LAST UPDATED: November 10, 2023
Techstars Startup Weekend & Startup Week Organizer License And Event Agreement
Before submitting an application to register a Techstars Startup Weekend, or Startup Week event, carefully read this Organizer License and Event Agreement (this “Agreement”) including all referenced Techstars Startup Weekend and Startup Week Rules (the “Rules”) incorporated herein. By submitting your application or by clicking “I accept” or otherwise agreeing to this Agreement, you agree to abide by the terms of this Agreement before, during, and after your Techstars Community event. For the purposes of this Agreement, the term “you” refers to the individual or legal entity submitting an application to run a Techstars Startup Weekend or Startup Week event and “Techstars” refers to Techstars Central LLC. When ‘'Techstars Community programs’ is noted, it refers to both Techstars Startup Weekend and Startup Week as a collective. You represent that you have the authority to bind yourself or any such legal entity to the terms of this Agreement. You and Techstars agree as follows:
1. One Time License.
1.1 License Grant. Subject to terms and conditions herein and the acceptance of your application to host your event, Techstars hereby grants you a limited, one time, non-exclusive, revocable license to use the Techstars Startup Weekend or Startup Week name, logo, trademarks, service marks, materials made available for reproduction on the Techstars Startup Weekend or Startup Week website, the specific event name (as further described below, the “Event Name”), and set up a Techstars Startup Weekend or Startup Week sub-domain web page (the “Web Page”) used for your Techstars Community Programs event (collectively, the “Intellectual Property”) only in connection with the one (1) Techstars Startup Weekend or Startup Week event approved by Techstars as part of your application. Your use of the Intellectual Property must comply with the terms set forth herein, and you must abide by the Rules, including but not limited to: Event Basics/ Licensing Basics / Branding + Naming / Sponsors + Funding / Media + Distribution / Web + Social as modified from time to time by Techstars in its sole discretion, which are incorporated in this License. This license granted herein is valid for one year from the date issued, unless otherwise revoked in writing by Techstars. You may not transfer, sublicense or assign the License and/or your rights to use the Intellectual Property.
1.2 Term. The term of this Agreement will begin upon your acceptance and will end upon the earlier of: (i) Techstars’ termination of your License and/or termination of access at any time by Techstars as permitted hereunder, or (ii) the date that is twelve (12) months from your acceptance of this Agreement (the “Term”). Techstars may require you to stop using the Intellectual Property in connection with your Techstars Community Programs event and may require you to remove or transfer your created event web page and credentials to Techstars.
1.3 License Restrictions. The Intellectual Property may be used solely to promote your Techstars Community Programs event, and in no event shall you or any person or entity that organizes, participates in, or performs services regarding your Techstars Community Programs event, use the Intellectual Property, or the Techstars name, logo, trademarks or service marks, for any other purpose, including, but not limited to, the sale of books, articles, publications, audio recordings, videos or other media, without the prior written consent of Techstars. Without limiting in any way, the generality of the foregoing, the Intellectual Property shall not be used (a) to sponsor, endorse or suggest an affiliation with any third party. For clarity, this provision shall not prohibit you from accurately characterizing yourself as a Techstars Startup Weekend or Startup Week organizer or from authoring works or providing services that offer guidance on creating startups or a startup community, provided that such works and/or services shall not in any way refer to Techstars. This prohibition shall survive the termination of this Agreement. Without limiting the foregoing. All promotions of your Techstars Community Programs event must clearly identify the event as a Techstars event.
1.4 Techstars may modify, amend, supplement and/or replace the terms and conditions of this License in writing at any time.
2. Event Names.
Event Names must comply with the Rules including the Naming Rules. All Event Names will be owned exclusively by Techstars and are licensed to you according to these terms and conditions. You will have the right to use your Event Name solely during the Term. After the Term, your right to use the Event Name expires; provided however, if you apply for another Techstars Community Programs event prior to the end of the Term you may request to use the same Event Name for the term of your new license. In the event you have not actually used the Event Name for a Techstars Startup Weekend or Startup Week event during the Term of this License or upon your application for another Techstars Community Programs event, Techstars reserves the right to terminate your use of that Event Name. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Techstars reserves the right to terminate your use of a particular Event Name at any time, in which case all your rights to use the Event Name will cease and Techstars may use such Event Name in its sole discretion.
