USC and Techstars Accelerator

USC and Techstars Accelerator is an incredible opportunity for innovative pre-seed and seed stage companies to accelerate their growth rate, make a quantum leap in their business, and tap into the vibrant USC ecosystem. The 13 week in-person on-campus accelerator will welcome its second cohort in March of 2026. Companies will be paired with mentors both in and out of the university, and be able to tap into the full resources of a major research institution. The accelerator is open to startups in all industries, but with a particular focus on bioscience, engineering, AI, healthcare, deep tech, and media technology.

The accelerator is open to companies with at least one founding team member affiliated with USC: students, alumni, faculty, and staff. (Keck Medicine and CHLA are also eligible.)

We fund technology oriented companies, typically these are web-based or other software companies, but we’ve funded companies that don’t quite fit that mold as well. We’re also looking for companies that can have national or worldwide reach. Specifically, we don’t fund biotechnology companies, restaurants, consultancies, or other local service oriented companies.

What if my company doesn’t fit the above themes?

If you’re working on something that doesn’t fit neatly in one of the above categories, great! While these are areas that excite us, people are so much more important at this stage – definitely reach out and apply if Techstars NYC feels like a fit for you.

Is there a type of founder or team that you’re looking for?

Every team is different, but we’re ultimately looking to invest in founders that are persistent, thoughtful, passionate, and, most importantly — teams that execute. 

We also want to invest in founders that are representative of the amazing city we call home. We know tech in the US has and continues to under-represent women and people of color, despite consistent evidence that more diverse teams outperform their more homogenous counterparts. Techstars is committed to building a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Investment Structure

Techstars’ total investment of $220,000 is made up of two convertible investment agreements and a side letter. One investment is a $20,000 fixed-percentage convertible equity agreement for 5% common stock (on a post-money basis). Another investment is a $200,000 uncapped MFN post-money Safe. The side letter sets out certain rights Techstars needs in the future.

• $20,000 fixed percentage convertible equity agreement (CEA) for 5% common stock. When the company does a priced round of at least $1 million, the CEA will convert into common stock equal to 5% of the company’s equity (including the existing option pool), after all Safes and other convertible instruments have been converted alongside the round.  The CEA and Safe are diluted by any new money in the priced round, as well as any option pool increases. 

• $200,000 uncapped MFN Safe. The Safe will also convert when the company does a priced round of at least $1 million. It is uncapped, meaning there is no pre-determined valuation cap or limit on the valuation at which it converts. Instead, the Safe will automatically adopt the terms of the lowest cap Safe (or other most favorable terms, such as a discount) issued between the specific MFN start date (around the start of the class) and the priced round. For example, if the company issues a subsequent Safe with a valuation cap or discount (like a 20% discount, or a $8,000,000 valuation cap), then Techstars gets the benefit of such terms. 

• The side letter establishes pro rata, digital assets, and drag-along rights, as well as various regulatory and tax matters. In short, Techstars and your company will have an ongoing shareholder relationship that lasts long after the program. Accordingly, the company needs to (i) give Techstars the ability to invest in new financings, like a seed round, (ii) regularly send Techstars information on its key operating metrics, burn, and more, and (iii) fulfill specific obligations at the time of certain events (such as a priced round or an exit). 

Why these terms? We believe in aligning our interests closely with our founders. Some investors only receive preferred stock, and nothing is wrong with that. But by structuring our offer so that the CEA in common equity, Techstars naturally sits on the same side of the table as portfolio company founders. Our return on investment happens when our portfolio companies have a successful outcome instead of receiving the return in priority over the founders and their employees. The uncapped MFN Safe is inherently founder-friendly and does not signal or pre-establish any valuation limit.