Plus Eight Accelerator is our six month, seed-funded program that helps local startups grow on a global scale. Split into three phases, the program includes a weekend bootcamp, world-class mentoring, international immersion trips, and invaluable business connections. Throughout the program, the cohort will not only be surrounded by a network of peers, but the best mentors, investors and startup founders across Australia, making this program life changing for founders.
Since launching in 2017, we have invested in and supported, over 60+ Asia-Pac companies through this accelerator program. This has resulted in an investment of over $2M in local startups, facilitation of an additional $16M in follow-on investment, and a total portfolio valuation of $106M, making it a crucible for the Perth startup community, and one of a kind in Australia.
Last month, after welcoming 18 startups to the first phase of the program, a rigorous weekend bootcamp, we selected the strongest 11 founders to continue. These startups will have access to weekly Entrepreneur in Residence sessions with Derek Gerrard, masterclasses with industry experts, 1 on 1 mentoring and more, before a final 6-8 startups will be chosen for Phase Two.
Founders selected to continue into the final phase of the program will receive a share in over $400,000 seed funding, an international immersion trip where they will meet international VCs and investors, and the opportunity to pitch at the program's final Demo Night, held as part of West Tech Fest.
Let us introduce you to the 11 companies selected! Spanning fintech, healthcare, construction, security and everything in between, the founders listed below will join the 2023 Accelerator program and take the first steps towards scaling their businesses. The cohort includes Carsona, Cogsflow, Envision Stock, Little Rippers, Matilda Health, Paramount Prestart, Personr, Pharmacy Halo, Piksort, Quarterback and Tradable.
This year, new corporate partner Adapt by Design joins Capricorn Society, Vici Ventures, Woodside Energy, RAC BetterLabs, Hawaiian, Jackson McDonald, and DFK Gooding Partners, and our Community Partners, West Tech Fest, Bloom, CERI, and Perth Biodesign in supporting the 2023 program. Our program partners play a key role in the success of this program, and they invest their time into each of the founders selected to create a vibrant innovation ecosystem in WA.
Phase One of the Plus Eight 2023 Accelerator begins June 26, and we can't wait to get started. Keen an eye on our socials for more updates on the cohort and their journey throughout the program.