Blue Startups
Blue Startups is a Honolulu-based venture accelerator founded in 2012 that runs a 12-week, mentor-driven program for up to 10 scalable technology companies per cohort, investing up to $250K for 2-5% equity and serving software/gaming, travel, sustainability, and ocean tech founders.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersHonolulu, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Blue Startups does
Blue Startups is a Honolulu, Hawaii-based venture accelerator founded in 2012 by Henk Rogers and Maya Rogers of The Tetris Company and Chenoa Farnsworth of Hawaii Angels. Operating as a public-private partnership funded by the State of Hawaii, the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), The Tetris Company, and private investors, the organization runs a 12-week, mentor-driven accelerator program accepting up to 10 capital-efficient, scalable technology companies per cohort across focus sectors of Software/Gaming, Travel Technology, Sustainability, and Ocean Tech. The program structure includes 8 weeks in Honolulu, 3 weeks virtual, and 1 week in San Francisco, with an Advisory Track offered as a remote, equity-only option for more mature or ideation-stage founders.
Blue Startups' core "products" are the 12-week Accelerator Program, the Advisory Program, the annual East Meets West conference in Honolulu (entering its 12th year in 2026), Cohort Demo Days in Honolulu and San Francisco, an annual summer Internship Program, and a Talent Pool serving portfolio company recruiting. The accelerator monetizes via tiered direct investment ($25K pre-revenue / $50K post-revenue / $100K significant traction, plus up to $250K in reserves) in exchange for 2-5% equity stakes held as SAFE notes, supplemented by East Meets West conference sponsorships across Title, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Community tiers, and ongoing public-private partnership operating support. Portfolio companies gain access to 250+ international mentors, 400+ VC partners, 450+ investors, and up to $1M in perks via partners including AWS, Twilio, Mercury, and Chargebee.
Operationally, Blue Startups has completed 17 cohorts since 2012, claims $500M in cumulative portfolio follow-on capital (with alumni averaging $500K raised within six months post-program), and reports 70% of portfolio companies remaining active or acquired. The organization is a member of the invite-only Global Accelerator Network (GAN) and is ranked a Top 20 US Accelerator by TechCrunch and among the Top 15 Startup Accelerators of 2025 by Market Rising. Headcount is reported at 1-10 employees.
Blue Startups firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Blue Startups
- Legal name
- Blue Startups
- Website
- https://bluestartups.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Blue Startups is a Honolulu-based venture accelerator founded in 2012 that runs a 12-week, mentor-driven program for up to 10 scalable technology companies per cohort, investing up to $250K for 2-5% equity and serving software/gaming, travel, sustainability, and ocean tech founders.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Where Blue Startups is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Honolulu
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Blue Startups business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Equity Investment in Portfolio Companies: Blue Startups takes a typical equity stake of 2% to 5% in each participating company in exchange for cash investment (tiered: $25K pre-revenue, $50K post-revenue, $100K significant traction) plus program services. Advisory Track takes a small equity commitment (advisory shares) with optional investment. Equity is held as SAFE notes with negotiated cap and additional shares where applicable.
- Follow-On Investment Returns: Blue Startups reserves up to $250,000 in follow-on investment per company once the company has secured $250K or more in a subsequent round. Companies raise on average $500,000 within six months following the program; total follow-on capital raised across portfolio is reported at $500M.
- East Meets West Conference Sponsorships: Annual East Meets West conference in Honolulu features title, gold, silver, bronze, and community sponsorship tiers from sponsors such as Pegasus Tech Ventures (Title), HTDC and Tetris (Gold), Ulupono Initiative, Hawaii Angels, BoxLadder (Silver), and many others.
