By Nelly Clarete, Senior Associate for Partnerships
Everyone knows Google as the world’s leading search engine, but what most people might not know is that Google dedicates a lot of time and resources towards supporting startups. This was something I was able to experience myself as I joined the APAC for Partners Summit in Singapore last August.
Since the future of tech is in a constant state of evolution, and Google recognizes that there’s no better place to search for innovative solutions than in the startup scene. In fact, one of their goals is to support as many startups as possible and they do this by working with the best and brightest accelerators around the world - IdeaSpace and QBO included.
In the past, Google has served as valuable mentors during our INQBATION: Leveling up B2B startups program, in partnership with Youth Business International. This program focused on supporting startups by enabling businesses in the Philippines to grow and digitalize. Google volunteers even served as the go-to resource persons for workshops, feedback, and mentoring sessions. Having already worked with them on this project previously, I was excited to sink my teeth into the sessions they had lined up for us during the summit. Here are the top 3 lessons I learned from the summit.
1. Define your goals
Ask yourself: What does success look like for your startups and your accelerator? You have to begin with the end in mind. Once you define what success means for your startups and accelerator, you’ll have a clearer vision to your desired direction.
At the beginning of the program, it’s good to encourage startups to set up their own OKRS to serve as a baseline when tracking their progress.
2. Find your people
Mingle with other ecosystem players to find additional support!
Your accelerator doesn’t have do everything. Find out who can compliment your efforts and work alongside them. Learn to pick and choose the right mentors and resource persons.
3. Startup founders aren’t the only ones meant to find their “why”
Many accelerators question if all their efforts are really making a difference. Sometimes they want to direct their efforts to working with high-potential startups more than those who are struggling and are in need. But Google encourages enablers to focus on the story.
The role of accelerators is to create hero stories and uplift more startups. Inclusivity means no one is left behind. All startups, whether successful or struggling, have the potential to succeed. The role of the accelerator is to see that through.