Singapore Startup Accelerator or SA was founded in 2010 by a group of entrepreneurs and investors with a vision to foster the growth of innovative startups in Singapore and the Southeast Asian region. Over the past decade, SA has grown to become one of the leading accelerators in Asia, supporting hundreds of startups through its various programs.
SA started off in 2010 by running cohort-based accelerator programs helping 10-12 early-stage startups at a time. With each cohort lasting around 3 months, SA provided participating startups with funding, mentorship, working space and access to its network of investors and corporates. Through its early programs, SA helped launch the careers of numerous now successful Singaporean startups across various sectors such as fintech, retail, logistics etc.
By 2015, SA had expanded its operations, running two accelerator cohorts annually and diversifying its programs. In addition to the flagship accelerator, SA launched vertical-specific accelerators focusing on areas like cybersecurity, AI, blockchain etc. It also started hosting topic-based accelerators around emerging technology domains. To reach more startups, SA expanded beyond Singapore by launching accelerator programs in other Southeast Asian cities as well.
The support and network SA provided proved invaluable for startups. Not only did participating startups receive funding, but also got access to SA’s experienced mentors who helped guide the startups and make valuable introductions. Many SA-backed startups have gone onto raise larger funding rounds and some have exited via acquisition deals with multinational corporations. Today, SA alumni includes over 300 companies valued at over $1 billion collectively as some have grown into prominent startups.
How SA Supports Startups Through Its Programs
Singapore Startup Accelerator (SA)runs a range of accelerator programs catering to various startup needs:
Flagship accelerator: The core 3-month program focusing on early-stage startups. Cohorts are run twice annually and startups receive $15k in funding and mentorship.
Vertical accelerators: Programs tailored for specific sectors that run cohorts of around 10 startups focused on areas such as AI, cybersecurity, medtech etc.
Corporate accelerators: Accelerator partnerships with large tech companies where SA sources and prepares startups to pilot with the corporate partner.
Government accelerators: Funded accelerator programs in collaboration with government agencies to support priority innovation areas.
International accelerators: SA replicating its model abroad to help startups expand globally, currently with programs in Vietnam and Indonesia.
Beyond the core accelerator programs, SA also organizes periodic workshops, conferences and boot camps to educate founders throughout their entrepreneurial journey. Regular meetups are hosted on emerging technologies to connect the wider innovation ecosystem.
SA’s Focus On Mentorship And Networks
At the core of SA’s approach is its focus on providing participating startups extensive mentorship and access tonet works. Each startup enrolled gets assigned 2-3 experienced mentors relevant to their sector who guide them through the accelerator cycle. Mentors include successful founders, executives and investors who dedicate time to help startups through challenges.
In addition, SA helps startups build their professional networks by facilitating introductions with potential customers, partners, investors through various events. Some of SA’s major value-add initiatives are:
Demo Day: Large pitch events where SA startups present to hundreds of investors and corporates aiming for post-program funding.
Alumni Network: SA stay invested in alumni startups’ success by regularly coordinating networking among alumni community members.
Corporate Innovation Programs: SA facilitates pilots and PoCs between startups and large corporations aiming for commercialization.
Global VC connections: SA’s vast network overseas includes VCs it matches startups with for expanding internationally.
The continuous support SA provides, whether through mentorship, networks or programs, is what differentiates it as a long-term partner rather than just being an accelerator. This sustained handholding is instrumental in scaling promising startups.
SA’s Impact And Role In Singapore's Innovation Ecosystem
Over a decade since its inception, SA has played an invaluable role in nurturing Singapore’s startup ecosystem. By empowering hundreds of innovative startups through its accelerator programs, SA has catalyzed the emergence of a thriving startup landscape in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Some Of SA’s Notable Impacts Include:
- Supported over 350 startups that have collectively raised over $700 million in follow-on funding
- Graduated startups employ over 5000 professionals today
- Alumni valuations exceed $1 billion in combined worth for some acquired or scaled startups
- Pioneered new sector-focused models that are driving regional specialization
- Partnered with government bodies to fuel priority innovation domains through dedicated
programs
- Educated over 3000 participants through workshops and bootcamps annually
- Established Singapore as a premier hub for regional startups through global networks
Moving forward, with Singapore gearing up its innovation agenda, Singapore Startup Accelerator (SA)is well-positioned to play a crucial role. By scaling its sector-focused accelerators, SA can cultivate deep tech expertise. Partnering with more regional governments and VCs will help extend its global networks. Most importantly, SA’s ongoing support of startups from ideation to scale-up will be pivotal for Singapore to realize its ambitions.
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*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it