GBA Venture Ready Programme

Guiding Founders to New Frontiers

overview

This programme strengthens growth-stage, deep-tech focused startups by reviewing their business using the tools, skills, and support needed to build sustainable, investment-ready companies. It helps them attract investors and financiers who can support and connect with them.

Delivered by GUIDE, an affiliated but independent entity of Gobi Partners, the programme equips selected startups with tailored mentorship and expert-led training on expansion and fundraising strategies, market entry, and investor engagement.

Industry-focused, the programme is designed to drive investment and business opportunities by connecting growth-stage startups with leading regional venture capitals and corporations. Unlike traditional accelerators, it requires no equity, allowing startups to grow on their own terms while accessing key resources such as curated dealflow meetings, connections with over 300 regional industry experts and investors, networking events, and intensive business review sessions. Startups will also benefit from private 1:1 partner pitches and consultations, and exposure to diverse industry professionals.

Follow us on LinkedIn for updates on key dates and programme insights.

DELIVERED BY
STRATEGIC PARTNER
SUPPORTED BY
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CORPORATE PARTNERS

The Venture Ready Bootcamp is open to 20 – 30 selected growing stage startups based in GBA, and are looking to:

  • Increase their investment readiness and exposure for secure regional venture capital funding, and
  • Review business expansion and fund-raising plan with experienced mentors including investors and industry professionals.
Through this 2-week program, you will gain valuable feedback and connection.
Diagram illustrating the business assessment process with seven interconnected segments: Scope, Readiness Assessment, Gap Assessment, Maturity Model, Risk Management, Organizational Design, and Project Management.

Business Assessment

Validating startup ideas, business models, finance model, operation model , team and expansion/ fundraising plan.

Hand placing a missing puzzle piece on top of a nearly completed puzzle grid.

Investment Readiness

Provide unique knowledge and tips for startups to understand the investment/ deal flow from a VC, and all necessary preparation for fundraising.

Person pointing at a board displaying a lightbulb icon representing an idea or presentation.

Strengthen Pitch Materials

Support participants in refining pitch decks and business plans to align with investor standards.

Illustration of a hand holding a growing plant with dollar coins, symbolizing investment growth.

Facilitate Investment Opportunities

Prepare and select outstanding startups to pitch to investors, strengthening their ability to manage investor relationships and able to receive investment offer from VCs

PROGRAM DATES

4 - 18 December 2025

LOCATION

Hybrid

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

3 days
in-person
4 - 6 DECEMBER 2025

Investment Readiness Bootcamp

3 days in-person Bootcamp run by GUIDE, Gobi instructors & Industry mentors.
COMPANY REVIEW
INVESTMENT READINESS ASSESSMENT
1 session

1:1 Consultation Session (Optional)

Teams can schedule one session with mentor to obtain their final feedback before the pre-demo day.
MENTORSHIP
PLAN REFINEMENT
PITCH PREPARATION
1 day
12 DECEMBER 2025

1:X Pitch Day

10 minute Presentation +20 minute Q&A per team.
Feedback from the panel on pitch quality, business viability, and readiness for the next stage.
Networking opportunity with investors and accelerator representatives.
LIVE PITCH
INVESTOR ENGAGEMENT
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
1 REPORT

Full Assessment Report for startup

1 ACCOUNT

Learning Hub Membership

1 DAY
18 DECEMBER 2025

Graduation & Networking Day

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITY
STARTUP SHOWCASE

3-Day Startup Assesment Bootcamp

PROGRAMME DATES: 4 -6 DECEMBER 2025
LOCATION: HK

The programme focuses on GUIDE’s curriculum and lessons designed to enhance entrepreneurial competencies. These efforts aim to directly enhance participants’ overall business acumen, their ability to manage business finances, and improve investment readiness and attractiveness, both as business leaders and decision-makers, as well as the overall performance and appeal of their firms.

As an output, participants should able to produce (1) Investment-related documents and materials (Fundraising Deck, Blurb/Script, and Key items listed in the Investment Dataroom appropriate to their stage of business), and (2) Be able to communicate (“pitch”) their business plans and go-to-market strategy to prospective investors.

Mastering Fundraising Metrics – The KPIs That Seal the Deal at Growth Stage

This session focuses on helping startups identify, track, and present the critical KPIs that investors prioritize at this stage. Participants will gain insights into which metrics are most relevant for their sector, how to benchmark performance, and how to use data to build investor confidence.

Special Lecture: Applying Six Sector Theory into Business

This lecture introduces a framework for systemic thinking to integrate social, environmental, and financial dimensions into business strategies. Participants will learn how to apply the Six Sector Theory to evaluate and enhance the sustainability and impact of their ventures

Beyond Capital – Building Strategic Investor Partnerships for Long-Term Success

This session will delve into how growth-stage startups can identify, attract, and engage the right investors who bring more than just money to the table. It will explore the art of storytelling, building trust, and aligning your business vision with investor expectations.

Business Model Evolution for Expansion

This masterclass dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of evolving business models during a startupʼs growth and expansion stages. It explores how companies can adapt their value propositions, revenue streams, and operational structures to scale effectively.

Programme Instructors

Portrait of Kennith So wearing glasses, a white shirt, and a dark suit jacket against a gray background.

Kennith So

Programme Director

With over 9 years of experience in startup ecosystem development and incubation, Kennith So is a seasoned professional in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Lingnan University of Hong Kong and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Kennith began his career as a founder in the esports and gaming sector, building hands-on expertise in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. He later joined Hong Kong Cyberport as an Account Manager in the Digital Entertainment division, where he played a pivotal role in supporting startups and driving industry growth. Subsequently, Kennith served as Program Lead at HongShan Capital’s subsidiary, HKXF, where he launched numerous accelerator and training programs catering to startups at various stages of development.

