MaRS Discovery District partners with Techstars worldwide network
Toronto, May 2, 2019 – MaRS Discovery District, the largest urban innovation hub in North America, is now an affiliate of Techstars, the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. This partnership brings together two influential tech organizations in a mutually beneficial relationship, furthering Canadian entrepreneurs’ access to key support networks and mentorship opportunities needed to succeed on the world stage.
Techstars worldwide network of founders, mentors, investors, community leaders and corporate partners helps companies grow by matching them with the right team of mentors and putting chosen entrepreneurs through rigorous programs.
As an affiliate, MaRS will be able to connect its founder network to Techstars worldwide resources, and MaRS-affiliated ventures will qualify for fast-tracked applications to Techstars programs across the globe.
“Techstars is a powerful and well-respected program for entrepreneurs and this partnership with MaRS will only increase the rate of success and growth of our leading Canadian startups,” said Yung Wu, CEO of MaRS. “The entrepreneur’s journey is a perilous one, and having the support of seasoned mentors and programs around the world can make all the difference. This partnership will only help grow the Canadian tech eco-system and make us a leading destination for successful entrepreneurs.”
“MaRS is a leading urban innovation hub and a reputable community leader in Canada for us to work with and this relationship will help us build a launchpad for startups that are ready to take the global stage,” said Ben Liao, Managing Director of Techstars. “We share similar values, including promoting ethnic diversity and investing in female-founded companies, and we look forward to working with MaRS to achieve these goals and help entrepreneurs succeed.”
Techstars programming is recommended for any stage company, especially for first-time founders navigating unchartered waters. Its programming can help companies better align their business strategy with the market, and they can rely on a network of seasoned veterans in a relevant industry for advice and support.
Techstars has a proven track record of success as an accelerator for global tech companies, and they’re also an organization that is deeply committed to helping improve diversity in the tech ecosystem.
Techstars success stories for MaRS-affiliated companies include:
- Sitata: Adam St. John, founder of the travel safety application, participated in the Barclays Accelerator, powered by Techstars in 2018. Through the program, St. John was connected to top-tier mentors and decision-makers, including the CEO of Bloomberg, Citibank leaders, and others. This ultimately led to a pilot program with Barclays.
- Synervoz: After attending Techstars Virgin Media Accelerator, founders James Meier and Jim Rand of the media software start-up were able secure seed and Series A funding rounds, and their hit rates with investors jumped by a factor of ten after being admitted into the Techstars program.
- Robin: The Techstars Music Accelerator program led Robin – an entertainment booking and concierge platform – to diversify its business offerings and revenue streams, and transition the company from a B2C to B2B company, which has resulted in 300% growth.
For more information on MaRS venture services and how to apply, please visit here.
About MaRS Discovery District:
MaRS Discovery District (@MaRSDD) in Toronto is North America’s largest urban innovation hub. Our purpose is to help innovators change the world. MaRS supports promising ventures tackling key challenges in the health, cleantech, fintech and enterprise sectors as they start, grow and scale. In addition, the MaRS community fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration to drive breakthrough discoveries and new solutions to be adopted in Canada and beyond, growing our economy and delivering societal impact at scale.
About Techstars:
The Techstars Worldwide Network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Entrepreneurs make connections with other entrepreneurs, mentors, corporate partners, and investors who will help their company succeed. Large companies make connections with the best startups to future-proof their business. City governments connect with Techstars to help grow and sustain a vibrant startup economy.
For press inquiries:
Corey Black, Manager, Communications
media@marsdd.com or 416.673.8152.