Techstars Rising Stars

Quick Facts

| Type | Accelerator / Pre-Accelerator Fund |
| Focus Areas | Early-Stage Companies by Founders of Color |
| Stage(s) of Investment | Pre-seed |
| Typical Check Size | $100K (grant/investment) |
| Geographic Focus | National (U.S.) |
| Website | https://www.techstars.com/risingstars |

About

Techstars Rising Stars is a pre-seed, pre-accelerator fund designed for underrepresented U.S.-based founders of color. It offers $100K plus access to Techstars’ global network and supports a smooth pathway into one of its 50+ accelerator programs.

Investment Approach

Rising Stars delivers early capital and mentorship in exchange for program engagement rather than equity stakes, helping founders escape funding gaps early on.

Why It’s Worth a Look

This program is an excellent stepping stone for founders who lack traditional access—offering capital, global connectivity, and a clear link to broader accelerator opportunities.