Accelerator Centre Competitors

Techstars helps founders scale their startups into world-changing businesses. Founded in 2006, Techstars is on a mission to invest in startups to enable more capital to flow to more entrepreneurs around the world in order to deliver exceptional returns to our investors. We do this by operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, as well as by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. Our results show why Techstars is Better for Founders than any other global accelerator: On average, 74.5% of Techstars companies will raise money within 3 years of their program; 18.5% of Techstars portfolio companies have exited 5 years after their program and 31.1% after eight years. (PitchBook June 2023)

MaRS is the world's largest urban innovation hub in Toronto that supports startups in the health, cleantech, fintech, and enterprise sectors. When MaRS opened in 2005 this concept of urban innovation was an untested theory. Today, it’s reshaping cities around the world. MaRS has been at the forefront of a wave of change that extends from Melbourne to Amsterdam and runs through San Francisco, London, Medellín, Los Angeles, Paris and New York. These global cities are now striving to create what we have in Toronto: a dense innovation district that co-locates universities, startups, corporates and investors. In this increasingly competitive landscape, scale matters more than ever – the best talent is attracted to the brightest innovation hotspots.

The strategic gateway for global expansion. For 36 years, TBDC has helped 10,000+ founders launch, grow, and expand across North America. Two unicorn alumni. 70+ countries. 14 sectors. Our founders are ambitious. They’ve built something real and disruptive. And now, they are focused on expanding into new markets, including North America. They need the right mix of the best of conversations and introductions, advice and timing that moves growth forward and capital that accelerates outcomes. That's what TBDC delivers best. Established by the City of Toronto and backed by the government, our mission is to deliver support designed for your current stage, and your future ambitions. OUR PROGRAMS Horizon: Growth-stage EU founders expanding into North America through Canada, with curated enterprise meetings and a structured 6 month market entry. GoEU: Canadian founders expanding into European markets with targeted connections and market entry support. Pivot: Non-EU global founders entering North America, focused on model refinement and new market expansion. Business Inc. & Self-Employment: Strong foundations for Canadian founders. Skilled Trades & Trucking: Pathways into high-demand sectors. All equity-free. Stage-fit. Built around momentum. Whether you're entering a new region or scaling operations, you gain clarity, the right introductions, and a network designed to move with you. This is the TBDC Edge. Join us today.