Techstars Chicago

Program Type: In-person
Location: Chicago, United States
Program Duration: 12 weeks
Stage: Early Stage
Industry of Focus: Not industry or vertical focused (all industries)

Key Highlights

Program Overview

Techstars Chicago, in partnership with Long Chicago, is an early-stage accelerator and venture fund focused on supporting intensely committed founders with bold ideas. This program is based in Chicago and is open to all ambitious entrepreneurs, regardless of industry or vertical focus. It aims to serve as the most trusted advisor to participating founders, providing resources and networking opportunities.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Exclusion

Techstars emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion through clear guidelines, a code of conduct, and initiatives such as Techstars Foundation and Rising Stars.

Investment Details

Investment terms and equity specifics are not explicitly provided.

Benefits Details and Perks/Credits

• Funding opportunities
• Extensive mentor network
• Workshops and masterclasses on hiring, marketing, product development, etc.
• Access to corporate partners, investors, and alumni networks
• Intensive pitch practice for Demo Day and fundraising
• Curated resources tailored to founders' needs
• Ongoing post-program mentorship and engagement

Program Format

• Three-month accelerator program
• Month One: Extensive mentor connections through "Mentor Madness"
• Month Two: Focus on execution, KPIs, and milestones
• Month Three: Storytelling, fundraising strategy, and Demo Day preparation
• Weekly one-on-ones with managing directors
• Hands-on activities, workshops, and curated founder narratives
• In-person program starting on March 9, 2026

Location or Relocation Requirements

Relocation to Chicago, United States, is implied due to the in-person format.

Cohort Size and Program Frequency

Requirements Related to Users, Revenue, or LOIs:
Startups may apply regardless of having revenue, paying customers, or signups, though they need some form of market validation, such as prototypes, surveys, or interest from corporations.

Post-Program Engagement

• Continued support from Techstars mentors and network
• Lifetime access to Techstars network
• Potential for ongoing corporate and mentor collaboration

Company Types Requirements

Open to ambitious startups from any industry or vertical ready to scale their business.

Founding Team Preferences

• Preference for strong, cohesive teams with persistence and learning ability
• Open to founders at any stage, including those with zero revenue or millions in revenue
• Teams should demonstrate an "unfair advantage" and readiness to accelerate their business

Techstars Chicago, in partnership with Long Chicago, is an early stage accelerator & venture fund. We are long Chicago and the Midwest. We back intensely committed founders with big bad ideas, and our mission is to be those founders’ most trusted advisor. Techstars Chicago is not industry or vertical focused - all ambitious founders are welcome to apply.