US-based accelerator Techstars is set to launch two new programmmes in conjunction with corporate partners.
Techstars Mobility, formed with automotive manufacturer Ford Motor Company, auto parts supplier Magna International and Verizon Telematics, a connected car subsidiary of telecommunications company Verizon, will invest in mobility and transportation startups.
The three-month programme will select 10 startups that will each receive $120,000 in funding and access to all three corporate partners. Techstars secured the mentors and seed capital with the help of Fontinalis Partners, Detroit Venture Partners and Renaissance Venture Capital.
Techstars also launched a post-accelerator programme dubbed Techstars++ with the initial support of non-profit medical practice Mayo Clinic, though it is expected that additional partners will join in the near future.
Techstars++ will let Techstars graduates in the healthcare sector engage on site with corporate partners such as Mayo Clinic, spending two weeks at the practice to explore business development opportunities and synergies. Techstars will put a programme director on site to facilitate the engagement between startup and corporate.