Techstars will help Cardano Builders grow their businesses to drive Cardano's Adoption

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Techstars, Piotr GODZNSKI

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

6

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Techstars will train Cardano Builders, combining masterclasses, mentorship, and exposure to its global network, to help them build sustainable businesses, and drive Cardano's Adoption.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

While we are committed to sharing key metrics and content transparently, as a privately owned and operated company, we cannot guarantee the disclosure of every aspect of our business.

[METADATA] Horizons

Accelerator

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

Over $100 million has been allocated through 12 Catalyst funds, supporting more than 1,800 projects focused on building infrastructure and use cases for the Cardano blockchain.

Many talented builders have received funding, yet a critical gap remains—a gap identified by the Catalyst Working Groups proposal in Fund 11 and ongoing global working group sessions, which started in Barcelona (https://projectcatalyst.io/funds/11/catalyst-systems-improvements-discovery/catalyst-working-groups-research-and-scoping-analysis-by-iog-catalyst-team-rare-evo-and-sustainable-ada).

This gap lies in the ability to transition these innovative teams and initiatives into scalable, investable companies that can create successful products on the Cardano platform.

Our proposal is for Techstars to partner with the Cardano ecosystem to help accelerate its adoption and scaling efforts. By leveraging Techstars' proven approach—supporting thousands of startups globally—we aim to help founders succeed. We believe that when founders succeed, the entire ecosystem thrives.

Introducing the Techstars Founder Catalyst Program

• Techstars Founder Catalyst is a ten-week virtual program designed to provide mentorship, networking, and essential entrepreneurial skills to selected Cardano Builders.
• This program will support up to 30 startups building on the Cardano blockchain, providing the tools and resources needed to transform their projects into sustainable businesses.
• The program will culminate in an investment pitch day, where participants will present their ventures to the Techstars investor network and other potential investors, helping them take the next step in their fundraising journey.

Our Ongoing Collaboration with the Cardano Community

Techstars has already begun collaborating closely with the Cardano community to ensure the success of this initiative:

• Ongoing discussions with the Cardano Foundation to align our efforts and maximize impact.
• Engagement with community builders to foster connections and deepen relationships within the ecosystem.
• Techstars' participation as a panelist and juror at the Battle of Builders during the Cardano Summit, marking our second year of involvement.

Through the Techstars Founder Catalyst program, we aim to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and scalable, investable companies, driving growth and adoption within the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Techstars Founder Catalyst

• Cardano Builders selected for the Founder Catalyst program will gain valuable insights from Techstars' curated content, best practices, and early-stage methodologies.
• Participants will also tap into an unparalleled global network of founders, mentors, investors, and corporate innovators—offering resources to drive their growth and success.

The program is structured around four key pillars:

I. Founder Best Practices

• Participants will be equipped with proven strategies and best practices for scaling high-growth companies.
• The program specifically targets the unique needs of early-stage startups preparing to raise initial capital.
• By the end of the program, founders will expand their ecosystem by connecting with new experts deeply embedded in Techstars' #GiveFirst culture.
• This creates lasting value, raising the level of venture capital expertise within the community and positively impacting the ecosystem for years to come.

II. Access to a Global Network

• The success of Techstars alumni can be attributed in large part to our mentor-driven approach. Founder Catalyst participants will benefit from the knowledge and expertise of seasoned founders, operators, and industry experts within our expansive global network.
• This network will offer invaluable guidance and insights, helping startups refine their strategies and avoid common pitfalls on their path to success.

III. Capital Readiness

• Alumni of the Founder Catalyst program will be well-prepared to raise capital, either through Techstars Accelerators or other early-stage investment opportunities.
• The strongest graduates will be referred to Techstars' Accelerator teams for consideration, increasing their chances of securing funding and accelerating their growth trajectory.

IV. Stakeholder Reporting

• We will provide comprehensive reporting on the activities, connections, and mentorship that took place during the program.
• This data-driven analysis will help you evaluate the program's effectiveness, demonstrating its value to your stakeholders and showcasing the impact of the program on the participants' development.

In Summary

The Founder Catalyst program is designed to transform early-stage teams building on the Cardano platform into fully-fledged companies, equipped with the tools, networks, and expertise needed to thrive and scale in the competitive global market

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Techstars' Founder Catalyst is designed to foster and sustain vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems by empowering communities and enterprises through entrepreneur-led development. For over 12 years, Techstars has collaborated with more than 1,850 cities, 300 corporate partners, and reached over 175 countries worldwide.

In addition, Techstars has run more than 400 startup programs and invested in over 4,000 companies, driving significant outcomes:

• 74% of Techstars companies raise capital within three years after their accelerator program, more than any other global accelerator surveyed by Pitchbook (Source: PitchBook)

- 31% of Techstars companies exit within eight years after their accelerator program, more than any other global accelerator surveyed by Pitchbook (Source: PitchBook)

These results underscore Techstars' proven track record of helping startups scale, raise capital, and achieve successful exits, cementing its position as a leader in the global startup ecosystem.

