Techstars
$20k CEA for 5% common plus $200k uncapped MFN SAFE; APAC $100k SAFE · Global; program-specific hubs · Needs confirmation
Techstars operates global three-month accelerators. Its published standard deal is $220,000: $20,000 through a post-money convertible equity agreement for 5% common plus a $200,000 uncapped MFN SAFE; the APAC exception is $120,000 total.
Tier 1 · ranked #6globalequity
Official siteOpen in the live directory
Program intake
The authoritative source does not provide enough current evidence to confirm the application status.
Key facts
| Check size | $220k standard; $120k APAC exception |
| Terms | $20k CEA for 5% common plus $200k uncapped MFN SAFE; APAC $100k SAFE |
| Stage | pre-seed / seed |
| Applications | Needs confirmation |
| Program dates | Three months; deadlines and delivery vary by accelerator |
| Location | Global; program-specific hubs |
| Remote friendly | Yes |
| Warm intro needed | No — open application |
| Sectors | generalist, vertical-specific |
| Status | unknown |
Always confirm on the official page before applying — dates and terms change.
Background
Techstars operates global three-month accelerators. Its published standard deal is $220,000: $20,000 through a post-money convertible equity agreement for 5% common plus a $200,000 uncapped MFN SAFE; the APAC exception is $120,000 total.
How the application really works
Use the central application platform and select eligible accelerators. Interview, diligence and decision timing vary by program.
Tips
- Read the cited current official page before applying because program dates and terms are volatile.
- State fit with the documented stage, geography, and attendance model; do not rely on an aggregator's old terms.
- Ask for the complete investment, fee, and follow-on documents when the public page does not publish them.
Watch out for
- $220k standard: $20k CEA for 5% common plus $200k uncapped MFN SAFE. APAC exception: $20k CEA plus $100k SAFE. Side-letter rights and a $1M priced-round trigger apply.
- The standard 2026 deal is $220k, with a documented APAC exception of $120k. Founders must evaluate the 5% common-equity agreement and MFN SAFE together.
Track record
- Techstars' current site reports a global portfolio and alumni network; accelerator-specific outcome denominators vary by program and are not consolidated on the checked terms page.
Program-specific multi-stage review; no single global acceptance rate is published.
Frequently asked questions
- Is this program currently accepting applications?
- Use the central application platform and select eligible accelerators. Interview, diligence and decision timing vary by program.
- What are the current economics?
- $220k standard: $20k CEA for 5% common plus $200k uncapped MFN SAFE. APAC exception: $20k CEA plus $100k SAFE. Side-letter rights and a $1M priced-round trigger apply.
- How large and long is the program?
- Global network with many city, sector and corporate programs; cohort size and deadlines vary. Three-month mentor-driven accelerator with program-specific curriculum, location and Demo Day.
- Can founders participate remotely?
- Delivery varies by program; do not assume remote unless the selected program says so.
- What happens after the program?
- Worldwide alumni network and possible follow-on; no automatic follow-on check is promised.
Related accelerators
Sources
- www.techstars.com/investment-terms — Current standard and APAC deal, legal structure, rights and leadership (checked 2026-08-10)
- www.techstars.com/accelerator-hub — Current accelerator directory and format (checked 2026-08-10)
- apply.techstars.com — Official application platform (checked 2026-08-10)