About this programme
Techstars London is a three-month, mentorship-driven equity accelerator run by Techstars, the global startup accelerator network. It is one of Techstars' city-branded programmes; Techstars describes London as ranked among the top six startup ecosystems globally.
The programme takes in early-stage founders from any country and any sector — it is not vertical-restricted the way some other Techstars programmes are (for example the Baltimore AI Health or Birmingham EnergyTech tracks). Founders relocate to London for the three-month in-person cohort.
Every accepted company receives Techstars' standard day-one capital package plus access to the Techstars mentor network, its global alumni and investor community, and the programme's structured mentorship model, ending in a Demo Day in front of investors.
The programme is led by Managing Director Georgie Smithwick, with Millen Wolde-Selasse as Senior Investment Manager, per the official Techstars London page.
How it works
The core programme runs three months, in person in London, built around structured mentorship: founders meet a wide network of mentors (investors, operators, corporate partners, alumni) who help refine the business over the cohort.
On acceptance, Techstars makes a standard $220,000 investment, structured as two convertible instruments: a $200,000 uncapped MFN (Most Favoured Nation) SAFE, and a $20,000 Post-Money Convertible Equity Agreement (CEA). Both instruments convert on the same trigger — the company's next priced round of at least $1M. The CEA converts into common stock equal to 5% (calculated after all SAFEs and other convertible instruments have converted alongside that round, and diluted by any option-pool increase); the uncapped MFN SAFE converts at that round's valuation, on whatever terms (cap or discount) are most favourable among SAFEs issued in that window, per Techstars' official investment-terms page.
A side letter accompanying the investment sets out additional rights Techstars holds going forward — including pro rata rights on future rounds, digital-asset provisions, drag-along rights, and regulatory/tax terms — per Techstars' official investment-terms page.
The programme culminates in a Demo Day where the cohort presents to investors and the Techstars network.
Who can apply
Techstars London accepts early-stage founders from anywhere in the world, across all sectors — the official page states it seeks 'early-stage founders from all over the world across all verticals' with a 'bold vision' who can draw on London's diversity, global outlook and talent pool.
There is no formal minimum-traction bar published on the official programme page.
Because the programme is in-person in London for three months, founders should expect to relocate or travel for the duration of the cohort (not stated as an explicit visa requirement on the pages reviewed — confirm directly with Techstars for immigration specifics).
How to apply
- Apply through the official Techstars application portal at apply.techstars.com, selecting the London programme (or submit a general application — Techstars' system also shares general applications with all programme Managing Directors).
- Complete the application, which covers basic company information, team information, and programme preference.
- Applications are reviewed by Techstars staff, with shortlisted teams progressing to interviews before a final decision.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Completed Techstars online application (company and team information)
- Supporting materials as requested during the interview stages — the official pages do not publish a fixed document checklist beyond the application itself
Frequently asked
How much does Techstars London invest, and what equity does it take?
Techstars' standard accelerator terms apply: $220,000 total, split between a $200,000 uncapped MFN SAFE and a $20,000 Post-Money Convertible Equity Agreement. Both convert on the same trigger — the company's next priced round of $1M or more. The CEA converts into 5% common stock (calculated after all convertible instruments have converted, diluted by any option-pool increase); the SAFE converts at that round's valuation, on the most favourable terms offered to any other SAFE holder in that window.
Is Techstars London open to founders outside the UK?
Yes. The official programme page states it welcomes early-stage founders from around the world across all sectors, not just UK-based companies.
How long does the programme run, and is it in person?
It is a three-month programme based in London. Techstars describes it as intensive, mentorship-driven support culminating in a Demo Day.
How do I apply?
Apply at apply.techstars.com, either to the London programme specifically or as a general application shared across programme Managing Directors.
What happens after I submit my application?
Techstars staff review every application; shortlisted teams are invited to interviews before a final decision is made.
Does Techstars take a fixed 5% for the full $220,000?
No — 5% common stock is only the CEA portion ($20,000), and it converts alongside the $200,000 MFN SAFE at the same trigger (the company's next priced round of $1M+). The SAFE converts at that round's valuation on the most favourable terms in the window, so the total effective equity Techstars ends up holding depends on that later round.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.