Deadline:
February 13, 2026
Program Starts: March 17, 2026
Program Ends: May 22, 2026
Location(s)
Online
The program is 100% virtual. No relocation or travel required.
Overview
Details
The Techstars Founder Catalyst Global Spring 2026 Program is a virtual pre-accelerator powered by Techstars, designed exclusively for founders from our partner communities in Istanbul, Sarajevo, Omaha, Uzbekistan, Belfast and Natwest startup Network in the United Kingdom.
Running from March 17 to May 22, 2026, this highly selective 10-week experience will help early-stage founders sharpen their story, validate product-market fit, and accelerate their path toward growth and funding.
About the Program
The Techstars Founder Catalyst Global Spring 2026 Program is a 10-week virtual pre-accelerator designed by Techstars to help early-stage founders. Throughout the program, you’ll dive into hands-on masterclasses, practically tailored bonus workshops, strategic partner sessions packed with exclusive perks, and weekly pitch coaching from seasoned mentors and investors. You’ll join a talented cohort of founders from rising global startup communities all working to sharpen their story, accelerate traction, and prepare for the next stage of growth.
What You’ll Get
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Weekly live masterclasses taught by Techstars leaders + industry experts
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Tailored bonus workshops for founders on product, marketing, operations, etc.)
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Unlimited support across the 10 weeks from world-class Techstars mentors
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Pitch coaching from the Techstars team to perfect your investor story
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Access to exclusive perks (tools, credits, support)
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A powerful global founder peer group for accountability + collaboration
Participants would gain access to world-class Techstars masterclasses, tailored bonus workshops, strategic partner sessions (including exclusive tools + credits), and personalized 1:1 guidance from Techstars mentors, operators, and investors.
We’re looking for ambitious entrepreneurs with deep problem insight, strong execution, resilience, and a drive to build scalable companies in large, meaningful markets. If you're ready to take your startup to the next level and build the momentum you need to scale, this program is just the right opportunity.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Who Should Apply?
Founders: We are only accepting applications from startups from the following areas and networks:
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Istanbul, Turkey
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Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzgovina
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Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Uzbekistan
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Belfast
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NatWest Network
Selection Criteria:
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An amazing team: strong individual strengths, a shared passion, and a desire to learn + create
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A scalable market with big potential
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Pre- or post-revenue, with notable traction (customers, pilots, or waitlist); if post-revenue, MRR up to $5K
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Beyond ideation: a great idea that’s already moving toward product or growth
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Raised no more than $400K
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Demonstration of traction or data gathering such as pilot projects, user engagement, pre-orders, or customer waitlists is encouraged
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Have raised no more than $400K in external funding to date
What are the evaluation criteria?
We evaluate applications and interviews based on:
- Team: Are the founders capable, coachable, and deeply connected to the problem? Do they show resilience, curiosity, and the ability to execute?
- Idea / Product: Is the solution innovative and significantly better than current alternatives? Has progress been made on the MVP or product?
- Market Size / Opportunity: Is the market large, growing, and able to support major players? Does the team understand how to monetize?
- Traction: Are there early signals of demand (users, pilots, revenue, waitlists, partnerships, awards) or have they already launched and have a recurring monthly revenue of up to $5K (approx).
- Program Benefit: Will the founders benefit meaningfully from the program, resources, structure, and mentorship provided?
Dates
Deadline: February 13, 2026
Program starts:
March 17, 2026
Program ends:
May 22, 2026
Program Starts: March 17, 2026
Program Ends: May 22, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
