Headline 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)

We are the first partner for founders. Over 80% of our investments are the first check: Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A. Many start on a whiteboard. Focused on AI-first companies. We partner selectively, care deeply, and strive for excellence. We back founders who are building disruptive enterprise and consumer software companies such as: Airbnb (Nasdaq: ABNB), Abnormal Security, Adept AI, AppDynamics, Arista Networks (NYSE: ANET), CATO Networks, Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN), Discord, Dropbox (Nasdaq: DBX), Figma, Inflection, Instabase, LinkedIn, Meta (Nasdaq: Meta), Nextdoor (NYSE: KIND), Okta (Nasdaq: OKTA), Palo Alto Networks (NYSE: PANW), Roblox (NYSE: RBLX), Rubrik, and Workday (NYSE: WDAY).

500 Global is a multi-stage venture capital firm with $2.3B in assets under management that invests in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth. 500 Global has backed over 5,000 founders representing more than 2,800 companies operating in 80+ countries. Our team members are located in over 30 countries and bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from some of the world’s leading technology companies. 500 Global is a leading investor in Southeast Asia having backed companies valued at over US$1B such as Grab, Bukalapak, Carousell, Carsome, and FinAccel. Our team has backed over 400 companies across multiple sectors from consumer to deep technology. We focus on investing in businesses and AI-enabled technologies that advance rural digitalization, sustainable cities, human and machine productivity, healthcare, food security and financial inclusivity. Our 25+ team members are located across Southeast Asia and bring deep in-market experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators. We are actively growing to serve more founders, as well as connect companies with capital, expertise, and global networks to help them succeed.