargas. Notable mentors include Dan Ellis (Investor, InRoad Ventures), Blake Smith (Founder & CEO, Allsmith Growth), Jennifer Tacheff (Founder, Manifest Advisors llc), Kelly Roark (CEO & Co-Founder, Stratespheric), Micah Baldwin (Global Head, Founder Relations, Microsoft), and Temitope Sonuyi (CEO, Ogun Labs). This extensive network provides invaluable guidance, strategic advice, and introductions, significantly accelerating a startup's development.

What Makes It Unique

Techstars Anywhere stands out due to its remote-first yet high-touch approach. It offers the full benefits of a top-tier Techstars accelerator – including mentorship, network access, and potential investment – with the added flexibility of remote participation. The strategic inclusion of three in-person offsites ensures that founders still benefit from the intense, collaborative environment characteristic of Techstars, without the burden of full-time relocation. This hybrid model allows founders to remain embedded in their local ecosystems while gaining access to a global network of resources.

What Participants Can Expect Day-to-Day

Participants can expect an intensive, fast-paced program focused on rapid iteration and growth. The remote nature means a significant portion of daily activities will involve virtual meetings, workshops, and one-on-one mentorship sessions. Founders will work closely with the managing director, investment manager, and a curated group of mentors to refine their business model, develop their product, and prepare for fundraising. The three in-person offsites will involve concentrated periods of workshops, networking events, and direct engagement with mentors and investors. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where companies pitch their ventures to a wide audience of investors and industry leaders.