Launch of the Fifth Stream of the Acceleration Program: A Collaboration between 500 Global, Bank of Georgia, and GITA

500 Global, a venture capital firm rooted in Silicon Valley, has orchestrated the initiation of the fifth stream of its prestigious startup acceleration program in Georgia, in collaborative synergy with the Bank of Georgia and the Georgia Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA).

A jury, featuring eminent personalities, meticulously selected ten startups from five diverse countries to be a part of this twelve-week extensive program. This selection empowers the participating startups to collaboratively refine their business development, growth, and financing strategies with mentors and experts of international acclaim. The overarching goal of this initiative is to fuel sustainable growth and solidify the presence of these startups in both domestic and global markets. By being part of 500 Georgia, startups gain the privilege of integrating into the international network of 500 Global.

Worth noting is that within the sphere of 500 Georgia, 55 startups, both Georgian and international, have benefited from an intensive training schedule under the guidance of world-class mentors. With sessions conducted biannually, the program witnesses escalating interest each passing year.

"The Bank of Georgia is at the forefront of fostering the startup ecosystem in the nation, aspiring to elevate Georgia's stature as a regional startup hub. It is with our supportive endeavors that 500 Georgia is being conducted in the country for the fifth instance. This program is a confluence of knowledge and experience from globally recognized experts, offering startups the insights and strategies essential for their global and local advancement. The augmenting interest in 500 Georgia annually reaffirms our trajectory," expressed Levan Gomshiashvili, Head of Digital and Marketing Departments of the Bank of Georgia.

Here is a glimpse of the participating companies:

• Awork: A platform bridging job seekers with organizations, streamlining HR processes and aiding users in job applications directly through the platform.

• Beep: This platform facilitates seamless sharing of visual feedback, tasks, and online comments amongst companies.

• GoDays: An AI-driven service optimizing task management and time utilization for employers, and recognizing potential leaders within teams.

• HopShop: Enables influencers to monetize fashion content by allowing in-app purchases through AI-driven visual search.

• My AI: This platform allows brands to establish a sustainable, decentralized inter-brand loyalty ecosystem.

• OHMYSYNT: Aids in creating personalized, brand-aligned, and commercially safe AI content for brands.

• Perkskit: A SaaS platform focusing on enhancing employee loyalty through efficient management of employee benefits.

• Porte: A digital concierge technology designed for hotels to boost operational efficiency and revenue.

• Stori: An AI-based platform empowering brands to create and disseminate content across various channels.

• UniSub: This platform accommodates traders in receiving cryptocurrency payments.

Since its inception in 2020, the 500 Georgia acceleration program has been collaboratively driven by the Bank of Georgia, GITA, and 500 Global. In 2022, a quadrennial partnership was formalized among the collaborators, paving the way for biannual execution of two investment acceleration programs in Tbilisi over the next four years. For additional details, please visit: 500 Georgia Accelerators.