Techstars returning to KC region with new Jayhawk cohort, rebooted Startup Weekend on the way

A major investment in the future of entrepreneurship has just been made, University of Kansas officials said Monday, announcing a three-year partnership that will formally bring Techstars programming back to the Kansas City region — ultimately finding a home within the campus’ new hub for student founders.

Dubbed Techstars University of Kansas: Powered by the KU School of Business, the collaboration is expected to fuel entrepreneurial ambition across all corners of the KU ecosystem.

Brian Anderson, KU School of Business; courtesy photo

“Greater access to mentorship, capital, and technical expertise will better equip our students, researchers, and alumni with the skills to compete in today’s innovation economy, including building and scaling technology-based startups,” said Brian Anderson, executive director of entrepreneurship initiatives at the KU School of Business.

A Techstars Startup Weekend is expected to kick programming off in November, Anderson added, noting that following the contest, five KU-ventures will earn a spot in Techstars’ 10-week Founder Catalyst virtual accelerator program — among other perks that will connect innovators to community resources.

“The strongest ventures become candidates for Oread Angels, KUIP Lab2Market and related accelerator programs, the Techstars accelerator network, and The Hill Fund,” he said.

Core partners in bringing Techstars to Lawrence include KU Innovation Park, The Hill Fund, and the KU Alumni Association.

David Cohen, co-founder and CEO of Techstars, speaks to a crowd of founders, investors, advocates, and Techstars alumni at a Techstars x Firebrand Ventures Community Meetup in February; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Jeremy Tasset, venture partner for The Hill Fund and CEO of Nueterra Capital, chats with Brian Anderson, KU School of Business, during a Techstars x Firebrand Ventures Community Meetup in February; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Techstars concluded its long-running Kansas City program in 2021. Announcement of the partnership comes just four months after the organization and Firebrand Ventures — led by The Hill Fund’s John Fein — hosted a reunion for Kansas City-area alumni.

“We’re going to try to figure out how to continue to be a part of the Kansas City startup community,” David Cohen, Techstars cofounder and CEO,  told attendees at the February event.

“We’re working on something,” he continued. “I think that something’s going to be awesome, and I look forward to seeing you all again at many more events like this in the future.”

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A rendering of The Hub — set to open in fall 2027 at 1420 Crescent Road at the University of Kansas in Lawrence — is expected to boast 9,608 square feet of learning and collaboration space for student founders; rendering courtesy of KU

The partnership will launch roughly one year before KU debuts its newest investment in entrepreneurship infrastructure. The Hub is set to open in fall 2027 at 1420 Crescent Road, boasting an expected 29,608 square feet of learning and collaboration space for student founders. 

“This partnership strengthens KU’s role as a driver of innovation and economic growth in Kansas and the Midwest,” said Jide Wintoki, dean of the KU School of Business. “By connecting the KU community with Techstars’ global network, we are creating a cohesive founder journey at KU and expanding the number of Jayhawk entrepreneurs.”

Additional Techstars programming on the KU campus is expected to be announced this fall, the university said.