Techstars Los Angeles, the Los Angeles-focused branch of the global accelerator network, has named Matt Kozlov as its new managing director.
Kozlov, a longtime Techstars network fixture, has previously served as the head of the organization’s healthcare accelerator through a partnership with Cedars-Sinai and as the head of the Techstars Starburst Space Accelerator, which was focused on space and aerospace startups.
Now, Kozlov turns his attention to the Los Angeles ecosystem broadly.
“I’m humbled to have the opportunity each day to support incredible founders who are solving some of humanity’s greatest challenges,” said Kozlov, in a statement. “As I begin this new role, my goal is to continue to leverage my experience to help generate opportunities for future Techstars LA companies to make meaningful, long-term impact.”
Kozlov’s appointment comes as the Los Angeles tech ecosystem is having something of a moment. As the diaspora out of Silicon Valley continues, the Southern California tech world has proven to be a tempting landing pad during the COVID-19 pandemic. And remote work means that Los Angeles could be a fixture for more investors looking to escape the Bay.
Beyond Southern California’s coastal appeal is a vibrant technology ecosystem that encompasses enterprise software, financial services, healthcare, aerospace and defense, robotics, e-commerce and social media. It’s the home of social networking favorites Snap and TikTok’s U.S. base of operations, and SpaceX’s significant presence has given rise to a number of talented hardware and engineering startups.
LA is truly having a moment, and Kozlov’s experience with some of the less-well-known corners of the city’s tech ecosystem could be a boon for the Techstars program.
“I’m thrilled by the selection of Matt as the new Managing Director for Techstars LA,” said Anna Barber, former managing director, Techstars LA, who stepped down from the role in November to join venture firm M13 as partner, in a statement. “He is a talented investor and longstanding leader in LA’s Techstars community, and has been an essential and valued mentor for the program for the past four years. He embodies the Techstars values of #givefirst and I have every confidence that he is the right leader to continue building on what we’ve established in the LA community.”
Collectively, the 40 alumni companies that have participated in Techstars Los Angeles accelerator program have raised more than $126 million and have a combined market cap of $328.6 million.
“Techstars LA plays a critical role in the Los Angeles tech ecosystem as the premier startup accelerator, providing valuable mentorship and funding for dozens of companies a year,” said Spencer Rascoff, chair of dot.LA and a Los Angeles angel investor. “I’m very excited that Matt will be the new Managing Director of Techstars LA. He brings extensive experience in healthcare and aerospace investing and has been an incredible mentor and leader to the companies of the Techstars Starburst Space Accelerator over the last several years.”