Techstars, one of the tech industry's most well-known seed accelerators, and Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises, a company focused on communications, automotive services and media, have announced the launch of a second accelerator, this one focused on social impact.
The Social Impact Accelerator powered by Techstars will focus on providing mentorship to companies with a mission of social impact and specific emphasis on STEM training, environmental sustainability and community-enriching initiatives.
“Income inequality, cleaner sources of energy and sustainable food production are just some of the challenges we’re all facing,” Alex Taylor, president and CEO of Cox Enterprises, said in a statement. “Our company wants to invest in the future and empower great people to create a better future for the next generation. Investing in startups and accelerators like Techstars helps do that.”
The accelerator will be run by an unnamed Techstars managing director and staff, while also being supported by Cox leaders and mentors.
The program will officially begin in the first quarter of next year and will run for 13 weeks. The accelerator will conclude the program with a demo day where each participating startup will pitch their company to investors, innovators and other professionals.
“Cox Enterprises is an organization with a passion for innovation and doing good. For years they’ve been focused on social and environmental impact efforts both across the country and in their own community of Atlanta,” Keith Camhi, Techstars general manager Americas East, said in a statement.
For those looking to apply for the Social Impact Accelerator, applications will open July 22.
Techstars Atlanta and Cox Enterprises established their first partnership and cohort in 2016. Techstars Social Impact program launched in Austin in 2017. In July, Techstars Atlanta will introduce its fourth cohort, the class of 2019, at the start of its program.
