ST. PAUL (AP) -- The founder of a thriving Twin Cities startup company is providing guidance to other black tech entrepreneurs in overcoming a dysfunctional home life on the path to success.

Clarence Bethea founded Upsie, a technology company that sells warranties that undercut retailers' prices. Founded in 2016, Upsie now has more than 14,000 users.

Bethea grew up in a dysfunctional home. His father abused his mother, and he had to overcome homelessness and drug dealing.

He went to Bemidji State University in 2002 on a basketball scholarship but dropped out of college to pursue entrepreneurship.

Bethea says his acceptance into Techstars Retail, an international startup accelerator, played an important role in his success. The accelerator offerings funding and mentorship for a three-month period.

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