- Public-Private Partnership Funding: Founded as a public-private partnership funded by the State of Hawaii, Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC), the Tetris Company, and private investors, providing ongoing operational and program funding support.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome Based/ Performance | Multi-year contract | Up-front Investment (tiered based on traction): $25K pre-revenue / $50K post-revenue / $100K significant traction; up to $250K reserved for future funding rounds |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Advisory Program Track — equity-only without funding |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Perks Package — up to $1 million in discounted services and credits |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Blue Startups product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Blue Startups operates a 12-week, mentor-driven venture accelerator program that recruits up to 10 capital-efficient and scalable technology companies per cohort and provides them with tiered direct seed investment ($25K pre-revenue, $50K post-revenue, $100K significant traction, plus reserves up to $250K), one-on-one lead mentorship from a 250+ international mentor network, access to 400+ venture capital partners and investors, co-working space in Honolulu, and up to $1M in partner perks, in exchange for a 2-5% equity stake held via SAFE notes. The accelerator supplements its core program with a non-dilutive Advisory Track for remote or seasoned founders and operates the annual East Meets West conference in Honolulu as its signature community and recruiting event.
Product overview
Blue Startups is a Hawaii-based venture accelerator offering a core 12-week mentor-driven Accelerator Program supplemented by a non-dilutive Advisory Program for more mature or remote founders, an annual signature East Meets West global conference (entering its 12th year in 2026), periodic Cohort Demo Days in Honolulu and San Francisco, an annual summer Internship Program, and a Talent Pool for recruiting into portfolio companies. Together these programs comprise a single unified accelerator platform that recruits capital-efficient and scalable technology companies in Software/Gaming, Travel Technology, Sustainability, and Ocean Tech, providing up to $250,000 in direct investment per company, 250+ mentor network access, and 400+ investor introductions across 17 cohorts run since founding in 2012.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Blue Startups Accelerator Program A 12-week intensive, mentor-driven venture accelerator for up to 10 capital-efficient and scalable technology companies per cohort. Includes 8 weeks in Honolulu, 3 weeks virtual, and 1 week in San Francisco; provides tiered direct investment (up to $250K), one-on-one lead mentorship from a 250+ international mentor network, access to 400+ VC partners and investors, co-working space, and up to $1M in partner perks, in exchange for a 2-5% equity stake via SAFE notes. Targets Software/Gaming, Travel Technology, Sustainability, and Ocean Tech sectors.
- Blue Startups Advisory Program A flexible, fully remote advisory track offering access to Blue Startups' resources, mentorship, and investor network without the requirement of in-person participation. Ideal for seasoned founders, companies beyond the seed stage, or those in the ideation phase. Involves a small equity commitment via advisory shares, with investment being optional.
- East Meets West Annual Conference Blue Startups' annual signature global conference held in Honolulu, bringing together 450+ thought leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs from Asia, Hawaii, and North America. Serves as the Hawaii Regional of the Startup World Cup pitch competition ($1M grand prize) and as a primary recruiting and brand-building event. Sponsorship tiers range from Title to Community level.
Quantifiable outcome
- $500M Follow-On Capital Across All Companies
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Blue Startups
Customer profileSegments9 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Blue Startups technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature3 records
Blue Startups partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
30 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- The Tetris CompanyflagshipFounded by Henk Rogers and led by Maya Rogers (President & CEO) of Blue Planet Software, the sole agent for Tetris. Blue Startups was co-founded by the Rogers family as a public-private partnership. Tetris is a Gold Sponsor of East Meets West 2026.
- Schlissel & AssociatescoreFull-service tax and accounting firm providing superior tax planning, return preparation, and accounting services to Blue Startups and its portfolio companies. Managing Partner Alan Schlissel is a Blue Startups mentor.
- F6ScoreF6S helps Blue Startups with cohort applications and review. Founders apply for Cohort 18 via f6s.com/blue-startups-2026/apply. F6S is a global network helping founders and startups grow.
- Oihana.orgminorOnline platform dedicated to comprehensively mapping all of Hawaii's startups, accelerators, venture capital firms, organizations, events, and coworking spaces; fostering collaboration and visibility within Hawaii's startup ecosystem.
- Global Accelerator Network (GAN)flagshipBlue Startups is a member of the Global Accelerator Network, an invite-only community of the world's most respected accelerator organizations founded by TechStars. Startups accepted into a GAN accelerator gain access to a network of investors and soft-landing spaces worldwide.
