MassChallenge

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

MassChallenge

Formation	2009
Type	501(c)(3)
Headquarters	Boston, Massachusetts
Location	Massachusetts, Israel, Mexico, Rhode Island, Switzerland, Texas
Website	masschallenge.org

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.^[2]

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.^[3] 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.^[4]

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

Notable alumni

• JoyTunes, a music app producer^[6]
• Drync, a wine mobile app for iOS platforms^[7]
• Her Campus, an online newsmagazine for college women^[8]
• Global Research Innovation & Technology, manufacturer of the Leveraged Freedom Chair^[9]
• LiquiGlide, a plant-based liquid-impregnated surface coating
• RallyPoint, a professional network for US military members^[10]
• Ministry of Supply, a business wear men's fashion brand^[11]
• Moneythink, a non-profit organization that places college volunteers in high school classrooms to teach courses in financial literacy and entrepreneurship^[12]