We are focused on recruiting capital efficient and scalable technology companies, including software, travel tech, and sustainable solutions. Blue Startups is an intensive mentor-driven program. Lean product development and go-to-market strategies are emphasized throughout the program and leveraging our extended international network is encouraged.
Up to 10 Companies per Session
12-weeks total program time
A network of more than 230 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
Invitation to Present at Startup Paradise Demo Day Events
Top-tier global partners provide free and reduced services to our companies
400+ Venture Capital partners
Instant Teams
Quickly scale your support team. Vetted, remote, US-based workforce skilled in customer success.
dataPlor
dataPlor helps global companies succeed in emerging markets by providing hand-collected data.
Blue Startups invests up to $250,000 in each company participating in our program.
✓ $25,000 up-front investment, office space, education, perks, mentorship, and business development services.
✓ Up to $50,000 in follow-on funding, contingent on raising $250,000 from accredited investors.
✓ Up to $175,000 for participation in future funding rounds.
We seek technology-based companies with the ability to scale quickly and capture global market opportunities.
→ Software/Gaming – Founders include owners of Tetris, with decades of expertise in software and gaming.
→ Travel Technology – Based in Hawaii, a global tourism hub, with connections to international brands and decision-makers.
→ Sustainability – Positioned in Hawaii, a leader in addressing sustainability issues with a positive impact on people and the planet.
→ Hawaii Connected – Founders living in or from Hawaii are preferred.
→ Female Founders – Teams with at least one female founder are prioritized.
→ East-West Focus – Teams aiming to expand between East (Asia) and West (North America) markets are ideal.
The curriculum will be tailored to 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 refining product. This is the time to leverage the knowledge gained in Phase I. Teams work with their lead mentors and technical experts. Growth hacking and marketing strategies will be explored and tested in this phase. Phase II culminates in our Startup Paradise Demo Day with introductions to local investors and corporate partners.
Sessions will be held to coach teams on pitching and teams will practice repeatedly with staff, peers, and mentors. A week in San Francisco will complete the program with Bay Area mentor connections and investor introductions.
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).
Ulupono Initiative is a Hawaii-Focused impact investing firm working to improve the quality of life for island residents in four key areas: locally produced food; clean, renewable energy; and better management of water and waste.
Blue Planet Software, Inc., the sole agent for The Tetris Company, Inc., is as passionate about providing the Tetris® brand with consistency and identity as its millions of players are passionate about the game. Blue Planet Software was founded in 1995 by Henk Rogers to manage the Tetris brand. Maya Rogers is the current President and Chief Executive Officer.
Hawaii Angels provides a forum for members to review investment presentations and share opinions about these opportunities. Since its founding in February 2002, the Hawaiʻi Angels and our partners have invested more than $50 million scalable early-stage companies based in and out of Hawaiʻi.
A full-service tax and accounting firm whose goal is to provide superior tax planning, tax return preparation, and accounting services to Hawaii. Schlissel & Associates, LLC provides tax and accounting services to Blue Startups and its portfolio companies.
F6S helps founders and startups grow to solve the world’s pressing social, economic, environmental, sustainability and innovation problems. F6S members include the world’s top companies, earlier stage companies, startups scaling towards unicorn status and other supporters. F6s helps Blue Startups with cohort applications and review.
These companies partner directly with Blue Startups to offer free and reduced services to our companies
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We do expect at least 2 founders to be here in Hawaii and in the office for 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 glean full value from 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.