3. Event Responsibility; Waiver of Liability.
3.1 You will be responsible for all resources, equipment, staff, lodging, food, or other materials necessary or required for your Techstars Community Programs event. Techstars will not be responsible or liable for providing you with any resources, staff, or materials other than any online resources made available by Techstars on the Techstars Startup Weekend and Startup Week websites.
3.2 You may be required to obtain specific types of insurance coverage for your event based on the local laws in your jurisdiction. This may include personal medical and/or health insurance coverage for yourself or others while participating in or conducting any physical or athletic activities at your Techstars Community Programs event. Techstars has a general event insurance policy but we cannot guarantee any specific coverage will be extended to you or your event and we cannot offer legal or insurance advice. We highly recommend you talk to your own counsel and/or insurance professionals to make sure you are compliant with local regulations.
3.3 You understand that you are choosing to host your event and participate in the activities related thereto at your own risk and that Techstars is not responsible for any injury or damage you or others may suffer in connection with your event. To the maximum extent permitted by law, you hereby release Techstars and its officers, employees, representatives, and affiliates from all claims, liability, or causes of action arising out of this Agreement or your Techstars Community Programs event.
4. Privacy Obligations.
4.1 Techstars Privacy Policy. Your use of our Services is subject to Techstars’ Privacy Policy available here.
4.2 Personal Information You Collect. As a Techstars Community Programs event Organizer, you and your team will be collecting and storing personally identifiable information from your Techstars Community Programs event facilitators, mentors, judges, team members and attendees (“Techstars Community Programs event related Personal Information”). You agree never to sell Techstars Community Programs event related Personal Information to any third parties and agree not to provide Techstars Community Programs event related Personal Information to any third party without proper consent or permission. You agree to follow the applicable privacy laws in your jurisdiction. You agree to process the Techstars Community Programs event related Personal Information lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner. This includes implementing the following measures as applicable in your jurisdiction:
a) You will implement administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to prevent disclosure, accidental access by unauthorized parties, and to maintain confidentiality.
b) You agree to communicate to the individuals that provided you with Techstars Community Programs event related Personal Information the following: (i) what information you collect, (ii) how you collect it, (iii) if you, as Techstars Community Programs event Organizer, disclose their personal information to any third party; and (iv) a method to delete, modify or update their personal information. In the event local laws require consent, please take steps to track and record consent before or during registration.
c) You agree to communicate to facilitators, mentors, judges, attendees, and team members how you will collect, store, manage Techstars Community Programs event related Personal Information. As part of your communication, all purposes for which the data will be used by Techstars and the Techstars Community Programs event organizing team should be disclosed, including the following: (i) posting information about the Techstars Community Programs event on Techstars websites and social media, (ii) maintaining Techstars Community Programs event facilitator, mentor, and judge information, (iii) providing Community Programs event attendees with surveys to evaluate the events they attend, and (iv) to maintain information about the Techstars Community Programs event license. You may also disclose that when receiving Techstars Community Programs event related Personal Information for these purposes, that Techstars will process and manage this information in accordance with Techstars’ privacy policy on Techstars.com.
5. Warranty Disclaimer. EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES THAT ARE MADE IN THIS AGREEMENT, NEITHER PARTY MAKES, AND EACH PARTY HEREBY DISCLAIMS, ANY OTHER WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE AND NONINFRINGEMENT OF THIRD-PARTY RIGHTS, RESULTS OR EFFORTS.
6. Compliance with Laws; Anti-Bribery. Techstars prohibits the corruption of government officials and the payments of bribes or kickbacks of any kind, whether in dealings with public officials or individuals in the private sector. You will comply with all applicable laws and regulatory requirements in connection with all business activities in connection with this Agreement, including laws against bribery, corruption, inaccurate books and records, inadequate internal controls, money-laundering, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and U.K. Bribery Act (“Anti-Bribery Laws”). You will not directly or indirectly, offer or pay anything of value (including gifts, travel, hospitality, charitable donations or employment) to any official or employee of any governmental entity (including elected officials or any private person acting on behalf of such entity), political party, or public international organization, or any candidate for political office (“Government Official”), to (a) improperly influence any act or decision of such Government Official for the purpose of promoting the business interests of the other party in any respect, or (b) otherwise improperly promote the business interests of Techstars in any respect.
