Techstars partners with Pivotal Ventures to bring a new accelerator to DC

Techstars has teamed up with Melinda Gates’ investment and incubation company, Pivotal Ventures, to launch the Techstars Future of Longevity Accelerator in D.C.

The accelerator program intends to works with startups creating caregiving solutions for those both providing and receiving elder care. The 13-week program will welcome 10 startups annually to provide them with mentorship, classes, other programming and investments. Accepted startups will also gain access to a combined network of founders, investors and business leaders from Techstars and Pivotal Ventures.

“With generations living longer than ever before, there is an incredible opportunity for innovation within the caregiving space,” said Techstars SVP of Accelerators Keith Camhi in a statement. “We are thrilled to be working with Pivotal Ventures to help startups achieve success in delivering new life-changing and impactful solutions to meet the needs of our aging population.”

Based in Seattle, Pivotal Ventures was founded in 2015 by Gates and specifically partners with organizations and individuals working on innovative ideas in the realm of “social progress.” The company provides capital and philanthropy, and partners to launch accelerator and incubator programs.

Applications for the accelerator program opened on Jan. 6 and will be accepted through April 5. The inaugural accelerator class will run from July 13 to Oct. 8 and the program will end with a demo day where the 10 startups get a chance to pitch their ventures to business leaders and investors.