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.