7. Indemnification. You hereby agree to defend, indemnify, and hold Techstars harmless from any claim or other cause of action brought by a third party arising out of or relating to your Techstars Community Programs event or your activities related thereto.
8. General Provisions.
8.1 Assignment. This Agreement, and your rights and obligations hereunder, may not be assigned, subcontracted, delegated or otherwise transferred by you without Techstars’ prior written consent, and any attempted assignment, subcontract, delegation, or transfer in violation of the foregoing will be null and void.
8.2 Force Majeure. Techstars shall not be liable for any delay or failure to perform resulting from causes outside its reasonable control, including, but not limited to, acts of God, war, terrorism, riots, embargos, acts of civil or military authorities, fire, floods, accidents, strikes or shortages of transportation facilities, fuel, energy, labor or materials.
8.3 Governing Law. This Agreement and any action related thereto will be governed and interpreted by and under the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to any principles that provide for the application of the law of another jurisdiction.
8.4 Notice. Where Techstars requires that you provide an e-mail address, you are responsible for providing Techstars with your most current e-mail address. In the event that the last e-mail address you provided to Techstars is not valid, or for any reason is not capable of delivering to you any notices required/ permitted by the Terms, Techstars’ dispatch of the e-mail containing such notice will nonetheless constitute effective notice. You may give notice to Techstars at the following address: 1050 Walnut Street, Suite 202, Boulder, CO 80302. Such notice shall be deemed given when received by Techstars by letter delivered by nationally recognized overnight delivery service or first-class postage prepaid mail at the above address.
8.5 Waiver. Any waiver or failure to enforce any provision of this Agreement on one occasion will not be deemed a waiver of any other provision or of such provision on any other occasion.
8.6 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unenforceable, the other provisions of this Agreement will remain enforceable, and the invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed modified so that it is valid and enforceable to the maximum extent permitted by law.
8.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement is the final, complete and exclusive agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and merges all prior discussions between the parties with respect to such subject matter.
8.8 Amendment. Please note that the terms of this Agreement are subject to change by Techstars in its sole discretion at any time. When changes are made, Techstars will make a new copy of this Agreement available to you online and will also update the “Last Updated” date below.
Techstars Startup Weekend Rules
1. Event Basics
1.1 Techstars Startup Weekend Format:
The Techstars Startup Weekend event is a creative and collaborative three-day (54 hour) educational event that allows anyone to develop and pitch new startup ideas. It's about pitching, business model creation, prototyping, designing and market validation all in a friendly and supportive team environment of like-minded, innovative, driven, and passionate individuals.
You may not use the Techstars Startup Weekend name to run a different event
Startup Weekends should run during the weekend. Exceptions need to be approved by Techstars.
All Startup Weekend events are facilitated by an official Startup Weekend Facilitator. It is the organizing team’s responsibility to source and confirm the event facilitator using Techstars online tool.
The majority of Startup Weekend events run from Friday evening to Sunday evening
Startup Weekends may be run either online, or in person.
Startup Weekend in person events are usually city wide, whereas online events could be open to larger geographies (i.e. national, regional etc). This is up to the discretion of the organizing team and should have the approval of the Regional Techstars Community Programs Team.
Startup Weekends may be themed under a specific vertical or be generic.
1.2 Techstars Startup Week Format:
The Techstars Startup Week event is a five-day, entrepreneur-led, community event held in cities across the world to showcase the local startup ecosystem through meetups, lectures, discussions, and celebrations. It’s about spotlighting the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing excellent content and networking opportunities for those involved with or interested in entrepreneurship.
You may not use the Techstars Startup Week name to run a different event.
Startup Weeks should run during the 5 day week. Exceptions need to be approved by Techstars.
The majority of Startup Weeks events run from Monday morning to Friday evening.
Startup Weeks may be run either online, or in person.
Startup Week in-person events are typically city wide, whereas online events could be open to larger geographies (i.e. national, regional etc). This is up to the discretion of the organizing team and should have the approval of the Regional Techstars Community Programs Team.
