The Joyful Frog Digital Incubator (JFDI) is partnering SingTel Innov8, the corporate venturing unit of Singapore-based phone operator SingTel, to bring to Asia Pacific the US start-up accelerator programme pioneered by TechStars.
This JFDI-Innov8 2012 Bootcamp is a 100-day programme will give digital start-ups S$15,000 and mentorship from industry executives plus access to mobile markets and investors across Asia.
Operating in Singapore, JFDI aims to replicate TechStars’ 70% success rate as a seed accelerator in taking digital start-up businesses from ideas to investment readiness.
The first Startup Weekend, hosted by SingTel, will kick off in Singapore on 14 October with up to 15 teams to be shortlisted for the Bootcamp to be held in Singapore in January.
Meng Wong, co-founder of JFDI with Hugh Mason in 2009, said: "As part of the SingTel Group, Innov8 brings more than funding. It also provides industry expertise, regional market insights and the potential to access over 416 million of the Group’s mobile customers across Asia and Africa."
Yvonne Kwek, CEO SingTel Innov8, added: "This accelerator programme gives start-ups an amazing opportunity to crystallise and test their ideas as well as gain access to funding for their business dreams and goals."
JFDI is also supported by Singapore’s government agencies including the Media Development Authority and SPRING Singapore.