USC and Techstars
University Catalyst

Over a 10-week period beginning in September to November, up to 20 selected founders will gain access to a curriculum designed to help propel their businesses forward, and networking opportunities with speakers, mentors, and each other, providing a valuable community of supporters that are excited to help them succeed. 

Founders will gain access to specific resources designed to help prepare them for the next big step with their early-stage company. These resources include live, virtual, expert instruction, access to exclusive thought leadership & articles, and coaching by experienced entrepreneurs. Founders also receive exclusive access to mentors and can book 1:1 meetings with subject matter experts as required. Finally, founders have the opportunity to engage with other founders throughout the program, growing their network and building lasting relationships with a supportive community. 

1. Companies based in the Greater Los Angeles area

2. Companies that have raised less than $1M

3. For-profit companies

4. Companies that have not participated in previous Techstars Founder Catalyst Programs or Techstars Accelerators.

During the program, participants will gain access to weekly masterclasses designed to help them scale their businesses and navigate some of the unique challenges that founders face. There will also be pitch coaching, pitch design, and 1:1 mentor sessions. 

This program will be delivered to companies in the Greater Los Angeles area in a hybrid format (primarily virtual with some in-person elements in the Greater Los Angeles area). Founders will be able to access it by leveraging tools including Zoom and Slack.

Up to 20 will be selected.

Although we have designed the program to be most engaging for selected CEOs, co-founders may participate in some elements of the program. 

Masterclasses will generally take place both Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the duration of the program. Selected founders are expected to attend weekly Masterclasses on both days in addition to submitting a full pitch for the End of Program Showcase (Pitch Day) to be considered a participant in the program. Networking events will also take place for the duration of the program which founders are expected to attend. 

We will evaluate applications based on meeting basic eligibility requirements (raised less than $1M, based in the US), the quality of the team, traction to date, the market opportunity, and the idea itself. We also consider other factors such as the impact this program will have on the team, quality of any pitch videos submitted, and overall quality of the narratives submitted in the application form. 

Yes, the program is designed to elevate, give business advice, and promote founders and their businesses in the Greater Los Angeles area. 

Yes, the program is industry-agnostic. We are excited to help founders build their businesses across a range of industries including bioscience / biomedical, physical science / engineering and information / computer science.

Companies should have initial traction and product-market fit, but they don't need to have raised any funding or achieved any specific level of sales. We are looking for companies that have raised less than $1M.

The program is led by a Techstars program team with support from USC. Throughout the program, participants will also gain access to other leadership from Techstars, subject matter experts at USC, and key stakeholders from both the USC and Techstars' networks.

There is no cost to participate in the University Catalyst program. The University Catalyst program is distinct from the Techstars Accelerator and involves no direct investment or equity exchange. These programs are run free of charge to selected participants.

Founders' total commitment is approximately 10-15 hours per week for 10 weeks. This varies depending on how many mentor meetings founders book each week. Example: 3 mentor meetings/week is common. Founders will also spend 3 hours in weekly masterclasses, an hour meeting with our Entrepreneur in Residence, an hour meeting with their peer group and with other founders in the cohort.

Interested individuals will be able to apply via a F6S.com Techstars application link and can request additional information or send questions to usc-ecodev@techstars.com.