 

  

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

• Onboarding to project catalyst
• Meet Cardano Builders and source for the cohort

Participants selection and onboarding.

• The participant selection process is designed to identify the most promising startups that align with the goals and values of the program.
• Startups will apply through a structured application process, where they will provide key details about their business, team, market potential, and growth strategy.
• After the application period, a pre-selected panel of experts and program leaders will carefully review the submissions to assess each startup's potential for success, scalability, and alignment with the program’s objectives.

The selection process involves several stages:

1. Application Review – A thorough evaluation of each startup’s business model, technology, and vision to ensure they meet the criteria for the program.
2. Interviews – Shortlisted startups will participate in a series of interviews with the Techstars team and external panelists to better understand their founders’ vision, market fit, and team dynamics.
3. Final Selection – Based on the review and interview outcomes, a final group of startups will be selected to participate in the program, with Techstars and Cardano collaborating to make the final decisions.

• Founder Catalyst for 30 startups from the Cardano ecosystem.

Startups selected for the program will gain access to Techstars' carefully curated content, industry best practices, and proven early-stage methodologies. In addition, they will tap into an unparalleled global network of founders, mentors, investors, and corporate innovators, providing invaluable resources for growth and development. Our partners receive detailed, accurate reports on program performance, helping to clearly demonstrate the return on investment. 

Founders can apply to the Founder Catalyst program, and selected companies will undergo an interview process with a pre-selected panel. The Techstars team will collaborate closely with Cardano to shortlist candidates and support the final selection process.

The program culminates in a virtual pitch event where participants will present their final projects to a distinguished audience of key stakeholders, including investors, industry leaders, and members of the Techstars network.

This event not only provides an invaluable opportunity for startups to showcase their progress and gain visibility but also facilitates networking and collaboration after the presentations. Attendees will have the chance to engage with founders, ask questions, and explore potential partnerships, investments, and business opportunities in a dynamic and interactive environment.

Post-program support

Techstars will onboard graduated founders on its platform, connecting with program resources, and other Founder Catalyst alumni, and providing access to the Techstars network.

• Program report

Our partners receive a detailed report summarizing the activities, connections, and mentorship provided throughout the program. This comprehensive analysis equips you with the data necessary to inform stakeholders and evaluate the overall impact and value of our program.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Kathryn Smith

Head of Ecosystem Development

Oko Davaasuren

Director of Ecosystem

Program design and implementation

Emily Skinstad

Director of Ecosystem Operations

Program design and implementation

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

The budget details are considered proprietary and are not disclosed. However, the funding request outlined in this proposal adheres to Techstars' established best practices and financial guidelines. This approach is designed to ensure that every dollar allocated maximizes value and supports the overall efficiency and success of the program. By aligning with Techstars' proven funding structure, we aim to optimize resources, drive measurable outcomes, and deliver the greatest possible impact for the companies involved.

Based on Techstars' established best practices and while respecting proprietary financial structures, here's a high-level milestone-based budget allocation of the 1,300,000 ADA request:

Milestone 1: Project Initiation & Sourcing (5%)

Milestone 2: Selection & Program Setup (5%)

Milestone 3: Core Program Delivery (80%)

Milestone 4: Demo Day & Presentations (5%)

Milestone 5: Post-Program Support (5%)

Final Milestone: Reporting & Analysis (0%)

Note: These allocations follow Techstars' proven funding structure while optimizing for maximum impact. The actual detailed budget breakdown is proprietary to Techstars' operational model, but this structure ensures efficient resource utilization and measurable outcomes aligned with program objectives.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The Techstars Founder Catalyst program represents a strategic investment of 1,300,000 ADA to accelerate the growth and sustainability of the Cardano ecosystem.

This investment delivers substantial value through Techstars' proven methodology, which has helped 74% of their accelerator companies raise capital within 3 years – the highest among global accelerators, according to PitchBook data.

The program addresses a critical gap in the Cardano ecosystem by transforming funded projects into sustainable, investable businesses. With over 1,800 projects having received Catalyst funding, this next step is crucial for ecosystem maturity.

Participants receive access to Techstars' expansive global network, which spans 175+ countries, intensive mentorship from successful entrepreneurs, and ongoing post-program support.

• Key Deliverables:
• 10-week program with expert mentorship and a proven curriculum
• Access to a global network and dedicated pitch day
• Post-program support and platform access
• Comprehensive performance reporting and metrics
• Integration with Techstars' worldwide community of founders

The value proposition is further strengthened by the experienced leadership team of Kathryn Smith, Oko Davaasuren, and Emily Skinstad, who bring extensive ecosystem development expertise.

When compared to similar accelerator programs that often require equity, the investment represents strong value, especially considering Techstars' track record of successful fundraising and exits across their 4,000+ portfolio companies.

Beyond individual startup success, this program creates lasting venture capital expertise within the Cardano ecosystem, establishes valuable networking bridges to traditional finance and technology sectors, and helps position Cardano as a serious platform for business development.

These network effects and ecosystem benefits make it a strategically sound use of Catalyst funds with the potential for long-term impact on Cardano's adoption and growth.