vs
Techstars vs 500 Global
Founders often weigh Techstars against 500 Global. Here's how the two compare on money, terms, format and selectivity — and how to decide.
Side by side
| Techstars | 500 Global | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | $220K | $150K |
| Equity | 6% | 6% |
| Instrument | SAFE | Equity |
| Program length | 3 months | 4 months |
| Location | Global | San Francisco |
| Remote | No | Yes |
| International founders | Accepted | Accepted |
| Stages | Pre-seed, Seed | Seed |
| Applications | Check website | Rolling |
| Cohort size | ~10 | ~30 |
| Acceptance rate | ~1% | ~3% |
| Questions on the form | 26 | 56 |
Terms change between batches — confirm on each program's official site before applying.
Key differences
- Techstars writes the bigger cheque: up to $220K, against $150K from 500 Global.
- 500 Global can be joined remotely; Techstars expects you in Global.
- 500 Global reviews applications on a rolling basis, while Techstars runs fixed application rounds.
- Techstars is more selective (about 1% accepted vs 3%).
- 500 Global is the longer program (4 months vs 3).
Choose Techstars if…
$220K investment. 50+ programs worldwide.
Global accelerator network with 50+ programs across industries and cities. Strong mentor-driven model. Each program has a different focus (fintech, AI, health, etc.). Pick the one that matches your startup.
How to apply to Techstars →Choose 500 Global if…
$150K for 6%. The most global accelerator.
2,800+ portfolio companies across 80+ countries. Strong focus on growth metrics, customer acquisition, and scaling. Best for international founders who want US exposure.
How to apply to 500 Global →FAQ
Is Techstars better than 500 Global?
Neither is better for everyone. Techstars writes the bigger cheque: up to $220K, against $150K from 500 Global. 500 Global can be joined remotely; Techstars expects you in Global. Choose by stage, sector, location and the terms you can accept — or apply to both.
Can I apply to both Techstars and 500 Global?
Yes. Applying to several programs is normal, and many founders run applications in parallel. Most of the material — one-liner, traction, team, market — carries over between forms.
Which is harder to get into, Techstars or 500 Global?
Both are selective. Estimates put Techstars at about 1% and 500 Global at about 3% of applicants accepted. Neither publishes exact figures.
Why choose? Draft both applications from one profile.
Start freeMore comparisons
- Y Combinator (YC) vs Techstars
- Y Combinator (YC) vs a16z Speedrun
- Y Combinator (YC) vs 500 Global
- Y Combinator (YC) vs PearX (Pear VC)
- Y Combinator (YC) vs Sequoia Arc
- Y Combinator (YC) vs Entrepreneurs First (EF)
- Y Combinator (YC) vs South Park Commons
- a16z Speedrun vs PearX (Pear VC)
- a16z Speedrun vs a16z START
- Techstars vs Plug and Play
- Techstars vs Alchemist Accelerator
- Entrepreneurs First (EF) vs Antler
- Seedcamp vs Entrepreneurs First (EF)
- South Park Commons vs On Deck Founders (ODF)