Watch TechStars

TechStars is a reality TV series that first premiered on Bloomberg in 2011, and ran until 2012. The show follows a group of startup companies as they go through a rigorous three-month long accelerator program under the guidance of TechStars founders David Cohen and Brad Feld, alongside other mentors such as Eric T. Jennings and Caren Maio. TechStars is the original startup accelerator, having been founded in 2006, and the show provides audiences a chance to see behind the scenes of what it takes to scale a company quickly and efficiently.

Each season features a new cohort of startups selected from thousands of applicant companies. The chosen startups move to a designated location where they receive funding, mentorship, and access to an invaluable network of partners and investors to help them grow their business. The show provides a unique insight for audiences to see this entire process unfold, from the selection process to demo day.

The show is divided into eight episodes, and each episode covers a particular milestone in the three-month accelerator program. The first episode introduces viewers to the selected startups and their founders, as they begin their journey towards building a successful business. From early on, viewers are shown the immense pressure and intensity of the program, as the startups are given only a short amount of time to prove their worth.

In later episodes, viewers get to watch as the teams pitch their ideas to investors and deal with the stressful pressures of the program. TechStars is not just about the startup companies, as the mentors play an equally important role in guiding the startups and helping them make important decisions. Eric T. Jennings, for example, specializes in marketing, while Caren Maio serves as a mentor for companies focused on real estate.

Throughout the show, viewers watch as the startups evolve, their ideas are refined, and each team is meticulously scrutinized by the mentors. The goal of the program is to prepare each team for Demo Day, where they present their ideas to a packed room of venture capitalists, angel investors, and potential partners. It is the culmination of three months of hard work and intense pressure.

One standout aspect of TechStars is the diversity of the startups that participate in the accelerator. The show features businesses from almost every conceivable industry, including biotechnology, consumer products, education, robotics, and more. This diversity is a testament to the broad appeal of TechStars, which is designed to help any entrepreneur who wants to turn their idea into a successful business.

Another unique aspect of the show is the mentor's critiques. These often tough, but necessary, conversations are meant to push the startups to their limits, in hopes of producing the best possible outcome. The mentors are unafraid to ask difficult questions, and the startups are forced to come up with answers and solutions quickly.

TechStars is more than just a reality TV series; it is a comprehensive guide to the world of startup accelerators. The show provides valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs who might not have access to a program like TechStars, giving them a glimpse into the inner workings of what it takes to build a successful business. The show has influenced a generation of entrepreneurs who want to take their company to the next level.

In conclusion, TechStars is a well-produced reality TV series that gives viewers an up-close look at the high-stakes world of startup accelerators. From the selection process to Demo Day, the show is a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to learn from experienced mentors and accomplished entrepreneurs on what it takes to build a successful business. The diversity of the startups featured on the show, combined with the firsthand experiences of the mentors, makes for compelling viewing that is both educational and entertaining.