Ford Teams Up with Techstars Detroit for Fifth Year, Mentoring 2019 Class of Technology Startups

DEARBORN, Mich., October 1, 2019 - Ford Motor Company is proud to continue its collaboration with Techstars Detroit, mentoring this year’s group of technology startups as part of its long-standing relationship with Techstars Detroit.

The Techstars Detroit class of 2019 unveiling updated businesses today at Demo Day are:

Airspace Link, Detroit, MI – FAA-certified enterprise SaaS platform managing local government airspace for drones.
Alpha Drive, New York, NY – Platform-as-a-Service that tests and validates autonomous systems for mobility providers, insurers, and regulators.
Le Car, Novi, MI – A personalized recommendation tool that simplifies car shopping decisions developed by journalists.
Octane, Vernon Hills, IL – Mobile platform that helps car enthusiasts go on epic car adventures.
PPAP Manager, Chihuahua, Mexico - A cloud-based platform that streamlines the Parts Validation Process in the manufacturing industry.
Ruksack, Toronto, Canada – Travel advice marketplace that enables location-focused influencers to create authentic trips for travelers.
Soundtrack AI, Tel Aviv, Israel - A SaaS platform that uses acoustics to monitor mechanical systems for industrial companies.
Teporto Smart Shuttles, Tel Aviv, Israel - Cloud-based commuting solution that manages shuttles with adaptive routes for employers and cities.
Unlimited, Barcelona, Spain - Modular electric powertrain system for bikes, scooters, and beyond.
Zown, Toronto, Canada - Fixing bad pick-ups one pin at a time.

Ford was the first company to support Techstars Detroit and over the last five years has assisted the 54 startups that have gone through this program. Ford is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs who are building technologies that are changing the way we move people and goods.

In collaboration with Ford since 2015, Techstars Detroit has helped founders around the world succeed in building transformational businesses across mobility, automotive, transportation, logistics, city infrastructure, manufacturing, IoT, and travel industries.

Ford congratulates the Techstars Detroit class of 2019!

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough electric vehicles along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 174,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Techstars

Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed. Techstars founders connect with other entrepreneurs, experts, mentors, alumni, investors, community leaders, and corporations to grow their companies. Techstars operates three divisions: Techstars Startup Programs, Techstars Mentorship-Driven Accelerator Programs, and Techstars Corporate Innovation Partnerships. The Techstars accelerator portfolio includes more than 1,900 companies with a market cap of $23 billion. www.techstars.com