Web3 accelerator programme to support “innovative and early-stage” startups

Ethereum scaling specialist Polygon has partnered with capital investment and one-to-one mentorship provider Techstars, resulting in a Web3 theme being applied to Techstars’ London Q1 2023 accelerator programme.

Techstars London Powered by Polygon will combine the strength of the team behind the notable blockchain protocol, with Techstars’ ability to connect founders to mentors who match their unique needs, provide customised educational programming critical to startup growth and facilitate access to the right sources of capital for each entrepreneur.

Participating founders in the 13-week accelerator will receive personalised programmes aimed at developing their businesses, including one-to-one mentoring from industry experts and investor networking opportunities.

The programme will conclude with a demonstration day where founders debut their businesses to the wider Techstars community of potential investors, government and other local ecosystem experts, media and others.

The Q1 cohort will focus on “ambitious” startups that leverage Web3 technologies such as blockchain, crypto and NFTs, offering a unique opportunity for “innovative and early stage” companies, both from the UK and around the world, to grow, develop and join a supportive community of founders.

Techstars London managing director Saalim Chowdhury will oversee the programme, developing the curriculum, recruiting industry mentors, and delivering critical learning components.

Saalim is a former startup veteran and founder, with exits to Cisco and Toptal. He’s also invested early in several advanced technology and Web3 ventures including game focused blockchain firm Sky Mavis, who are behind Axie Infinity.

He commented: “As a founder myself and an investor who has supported innovative Web3 projects for several years, I’m incredibly excited about Techstars’s new partnership with Polygon.

“Being able to leverage their unparalleled understanding of the Web3 space from adding insight to our selection process to mentoring and advising the cohort, in addition to our proven Techstars programme, it’s an incredible opportunity to supercharge growth for firms innovating in blockchain technology.

“We want to give founders the most valuable support they can get, and we believe Techstars and Polygon are best placed to do just that.”

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