Startup Weeks contain multiple tracks that cater to different interests and themes
1.3 Prerequisites - Community Leaders:
Community Leaders must:
Have attended a Techstars Community program event, such as Startup Weekend or Community Leader Academy, or have completed an online training program before organizing an event. Any exceptions must be agreed by Techstars in writing.
Want to organize for the right reasons - to develop your local startup ecosystem and foster connections in the local community
Have a team of 4-10 co-organizers to support you in the planning and execution of your event. Individuals cannot organize a Startup Weekend or Startup Week on their own
Apply and receive approval of the Community Leader License Agreement.
Act consistent, and be bound by, the Techstars Code of Conduct (available at https://www.techstars.com/code-of-conduct).
1.4 Spirit and purpose:
Your event must maintain the spirit of Techstars Community Programs events: focused on the power of innovation and entrepreneurship to change lives and ultimately, the world.
Techstars Community Program events are inclusive of all diverse groups. They may be targeted to vertical interests, but may not be exclusive or discriminatory.
Techstars Community Program events are not for profit. Any abuse of this not for profit approach will be grounds for revocation of the license agreement or non-renewal.
1.5 Attendance:
Techstars Startup Weekend
In person Techstars Startup Weekends: Up to 125 individuals may attend your event
Online Techstars Startup Weekends: events have capacity for up to 400 participants. (Please reach out to your Regional Manager if you’re interested in running an event with more than 125 participants).
Startup Weekend events are open to all participants and are non-qualifying.
Techstars Startup Weekend events are not allowed for attendees under the age of 18.
Techstars Startup Week
In person Techstars Startup Weeks: hundreds to thousands of individuals may attend your event
Online Techstars Startup Weeks: events have capacity for up to 1000 participants. (Please reach out to your Techstars Regional Support Staff if you’re interested in running an event with more than 1000 participants).
Techstars Startup Week events are open to all participants and are non-qualifying.
Techstars Startup Week events are not allowed for attendees under the age of 18.
1.6 Introduction video:
The official Techstars Startup Weekend introduction video must be played at the beginning of your event so that the audience understands Techstars.
2. Licensing Basics
2.1 License holder:
Techstars expects the license holder to be the lead organizer of a Techstars Community Programs event, and the person that submits the application for the event. If this is found to not be the case, Techstars reserves the right to revoke or not renew a license.
The license holder is responsible for forming an organizing team as well as:
Providing overall team direction and making sure the team meets regularly
Acting as the project lead and making sure each task is assigned to a team member
Overseeing organizational execution and keeping everything on schedule
Driving consensus on big decisions including sponsors, speakers, mentors, and judges
Having a good understanding of the organizer requirements and event management tools
Communicating well with the Techstars team
Sharing required event data with the Techstars team as per our requested method. This can include the event's website and registration page links, total attendee numbers, and attendee information
Sending Techstars templated emails to attendees over the course of the Startup Weekend event. (Please refer to the available Techstars templates.))
Although you may wish to allocate some of the finance tasks to one of your co-organising team members, the ultimate responsibility of the finances falls on the license holder. Responsibilities are:
Attaching your bank account to the event ticketing system
Tracking revenue coming in from ticket sales
Processing attendee refunds
Creating sponsorship invoices
Tracking revenue coming in from sponsorships
In the case of Techstars Startup Weekend, confirming your event’s facilitator and reimbursing the facilitator for their travel and accommodation costs
Paying vendor invoices
Ensuring the team has enough funds to operate
Keeping track of all accounting records
Ensuring compliance with local tax and financial reporting requirements
2.2 Techstars support for the license holder
Techstars is responsible for supporting the organizing team and will supply the license holder with:
Marketing assets, brand guidelines and brand delivery system
Resource portal with education and templates
Intellectual property for Startup Weekend or Startup Week content
Facilitator finding tool in the case of Startup Weekend
Emails with supportive content during your event planning phase
Monthly newsletters
Periodic AMAs
Providing attendee perks (as and when relevant, from Techstars partners)
2.3 Event location (for in person events):
Techstars allocates one location-based license series per applicant, per year. You may run more than one event per year but for each event you will need to reapply for a new license, (and only do so once your current event has closed).
