Techstars Chicago
Techstars Chicago is an early-stage accelerator run with Long Chicago. It takes equity, gives selected companies office space in downtown Chicago, and closes applications for its 2027 batch on 18 November 2026.
Techstars Chicago at a glance
| Address | Chicago, IL, United States |
|---|---|
| Programmes | 1 standing programme |
| Official website | www.techstars.com/accelerators/chicago |
Track record
What Techstars Chicago reports about its portfolio.
This is the fund's own count for one cohort, not a total across all batches.
All figures self-reported — longchicago.com, as of 2026.
Programmes they run
Standing programmes at Techstars Chicago, separate from the funding calls above.
The 2026 cohort and the 2027 batch both appear on the fund's site. The 2027 end dates differ between the fund's site and Techstars' site, so confirm them before you apply.
Techstars Chicago
AcceleratorAn early-stage accelerator run with Long Chicago that takes equity, with applications for the 2027 batch open until 18 November 2026.
Best for: Early-stage founders from any industry.
- March to June 2027
- Takes equity
With Techstars, Long Chicago
What you get, who can apply and how to applyHide details
Techstars Chicago is an early-stage accelerator run with Long Chicago. Accepted companies receive investment, mentorship and office space in downtown Chicago for up to a year. The 2027 batch is open for applications until 18 November 2026.
What you get
- Investment from Long Chicago as part of the programme, through a convertible equity agreement for 5% common stock and an uncapped MFN SAFE.
- Dedicated office space in downtown Chicago for up to a year.
- Access to the programme's investor and mentor base.
- A programme focused on building the company and raising funds.
Who can apply
- All ambitious founders. The programme is not industry or vertical focused.
- The pages do not set a geographic or stage eligibility rule, and they do not say whether founders outside the United States can apply.
How to apply: Apply through the Techstars application page, linked from the programme page. Applications for the 2027 batch opened on 24 August 2026 and close on 18 November 2026.
Incubation tracks
The routes into Techstars Chicago, and what each one includes.
| Track | Type | Space | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Techstars Chicago acceleratorThe 2027 batch runs from March to June 2027. | Acceleration | — | Investor and mentor base, Dedicated office space in downtown Chicago for up to a year |
Labs & facilities
Equipment and space on campus.
Dedicated office space, downtown Chicago
Given to selected companies for up to a year.
Support services
Help offered alongside funding and space.
Business advisory
Access to the programme's investor and mentor base.
How to apply to Techstars Chicago
Choosing the right programme
- Techstars Chicago is the programme described on its own pages, and it is open to founders from any industry.
How applications work
- Apply through the Techstars application page, linked from the programme page.
- Applications for the 2027 batch opened on 24 August 2026. The final deadline is 18 November 2026.
Before you apply
- Check whether founders outside the United States can apply. The pages do not say.
- Read the equity terms first. The investment is a convertible equity agreement for 5% common stock, plus an uncapped MFN SAFE.
- Confirm the end date. Techstars gives 3 June 2027 for Demo Day, and the fund's site gives 11 June 2027 as the end of the accelerator.
About Techstars Chicago
Techstars Chicago is an early-stage accelerator and venture fund run in partnership with Long Chicago, an independent Chicago venture fund. It is based in downtown Chicago, Illinois, and takes equity in the companies it accepts. The programme is open to founders from any industry.
How the programme works
Accepted companies receive investment from Long Chicago as part of the programme. The investment comes as a convertible equity agreement for 5% common stock, plus an uncapped MFN SAFE. Selected companies also get access to the programme's investor and mentor base, dedicated office space in downtown Chicago for up to a year, and a programme focused on building the company and raising funds.
The accelerator runs from March 2027 to June 2027. The fund's site gives 11 June 2027 as the end of the accelerator period, while Techstars gives 3 June 2027 as Demo Day. The two pages differ, so confirm the final date with the programme before you plan around it.
Who can apply
The programme is not industry or vertical focused, and all ambitious founders are welcome to apply. The pages we read do not set a geographic or stage eligibility rule, and they do not say whether founders based outside the United States, including in India, can apply. Check the official page before you apply.
How to apply
Apply through the Techstars application page, linked from the programme page. Applications for the 2027 batch opened on 24 August 2026 and close on 18 November 2026.
Facilities
Selected companies get dedicated office space in downtown Chicago for up to a year. The pages do not describe other facilities.
Scale
The fund's site lists eight companies in its 2026 cohort. That is a count for one cohort, not a total across all batches.
Background
Press reports describe Excelerate Labs, an independent Chicago startup incubator introduced in 2010, as becoming Techstars Chicago in early 2013. The programme's current pages do not use the Excelerate Labs name.
Who runs it
Long Chicago describes itself as an independent venture fund and the operator of Techstars Chicago. Techstars is the partner.
Who they work with
Tags
Notable alumni
Frequently asked questions about Techstars Chicago
What is Techstars Chicago?
Techstars Chicago is an accelerator based in Chicago, IL.
What does Techstars Chicago do?
Techstars Chicago is an early-stage accelerator and venture fund run in partnership with Long Chicago, an independent Chicago venture fund. It is based in downtown Chicago, Illinois, and takes equity in the companies it accepts. The programme is open to founders from any industry.
Where is Techstars Chicago located?
Techstars Chicago is located at Chicago, IL, United States.
What programs does Techstars Chicago run?
Techstars Chicago runs Techstars Chicago.
What facilities does Techstars Chicago offer?
Techstars Chicago offers Dedicated office space, downtown Chicago.
How do I apply to Techstars Chicago?
- Techstars Chicago is the programme described on its own pages, and it is open to founders from any industry. - Apply through the Techstars application page, linked from the programme page. - Applications for the 2027 batch opened on 24 August 2026. The final deadline is 18 November 2026. - Check whether founders outside the United States can apply. The pages do not say.
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