SoftLayer Technologies is giving budding entrepreneurs a strong foundation for success as one of the leading national sponsors of TechStars, an elite mentorship-driven start-up accelerator that was recently recognized as the number one accelerator program in the world. Through its own technology mentorship initiative - the SoftLayer Catalyst Program - SoftLayer is providing financial support while being a Platinum sponsor of TechStars. In addition, SoftLayer will give qualifying TechStars participants $1,500 a month toward dedicated, cloud computing and hybrid infrastructure resources and engage its executives as mentors.

"In today's competitive environment, entrepreneurs deserve the best resources they can receive. Those entrepreneurs are finding the support of an accelerator program like TechStars helps them get their companies off the ground and running well because of the vast resources available to them," said David Cohen founder and CEO of TechStars. "It is critical we work with sponsors, such as SoftLayer, that can help new entrepreneurs offset their costs, minimize risks and provide the wise advice from the perspective of someone who was once in their shoes."

SoftLayer, which itself grew out of a classic startup environment, founded its Catalyst Program in 2011 to help find the best technology innovators and mentor them to success. The SoftLayer Catalyst Program provides novice entrepreneurs with advice, best practices, industry insight from SoftLayer executives, marketing support and hosting resources.

Working through the five main TechStars operations in Boulder, Seattle, Boston, New York and San Antonio, SoftLayer will connect its Innovation Team with TechStars participants to share best and next practices, help prepare their applications to scale, provide guidance on advanced technologies and business practices, as well as broker introductions with key contacts and potential partners.

"Our involvement with TechStars is not simply about development of new technology. It is ultimately about being a catalyst for change - inspiring new entrepreneurs and positively impacting the national economy," said Paul Ford, vice president of Community Development at SoftLayer. "As former entrepreneurs, we believe it is our responsibility to share our knowledge and experiences with startups to give them the business agility they require to speed their development time and rapidly respond to market needs and opportunities."