You must either live in the location for which you are applying for a license, or know the area well.
Your Techstars Community Programs event must happen in the location for which you received the license.
There is no formal ownership of any city or region (no organizer or team has exclusive rights to a city or community).
2.4. License term and relinquishment:
Your Techstars Community Program event license is valid for one year from its date of approval, and you must produce at least one event within that year.
The license will be per event so if you’d like to run more than one event in the year you must reapply for that new event and obtain another license.
If your event is postponed and the new date falls outside of the one year license expiry date, you must reapply for that new event and obtain another license.
Techstars Community Program event licenses are non-transferable—you cannot transfer your license to another individual. If you want to relinquish your license to allow another organizer to have it, you'll need to notify us first. The new licensee will need to fill out their own application.
2.5 Techstars Startup Weekend Event requirements:
When running an in person or online Techstars Startup Weekend event, Community Leaders should adhere to the following:
Have at least a 10 - 12 week period to organize your in person event, or 6 - 8 week period for an online event
Have 4 to 6 people on your organizing team
Use the approved Techstars Startup Weekend format:
Techstars Startup Weekend should follow the 54 hour schedule and the format must include the kick off evening with pitches, mentor support for the teams, and closing pitch presentations on the final night.
You must bring in mentors and judges to support your event
Events should be executed according to the in-person and online playbooks
Understand the commitment of running a Startup Weekend: You’ll need to:
Raise event sponsorship to cover event costs
Manage and be responsible for any finances related to the event
Secure a venue
Find mentors and judges for your event
Source and confirm a certified Techstars facilitator to host your event
All Startup Weekend events are facilitated by an official Startup Weekend Facilitator
Promote the event & recruit attendees
Create partnerships with local businesses, institutions and community groups
For online events, select and manage the tools and platforms you need to run the event virtually
For in-person events, Order food, drink, and supplies for the entirety of the event
2.6. Techstars Startup Week Event requirements:
When running an in person or online Techstars Startup Week event, Community Leaders should adhere to the following:
Allow for at least a 6 month period to organize your in-person event; 4 months for an online event.
Have 8 to 10 people on your organizing team
Understand the commitment of running an in person Startup Week: You’ll need to:
Manage and be responsible for any finances related to the event
For online events, select and manage the tools and platforms you need to run the event virtually
Curate the list of activities and scheduling (tracks, panels, etc.)
Find a venue and coordinate event logistics
Create partnerships with local businesses, institutions and community groups
Promote the event & recruit attendees
2.7 Releasing digital properties:
When your license expires, you must transfer ownership of any Techstars domain name or other Techstars related social properties, if any, to Techstars.
3. Branding + Naming
3.1 Naming:
Techstars Community Program events exist to serve their communities, and as such, each event is named after its unique location, such as a city, neighborhood, or street.
Techstars Community Program event names must comply with the guidelines laid out in this section and are granted at the discretion of the Techstars team.
For Startup Weekend, naming conventions in the event management platform require your event to follow the format ‘Techstars Startup Weekend [Vertical] [City]’, for instance ‘Techstars Startup Weekend Women NYC’
For Startup Week, naming conventions in the event management platform require your event to follow the format ‘Techstars Startup Week [Geography],’ for instance ‘Techstars Startup Week NYC’
For both Startup Weekend and Startup Week, your event website link will need to follow this format:
"swcity" "startupweekendcity". Example: www.swlondon.com or www.startupweekendparis.com
Any usage of the Startup Weekend event name outside of the event management platform must adhere to the following naming convention:
Brand
Descriptor
Industry
Geography
Techstars_
Startup Weekend
Women
NYC
Example: Written as Techstars Startup Weekend Women NYC
Any usage of the Startup Week event name outside of the event management platform must adhere to the following naming convention:
Brand
Product
Geography
Techstars_
Startup Week
NYC
Example: Written as Techstars Startup Week NYC
3.2 Name usage:
You must always refer to your event with the full name your license was approved for in all copy, messaging, logos, etc. For example, if your licensed name is "Techstars Startup Weekend Boulder", you may not refer to your event as "Techstars StartupWeekend-BCO" or any other variation.
You should always refer to your event as Techstars Startup Weekend [NAME], not simply “Techstars Startup Weekend”, (or the equivalent for Startup Week).
