500 Global is uplifting the EECCA region through its Georgia-based acceleration and investment program.

Almost four years ago, 500 Global set down roots in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) by partnering with Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA) and the Bank of Georgia to create one of the region’s first startup accelerators.

The goal — as it remains today — was to create a regional tech hub in Georgia and attract talented founders from over 20 nearby countries likeArmenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and more. 

The program trains founders in important topics from customer discovery, marketing and sales, cross-border expansion and fundraising. Starting with batch number three, 500 Global began directly investing US$100,000 into each of the participating accelerator companies with the aim to fund upwards of 100 regional startups at the pre-seed or seed stage. 

“We’re rising the tide and increasing awareness on the importance of entrepreneurship,” said Pedro Santos Vieira, 500 Global’s partner in the region.  “Obviously, it’s not just us, but we’re a key contributor” 

Forty-three companies have completed the accelerator through three batches with standouts like the AI video startup TASS Vision and Edtech platform Kings. Twelve more companies (listed below) are part of the current cohort and will present on Thursday, June 29 as part of the program’s culminating demo day. 

Those interested in attending the invite-only event can email: 500georgia@500.co.

Presenting companies include: 

Arena Games: Arena Games is a Web 3.0 multiplayer games platform that provides a convenient way to help developers turn traditional games into WEB 3.0, while also giving easy access to GameFi world for players.

Bilimber: Bilimber helps 6th to 12th grade students connect to top tutors in under 60 seconds.

DataMind: DataMind helps modern enterprises gather, store, manage, and productize data through its Data Warehouse service. It enables customers to use all their data, without grouping and time limitations.

Dealpad: Buying Experience Platform for sales teams to access and engage their buyers. 

Lala: Platform to help learn and conduct music lessons online.

Emonomy: Emonomy connects Artificial Intelligence (AI) to brand marketing in the world, where emotions are the ultimate currency.

Fortu Wealth: Private banking solution that caters to high-net-worth-individuals (HNWIs) and the mass affluent.

Glorri: All-in-One Software-as-a-service (SaaS) Platform for Human Resource (HR) teams and job seekers.

Murmur: Murmur is a data-driven measurable outdoor advertising platform that strategically displays ads.

OneApp: OneApp is the fastest way for job seekers to find and apply for a job across multiple career sites, job boards and social media platforms with one click. 

Squares: A dynamic marketplace that offers users endless possibilities to host and rent event spaces of any type across various cities in the world.

Uteach: All-in-one platform that provides course providers with core features to create, sell courses, and monetize skills.