Techstars Columbus Powered by The Ohio State University

🚀 Startup Opportunity Alert Techstars Columbus powered by The Ohio State University is looking for bold, mission-driven founders ready to build the next wave of software innovation. This program, in partnership with OSU, is focused on software-driven solutions to the world’s most urgent challenges. We are looking for founders building technologies that could become essential infrastructure for a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable future. We're especially excited about innovations in healthcare access, mental health, climate resilience, cybersecurity, AI, and fintech. Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur—from any background or geography—if you're building impactful software, we want to meet you. Our in-person accelerator offers hands-on support, high-touch mentorship, and the kind of momentum that can change everything. 💬 “The first month of Techstars gave us the accountability, momentum, and structure to move the needle on the hard, intangible parts of business-building. We built a solid lead pipeline with the Techstars brand boosting our outreach hit-rate, sharpened our sales game, began drawing serious inbound investor interest, and brought on a rockstar mentor board that’s already opening doors” — Virginia Szepietowski, CEO of Nyad Ready to accelerate your startup? Let’s build something that matters. 🌍💡 Learn more and apply to our Fall 2025 class: https://lnkd.in/gUtKgc6y #Techstars #TechstarsColumbus #Startup #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #CBusTech

Techstars is introducing an updated investment offer of $220,000 on improved terms for companies accepted into our future accelerator programs, starting with the Fall 2025 programs. In addition to $220,000, companies gain access to our 3-month mentorship-driven accelerator program, perks from our partners, and access to a world-class network of investors, partners, mentors, and alumni. Applications for our Fall 2025 programs are now open! Techstars Founder and CEO David Cohen shares more about the new investment offer on the blog. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dKKBm9kv

This weekend, Techstars had the pleasure of participating in ShowOHI/O 2025 — Ohio State’s premier tech showcase highlighting innovative projects and startups built by OSU students, faculty, and alumni. 🎉 Big wins at ShowOHI/O 2025! Our two incredible associates — who are also proud Ohio State students — were at the event, tending to the Techstars information booth and connecting with the next wave of Buckeye-built innovation. Sakshi Shashiraj, who has been involved with OHI/O since her freshman year, was especially excited to come full circle by representing Techstars at this year’s showcase. Meanwhile, Kayla Young waves as part of the team behind Binder— alongside her teammates Donovan Liao, Nesochim Iheanyi-Igwe, and Marinna Hill — the startup that took 1st place at the showcase! 🏆 We’re so proud to support student founders who are building the future while still in the classroom. Huge thanks to OHI/O for giving the Ohio State tech community such an inspiring platform to shine. #Techstars #ShowOHIO2025 #BuckeyeInnovation #OSU #StudentFounders #StartupShowcase #GiveFirst

Techstars Columbus is excited to welcome smallTalk to our Spring ‘25 class!  This groundbreaking team is transforming neonatal care with the first intervention designed to improve brain development in preterm infants. Backed by Rev1 Ventures, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, JobsOhio and a $2.5M grant from the NIH, their NICU Active Egg device empowers infants through active learning therapy—leveraging parental voice recordings and innovative sensor technology to accelerate brain development during their NICU stay. With a pivotal clinical trial underway, smallTalk is on a mission to redefine care for the nearly 400,000 U.S. infants born preterm each year. Let’s go, smallTalk!  #Techstars #CbusTech #HealthTech #MedTech #NeonatalCare #NICU #Innovation #Rev1 #NationwideChildren #JobsOhio

🌟 Beyond the pitches and mentor meetings, some of the most meaningful moments happen when founders spend time together, sharing meals, exchanging ideas, and building genuine connections through laughter. It’s been amazing to see this group not only support each other professionally, but genuinely enjoy each other’s company. Here’s to more conversations and community guiding the journey ahead!💬✨ #TechstarsColumbus #FounderLife #CommunityMatters #StartupJourney #GiveFirst #MentorMagic

📣Calling all social media gurus📣 RYN is hiring a social media manager!!! If you or someone you know is a social media whisperer, loves fashion, has experience either personally or professionally managing social medias, we invite you to apply! 🪩 🕺

Know someone who can ship fast for real-world impact? At Nyad we're building AI at the intersection of water and biology and backed by Techstars. Tag the smartest builder you know🔥🔥🔥

🚀 This morning, our companies had the chance to level up their sales game with Carrie Aguilar, who walked them through her 6 Steps for Sales Success. Carrie taught us how to approach sales with intention—by leading with clarity, adapting our role to the moment, setting strong agendas, and building trust through consistent follow-through. 💬✨ We’re so grateful for this community of mentors who continue to show up, lean in, and help our companies grow smarter and stronger every day. 🙌 #TechstarsColumbus #GiveFirst #StartupSales #FounderTips #MentorMagic #SalesSuccess

🎤 Tonight was our first Open Mic! 🎤 Our founders took the stage to present their elevator pitches and received valuable feedback from their peers. This collaborative space is designed to help them refine their pitches and continue growing their entrepreneurial skills. Looking forward to seeing how these ideas evolve with the insights shared tonight! ✨ #ElevatorPitch #StartupCommunity #Feedback #FounderJourney #Innovation #GrowthMindset

🌟 Mentor Appreciation Post! 🌟 As we reflect on Mentor Magic, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to our amazing mentors! Your dedication, expertise, and passion for guiding our portfolio companies have made a tremendous impact. 🙌 Thank you for sharing your knowledge, offering valuable insights, and inspiring our entrepreneurs to reach new heights. Your support is truly the backbone of our community, and we couldn’t do this without you! Here’s to the incredible connections made and the transformative journeys ahead. We look forward to continuing this adventure together! 💪✨ #MentorAppreciation #ThankYou #Techstars #Community #Growth