Thinking of applying to a Colorado accelerator? Here's what you need to know

by Jess Ryan
February 27, 2017

For some startups, an accelerator can be a make-or-break experience. If you’re thinking of applying to a Colorado-based accelerator, it’s important to know what you’re in for. A big name doesn’t always mean a good fit for your company, and the program’s schedule might not line up with what you need.

We took a look at seven of Colorado’s many startup accelerators to get a general sense of what companies they look for — and what you can expect out of the schedule, from application deadlines to demo days.

 

Though they have locations throughout the world, we have a special place in our hearts for Techstars’ Boulder accelerator. The program is best for web-based or software companies with national or global reach, though they’ve been known to accept other companies as well.

Schedule at-a-glance:

  • Applications: October

  • Selection: January

  • Demo day: April

 

Boulder’s BoomTown is two accelerators in one, concurrently hosting a class that focuses on tech in general and another that focuses on digital health.

Schedule at-a-glance:

  • Applications: January

  • Selection: February

  • Demo day: May

 

An accelerator for cannabis startups from different sectors, including software, media and data, CanopyBoulder also has programs in California and holds their Demo Day in Las Vegas.

Schedule at-a-glance:

  • Applications: December

  • Selection: January

  • Demo day: May

 

Part of a partnership with Western State University, Gunnison’s ICElab is preparing to launch their first class of high-growth startups.

Schedule at-a-glance:

  • Applications: May

  • Selection: Summer (program starts in August)

  • Demo day: November


 

Based in Boulder, MergeLane accepts startups from various verticals — not just digital tech. All of the companies in their cohort must be women-led.

Schedule at-a-glance:

  • Applications: December

  • Selection: February

  • Demo day: May


The newest member of the global StartUp Health network, StartUp Health Colorado is part of a partnership with CU’s Anschutz campus in Aurora. They look for companies working to address “moonshots,” like children’s health and access to care issues.

Schedule at-a-glance:

  • Applications: December

  • Selection: Early in the year

  • Demo day: May

 

Nestled in the Western Slope Box Canyon is the Telluride Venture Accelerator, which focuses on companies working to solve problems and create sustainable economies.

Schedule at-a-glance:

  • Applications: December

  • Selection: December

  • Demo day: June

 

Photos via Facebook.

Have a tip or know of a company worth covering? Email us.

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