Techstars & Cardano Foundation Unveil Web3 Founder Catalyst Program
Applications Open for Techstars + Cardano Founder Catalyst Program
Launch of the Pre-Accelerator Program for Web3 Founders
NEW YORK, June 23, 2025 – Techstars, a leading pre-seed investment firm dedicated to fostering innovative startups, has partnered with the Cardano Foundation to introduce the Techstars + Cardano Founder Catalyst program. This ten-week pre-accelerator initiative is set to commence in October 2025, targeting early-stage founders within the web3 and blockchain sectors.
Program Overview and Benefits
The program aims to select 15-20 startups, offering participants essential training in areas such as customer discovery, product-market fit, pitch preparation, and venture introductions. Founders will benefit from mentorship provided by Techstars’ network of experts in various fields, including sales, marketing, business development, operations, fintech, web3, and venture capital. Participants will also have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers, fostering a supportive community of entrepreneurs.
The Techstars + Cardano Founder Catalyst program will run from October to December 2025, culminating in a pitch showcase where participants will present their business ideas to potential investors.
Who Should Consider Applying?
This program is specifically designed for founders who are:
- Developing web3, blockchain, or cryptocurrency solutions on the Cardano blockchain.
- Creating cross-chain compatible or chain-agnostic applications relevant to the Cardano ecosystem.
- Contributing to the growth and adoption of the Cardano network.
Audra Gibson, Startup Communities Program Lead at Techstars, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “When experts from diverse fields unite, remarkable advancements in innovation can occur. Techstars is committed to supporting founders, and with Cardano’s leadership in the blockchain space, we are excited to nurture the next wave of entrepreneurs in this dynamic technology landscape.”
Global Participation and Application Timeline
The Techstars + Cardano Founder Catalyst program will be conducted in a flexible, part-time, and virtual format, reflecting the global nature of the web3 and blockchain communities. Founders from around the world, including cities like Tokyo, Nairobi, New York, Chennai, Sydney, Boston, Dubai, Austin, and San Francisco, are encouraged to apply. Techstars believes that great ideas can emerge from anywhere, and they invite early-stage founders to seize this opportunity.
Applications are currently open and will remain so until August 15, 2025. For further details about the Techstars + Cardano Founder Catalyst program, interested parties can visit the program’s information page.
About Techstars
Techstars is dedicated to empowering founders to achieve success. Through its global network of accelerators, the organization invests in early-stage startups that aim to create a better future. Leveraging a vast network of alumni, mentors, partners, and investors, Techstars supports entrepreneurs and fosters vibrant startup ecosystems. Since its inception in 2006, Techstars has invested in numerous groundbreaking companies, including Chainalysis, Zipline, DataRobot, and Alloy.
About the Cardano Foundation
The Cardano Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization based in Switzerland, focused on advancing Cardano as a public digital infrastructure across various industries. To achieve economic viability for Cardano, it is essential to integrate a balanced mix of traditional and blockchain-native use cases. The Foundation is committed to enhancing the diversity, quality, and quantity of activities on the Cardano platform, addressing challenges such as implementation costs and blockchain adoption through targeted initiatives in operational resilience and education.
Media Contacts
For Techstars:
Amalia Lytle
Director of Corporate Communications
Email: [email protected]
For the Cardano Foundation:
Renagh Mooney
Global Communications Director
Email: [email protected]
