Blue Startups

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.

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

Headquarters

HQ city

Honolulu

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core 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

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• The Tetris CompanyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounded 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 & AssociatescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerFull-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.
• F6ScoreTechnology or IntegrationF6S 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.orgminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOnline 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)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlue 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 VenturescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPegasus 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.
• BoxLadderminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBoxLadder helps bridge markets and partnerships across Korea. Silver Sponsor of East Meets West 2026. CEO Michael Choi represented BoxLadder at the event.
• Vensure Employer SolutionsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBronze Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 supporting payroll, HR, and compliance. Curtis Denton represents Vensure at the event.
• Ashley Lukens ConsultingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBronze Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 providing consulting strategy and partnerships. Ashley Lukens is also a Blue Startups mentor.
• Goodsill Anderson Quinn & StifelminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity 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 UniversityminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 delivering career-focused education. Amy Nguyen-Chyung represents the university.
• NEC XminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity 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 NetworkminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity 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.
• OluKaiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026. OluKai creates premium footwear inspired by Hawaii. Kerry Konrady represents OluKai.
• ProService HawaiiminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 supporting HR and compliance for Hawaii businesses. Ben Godsey represents ProService Hawaii.
• ServcominorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity 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 HawaiiminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 helping move projects forward. Founder & CEO Zack Hernandez is a Blue Startups mentor.
• Blue Diamond VacationsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 creating Hawaii experiences. Darshaun Nadeau (CEO, WIXI Inc.) represents Blue Diamond Vacations.
• CelitechminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity 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 ImpactminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 helping scale climate tech. Tiffany Huynh represents Elemental Impact.
• Kim VenturousminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 helping Korean startups expand globally. Brian Kim represents Kim Venturous.
• ICANminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 elevating Native Hawaiian storytelling. Angela Laprete represents ICAN.
• Honolulu BeerworksminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 — a local craft brewery. Geoffrey Seideman represents Honolulu Beerworks.
• Surfbreak HNLminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 bringing Hawaii's startup community together. R.J. Martin represents Surfbreak HNL.
• ThriveHIminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 building Hawaii's startup and tech economy. Gigi Dawn represents ThriveHI.
• JPG MediaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 providing visual storytelling and production. Jean-Paul Gedeon represents JPG Media.
• PACEminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 helping UH students build entrepreneurship skills. Sandra Fujiyama represents PACE.
• VToku StudiosminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity Sponsor of East Meets West 2026 — a Honolulu-based production company. Jesse & Lani represent VToku Studios.
• AWS (Amazon Web Services)coreTechnology or IntegrationAWS is one of the exclusive perks partners providing free and reduced cloud services to Blue Startups portfolio companies.
• Salesforce (via Marc Benioff speaking engagement)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerSalesforce 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

Direct 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

• Xx.com/bluestartups
• Facebookfacebook.com/BlueStartups
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/blue-startups-llc

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments124 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Blue Startups