/ Yield Index / Techstars
Techstars
Tier 1 Accelerator · 6% equity for $120K + $100K convertible
B-
Good (B-) — Cohort Yield Grade
The second-largest US accelerator with deep multi-city footprint (50+ programs globally). Brand premium has declined materially 2022-2024 due to multiple program closures, leadership transitions, and cohort-quality variance across geographies. Founder Outcomes subscore has trended down; equity terms remain competitive.
74
Composite / 100
Where this grade comes from.
Equity Terms Fairness
B
Founder Outcomes
B-
Mentor Quality
B-
Demo Day Yield
C+
Post-Program Network
B
Key events & disclosures.
- 50+ programs globally at peak; 30+ as of 2026
- Multiple program closures 2022-2024
- Maelle Gavet CEO since 2021
- Cohort quality varies dramatically by city/program
/ Best for
Pre-seed founders in specific geographic markets (Boulder, NYC, London) where the local Techstars program has demonstrated cohort quality.
/ Watch out for
Program quality varies enormously by city. Verify the specific program's recent alumni cohort quality and active mentor list. Some programs have closed mid-cohort in recent years.