A Founder’s Guide to the Accelerating Asia Application
If you’ve planning to submit an application for Accelerating Asia’s Flagship Accelerator Program and still on the fence, this one’s for you.
Every cohort, we review hundreds of applications from founders across Southeast and South Asia. Many are strong. Many are promising. And many fall short for reasons that are completely avoidable.
Below are 10 practical tips to help you submit a clear, strong application — and avoid the most common pitfalls we see.
Tip 1: Get the currency right (seriously)
This is the single biggest mistake founders make.
All financial numbers in the application must be in USD.
Why? Because when we’re reviewing hundreds of applications, consistency matters. If your revenue or costs are listed in a local currency, it slows everything down — and increases the risk of misunderstanding your unit economics.
One more thing: if you list a number without specifying a currency, we automatically assume it’s USD. That can drastically distort how your business looks.
➡️ Bottom line: Convert everything to USD before you submit.
Tip 2: Make your application easy to read
We’re not looking for an essay.
Clear, simple language beats long explanations every time. Avoid jargon and overly complex descriptions. The goal is for us to understand:
What you do
How you make money
Why this matters
Your application will be reviewed multiple times by different people. If it’s easy to read, it’s easier for the team to advocate for you internally.
Tip 3: Enable document sharing
This one hurts more than it should.
Many strong applications get delayed because pitch decks or documents aren’t accessible. If we can’t open your deck, we have to request access, wait, and come back later.
➡️ Before submitting, double-check that all links are viewable.
Tip 4: Don’t embellish your story
We’re hands-on investors. We don’t expect perfect companies.
What we value is honesty. The sooner we understand where your business truly is today, the sooner we can see where we might help. When things don’t match reality, trust breaks — and trust is critical at this stage.
Be real. That’s where the magic starts.
Tip 5: Answer the question directly
This applies to both the written application and interviews.
Answer what’s being asked — clearly and concisely. Don’t worry about covering everything at once. We’ll ask follow-up questions where needed.
Tip 6: GMV is not revenue
This comes up a lot.
If the application asks for revenue, don’t list GMV.
GMV = total value of goods sold
Revenue = what your company actually earns
Make sure you’re reporting the correct figure.
Tip 7: Make sure your stakeholders are aligned
If you have other investors with significant control, they should already be on board with:
You joining an accelerator
You bringing on a new, hands-on investor
At the early stage, founder control and speed matter. If major approvals are required just to proceed, that’s a red flag for us.
Tip 8: Bring your co-founders to interviews
If you make it to interviews, bring your co-founding team — or senior leadership if you’re solo.
It helps us understand team dynamics and allows the right people to answer technical or operational questions in real time.
Tip 9: Come as you
This is a long-term relationship. Fund lifecycles last 10+ years, and founder–investor relationships often last longer.
We invest in people. Bring your personality. Be yourself.
Tip 10: Mind your digital manners
Small things matter:
Be on time
Turn your camera on
Make sure your internet connection is solid
We run on a tight schedule, and poor connectivity or lateness makes it hard to use interview time effectively.
Final reminder
Applications for Accelerating Asia Cohort 13 close on February 15.
If you’ve started your application, we strongly encourage you to submit as soon as possible. Reviews and interviews happen on a rolling basis.
👉 Complete your application here: https://www.acceleratingasia.com/getfunded
Once you’ve submitted, feel free to DM us or tag Accelerating Asia on LinkedIn — we’re watching applications come in daily.
If you have questions, reach out anytime at team@acceleratingasia.com.
Good luck — and we look forward to seeing your application.
Applications Open for Cohort 13
Applications are now open for Cohort 13. Selected startups will receive US$100,000 in investment, participate in a 100-day accelerator, and gain long-term access to the Accelerating Asia Ventures network.
More information and the application portal are available at acceleratingasia.com/getfunded.
Opportunities for Investors
Accelerating Asia Ventures welcomes new limited partners seeking access to a rigorously selected, high-growth portfolio across Southeast and South Asia. Further information for investors is available at acceleratingasia.com/investors or by contacting team@acceleratingasia.com .
About Accelerating Asia Ventures
Accelerating Asia Ventures is an independent accelerator and venture capital fund investing in early-stage startups across Southeast and South Asia. Founded by operators, the organisation is committed to supporting founders with capital, credibility, and a long-term community.
For interviews, data requests, or portfolio introductions, contact: team@acceleratingasia.com
