NEW YORK, NY, January 6, 2025 – Techstars, a pre-seed investor, and Emory University are launching the Techstars Emory Founder Catalyst program in collaboration with The Hatchery, Emory Center for Innovation and Goizueta Business School’s Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. The pre-accelerator program represents a collective commitment to cultivate a startup ecosystem that inspires and supports entrepreneurship within Emory’s community.

“We’re committed to creating an environment that empowers early-stage entrepreneurs to build world-changing businesses,” said Katie Smith, Head of Startup Community at Techstars. “This partnership represents a unique opportunity to combine Emory’s incredible talent with Techstars’ resources and global network, creating a launchpad for tomorrow’s leading innovators.”

Techstars Emory Founder Catalyst will provide early-stage entrepreneurs from Emory’s community with world-class startup education and hands-on mentorship to help them progress on their entrepreneurial journey. The program will run twice, with the inaugural cohort launching in early 2025. Ten startups will be selected to participate in-person in Atlanta, where the 10-week program will culminate in a pitch competition, providing founders the opportunity to showcase their companies to investors, mentors, and the surrounding entrepreneurial community. Teams need at least one Emory-affiliated member actively involved with the startup, who must commit to weekly in-person sessions.

Applications for the inaugural program are now being accepted through January 17, 2025. Those interested in applying can do so here. The second edition of the program will run in 2026, with applications opening in late 2025.

“Partnering with Techstars, an internationally renowned pre-seed investor, allows us to extend the impact of entrepreneurship across Emory and beyond,” said Ben Garrett, Director of The Hatchery, Emory Center for Innovation. “The Techstars Emory Founder Catalyst program builds on our commitment to equipping the next generation of founders with the tools, mentorship, and confidence they need to bring their innovative ideas to life, no matter the industry or focus.”

The Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation has long been at the forefront of entrepreneurship education at Emory. The Techstars Emory Founder Catalyst program will replace its existing Startup Launch Accelerator in 2025, reflecting a strategic evolution to enhance Emory’s entrepreneurship offerings.

“This collaboration with Techstars represents a significant step forward for Emory’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Brian Cayce, Managing Director of The Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. “By connecting our community with Techstars’ global expertise, we’re positioning Emory founders for exceptional success on both local and national stages.”

Under the leadership of Wilbur Lam, Vice Provost for Entrepreneurship at Emory, the university has focused on enhancing resources and connections for innovators across disciplines.

“Emory’s partnership with Techstars exemplifies the collaborative spirit that drives our entrepreneurial vision,” said Lam. “We are deeply committed to creating opportunities that empower our students, faculty, staff, and alumni to turn their ideas into impactful ventures.”

Emory has appointed Christy Brown, an experienced entrepreneur and instructor who has guided startups through early growth stages, as the Lead Facilitator for the Techstars Emory Founder Catalyst program.

“Entrepreneurship is all about action. Through this program, founders will not only learn from the best but also actively build and test their ventures, developing the resilience and creativity they’ll need for long-term success,” said Brown.

About Techstars

Techstars helps founders succeed. Through our global accelerators, we invest in early-stage startups led by founders building a better future for everyone. We leverage our vast network of alumni, mentors, partners and investors to support entrepreneurs and build thriving startup communities. Since 2006, we have invested in industry-defining companies including Chainalysis, Zipline, DataRobot, Alloy and many, many more. www.techstars.com

About The Hatchery, Emory Center for Innovation

The Hatchery supports innovators and entrepreneurs from all Emory schools and serves as Emory’s epicenter for exploring what’s possible. We empower students with the skillsets and mindsets to be purpose-driven and effective innovators and entrepreneurs who drive demonstrable social and economic impact. Housed within a 15,000-square-foot creativity and collaboration space, The Hatchery offers mentoring and program support for all stages of innovation—from inspiration and learning to startups. https://hatchery.emory.edu

About Goizueta Business School’s Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

The Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is a leading resource for entrepreneurial education at Emory University, meeting students, faculty and staff where they are in their development. With access points and general exposure for the curious as well as skill development and in-depth learning opportunities for the highly engaged, the center offers both academic and experiential pathways for founders, connectors, investors and disruptors. The Center seeks to foster entrepreneurship and innovation for Goizueta and the greater Emory community through critical inquiry, service to fundamental societal needs, execution of sound business principles, and possibilities that spark the imagination. https://goizueta.emory.edu/faculty/entrepreneurship-innovation

Media contact for Techstars:

Amalia Lytle

amalia.lytle@techstars.com

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