Minnesota Twins partner with Techstars to launch three-year accelerator program in the Twin Cities

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN – Enhancing future fan experiences through a new pipeline of innovation, the Minnesota Twins today announced a partnership with Techstars, the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, for a three-year accelerator program based in the Twin Cities. “The Minnesota Twins Accelerator by Techstars” – the first of its kind in Minnesota sports and just the second such venture to be operated and funded by a Major League Baseball club – will attract and advance world-class startups focusing on the intersection of technology, sports and entertainment.

“The Minnesota Twins are striving to innovate on the field and off,” said Joe Pohlad, the club’s Executive Vice President of Brand Strategy and Growth. “This new business strategy helps build a platform for us to connect with startups around the globe. The Minnesota Twins Accelerator by Techstars will allow us to stay on the cutting edge of technology, while continuing our mission of creating exciting new ways for our fans to interact with the Twins experience.”

The Minnesota Twins Accelerator by Techstars will recruit and support developing companies to become stable, self-sufficient businesses – each producing technology-driven advancement in areas ranging from fan engagement and experiences, to digital media and content, to venue and event innovation, and beyond. While the program will be headquartered in Minneapolis, the Techstars partnership brings global reach in the recruitment, selection and development of the 30 startups chosen to participate over next three years.

“Partnering with the Twins to influence and lead change in the way people and communities embrace experiences – on and off the field – is something Techstars is very excited about,” said Nancy Wolff, General Manager at Techstars. “Techstars is a proven and powerful engine that drives access and growth to startups and entrepreneurs across the world. As the first accelerator of its kind in Minnesota sports, this is a unique opportunity to join the Techstars and Twins networks for a powerful program.”

Each participating startup will receive funding, hands-on mentorship from Techstars and the Twins, and access to curated workshops and resources, as well as lifetime access to the Techstars global network. The Minnesota Twins Accelerator by Techstars will begin accepting applications on May 10 for its first year of the program, where 10 startups will be chosen for a 13-week program slated to run from November 2021 through February 2022. Interested startups are encouraged to learn more, and express their interest, by visiting techstars.com/accelerators/minnesota-twins.

Additionally, the Twins and Techstars are currently seeking a Managing Director to lead the accelerator with support from Twins leadership and industry-leading mentors. Those interested may learn more by visiting here.

This partnership will be the third Techstars-operated accelerator in the Twin Cities, with Techstars Farm to Fork Accelerator and the UnitedHealthcare Accelerator Powered by Techstars operating since 2018 and 2019, respectively.

The only other such program in MLB is one launched by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2015.