About this programme
Blue Startups runs a mentor-driven accelerator for technology companies that want to expand between Asia and North America. The program focuses on lean product development and go-to-market strategy, and draws on an international network of mentors and investors based in Honolulu.
The accelerator targets software, gaming, travel technology, sustainability, and ocean technology companies. It prioritizes founders with a connection to Hawaii and female founders, though neither is a strict requirement.
Alongside the cash investment, companies get office space, education, perks, mentorship, and business development services for the length of the program.
How it works
The core program runs 12 weeks: 8 weeks in-person in Honolulu, 3 weeks virtual, and 1 week in San Francisco. Up to 10 companies join each cohort, and founders are expected to commit at least 5 hours a day and attend all workshops, mentor meetings, and social events.
At least 2 founders must be physically present in Hawaii for the 8-week in-person phase, and the program's ideal setup is a core team of 3 to 4 people on-site.
The curriculum runs in three phases. Phase I ('Customer and Company') covers lean customer discovery and mentor networking. Phase II ('Product and Market') covers product refinement, growth hacking, and marketing, ending in Demo Day. Phase III ('Traction and Pitch') is pitch coaching and a networking week in the Bay Area.
Investment is tiered by stage: $25,000 for pre-revenue startups, $50,000 for post-revenue companies, or $100,000 for startups with significant traction. Companies can access up to $250,000 in total funding toward follow-on rounds. Equity taken is typically 2% to 5%, depending on traction, team, and IP, structured as a SAFE or equity agreement.
An Advisory Track is also offered for founders who cannot commit to the on-site schedule. It gives remote, flexible access to program resources, mentorship, and the network, in exchange for advisory equity; taking investment on this track is optional.
The network includes 250+ mentors across Asia and Silicon Valley, 400+ venture capital partners, and monthly meetings with the 50+ member Hawaii Angels group. After the program, companies get ongoing exposure through a quarterly newsletter to the investor network and a bi-monthly newsletter to over 11,000 contacts.
Companies that take investment must send quarterly financial reports and updates on any subsequent financing or valuation changes, and keep the program informed of major developments.
Who can apply
The program is built for capital-efficient, scalable technology companies in software/gaming, travel technology, sustainability, or ocean technology.
Founders with a personal connection to Hawaii and female founders are given priority, but this is not a hard requirement to apply.
Companies aiming to expand between Asian and North American markets fit the program's stated focus.
How to apply
- Apply through the program's F6S application portal.
- If selected, sign the required pre-investment paperwork: a pro-rata investment rights side letter, a participation agreement, SSBCI enrollment forms and certifications, and a Shared Earnings and Equity Recovery Agreement side letter.
- Arrange your own housing for the in-person Honolulu phase; the program does not provide housing or transportation and points founders to Airbnb, co-living spaces, Car Hui, or Hawaii Style Rentals.
Documents you’ll typically need
- Pro-rata investment rights side letter
- Participation agreement
- SSBCI enrollment forms and certifications
- Shared Earnings and Equity Recovery Agreement side letter
Frequently asked
How much investment does Blue Startups offer?
It is tiered by stage: $25,000 for pre-revenue companies, $50,000 for post-revenue companies, or $100,000 for companies with significant traction, with access to up to $250,000 total toward follow-on rounds.
How much equity does Blue Startups take?
Typically 2% to 5%, depending on the company's traction, team strength, and IP, structured as a SAFE or equity agreement.
Do all founders need to relocate to Hawaii?
At least 2 founders must be physically present in Honolulu for the 8-week in-person phase, with a core team of 3 to 4 people on-site being the ideal setup.
Is there a way to join without relocating?
Yes. The Advisory Track offers remote, flexible participation with access to resources, mentorship, and the network, in exchange for advisory equity; taking cash investment on this track is optional.
Does the program help with housing in Hawaii?
No. Founders arrange their own housing and transportation, and the program suggests Airbnb, co-living spaces, Car Hui, or Hawaii Style Rentals.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.