vs
Techstars vs Plug and Play
Founders often weigh Techstars against Plug and Play. Here's how the two compare on money, terms, format and selectivity — and how to decide.
Side by side
| Techstars | Plug and Play | |
|---|---|---|
| Investment | $220K | $250K |
| Equity | 6% | 5% |
| Instrument | SAFE | Equity |
| Program length | 3 months | 3 months |
| Location | Global | Sunnyvale |
| Remote | No | No |
| International founders | Accepted | Accepted |
| Stages | Pre-seed, Seed | Pre-seed, Seed, Series A+ |
| Applications | Check website | Rolling |
| Cohort size | ~10 | ~20 |
| Acceptance rate | ~1% | ~5% |
| Questions on the form | 26 | 17 |
Terms change between batches — confirm on each program's official site before applying.
Key differences
- Plug and Play writes the bigger cheque: up to $250K, against $220K from Techstars.
- Plug and Play takes less fixed equity (5% vs 6%).
- Techstars is based in Global; Plug and Play in Sunnyvale.
- Plug and Play reviews applications on a rolling basis, while Techstars runs fixed application rounds.
- Techstars is more selective (about 1% accepted vs 5%).
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 Plug and Play if…
$50K-$250K. Massive corporate partner network.
Unique for its corporate partnership model. 500+ corporations partner with Plug and Play — great if you need enterprise pilots and distribution. Lower equity than most.
How to apply to Plug and Play →FAQ
Is Techstars better than Plug and Play?
Neither is better for everyone. Plug and Play writes the bigger cheque: up to $250K, against $220K from Techstars. Plug and Play takes less fixed equity (5% vs 6%). Choose by stage, sector, location and the terms you can accept — or apply to both.
Can I apply to both Techstars and Plug and Play?
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 Plug and Play?
Both are selective. Estimates put Techstars at about 1% and Plug and Play at about 5% 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 500 Global
- Techstars vs Alchemist Accelerator
- Entrepreneurs First (EF) vs Antler
- Seedcamp vs Entrepreneurs First (EF)
- South Park Commons vs On Deck Founders (ODF)