- Pegasus Tech VenturescorePegasus Tech Ventures is the Title Sponsor of East Meets West 2026. The firm is the founder of the Startup World Cup global pitch competition, and Blue Startups hosted the Hawaii Regional qualifier. Bill Reichert (General Partner) judged the competition.
- BoxLadderminorBoxLadder helps bridge markets and partnerships across Korea. Silver Sponsor of East Meets West 2026. CEO Michael Choi represented BoxLadder at the event.
- Vensure Employer SolutionsminorBronze Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 supporting payroll, HR, and compliance. Curtis Denton represents Vensure at the event.
- Ashley Lukens ConsultingminorBronze Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 providing consulting strategy and partnerships. Ashley Lukens is also a Blue Startups mentor.
- Goodsill Anderson Quinn & StifelminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 — a law firm serving Hawaii. Partner Daniel Lam is also a Blue Startups mentor specializing in corporate and securities law, M&A, fund formation, and capital raising.
- Hawaii Pacific UniversityminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 delivering career-focused education. Amy Nguyen-Chyung represents the university.
- NEC XminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026. NEC X is a Silicon Valley-based startup studio that helps founders turn ideas into startups. Nobu Morita (Director of Innovations) is a Blue Startups mentor.
- NMG NetworkminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026. NMG Network creates custom media experiences; Founder & CEO Jason Cutinella is a Blue Startups mentor. NMG Network is also a Blue Startups portfolio company.
- OluKaiminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026. OluKai creates premium footwear inspired by Hawaii. Kerry Konrady represents OluKai.
- ProService HawaiiminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 supporting HR and compliance for Hawaii businesses. Ben Godsey represents ProService Hawaii.
- ServcominorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 delivering auto services in Hawaii. Peter Dames (Senior VP Digital) and Peter Fukunaga (Chief Investment Officer, Servco Pacific Inc.) are Blue Startups mentors.
- AEP HawaiiminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 helping move projects forward. Founder & CEO Zack Hernandez is a Blue Startups mentor.
- Blue Diamond VacationsminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 creating Hawaii experiences. Darshaun Nadeau (CEO, WIXI Inc.) represents Blue Diamond Vacations.
- CelitechminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 — an eSIM Creator that helps launch mobile connectivity. Ahmad Al Fares represents Celitech. Celitech is also a Blue Startups portfolio company.
- Elemental ImpactminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 helping scale climate tech. Tiffany Huynh represents Elemental Impact.
- Kim VenturousminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 helping Korean startups expand globally. Brian Kim represents Kim Venturous.
- ICANminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 elevating Native Hawaiian storytelling. Angela Laprete represents ICAN.
- Honolulu BeerworksminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 — a local craft brewery. Geoffrey Seideman represents Honolulu Beerworks.
- Surfbreak HNLminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 bringing Hawaii's startup community together. R.J. Martin represents Surfbreak HNL.
- ThriveHIminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 building Hawaii's startup and tech economy. Gigi Dawn represents ThriveHI.
- JPG MediaminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 providing visual storytelling and production. Jean-Paul Gedeon represents JPG Media.
- PACEminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 helping UH students build entrepreneurship skills. Sandra Fujiyama represents PACE.
- VToku StudiosminorCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 — a Honolulu-based production company. Jesse & Lani represent VToku Studios.
- AWS (Amazon Web Services)coreAWS is one of the exclusive perks partners providing free and reduced cloud services to Blue Startups portfolio companies.
- Salesforce (via Marc Benioff speaking engagement)coreSalesforce CEO Marc Benioff appeared alongside venture capitalist Tim Draper at Blue Startups' annual gathering of entrepreneurs and investors in Honolulu in 2026, marking his first attendance at the event. Blaine Kaho'onei (lead mentor) previously worked at Salesforce.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Blue Startups competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Techstars: Techstars is a global venture accelerator with a 13-week, mentor-driven program and equity-for-investment model. It is the most direct peer to Blue Startups in program structure, network access, and target founder profile, though Techstars operates at much larger scale across multiple geographies.
