The accelerator program will invest in mission-driven technology startups transforming the future of work

Techstars, the most active pre-seed investor in the world, today announced that it is relaunching the Techstars Workforce Development Accelerator. Strada Education Foundation (Strada), an organization committed to strengthening the connection between education and opportunity, is returning as a partner to the program which was originally launched in 2020, and is joined by new partner World Education Services (WES), a non-profit social enterprise that supports the educational, economic, and social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, and international students.

Techstars Workforce Development will invest in mission-driven startups that maximize human potential through work, education, and economic mobility solutions. Calling on both Strada and WES’ expertise in creating more equitable pathways, the program will empower the next generation of socially-minded entrepreneurs focused on career path discovery, education, support, navigation, and employer solutions.

“Dramatically expanding economic opportunity and social mobility is the ‘moonshot’ of our time,” said Stephen Moret, president and CEO of Strada. “Achieving that vision demands innovation, entrepreneurship, and a firm commitment to equity, which is why we are proud to support Techstars in this venture.”

“Closing capital access gaps is critical to building a more just, equitable economy. We’re thrilled to partner with Techstars and Strada Education Foundation on this initiative as it seeks to elevate new entrepreneurs from historically under-invested in communities, providing critical resources, mentorship, and networks they need to ensure economic mobility for all,” said Smitha Das, WES’ director of mission investing.

The 13-week accelerator program will be hybrid, allowing founders the flexibility to participate both in-person in Denver and remotely at various points throughout the duration of the program. This ensures the program remains accessible to a diverse range of startups and entrepreneurs, regardless of their stage, circumstances, or location. Startups interested in the program are encouraged to visit Techstars Workforce Development Accelerator to learn more. Applications for the upcoming program will be accepted through March 6, 2024 at 11:59pm PST.

“In today’s rapidly changing work landscape, from navigating hybrid work models to labor market volatility, career development opportunities and support are more important than ever,” said Dave Cass, Managing Director at Techstars. “Strada and WES’ mission-driven approach to career development paired with Techstars programming, capital, and connections will attract exceptional founders working to positively shape the future of work.”

About Techstars

Techstars is the most active pre-seed investor in the world having invested through its accelerators in more than 3,800 companies that have a combined market cap of $105 billion. Founded in 2006, Techstars believes that entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now we are on a mission to invest in an unprecedented number of startups per year enabling more capital to flow to more entrepreneurs around the world. We do this by operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, as well as by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. www.techstars.com

About Strada Education Foundation

Providing access to college degrees isn’t enough. That’s why Strada Education Foundation focuses on stronger connections between education after high school and economic opportunity in the U.S. We advance this mission through research, grantmaking, social impact investments, and public policy solutions and we collaborate with students, educators, employers, policymakers, and other partners to help create more equitable pathways to economic mobility. Learn more at stradaeducation.org

About World Education Services (WES)

World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise that supports the educational, economic, and social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, and international students. From evaluating academic credentials to shaping policy, designing programs, and providing philanthropic funding, WES partners with a diverse set of organizations, leaders, and networks to uplift individuals and drive systems change. Learn more at wes.org.

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