Name abbreviations and variations are not allowed.
Techstars cannot be held liable for expenses incurred during the purchase, transfer or re-sale of Techstars Community Programs related domain names or other.
3.3 Techstars Startup Weekend and Startup Week brand affiliation:
Make clear in all communications that your event is a Techstars Startup Weekend or Startup Week event.
Make clear that you are a Techstars Startup Weekend or Startup Week organizer, and not an employee of Techstars.
Ensure that all of your speakers and mentors abide by these guidelines as well.
3.4 Techstars Community Programs Events are independent:
Because Techstars Community Programs events are stand-alone events, they may not be combined with or integrated into any conference, ceremony, event, or curriculum. Any exceptions should be approved by Techstars.
Techstars events cannot be co-branded: you may not link the Techstars Startup Weekend or Startup Week logos/identities/names to the name of another organization, non-profit, corporation or other entity.
You may not present your Techstars Community Programs event as being organized by such entities or positioned as one of their offerings.
3.5 Techstars logo and brand style guidelines:
Your Techstars Startup Weekend or Startup Week logos must adhere to the Techstars Community Programs logo style guidelines and should be used to represent your event at all times.
4. Compliance
4.1 Anti-Bribery:
You must follow Techstars’ zero tolerance policy toward bribery and corruption. You must comply with all applicable laws and regulatory requirements in connection with all business activities in connection with this Agreement, including laws against bribery, corruption, inaccurate books and records, inadequate internal controls, money-laundering, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, U.K. Bribery Act, and similar regulations in any applicable jurisdictions.
You also may not work with partners for your event that may be compromised by corrupt history, sanctions, etc. In some cases, Techstars may require that you complete certain vetting steps for your sponsors.
In connection with Techstars Startup Weekend, Techstars Startup Week, or any activities connected to Techstars, you will not directly or indirectly, offer or pay anything of value to any official or employee of any governmental entity (“Government Official”) to improperly influence any act or decision of such Government Official for the purpose of promoting the business interests of Techstars, a sponsor, or yourself in any respect.
4.2 Sanctions:
You must Comply with all applicable import, re-import, sanctions, anti-boycott, export, and re-export control laws and regulations, including all such laws and regulations that apply to a U.S. company and any company operating in the U.S., and economic sanctions programs implemented by the Office of Foreign Assets Control.
You represent that you are not subject to sanctions or otherwise designated on any list of prohibited or restricted parties, including but not limited to the lists maintained by the United Nations Security Council, the U.S. Government (e.g., the Specially Designated Nationals (“SDN”) List and Foreign Sanctions Evaders List of the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the Entity List of the U.S. Department of Commerce), the European Union or its Member States, or other applicable government authority.
You also represent that you and any of your affiliates are not affiliated with or owned or controlled (directly or indirectly) by, the government of countries subject to U.S. trade sanctions, including but not limited to those restricting trade with Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea Region of Ukraine, or any party listed on the SDN list.
5. Sponsors + Funding:
5.1 Not for profit event:
Techstars Community Programs Events are volunteer endeavors, and are not for profit events.
Event organizers will be solely responsible for the finances of the event.
Event organizers will need to ensure compliance with their local financial reporting requirements and business legislation.
These events are meant to be not for profit. Any profits left over from the event should be minimal. You should use any remaining funds to seed your next Techstars Community Programs event.
Any abuse of this not for profit approach will be grounds for revocation of the license agreement and/or non-renewal.
5.2 Admission:
You may charge an attendance fee for a Techstars Community Programs event.
It is up to the discretion of the organizing team to determine ticket price.
Ticket proceeds should go towards event and operating costs and not for the profit of any individual or organizing entity.
The sole responsibility for reimbursing participants for refund requests lies with the organizing team. Techstars does not receive funds from the organizing team and will not be responsible for the return or repayment of any funds. Techstars Startup Weekend recommends that organizing teams honor refunds up to 72 hours before the event kickoff. [If your event is on a Friday, then refund requests would need to be submitted by Tuesday night at the latest].
We do not recommend that our organizers offer refunds within 72 hours of the event starting due to the need to pre-purchase event essentials like catering and supplies. If tickets are not eligible for a refund, we strongly suggest that participants pass on their ticket to someone else who could benefit from the opportunity.