- 500 Global (formerly 500 Startups): 500 Global is a global venture accelerator and seed fund with programs in 30+ countries. Highly comparable to Blue Startups in its international focus, equity-for-investment model, and mentor-driven approach, especially relevant given Blue Startups' East-West bridge positioning.
- Founder Institute: Founder Institute is a global pre-seed accelerator operating in 100+ cities with an equity-based program model. Comparable as an early-stage accelerator targeting aspiring founders, though it operates at a much larger scale than Blue Startups.
- gener8tor: gener8tor runs a 12-week, concierge-style accelerator program with $100K+ investment for ~6% equity. Highly comparable in program length, investment size, and high-touch mentor model to Blue Startups' core accelerator offering.
- StartX (Stanford-affiliated): StartX is a Stanford-affiliated startup accelerator supporting founders through mentor networks and investor introductions. Comparable as a high-touch, mentor-driven accelerator program, though anchored to the Stanford ecosystem rather than a regional identity.
Broad incumbents
- Y Combinator: Y Combinator is the dominant US startup accelerator offering standard $500K-$1M investment for ~7% equity in a 3-month program. Comparable as a top-tier accelerator serving early-stage technology founders, but operates at significantly larger scale and with a Silicon Valley-centric model.
- Idealab: Idealab is a longer-standing technology incubator/accelerator creating and investing in tech startups. Comparable as a venture accelerator with a multi-decade operating history, though it operates more as a startup studio model than a cohort-based accelerator.
Regional players
- MaRS Discovery District: MaRS is a Toronto-based innovation hub supporting Canadian tech startups through mentorship, capital, and programs. Comparable as a public-private partnership accelerator model with regional economic development mission, though operating in a different geography.
- Seedcamp: Seedcamp is a European seed-stage accelerator based in London with a global-first investment approach. Comparable as a network-driven early-stage accelerator serving founders across multiple geographies, though its primary geographic focus is Europe.
Others
- Elemental Impact: Elemental Impact is a Honolulu-based climate tech ecosystem organization that is a community sponsor of East Meets West 2026. Comparable as an adjacent Hawaii-based climate/impact tech enabler that supports Blue Startups' sustainability and ocean tech founder thesis, though not a direct accelerator competitor.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Blue Startups social profiles
Digital presenceBlue Startups compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Blue Startups financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Blue Startups leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Blue Startups subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Blue Startups funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Blue Startups M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments124 records
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Blue Startups
What does Blue Startups do?
Blue Startups operates a 12-week, mentor-driven venture accelerator program that recruits up to 10 capital-efficient and scalable technology companies per cohort and provides them with tiered direct seed investment ($25K pre-revenue, $50K post-revenue, $100K significant traction, plus reserves up to $250K), one-on-one lead mentorship from a 250+ international mentor network, access to 400+ venture capital partners and investors, co-working space in Honolulu, and up to $1M in partner perks, in exchange for a 2-5% equity stake held via SAFE notes. The accelerator supplements its core program with a non-dilutive Advisory Track for remote or seasoned founders and operates the annual East Meets West conference in Honolulu as its signature community and recruiting event.
Is Blue Startups a public or private company?
Blue Startups is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was Blue Startups founded?
Blue Startups was founded in 2012. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Blue Startups based?
Blue Startups is headquartered in Honolulu, United States, in the North America region.
How does Blue Startups make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Equity Investment in Portfolio Companies are the primary driver. The others are follow-On Investment Returns, east Meets West Conference Sponsorships and public-Private Partnership Funding.
Who are Blue Startups's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Techstars, 500 Global (formerly 500 Startups), Founder Institute, gener8tor and StartX (Stanford-affiliated). Broad incumbents are Y Combinator and Idealab. Regional players are MaRS Discovery District and Seedcamp. Elemental Impact is listed as an others.
Does Blue Startups have an API?
No public API is recorded for Blue Startups.