General TechFW Questions
Questions and Answers about TechFW
Where can I join a tech startup accelerator in Fort Worth?
At TechFW we offer resources, mentorship, and funding connections like Cowtown Angels to tech entrepreneurs without taking equity. We run entrepreneur support programs like our ThinkLab Accelerator, SmartStart Incubator, and FastForward Growth programs to support startups at various stages. Join TechFW’s ThinkLab Accelerator Fort Worth’s most practical, no-fluff program for early-stage startup founders. ThinkLab is a 8-week accelerator where entrepreneurs go from idea to action, building real plans, meeting mentors, and validating their value proposition.
How do I apply for a startup incubator program in Texas?
TechFW’s SmartStart Incubator helps you go from idea to launch. If you’ve already validated your business model and want structured support to build your operations, legal, and financial foundation, SmartStart gives you the tools, guidance, and community to make your startup real.
What are the best programs for scaling a tech company in North Texas?
TechFW’s FastForward program is designed for companies with traction. If you’ve got a working product, paying customers, and need strategic coaching to scale effectively, FastForward offers customized executive coaching and access to investors through Cowtown Angels. It’s built for founders ready to grow.
Where can I find mentorship for tech entrepreneurs in Fort Worth?
TechFW offers personalized coaching, access to a network of trusted advisors, and one-on-one mentorship through all of our programs. Whether you’re in ThinkLab, SmartStart, or FastForward, we match you with mentors who understand what you’re building and want to see you succeed.
How to get access to biotech wet labs in Fort Worth?
TechFW operates wet lab spaces through our partnership with the UNT Health Fort Worth. If your biotech or medtech startup needs specialized lab facilities to prototype and grow, we help connect our members to space and support within our innovation ecosystem.
How can I join TechFW’s startup programs for entrepreneurs?
To apply for TechFW's programs, you must submit a general application online via Spark XYZ, which is used for the ThinkLab, SmartStart, and FastForward programs. You and your company must meet eligibility criteria, such as having a proprietary technology with a high barrier to entry and agreeing to participate in workshops and coaching sessions. After submission, a TechFW team member will review the application and reach out to schedule a screening interview.
What makes TechFW different from other startup incubators in Fort Worth?
We don’t take equity. We’ve supported 200+ startups. And we've been embedded in Fort Worth’s innovation ecosystem for over 25 years. At TechFW, we’re all about practical, founder-first support. No hype, just help. Our clients keep 100% of their equity, and gain 100% of our expertise. We also have Fort Worth's leading angel investor program for the last decade, Cowtown Angels, giving critical access to investors and potential funding.
What kind of support do startup incubators offer in Texas?
Since 2012, TechFW and TMAC have partnered through the National Institute of Standards & Technologies (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) with the goal of expanding the capacity, efficiency, and innovation of the local economic sector through technology development and acceleration.
Where can I find a startup accelerator that lets founders keep 100% equity?
You've found it: that’s TechFW. We’ve never taken equity. You keep 100% of what you build.
What free resources are available for startups in Fort Worth?
TechFW offers a resources, downloadable guides, pitch decks, and workshop opportunities. Visit our Startup Services page to get started.
Where can I network with other tech founders in Fort Worth?
Join us for events such as 1 Million Cups, Tech Together, or pitch nights. Our campus at the James E. Guinn Entrepreneurial Center is buzzing with meetups, mixers, and peer circles where founders trade insights, not just business cards.
Where can I launch a new tech startup in Fort Worth?
Right here. At TechFW, we help you go from scribbles-on-a-napkin to launch-ready. We’ve been the startup launchpad of Fort Worth since 1998. Whether it’s through ThinkLab, SmartStart, or FastForward, we help startups make their mark and stay in the city that built them.
What is the best way to find expert advisors for my startup in Fort Worth?
Our founder-first model means you’ll be introduced to advisors who align with your mission, stage, and vision. We don’t just assign mentors: we make meaningful matches. We help our members build their advisory board through our network of experienced mentors, industry experts, and even past founders. Every TechFW program includes opportunities to connect with people who can help you grow and grow with you.
