About
Blue Startups is a venture accelerator based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2012 by entrepreneur Henk Rogers, his daughter Maya Rogers, and venture capitalist Chenoa Farnsworth. The organization's founding mission centers on creating high-growth business opportunities and stimulating economic development in Hawaii by leveraging the state's unique strengths while capitalizing on opportunities within the global economy. The accelerator operates with an international footprint, maintaining a presence across 12 countries while remaining rooted in its Hawaii headquarters. Since inception, Blue Startups has supported approximately 105 startups across diverse sectors including enterprise applications, consumer technology, and other verticals. The accelerator provides early-stage technology companies with mentorship, capital investment, and access to networks essential for scaling operations. Notable portfolio companies include Volta Charging, an electric vehicle charging infrastructure provider that achieved a public listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021; Flowater, which operates advanced water purification and refill station networks; dataplor, positioned as a leading provider of global location intelligence; and Instant Teams, a staffing platform serving military spouses. The organization's investment approach focuses on early-stage ventures with growth potential, combining direct capital deployment with strategic guidance and founder support networks. Blue Startups functions as both accelerator and incubator, offering structured programs designed to de-risk early-stage investments while building sustainable businesses. The firm's geographic concentration in Hawaii, combined with its global network access, positions portfolio companies to benefit from island-based operational advantages while tapping into international markets and expertise.