Having just launched their official website for ‘Blueprint,’ the 20,000 square foot and two-floored co-working, accelerator and event space will be based in Cornwall House in TaiKoo Place. Since Swire is a driving force behind many huge commercial and retail property development projects in Hong Kong, it’s exciting news to see them get behind the tech startup community.
As a B2B-focused accelerator, Blueprint sets itself apart from other programs with it’s no-strings attached approach. Although the program offers workspace, mentorship and professional support in the product testing, customer acquisition and fundraising spheres – it does not require any fees or equity in return.
“We are likely the first accelerator programme in Hong Kong that has no strings attached,” said Don Taylor, office director at Swire Properties, in a release. “This project is about injecting a burst of tech-focused creativity and innovation into the already thriving business community at TaiKoo Place. We’re excited to encourage the entrepreneurship culture here in Quarry Bay and to see these startups grow.”
With the first cohort launching in January 2015, the six-month accelerator program will take on 10 startups with a B2B focus. Startups that make the cut will have access to the Blueprint mentor network which includes Divide co-founder David Zhu, 500 Startup China‘s venture partner Rui Ma, and Uber‘s head of expansion (Asia) Sam Gellman. Our own Casey Lau will also be on hand to support startups.
Applications for the co-working space, which can only house 300 members at a time, will be open November. We’ll be interviewing Swire in the near future to find out more about this great new addition to the ecosystem – and will report back with more details and photos of the space. In the meantime, follow them on Instagram!
Appy for ‘Blueprint’ here!