ThinkLab Questions
Questions and Answers about TechFW's ThinkLab Progam
What is ThinkLab and who is it for?
ThinkLab is the Dallas and Fort Worth practical startup accelerator. This 8-week, non-seed accelerator is designed for early-stage founders with a tech-enabled idea. If you're in the "I’ve got this idea, but where do I start?" phase, this program gives you structure, support, and startup know-how to build a real business. Ideal for first-time founders looking to develop a business plan and validate the viability of their patentable idea.
Do I need a business plan or prototype to apply for ThinkLab?
Nope. We meet you where you are. ThinkLab is built for founders at the idea or concept stage, whether you’ve sketched it on a napkin or started tinkering in your garage. What you need is commitment and coachability, an availability for weekly sessions for the duration of the 8-week cohort.
What can I expect during the 8-week program?
Expect weekly workshops, targeted assignments, 1:1 coaching, and real-time feedback from a community of startup experts and mentors. You’ll finish with a refined value proposition, customer insights, and a solid game plan in the form of a completed Business Model Canvas. Your graduation is completed with a pitch presentation at our monthly Startup Bites event. ThinkLab graduates receive a $250 discount towards the first quarter of SmartStart (to be used within 60-days of graduation). In addition, you'll have access to the pre-recorded ThinkLab lectures, as well as the TechFW Resource Library and Member portal. All TechFW members have access to the Guinn Campus shared workspaces and conference rooms during business hours.
Does TechFW take equity in my company?
No. TechFW is a nonprofit. We don't take equity in any of our programs, including ThinkLab. Our mission is to help founders succeed — not take a cut.
How is ThinkLab different from other startup accelerators in Dallas or Fort Worth?
ThinkLab is built for the everyman founder: resourceful, driven, and tired of the startup churn and burn. We’re local, embedded in Fort Worth’s innovation scene, and focused on helping you move from idea to execution with practical, step-by-step support through a community of entrepreneurs, mentors, and coaches.
SmartStart Questions
Questions and Answers about TechFW's SmartStart Progam
What is SmartStart and who is it designed for?
TechFW SmartStart is a business incubator program for early-stage startups. SmartStart is TechFW’s business incubator program for entrepreneurs ready to formalize their startup. It’s ideal for founders with a clear product or service who need a solid foundation to grow. SmartStart members are focused on honing their business idea to prepare for investors or other pitch opportunities.
How long does the SmartStart program last?
It’s a flexible, ongoing 6-month engagement that includes monthly coaching, goal-setting, resource navigation, and access to the TechFW network. There is an opportunity to extend your membership and we're ready to stick with you as long as we’re adding value.
Is SmartStart only for tech companies?
We work with tech-enabled businesses or those with proprietary, scalable products. If you’re unsure if you qualify, reach out to our team and we’re happy to help determine fit. You’ll work closely with our experienced advisors to tighten your business model, develop path-to-market strategies, prep for funding, and build a network of resources to move forward confidently.
What’s the difference between ThinkLab and SmartStart?
ThinkLab is a structured accelerator to validate your idea over 8 weeks. SmartStart is a longer-term incubator for founders further along who are ready to launch, build, and grow with sustained support. We recommend founders participate in ThinkLab and then apply their graduation credit towards SmartStart to continue on their startup journey.
FastForward Questions
Questions and Answers about TechFW's FastForward Program
What is FastForward?
TechFW FastForward is our advanced coaching program for startups that have traction, revenue, or funding and are ready to scale. It’s tailored to help high-growth founders solve complex challenges with strategic, executive-level support.
Who is a good fit for FastForward?
Founders who are past product-market fit and looking to grow teams, expand markets, or prep for significant investment. If you’re asking, “How do I grow smart and stay lean?” this program is for you. You’ll get 1:1 strategic coaching, help building your advisory board, fundraising prep, leadership development, and connections to subject matter experts across the startup ecosystem.
How does FastForward BIO differ from FastForward?
FastForward BIO is a specialized track for biotech and life science startups. In addition to standard FastForward support, it includes scientific commercialization coaching, wet lab access, regulatory navigation, and industry-specific mentorship with an understanding of the longer path to market for most biotech startups.