Techstars Community Programs events are meant to be low cost, highly accessible to the community, and not for profit. It is a #givefirst effort. However, if small profits remain at the end of the event, we encourage community leaders to reinvest this in the local startup community or use it to seed your next Techstars Community Programs event. Abuse of this profitability will be evaluated and could result in the license not being renewed.
5.3 Fundraising and crowdfunding:
Techstars Community Programs events cannot organize separate ticketed Techstars Startup Weekend or Startup Week branded fundraising events or use crowdfunding platforms -- such as IndieGoGo, Kickstarter, or other local platforms -- to raise money for any aspect of a Techstars Community Programs event.
5.4 Speaker fees and ineligible speakers:
Techstars Community Programs events may not pay, or charge judges, mentors or facilitators.
As organizers, you can decide whether you cover any expenses incurred by judges or mentors.
5.5 Facilitator reimbursements:
As a Techstars Startup Weekend Organizer, you are responsible for reimbursing your facilitator for all event-related expenses.
Facilitator travel and accommodation costs must be covered from the event budget and reimbursement must happen before payment of other expenses and as soon as possible after the event.
5.6 Eligible sponsors:
You may not approach, or otherwise do business with in connection with this Agreement, with any sponsors that are subject to sanctions or otherwise designated on any list of prohibited or restricted parties, including but not limited to the lists maintained by the United Nations Security Council, the U.S. Government (e.g., the Specially Designated Nationals (“SDN”) List and Foreign Sanctions Evaders List of the U.S. Department of Treasury, and the Entity List of the U.S. Department of Commerce), the European Union or its Member States, or other applicable government authority.
You may contact prospective sponsors not included on these lists without prior approval from Techstars.
5.7 Editorial independence:
Sponsors must have no editorial control or influence over your program.
5.8 Sponsor logos on stage:
Sponsor logos can be displayed at your Techstars Community Programs event. But it must not appear that the sponsor is the owner of Techstars Startup Weekend or Startup Week.
Every Techstars Community Programs event should give recognition to any global and regional sponsors. Information and slides will be provided by Techstars. This should be covered during the event opening and closing.
5.9 Products and giveaways:
You may give away or sell your own Techstars Community Programs branded products during your event and during the period of your license; however, they must contain your unique event name, not the generic “Techstars” logo.
All branded products must follow the brand guidelines as defined by Techstars.
All profits from the sale of any branded products must go towards supporting your event.
6. Media + Distribution:
6.1 Press releases:
All press and press releases must follow the approved Techstars templates.
Startup Weekend template
Startup Week template
All press releases must be submitted to Techstars for approval here. Please plan to leave at least 7 business days for review.
Press releases must contain the "About Techstars" and either "About Techstars Startup Weekend," or “About Techstars Startup Week” texts:
About Techstars: The Techstars worldwide network helps entrepreneurs succeed. Founded in 2006, Techstars began with three simple ideas—entrepreneurs create a better future for everyone, collaboration drives innovation, and great ideas can come from anywhere. Now we are on a mission to enable every person on the planet to contribute to, and benefit from, the success of entrepreneurs. In addition to operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, we do this by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. Techstars has invested in more than 2,200 companies that today have a combined market cap valuation of more than $30 Billion. www.techstars.com
About Techstars Startup Weekend: Learn how to think, work and build like a startup. In 54 thrilling hours. Techstars Startup Weekend is an exciting and immersive foray into the world of startups. Over an action-packed three days, you’ll meet the very best mentors, investors, co-founders and sponsors to show you how to get more done faster -- and, maybe even start that business.
About Techstars Startup Week: Techstars Startup Week is a five-day, entrepreneur-led, community event held in cities across the world to showcase the local startup ecosystem through meetups, lectures, discussions, and celebrations. The Techstars Startup Week mission is to help establish thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems anywhere in the world.
6.2 News media and your event:
Techstars staff should be the sole spokespeople for Techstars and Techstars Community Programs as a whole. Route requests for interviews with Techstars staff to press@techstars.com. If you are asked to speak about Techstars during a media interview, let the reporter know that you will refer them to the Techstars press department.
