By Martin Olczyk, Managing Director of Techstars Transformative World Torino

We’re now accepting applications for our 6th accelerator program in Torino - apply by November 20th.

In the past five years, we've had the privilege of investing in over 50 companies that span the globe - from the United States to Portugal, the UK to Vietnam, and beyond. Whether B2B or B2C, whether pre-product or already boasting $30k MRR, whether hardware or software, crypto, mobility, marketplaces, quantum, AI or EdTech, these companies all share a common thread: they’re pattern breakers with diverse, visionary teams who use their unique insights to build amazing companies. 

These companies have collectively raised over $100 million between 2020 and 2023. Three were acquired, a few stumbled, and some grew from just two founders to teams of +200. A number of them even became acquirers themselves. 

We are looking for 12 unstoppable teams to join our program starting in February 2025!

We have a knack for spotting potential others overlook. We've invested in business models others doubted - until they didn't. We backed teams when no one else would - until they did. We brought these founders to Turin, a place where many said it wasn’t possible to launch global companies - until we proved it was.

Despite their differences, our founders share key traits: They see what others don’t. They’re fiercely ambitious, relentlessly pursuing innovation, and unafraid to shatter the status quo. They dream big, act fast, listen carefully, and base decisions on data. They’re unstoppable, and if they hit a wall, they climb it, break through it, or find another way around.

With us, founders experience the full spectrum of entrepreneurship - the highs and the lows. We laugh together, celebrate milestones together, and yes, even face challenges together. In this journey, we lift each other up, drawing strength from a robust network of mentors, corporate partners, and investors. They are supported by our dedicated full-time team of startup enthusiasts every step of the way: Martin, Sheila, Virginia, and Emanuele & Nicola.

Additionally, our corporate partners - Fondazione Compagnia Di Sanpaolo, Fondazione CRT, and Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center - provide invaluable resources, access to their local and international network and expertise. Every accepted company receives up to $120,000 in investment and lifelong support.

So, what’s changing this year? Not much. Our thesis remains rock solid. We don't invest in ideas, we invest in teams; sector-agnostic; and driven by a vision to build for a future that will break sharply from what we know today.

As already in the previous years, we look for companies across the globe with a strong focus on Europe. Founders must be ready to weather the ups and downs - because there will be many. They must burn with passion for their mission, possess insights that others lack, and be prepared to embrace both victories and setbacks.

Your idea might evolve - and that’s okay. Whatever you’re building, if you are a relentless founder, we want to hear from you. Build your dreams with us, or others will hire you to build theirs.

Apply now here. 

We’ll be visiting multiple European cities in the upcoming months, follow our LinkedIn page for updates and if you want to learn more about our program, sign up for 1:1 Office Hours here.

About Techstars

Techstars invests in early-stage startups led by unstoppable entrepreneurs with transformative businesses. With 45+ accelerators worldwide, and an unrivaled network of alumni, mentors, commercial partners, investors, and dedicated operating teams, Techstars supports entrepreneurs throughout their entire startup journey while helping to build thriving startup communities. Since 2006, we have invested in more than 4,400 portfolio companies, accelerating the growth of businesses including Chainalysis, Zipline, DataRobot, Alloy and many, many more. www.techstars.com

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