Everything both organizations have done centers on a shared vision of empowering entrepreneurs worldwide. Today, Techstars announced that this vision is about to get a whole lot bigger, because they’ve officially acquired UP Global, including Startup Weekend, Startup Week, Startup Next, and Startup Digest. As it stands all UP Global programs, while becoming part of the Techstars family, will still remain open and independent in their execution at a community level. The Google for Entrepreneurs-Startup Week- Startup Next partnership is in no danger of disintegrating either: Google remains as committed as ever to both organizations. There is one thing that will be changing about Startup Next, UP Global’s pre-accelerator program, though I think most people will find it a pleasurable change. Effective immediately, the fees that were previously associated with Startup Next will be eliminated. In terms of personnel, Marc Nager will stay rooted in his position as leader as Chief of Community at UP. Beyond that, the entire team at UP Global will be joining Techstars and will continue to help maintain a focus on managing and expanding the existing accelerator programs. The team at Techstars wants to wish a warm welcome to all of the UP Global Community. As they assure me, not only will Techstars remain the same quality network and program we have come to know and love, they’ll only get stronger from here. All of us at Tech.Co wish you congratulations and the best of luck in the future!
