Blue Startups

Blue Startups is a venture accelerator based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, founded in 2012 to help scalable technology companies compete in global markets. Its stated mission includes diversifying Hawaiʻi's economy and strengthening the state's technology sector, with a network spanning Asia and North America designed to connect founders with opportunities across East and West markets. The organisation is women-led.

The core programme is the Blue Startups Accelerator Program, a 12-week, mentor-driven course supporting up to 10 companies per session. Participating companies receive mentorship, business expertise, product and customer development support, pitch preparation, investor introductions and coworking space, alongside up to $250,000 in investment - an accelerator-stage, early-stage commitment. The programme has run 18 cohorts to date.

Blue Startups invests at the accelerator and early-stage level and concentrates on software, gaming, travel technology, sustainability and ocean technology. Portfolio companies have gone on to raise $500 million in follow-on capital. Supporting the programme is a network of more than 250 mentors and 400-plus investors.

Beyond the accelerator, Blue Startups convenes the East Meets West Conference, which links entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders across East and West markets, as well as cohort events run alongside each programme.