Techstars, the world’s most active pre-seed investor, is partnering with The Hatchery, the Emory Center for Innovation and the Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Goizueta Business School to launch the Techstars Emory Founder Catalyst Program. This proven pre-accelerator program is designed to provide young entrepreneurs with world-class startup training, mentorship and opportunities to scale their ventures.

“Partnering with Techstars, an internationally renowned accelerator, allows us to expand the impact of entrepreneurship throughout Emory and beyond,” said Ben Garrett, director of The Hatchery. “The Techstars Emory Founder Catalyst program builds on our commitment to equip the next generation of founders with the tools, mentorship and confidence they need to turn their innovative ideas into reality, regardless of industry or focus .”

Participation is open to all members of the Emory community, including students, faculty, staff and alumni. Teams must have at least one Emory-affiliated member actively involved in the startup and must commit to weekly in-person meetings. Participation in the Founder Catalyst program is free for all founders.

The Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation has long been at the forefront of Emory’s entrepreneurship education. The Techstars Emory Founder Catalyst program will replace the Center’s existing Startup Launch Accelerator in 2025 and reflects a strategic evolution of Emory’s entrepreneurial offerings.

“This collaboration with Techstars represents a significant advancement for Emory’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Brian Cayce, executive director of the Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. “By connecting our community with Techstars’ global expertise, we are positioning Emory founders for exceptional success locally and nationally.”

Christy Brown, who has led SLA at Goizueta for three years, will serve as lead presenter of the new program. As an experienced entrepreneur and lecturer who has accompanied startups through early growth phases, she values ​​the program’s practical approach.

“Entrepreneurship is all about action,” says Brown. “Through this program, founders not only learn from the best, but also actively build and test their ventures, developing the resilience and creativity they need for long-term success.”

Under the leadership of Wilbur Lam, vice provost for entrepreneurship at Emory, the university has focused on improving resources and connections for innovators across disciplines.

“Emory’s partnership with Techstars is an example of the collaborative spirit that drives our entrepreneurial vision,” said Lam. “We are passionate about creating opportunities that give our students, faculty, staff and alumni the opportunity to turn their ideas into impactful endeavors.”

Techstars brings unparalleled expertise to this collaboration. As the world’s leading pre-seed investor, Techstars has helped launch and scale thousands of successful startups worldwide.

“We are excited to bring Techstars’ proven pre-accelerator model to Emory University,” said Katie Smith, startup community leader at Techstars. “This partnership represents a unique opportunity to combine Emory’s incredible talent with Techstars’ resources and global network, creating a launching pad for tomorrow’s leading innovators.”

About The Hatchery, Emory Center for Innovation

The Hatchery supports innovators and entrepreneurs across Emory schools and serves as Emory’s epicenter for exploring what is possible. We equip students with the skills and mindsets they need to become purposeful and effective innovators and entrepreneurs who achieve demonstrable social and economic impact. Housed in a 15,000-square-foot creativity and collaboration space, The Hatchery provides mentorship and program support for all stages of innovation – from inspiration and learning to startups.

About the Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Goizueta Business School

The Roberto C. Goizueta Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation is a leading resource for entrepreneurship education at Emory University, meeting students, faculty and staff where they are in their development. With access points and general exposure for the curious, as well as skills development and in-depth learning opportunities for the particularly committed, the center offers both academic and experiential pathways for founders, connectors, investors and disruptors. The Center’s mission is to promote entrepreneurship and innovation for Goizueta and the greater Emory community through critical research, service to fundamental societal needs, implementation of sound business principles, and opportunities that stimulate the imagination.