Primarily, we are looking for growth-stage startups from all around the world that have interest in the Southeast Asian market using Singapore as an initial launchpad, regardless of industry.
We welcome and encourage all interested startups to apply. We will assess every application that comes our way and are prepared to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis.
This an equity-free program. We do not invest in the participating startups of this program.
This program is fundamentally a market access program and investment is not the main objective.
However, we understand that fund-raising is a long process and could happen months after the program ends. Therefore, we provide opportunities for our startups to connect and network with key stakeholders in the venture capital industry through our many events and activities. Each opportunity is a chance to start building a longer-term relationship with potential investors.
Program fees help us cover basic costs of running the program. This includes costs such as mentorship fees, co-working space rental as well as events and venue costs.
While we encourage startups and their founders to fully participate in the entire program, we understand that startups often have immediate business needs and obligations to address. It is a requirement that at least one (1) founder can attend the program in full.
That being said, most masterclasses by mentors and events such as roundtables, panels, and speaker sessions may not be recorded to allow better interactions with the speakers and participants. If you are not present, you will most likely miss out on important content and have the ability to ask questions. Therefore, we highly encourage you to participate as fully as possible.
Each startup can send up to two co-founders to attend the program.
Given limitations in co-working space, we currently allow up to two participants per startup for Phase 2. If you should require additional desk space or would like to involve more participants from your startup, kindly let us know. There may be additional costs, depending on your request.
Participants are expected to make their own arrangements for travel and accommodation for the duration of the program.
During Phase 1, the focus will be on building your expansion plan, getting deeper insights from industry experts, and getting you up to speed to potentially work with local corporate partners.
The program will consist of weekly masterclasses, office hours with mentors, and biweekly virtual networking sessions with our partners. It will also include virtual networking sessions and happy hours with other 500 alumni. This is customized for startups to learn how to integrate their business locally through topics such as enterprise sales, channel strategies and capital growth.
Our mentors are drawn from 500’s remarkable pool of serial entrepreneurs, experienced investors and industry experts with deep expertise in their field. They will be able to provide targeted Singapore and Southeast Asia-specific advice based on your business objectives and priorities.
In addition, we select mentors based on the profiles and industries of the startups in our batch so that they can add value to your business.
Yes. We strongly encourage you to apply again. Many startups in the past have applied to our programs a few times before being accepted.
Once you join any of 500’s programs, you will always be part of the 500 family. The relationships and connections built are meant to last far beyond the duration of both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the 16-week program. Our community will always be open to you!
Feel free to get in touch with the team at global.launch@500.co.