We are focused on recruiting capital efficient and scalable technology companies, including web services, software, and mobile. Blue Startups is an intensive mentor-driven program. Lean product development and go-to-market strategies are emphasized throughout the program and access to our extended international network is encouraged:
Up to 10 Companies per Session
13-week intensive, full-time program
A network of more than 140 mentors reaching from Asia to Silicon valley
One-on-one assigned lead mentor based on sector experience
Cohort working space in the heart of downtown Honolulu’s business district
One week of intensive networking and pitching in the Bay Area
Startup Paradise demo day in Honolulu, and investor demo day in the Bay Area
Top-tier global partners provide free and reduced services to our companies
GAN membership provides access to over $1 million in free perks offered by 600+ world-class vendors
dataPlor
dataPlor helps global companies succeed in emerging markets by providing hand-collected data.
Blue Startups invests up to $350,000 in each company that comes through the program.
The curriculum will be tailored to each individual company needs to the extent possible. A general outline of the program follows:
This phase is focused on finding the right customer-product fit. Sessions will be focused on customer discovery through lean startup methodology. There will also be time for teams to meet as many mentors as possible via “mentor dating” and networking mixers.
Teams will then focus on product development. This is the time to leverage the knowledge gained in the first month. Outside distractions and sessions will be kept to a minimum while teams work with their lead mentors and technical experts. For the duration of the program there will be weekly check-ins, group sharing on progress, and speed testing.
Growth hacking and marketing strategies will be explored and tested in this phase. Sessions will also be held to coach teams on pitching and teams will practice repeatedly with staff, peers, and mentors. Refining the pitch is very important to the success of the program.
We are a member of the GAN, an invite-only community of the world’s most respected organizations that provide startups with the best resources to create and grow their businesses, wherever they are. Startups accepted into a GAN accelerator have access to a variety of exclusive perks including over $1M worth of free services, introductions to a network of investors and access to soft landing spaces worldwide.
HSDC’s mission is economic development: to establish programs to stimulate private capital investment in Hawaii toward investments that promote the welfare of citizens in this State, economic growth, employment, and economic diversification.
HTDC is a dynamic state agency responsible for diversifying Hawaii’s economy by developing a flourishing technology industry that provides quality, high-paying jobs for Hawaii residents. HTDC aims to accelerate the growth of Hawaii’s technology industry by providing capital, building infrastructure and developing talent to foster innovation and diversify Hawaii’s economy. HTDC is attached to the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT).
Across Asia Alliance (AAA) is a community of organizations to connect the startups and investors by cross-border networking across Asia startup hubs.
Every member can exchange investor proposals and business reports written by the start-up members in the online platform. In addition, each member can join online and offline activities such as Introduction call, Webinar to help international networking among regional investors, enterprises, mentors, and start-ups.
AAA plans various activities, including a joint investment fund and an ICO roadshow and will grow into an important alliance to create a virtuous cycle of Asian start-up ecosystem.
These companies partner directly with Blue Startups to offer free and reduced services to our companies
We do expect at least 2 founders to be here in Hawaii and in the office for the duration of the program. The remainder of the team can reside elsewhere but this is not ideal. Ideally your core team (3-4 people) will participate and be in the office.
We expect all teams to work on-site at the Blue Startups space in downtown Honolulu. At a minimum you should be here at least 5 hours a day. All teams are also expected to participate in all planned activities including workshops, mentor meetings, peer-to-peer meetings and social events. Failure to participate will impact your team’s ability to participate in Demo Day at the conclusion of the program.
We expect all companies to keep us apprised of major developments as they evolve. At a minimum we expect quarterly financial reports and company updates including details on subsequent financing rounds and valuations. We also encourage graduates to stay closely connected with us as alumni – continuing to visit the program on a regular basis to offer advice to our cohorts and build a vibrant entrepreneurial community in the space. We may have space available for co-working arrangements following graduation.
