Techstars, the global platform for investment and innovation, and the Alexa Fund, today announced the launch of a new pilot program to support startups — Alexa Next Stage, Powered by Techstars. Unlike past accelerator programs, the Next Stage program will focus on later-stage companies with a mature product offering and growing customer adoption. 

The Next Stage program is designed to be a virtual program allowing companies to participate from anywhere they choose and benefit from direct access to Techstars’ network of experts, mentors and investors. 

In addition, Amazon will provide access to mentors and business leaders across Amazon to support integrations with Alexa and explore other strategic business opportunities. Finally, program participants will work on specific business challenges commonly faced by rapidly scaling organizations.

“We’re excited to work with the Alexa Fund for the fourth consecutive year. To build on the last three years’ success, we’re evolving our partnership to address emerging gaps and opportunities in the startup ecosystem,” said Trevor Boehm, Program Director of the Alexa Next Stage, Powered by Techstars program. “We’re thrilled to announce a virtual program that offers access to the knowledge and resources of Techstars and the Alexa Fund, while allowing participants to run their business with minimal disruption. This is a truly unique program, and we’ve found a great launch partner in the Alexa Fund.”

Paul Bernard, Director of the Alexa Fund, added: “Since launching the Alexa Fund over four years ago, we’ve looked for ways to keep innovating and inventing how the Alexa Fund and its programs support startups. The new Alexa Next Stage program provides an opportunity to work with more companies at the post-accelerator stage, and with ones located in more cities around the world. We look forward to new integrations that show what Alexa can do for customers.”

The program will be led by a Techstars Program Director and program staff, and supported by Amazon and Alexa Fund leadership and mentors. Kicking off in Q2 of 2020, the program will run for 8 weeks and culminate in an Innovation Showcase where each startup founder will present their business and Alexa integration to an audience of investors, community leaders, and industry professionals.

Applications for the Alexa Next Stage, Powered by Techstars program are currently open through Monday, April 13, 2020. Startups interested in the program are encouraged to learn more by visiting the Alexa Next Stage, Powered by Techstars page or applying directly through our application page found here.

The program team will host Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) sessions for companies located in the Americas on Tuesday, March 24th, and Tuesday March 31st at 9:00am PST.  AMAs for companies in the U.K. and EU will be held on Thursday, March 26th and Thursday, April 2nd at 3:00pm CET.

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