When it comes to local accelerators, there are few that can boast a track record like Techstars Austin, which has had dozens of promising startups flow through its program.
Among alumni are: ScaleFactor, which recently raised $30 million; Convey, which has raised about $26 million total; and Threatcare, which has raised about $2.1 million. Threatcare and ScaleFactor were also named to Austin Inno's 19 to Watch list this year, and Convey was part of Inno's 18 to Watch a year ago.
Now the local branch of Techstars has announced its latest batch of companies, including two from Austin, which will be part of its three-month program.
Here's a look at the new cohort, with descriptions provided by Techstars.
CountertopSmart (Austin) – CountertopSmart is an online marketplace that allows homeowners and construction trade professionals access to a little-known, secondary market of countertop remnants, the remaining unused portions of full stone slabs. Consumers use Countertop Smart to buy stone in smarter quantities, typically saving between 60%-80% on a broader design selection.
CPRWrap (Chattanooga) – CPRWrap is a product that provides a CPR template and mouth piece so bystanders can successfully provide emergency CPR.
Dearduck (Houston) – Dearduck provides retailers with tailored recommendations for consumers searching for gifts for another person, increasing the accuracy of buying for others.
Knocki (Austin) – Knocki makes the smart home easier to use by transforming a surface into a control interface. With Knocki installed, any wall or table becomes a remote control with a few taps. Users no longer need to open apps or use voice control to activate their smart home devices.
Livsn (Fayetteville) – Livsn creates durable, innovative, and high-quality outdoor apparel created with sustainable materials that stand the test of time.
Pass It Down (Chattanooga) – Pass It Down is a digital storytelling platform that allows museums, libraries, and companies to showcase their history and culture.
Slice of Sauce (Los Angeles) – Slice of Sauce sells individually-wrapped condiment slices that are non-GMO, all-natural, gluten-free, and packed with all of the flavor of a sauce.
Succession Matching (Toronto) – Succession Matching connects small business owners that want to transition out of their businesses with resources, potential buyers, and other succession planning professionals.
Woorly (Chattanooga) – Woorly is a mobile app that allows companies to reward customers that recommend their products and services to friends and family and earn rewards.
The companies started the Techstars program this week, and they will show off their business pitches at a Demo Day event April 10.
