eBay and Techstars Launch Accelerator Program for Innovations in eCommerce

eBay and Techstars have partnered to launch an accelerator program for early-stage companies working on eCommerce solutions.

The partnership brings together eBay’s experience in facilitating global commerce and Techstars’ capabilities as a pre-seed investor, the companies said in a Monday (June 5) press release.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Techstars to support and empower innovative startups that are leveraging groundbreaking technologies to redefine the eCommerce landscape,” Beatriz Reyero, global vice president of corporate strategy and investments at eBay, said in the release.

The new Techstars Future of Ecommerce powered by eBay accelerator program is focused on startups “shaping the future of eCommerce” with technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), Web3, privacy, security and infrastructure, according to the press release.

It will offer founders access to mentors, thought leaders and investors from both Techstars and eBay.

The program will be hybrid, allowing founders to participate both remotely and in-person in San Francisco during the 13-week program and making it more accessible to a wider range of startups.

“Techstars has supported thousands of entrepreneurs that are using innovative technologies to transform industries,” Techstars Managing Director Collin Wallace said in the release. “eBay’s expertise as an eCommerce pioneer paired with the programming, capital and connections that Techstars provides will create an unparalleled opportunity for founders.”

The launch of this accelerator program comes on the heels of several other partnerships and innovations announced by eBay.

On Thursday (June 1), the online marketplace began authenticating streetwear as part of its push into the luxury market.

eBay will verify streetwear bought and sold in the United States for items worth more than $200, with each piece evaluated by the company’s authentication team.

About two weeks earlier, on May 17, eBay acquired authentication firm Certilogo to gain access to a technology platform that lets brands and designers manage the lifecycle of clothing and lets consumers verify the authenticity of their garments.

On the same day, eBay joined forces with reality TV show “Love Island” to spread the word on resale shopping. The villa wardrobe on the show will feature preowned clothing and sneakers.