MassChallenge

MassChallenge is a global, nonprofit, zero-equity startup accelerator, founded in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2009 by John Harthorne and Akhil Nigam.^[1] Unlike traditional accelerators, MassChallenge takes no equity from the startups it supports, instead funding its operations through corporate partnerships and sponsorships. It focuses on founders tackling complex, regulated, and high-stakes problems in areas including healthcare and life sciences, security and resiliency, sustainable food systems, climate, and global financial systems.

Since its founding, MassChallenge has supported more than 5,000 startups across its five Challenge Areas, helping them raise over $16 billion in funding, create 90,000 jobs, and collaborate with more than 500 partners worldwide.^[2] The organization is led by CEO Cait Brumme. MassChallenge is headquartered in Boston's Seaport District at 10 Fan Pier Boulevard, with additional U.S. offices in Dallas, Texas, and international offices in Israel, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.^[2]

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.

During its first Boston-based cohort in 2010, MassChallenge accelerated 111 startups.^[4]

John Harthorne is a co-founder and was Chief Executive Officer of MassChallenge for approximately a decade from the organization's launch in 2009.^[5] Harthorne had worked as a strategy consultant at Bain & Company during the 2008 financial crisis, where he and co-founder Akhil Nigam conceived the idea for a no-equity startup accelerator.^[6]

Akhil Nigam is a co-founder and was President from 2009 until late 2014.^[7] Born in India, he received a scholarship to The Cooper Union for engineering studies before attending Harvard Business School.^[8]

Gururaj "Desh" Deshpande is a serial entrepreneur and philanthropist who was one of MassChallenge's earliest backers. He is a co-founder of Sycamore Networks and Cascade Communications, and has been a champion of entrepreneurship through the MIT Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation, which he co-founded with his wife Jaishree Deshpande in 2002.^[9]

The Blackstone Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Blackstone Group, was among the earliest major institutional backers of MassChallenge. The Foundation's support helped provide the organizational and financial infrastructure that enabled MassChallenge to launch its first cohort of 111 startups in Boston in 2010.^[4] Microsoft was one of the founding corporate partners of MassChallenge, providing early financial and technical support. Microsoft's New England Research and Development center was a key early collaborator.^[10]

MassChallenge Switzerland was founded in 2015 and launched its first accelerator cohort in 2016, based in Lausanne.^[11] The program is led by Managing Director Matt Lashmar and President Ian Roberts, and accepts applications from founders worldwide across all industries, with specific tracks in Agtech & Foodtech, Materials & Industry, Healthtech, AI, Autonomy & Cybersecurity.^[12] By its 10th anniversary in 2025, MassChallenge Switzerland had supported 1,175 startups from across the globe, which collectively raised CHF 2.9 billion and generated 86,400 jobs through the ongoing commitment of 34 corporate partners.^[13]

Thierry Duvanel was the founding Managing Director of MassChallenge Switzerland from 2016 cohort. Upon departing in early 2019, he joined the Bühler Group as Director of Collaborative Innovation.^[14] Matt Lashmar was appointed Managing Director of MassChallenge Switzerland in March 2019. He joined MassChallenge from Procter & Gamble (P&G). Lashmar has focused on expanding corporate partnerships and deepening connections between startups and industry leaders. ^[14][15]

MassChallenge Israel was launched in 2016 in Jerusalem, combining MassChallenge's no-equity, competition-based model with Israel's innovation ecosystem.^[16] The founding Managing Director was Israel Ganot. Key launch partners included the Israel Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage, the Jerusalem Development Authority, the Israel Ministry of Economy, Bank Hapoalim, and the Kraft Group, among others. It is the largest and most diverse zero-equity accelerator in Israel, serving as an entry point for entrepreneurs worldwide seeking access to Israel's startup ecosystem across sectors including cybersecurity, IoT, fintech, agtech, medical devices, and eHealth.^[16]

Israel Ganot was the founding Managing Director of MassChallenge Israel, overseeing the launch of the Jerusalem-based program in January 2016. Ganot built initial partnerships with key Israeli institutions including the Jerusalem Development Authority, Bank Hapoalim, the Kraft Group, and the Israeli Ministry of Economy.^[16][17] Yonit Golub Serkin was named Managing Director of MassChallenge Israel in early 2018. An Israeli entrepreneur and innovation leader named "40 under 40" by Marketer Magazine in 2014, Serkin was previously recognized for her contribution to Israel's technology ecosystem. He went on to serve as Managing Director of MassChallenge Mexico.^[18][19] Motti Sigel is Managing Director of MassChallenge Israel. Sigel is also a board member of the MassChallenge Israel Board of Directors.^[20]

MassChallenge United Kingdom launched in London in 2015, with its first cohort of startups selected that year.^[21] The program is led by David Kinsella and accepts applications from founders worldwide across all industries, with specific tracks in Agtech & Foodtech, Materials & Industry, Healthtech, AI, Autonomy & Cybersecurity.^[12] Key partners include BAE Systems. By 2026, MassChallenge UK was running its 4th cohort, with a particular focus on AI and autonomy.^[22]

Kerry Ritz served as the first Managing Director of MassChallenge UK. During his tenure he established MassChallenge UK's program structure, built out its corporate partner network, and oversaw multiple cohorts of early-stage startups.^[23] David Kinsella was appointed Managing Director in early 2024. Under his leadership, MassChallenge UK has deepened its partnership with BAE Systems and expanded its impact in the UK's deep tech ecosystem.^[24]

• Official website