MassChallenge

Last updated
MassChallenge
Formation2009
Type 501(c)(3)
Headquarters Boston, Massachusetts
Location
Website masschallenge.org

MassChallenge is a global, zero-equity startup accelerator, founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2009.[ citation needed ] MassChallenge operates zero-equity accelerator programs for early-stage startups across the United States and internationally. [1] As of 2025, MassChallenge operates zero-equity accelerators and offers corporate innovation/challenge programs [2] in multiple regions. Its ‘All Programs’ overview lists both early-stage accelerators (with no equity taken) and competitions / challenges run in partnership with corporations.

Contents

MassChallenge is headquartered in Boston's Seaport District in the MassMutual Building, and has additional U.S. locations in Texas, as well international locations in Israel and Switzerland. [3]

History

MassChallenge co-founders John Harthorne and Akhil Nigam were working as strategy consultants at Bain & Company during the 2008 financial crisis when they developed MassChallenge. [4] MassChallenge secured early support from successful entrepreneurs like Desh Deshpande and Joe Fallon, the public sector including Thomas Menino the then-Mayor of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and large organizations like The Blackstone Charitable Foundation and Microsoft.

During its first Boston-based cohort in 2010, MassChallenge accelerated 111 startups. [5]

Notable alumni

References

  1. ↑ "All Programs – MassChallenge". MassChallenge. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
  2. ↑ "All Programs - MassChallenge". MassChallenge - MassChallenge is the global network for innovators working to solve massive challenges. 2022-08-04. Retrieved 2025-09-30.
  3. ↑ Delaney, Erin. "MassChallenge Opens New Home for Innovation". MassChallenge.org. MassChallenge. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  4. ↑ "MassChallenge's John Harthorne Explains How Startups Can Fix The World". TechCrunch. 21 January 2016. Retrieved 2019-02-14.
  5. ↑ Kirsner, Scott (24 May 2011). "MassChallenge start-up competition picks 125 finalists for 2011". Boston.com. Archived from the original on October 5, 2011. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
  6. ↑ Empson, Rip (13 June 2012). "JoyTunes Wants To Teach You To Play Real Instruments With Interactive Video Games". TechCrunch. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
  7. ↑ "Drync". MassChallenge.org. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
  8. ↑ Alspach, Kyle. "Her Campus Media gets trademark for term 'collegiette'". Boston Business Journal. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
  9. ↑ "GRIT". MassChallenge.org. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
  10. ↑ "Rallypoint". MassChallenge.org. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
  11. ↑ Alspach, Kyle. "Ministry of Supply breaks Kickstarter fashion record with $300K+ raised". Boston Business Journal. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
  12. ↑ "Moneythink". MassChallenge.org. Retrieved 2014-06-18.
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