Throughout his career, Kennith has gained extensive experience in business development, operations, technology transfer, company strategy, and startup growth, making him a valuable asset in nurturing entrepreneurial talent and scaling ventures.

Portrait of Fred Li in a dark suit jacket and white shirt smiling against a dark background.

Fred Li

Managing Director
Gobi Partners logo featuring stylized orange mountain peaks above the text 'GOBI PARTNERS' in black capital letters.

Fred has over 13 years of experience in private market transactions, management operations, and turnaround. He graduated from the University of Hong Kong. He is a certified HKICPA Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA).

Fred began his career as a restructuring specialist at Deloitte Financial Advisory Services. Later, he gained full-cycle deal experience and served on the board of directors of portfolio companies during his positions at VC and PE firms, including Senior Associate at Ocean Equity Partners (MFO), Vice President at CITIC’s CLSA Capital Partners, and Executive Director at Hywin International. He also acquired practical experience in business management, successful turnaround, and digital transformation as Group General Manager at Gaia Group, a 1,000 task-force company in his previous portfolio.

Fred has accumulated valuable experience across technology and business operations, with a focus on university spin-offs, Healthcare & Biotechnology, GreenTech, Enterprise Solutions, and more. He has served as the Lecturer, advisory committee, vetting panelist, trainer, and mentor for ecosystem partners such as Hong Kong’s Universities, BIOHK, HKSTP and Cyberport.

FAQs

This section outlines our eligibility criteria, nomination requirements, and important timeline related to the programme.

contact

What are the eligibility and commitment requirements for the programme?

To be considered, applicants must have:

  • At least 18 months of active business operations (and not more than 7 years).
  • A revenue-generating business with a clear motivation to export its products or services and demonstrate fundraising potential in HK or GBA.
  • A product(s) or service(s) that uses deep-tech and/or science-based technology.
  • The business must be registered or have other forms of presence in HK or GBA.
  • Commitment from one founder per company to attend the 3-day BootCamp and able to engage in all key activities during the programme period.
  • Able to communicate either in English, Cantonese or Mandarin.

How do we evaluate applicants?

Our evaluation focuses on key areas that balance the entrepreneur’s potential with their development needs—aiming to enhance their chances of securing synergistic funding and achieving market expansion that aligns with their products and services.

Qualitative and Quantitative Aspects

  • Readiness to Scale: Assessment of the scalability of the product or solution, including the presence of proprietary technologies or innovations with export potential.
  • Financial Stability and Growth Potential: Evaluation of revenue size in relation to long-term sustainability and growth prospects.
  • Need and Potential for Growth Capital: Consideration of the likelihood of accessing equity or debt financing, based on the current funding landscape in HK and GBA.


Additional Factors Influencing Final Selection

  • The Selection Committee’s collective judgment on the applicant’s personal motivation, commitment to growth, and openness to learning.
  • Quality of supporting documentation that strengthens the screening process.
  • Strength and relevance of recommendations or nominations included in the application.


KEY CRITERIA

Stage Classification
Businesses are categorised into stages before applying the Venture Ready Bootcamp scoring:


Weightage System
‍Weights are assigned based on business stage to prioritise what matters most for scaling readiness:

Is there a programme fee to participate?

Only admitted startups are required to pay a program fee. The application process, including document submission and interviews, is completely free and does not involve any charges or application fees.

The program fees are structured as follows:

  • Standard Participants: USD 4,000 per company for the full program.
  • Application DStartups from Partner Communities (without nomination): USD 2,800 per company for startups affiliated with program partners but not formally nominated.eadline: July 13, 2025
  • Nominated Startups: Program fees are fully waived for startups admitted through the Nomination Mechanism.  

    (*Remarks: The nomination mechanism for the program is designed to encourage our partners’ investment teams or investment partners to recommend their high-potential portfolio companies to join. It functions as an internal process for our investment partners or their in-house teams to facilitate targeted deal sourcing.)


This fee covers access to workshops, masterclasses, one-on-one mentoring sessions, curated investor engagements, and all necessary program materials such as lecture notes, templates, and case studies. Additionally, it includes all logistical costs, administrative costs, venue arrangements, food and beverage, and other associated expenses for the 3-day bootcamp and Graduation & Pitching Day.

How many startups can participate?

Each cohort will admit 20-30 startups into this program, each company can have two representatives joining the activities.

What is the process for shortlisting and selection?

  • All interested and eligible entrepreneurs are welcome to apply to the Venture Ready Bootcamp. Applicants are required to submit all necessary information and supporting documents, members, or employees).
  • The Programme Admission Team will notify you upon receiving a complete application, including both nominations. If you are shortlisted, you will be contacted for an online/ face-to-face interview. Successful applicants will then receive an official offer to join the bootcamp.
  • Please note that incomplete applications, those lacking nominations, or those with poor-quality supporting documents will not be considered.

What rights does the programme organizer reserve? How is my privacy protected?

  • The programme organizers reserve the right to modify or adjust the programme and the programme terms if necessary to fit to the profile of the selected companies with their representing entrepreneur.
  • All submitted information and requested materials will be handled in accordance with the relevant privacy policies and will only be used for programme-related purposes.

More Questions? Our Official Communication Channel

All official communications related to your application, shortlisting, and participation in the programme will be conducted exclusively through our official email: guide.enquiry@gobi.vc

Please reach out to us if you have any questions.