Cohort 18 Deadline Extended + Founders Mixer Recap

Blue Startups Founders Mixer Tour

David Holt just wrapped up the Blue Startups Founders Mixer Tour. 

1. Kauaʻi — May 4 at Hale Līhuʻe in downtown Līhuʻe. The Garden Isle founder community is sharp and asks the hard questions.
2. Maui — May 6 at the Malcolm Center in Kīhei, in the heart of the Maui Research & Technology Park. Great community of entrepreneurs.
3. Hawaiʻi Island — May 11 at NELHA Hale Iako on Keahole Point in Kailua-Kona. Ocean tech, energy, and ag founders at the same table.
4. Oʻahu — May 13 at Entrepreneurs Sandbox in Kakaʻako with ThriveHI. Packed room of founders, mentors, and investors, ready for Cohort 18.

Mahalo to Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) for your continued support and Thank you to every founder who drove across the island, brought a friend, and stayed past closing on Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island.

Four islands, ten days, one goal…

Blue Startups Cohort Applications EXTENDED: May 22, 2026

Applications for Blue Startups Cohort 18 are open! Blue Startups has a proven track record of empowering early-stage startups, providing them with invaluable resources, mentorship, and access to a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• 12 week intensive program (July 20 – October 9)
• A network of more than 250 mentors reaching from Asia to Silicon Valley
• One-on-one assigned lead mentor based on sector experience
• Up to $250,000 in direct investment
• Access to 400+ investor network

Deadline to apply is now May 22nd. For more information and to submit your application go to bluestartups.com or apply here

Please help us recruit amazing founders. Our best companies come through our network. Feel free to make a warm introduction to David Holt by email.

If you’re building in Hawaiʻi, this is the room. If you’re outside Hawaiʻi and willing to come build here for the summer, we want to meet you. One more week.

Alumni Job Opportunities

Pacific Hybreed

• Roles: Hatchery Technician; Nursery Technician
• Location: Kona, Hawaiʻi
• Salary: $22–$25/hr
• Apply: https://fish.uw.edu/2025/01/pacific-hybreed-hiring-hatchery-technician/

HOKALI

• Roles: After School Educator; Program Staff; Ops Assistant
• Location: California (multiple cities)
• Salary:
  • Program Staff: ~$50/hr
  • Ops Assistant: ~$35/hr
• Apply: https://apply.workable.com/hokali/

Kind Traveler

• Roles: Sales Territory Managers (multiple regions); Internships
• Location: Remote / global territories
• Apply: https://www.kindtraveler.com/hiring

Instant Teams

• Roles: Case Managers; Sales; Entry-level roles
• Location: Remote (U.S.)
• Apply: https://instantteams.com/jobs/

Blue Startups Partners