You must clearly state that your event is a Techstars Community Programs event, and that the event is independently organized.
6.3 Content beyond the event:
Techstars event organizers are not permitted to make content that represents the Techstars Community Programs or the Techstars company or brand without prior written consent or approval by Techstars marketing.
You may create content specific to your local Techstars Community Programs event. Any content, whether visual, audio or video, including documentaries, must abide by the following:
No use of the Techstars and/or plain Techstars Startup Weekend or Startup Week logos or assets without your unique location qualifier.
6.4 Content you create during your event:
You will share any photos, videos, audio, or other content you create during your event with Techstars. We may provide you with a media library or other resource to facilitate this sharing.
To the extent that you share any content that you create with us, you hereby grant Techstars a perpetual, worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, fully-paid license to display, perform, reproduce, distribute, create derivative works of, and otherwise exploit such content.
7. Web + Social
7.1 Website domain:
Any branded domain name and/or email handles purchased by you must follow Techstars domain naming guidelines, and can only be used for redirect purposes to Techstars Event Site content.
Domains must follow the following format: "swcity" "startupweekendcity" or "startupweekcity." Organizers must make sure Techstars is included in the event title on your event website. In the content sections of your site, you need to use the formal event name (ex: Techstars Startup Weekend [city name]) used in the first reference. The event logo must be included on the site as well as a link back to techstars.com.
7.2 Website Properties:
The production and development of a separate non-Techstars event affiliated website is strictly prohibited.
7.3 Event Site Content:
The website for your event (that you are responsible for creating) needs to include information about your sponsors, mentors, judges, a description of your venue, and the date and location of your event, together with its agenda.
Anywhere it appears, the sponsor's logo must be smaller than your Techstars logo.
7.4 Social media guidelines:
Social media properties, such as Twitter and Instagram, should have names that mirror the official, licensed name of your Techstars Community Programs event.
You must use your official Techstars Startup Weekend or Techstars Startup Week event logo as your social media profile image (including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or personal blog).
Rules regarding naming, sponsorship, and branding apply to all social media platforms, handles and hashtags.
7.5 Sponsors on event social media:
You can mention a sponsor’s specific contribution to your event in your social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, by tagging their social media accounts, using their hashtag or including their organization name in an image caption.
You or your sponsor can produce a video about the sponsor’s contribution to your event, to be shared on your or the sponsor’s social media channels. This must be produced with your approval of the way your collaboration is presented.
You cannot share sponsor content that is unrelated to your Techstars Community Programs event, e.g. a sponsor’s marketing campaign, product announcements, etc.
You cannot post a sponsor logo (or logos) on its own, but logos may be included if visible in an event photo or other creative material.
7.6 Email list:
You may not use the event email list for any purpose other than communicating information specifically about the approved Techstars event.
7.7 Uploading and crediting photos:
Photos from your Techstars Community Programs event can be uploaded to the Techstars digital asset management system.
When posting photographs anywhere (e.g. on Flickr), you must clearly credit the photographer in the metadata, captions and tags.
Do not put watermarks, text or other labels onto your photos.
Do not superimpose your event logo or your photographer’s information on the photos.
In addition, if any photos or videos that you share with us from your event contain images of the attendees at a Techstars Community Programs event, you authorize us to use them in the same fashion, and represent that the attendees that appear in your photos and videos have consented to such use.
7.8 Mentors and Judges:
For Techstars Startup Weekend events, you are responsible for arranging local mentors and judges.
Mentors and judges may not be paid or compensated in any way.
Mentors and judges should be listed on your event site.
7.9 Financial Responsibility:
You are responsible for understanding your local and country laws regarding financial management and taxes.
You are responsible for paying all local taxes and fees.
Techstars cannot offer advice on country financial matters.
7.10 Technology Usage:
You are responsible for sourcing, managing, and if necessary, paying any fees related to your ticketing and registration platform for the event.
You will be provided with specific guidelines from Techstars regarding what needs to be included on your event page.This includes event description, Terms of Participation and registration questions
You must follow Techstars guidelines for your event name.
You must follow Techstars’ defined method for sharing your attendee’s email registration information with Techstars when requested for them to receive useful information around their global perks and additional information.
LAST UPDATED: September 29, 2023
