JFDI Asia’s acclaimed Bootcamp accelerator returns: Applications for 2013 program now open

There’s good news for startups and wannabe entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia after Singapore-based JFDI Asia announced it has opened applications for the next installment of its accelerator program: the JFDI Bootcamp 2013.

JFDI (Joyful Frog Digital Incubator) ran its first 100-day accelerator this year and given its success, which saw more than 60 percent of the 15 startups raise at least SG$650,000 (US$530,000), the company has decided to run two separate programs in 2013.

Each program will provide participating companies with SG$25,000 (US$20,500), with over SG$100,000 (US$82,000) in technical facilities, an impressive line-up of mentors, office accommodation and introductions to more than 100 early-stage investors.

JFDI was the first in Southeast Asia to be accepted to Techstars’ Global Accelerator Network and the announcement proudly calls it “the longest-running, most successful seed accelerator program in Southeast Asia,” but there will be at least one significant change in 2013. SingTel-Innov8 — the VC arm of Asian telecommunications giant SingTel — is no longer the lead (and indeed named) sponsor since JFDI is now working with a range of operators across the region.

The sum takeaway is that this is the accelerator program that aspiring entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia must apply for. Here’s what Hugh Mason — co-founder and CEO of JFDI Asia — says of the benefits.

“Independent valuations prove that we increase the value of start-ups by a factor of 4–5 in 100 days. Just as important, we probably cut a year or more off the time it would take an independent business to achieve traction. That’s why we call it an accelerator. Informally, we also call it a ‘bootcamp’ because it is a life-changing intense experience, like basic military training for entrepreneurs.”

Batch 2 is scheduled to begin in Singapore on 14 February 2013 and the approximate finish date is 24 May 2013. Dates for the second program of 2013 are still to be finalized.

Earlier this week, JFDI announced a partnership with fellow Singapore-based early-stage investor Golden Gate Ventures, and 2013 looks set to be an even bigger and better year for the folks at the Joyful Frog Digital Incubator.

Full information about the 2013 JFDI programs can be found on its website while Mason, formerly a producer for the BBC’s science and technology show Tomorrow’s World, has put together a more interactive overview in the video below.

Bonus: We ran a (lengthy) interview with Mason last year in which he reveals many of the aspirations and goals of JFDI. You can read that here.

➤ JFDI Asia | The JFDI Asia Bootcamp

Headline image via Brandon Alms / Shutterstock