Sprint Accelerator

Sprint Accelerator, powered by Techstars, was a prominent startup accelerator program based in Kansas City, Missouri. Launched in 2014, it represented a strategic collaboration between the telecommunications giant Sprint and the renowned global accelerator network, Techstars. The program's primary focus was on fostering innovation in areas such as mobile health, smart living, and other connected technologies, leveraging Sprint's extensive network and resources.

Operating on the well-established Techstars model, Sprint Accelerator offered participating startups a comprehensive 13-week program. This included intensive mentorship from industry experts, access to a vast network of entrepreneurs and investors, and critical business development resources. A cornerstone of its offering was the initial investment provided to each accepted company. Typically, this involved a direct cash investment of $20,000 in exchange for a 6% equity stake, alongside an optional $100,000 convertible note, bringing the total potential initial funding to $120,000.

The accelerator played a significant role in the Kansas City startup ecosystem, attracting promising early-stage companies from across the globe and providing them with the capital and guidance needed to scale. It aimed to identify and nurture disruptive technologies that could potentially integrate with Sprint's future services or enhance the broader connected world. While the specific Sprint Accelerator program concluded following Sprint's merger with T-Mobile, its legacy as an investor and catalyst for innovation in mobile and connected tech remains notable.