Four Missouri S&T Grads Just Landed a Sweet Spot in Techstars—Here’s Why You Should Care

Discover how these innovators are poised to revolutionize the manufacturing sector and what it means for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Welcome to this edition of our newsletter! We're excited to share inspiring stories from the world of startups, highlighting the accomplishments of those paving the way for the future. As innovation blooms, one pressing question arises: Are you ready to seize the next opportunity in the tech landscape? Let's dive in!

🌟 Big Wins in Startup Land

Start turning heads! Here's the scoop on the latest accelerator news:

• Techstars Alert: Athion, founded by four Missouri S&T alumni, snagged a spot in Techstars Anywhere Spring 2025, paving the way for enhanced safety and efficiency in the manufacturing sector.

• Why you should care: This highlights significant opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in U.S. accelerator programs, offering vital mentorship and investment access that can propel your startup to the next level.

• Get the full story: Engineering with the stars: Startup founded by S&T alumni joins ...

• Sustainability Spotlight: The U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator, in partnership with gener8tor, has unveiled its 2025 cohort, including startups committed to addressing sustainability challenges with a $100,000 investment each.

• Why you should care: This program signifies growing investment in sustainable ventures, allowing entrepreneurs to align their innovations with pressing environmental needs, thus attracting more investors and customers.

• Get the full story: gener8tor and U.S. Venture announce 2025 cohort of U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator

• Cybersecurity Champion: Terra Security clinched the title at the 2025 Cybersecurity Accelerator, backed by CrowdStrike, AWS, and NVIDIA, after showcasing its innovative approach with agentic AI in web application testing.

• Why you should care: The recognition of startups in the cybersecurity space emphasizes the increasing importance of innovation in securing digital infrastructures, presenting opportunities for entrepreneurs working in this critical field to leverage cutting-edge technologies.

• Get the full story: CrowdStrike and AWS Announce the 2025 Cybersecurity Accelerator Winner

• Funding Fundamentals: For startups in Hong Kong, securing seed funding is a crucial step toward growth and attracting further investments, with insights into various funding avenues outlined in a comprehensive guide.

• Why you should care: Understanding the funding landscape can empower entrepreneurs to effectively navigate their financial needs, ensuring they capitalize on available resources to fuel their startup's journey.

• Get the full story: Fuel your startup's growth: A guide to funding your venture

⚡ Insider Intel

Quick tips for plunging into the accelerator scene:

• Curious about what it takes? Research the types of support offered by various accelerator programs. For instance, the Techstars Anywhere Spring 2025 program highlights access to vital mentorship and investment opportunities that could significantly elevate your startup's trajectory. (Learn more: Engineering with the stars: Startup founded by S&T alumni joins ...)

• Leverage these opportunities: Consider applying to programs like the U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator, which invests $100,000 in each selected startup tackling sustainability challenges (Get the details: gener8tor and U.S. Venture announce 2025 cohort of U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator) and the 2025 Cybersecurity Accelerator that recognizes innovative startups in the cybersecurity realm, offering mentorship from industry giants like CrowdStrike and AWS. (See more at: CrowdStrike and AWS Announce the 2025 Cybersecurity Accelerator Winner)

• Think you're next in line? Exploring various funding avenues, especially seed funding, is essential for attracting further investments and fostering growth in your startup. A recent guide explicitly details how startups in Hong Kong can navigate this landscape effectively. (Read the guide: Fuel your startup's growth: A guide to funding your venture)

🔍 Get Funded, Get Noticed

Dive into funding strategies that work:

• Entrepreneurs, do this: Embrace the funding landscape by considering various accelerator programs tailored to different industries. For instance, the U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator offers a $100,000 investment for startups focused on sustainability challenges. This program could be a perfect fit if your innovation aligns with environmental objectives. Get the full scoop on this year's cohort and how you can apply: gener8tor and U.S. Venture announce 2025 cohort of U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator.

• Craft your pitch deck for success: A compelling pitch deck is essential to grab the attention of potential funders. Highlight your unique value proposition and the impact of your startup in your presentation. Tailor your message to resonate with the mission of the accelerator you're targeting, such as Techstars Anywhere, which focuses on mentorship and investment in promising startups like Athion. Explore Athion's journey here: Engineering with the stars: Startup founded by S&T alumni joins ....

• Approach venture capitalists with clear sustainability goals: Investors are increasingly prioritizing companies that tackle pressing issues like sustainability and cybersecurity. For example, you can highlight how your startup addresses environmental challenges to align with the interests of funders such as the U.S. Venture Accelerator. Remember to also consider the cybersecurity space, where innovative approaches, like those showcased by Terra Security in the 2025 Cybersecurity Accelerator, have gained significant traction. Learn more about Terra Security's approach: CrowdStrike and AWS Announce the 2025 Cybersecurity Accelerator Winner.

• Dream of scaling up? Take the first step with Fuel your startup's growth: A guide to funding your venture. This guide offers essential insights into navigating the funding landscape effectively, particularly in securing seed funding, which is crucial for early-stage growth and attracting future investments.