Applications for Cohort 4 of IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator Programs 2021 is now open! Apply now!
IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator is an investment-readiness and technical mentorship program, run in partnership with Village Capital and IBM. The program supports impact-focused startups leveraging highly sensitive data to improve the quality of, and access to digital, financial and healthcare services. The IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator has already supported 45 early-stage startups across the world. No equity will be taken in your company by IBM nor Village Capital as part of the program.
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This accelerator aims to support early-stage companies that leverage sensitive data to improve and increase access to global health and financial services, in a time with increased risk and regulation. This year the scale of support is being increased with the Friends of Hyperprotect Program and the Datatech for Good Coalition to support more companies working on impactful data tech products. By working with these startups alongside closely aligned investors and mentors, building a highly connected, global and impactful ecosystem within the nascent but growing data tech for good space is hoped. The 2021 program will consist of three components:
- The IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator (15 companies): Village Capital and IBM will identify, vet, and recruit fifteen companies using highly sensitive data to increase access to digital, financial, and health care solutions. The virtual accelerator will take place between October and December 2021 and there will be continued technical support into 2023.
- Friends of Hyper Protect (40 companies): 2 years of quarterly technical mentorship from IBM (including up to $120,000 of free IBM cloud credits) & a 3-month Investment Readiness support from Village Capital focusing on milestone planning and investor matchmaking
- The Datatech for Good Coalition: The “Datatech for Good” coalition is a curated network of investors who are actively seeking investment opportunities in the datatech/data security space. A coalition on Village Capital’s Abaca platform that matches datatech for good startups with like-minded investors and peers.
Location:
OnlineBenefits
THE HYPER PROTECT ACCELERATOR: Each startup will-
- Receive IBM Cloud credits of up to $120,000
- Participate in 40+ hours of virtual technical and business mentorship investment milestone planning
- Access to IBM and Village Capital’s network of partners, investors, stakeholders and mentors
- A 3 month intensive Village Capital Investment Readiness Accelerator with bespoke mentor and investor matching
FRIENDS OF HYPER PROTECT: Companies will receive a lighter touch Village Capital & IBM curriculum, which includes;
- Up to $120,000 in IBM Cloud credits
- Up to $10,000 per month for one year
- 6+ hours of virtual training by Village Capital
- Investment readiness assessment
- Investment milestone planning
- Impact Metrics
- 1/2 group mentor sessions specific to your needs
- Village Capital coordinated mentor and Investor engagement
- Invitation to join Village Capital’s global Abaca online network, with over 1,000 investors and organizations that are supporting social entrepreneurs.
- 1-/2 mentor tailored mentor/ investor sessions
- IBM collaboration
- 2 years of technical mentorship from IBM on a quarterly basis.
- Go-to-market support
- Co-marketing and branding
- Access to the IBM network
THE DATATECH FOR GOOD COALITION:
- Invitation to join Village Capital’s global Abaca online network, with over 1,000 investors and organizations that are supporting social entrepreneurs.
- Opportunities to engage with a network of investors who are actively seeking investment opportunities in the datatech space
- Highlighted in an exclusive network of innovators that are leveraging datatech for social good.
- Notification of future Accelerator programs
Eligibilities
THE HYPER PROTECT ACCELERATOR: If managing sensitive data is at the core of your business, this accelerator is for you! To be eligible, you must be:
- Legally incorporated as a for-profit entity
- Using personally identifiable information to increase access to digital, financial, or healthcare services.
- Under $1 million in yearly revenue
- Less than 5 years old
- Have some traction (this is not limited to revenue, but can include successful pilot studies, number of users, and/or strategic partnerships)
- Have positive social impact
- Be able to commit to attendance of a founder/member of exec team (~40 hours total between October and December 2021, 3 hour sessions)
FRIENDS OF HYPER PROTECT: Companies eligible for Friends of Hyperprotect must meet all but one of the eligibility criteria for the full accelerator program (see above). For example, the sessions may be relevant to companies that do not yet have a proven impact thesis, cannot commit to the full 40+ hours, or have less proven traction.
THE DATATECH FOR GOOD COALITION: All applicants are eligible for the Datatech for Good coalition as long as they are:
- Legally incorporated as a for-profit entity
- Using personally identifiable information to increase access to digital, financial, or healthcare services
Application Process
To start the application process, please click on Apply Now and follow the further procedure.
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2021
Application ClosedOfficial link
