Unlock Greater Asia’s
Market &Venture Capital Opportunities

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This accelerator supports tech founders and digital SME entrepreneurs in Central Asia, as well as Azerbaijan to scale their businesses, attract growth capital, and expand into international markets across Asia. To apply, you’ll need two nominations to support your submission.

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

Your Launchpad to Regional Markets

since day one

The Central Asia+ Accelerator is a private sector development programme designed to support innovative digital startups and SMEs in scaling up and attracting investment to boost digital service exports. Delivered by GUIDE, an affiliated and independent entity of Gobi Partners, the Accelerator equips selected startups with tailored mentorship and expert-led training on internationalization strategies, market entry, and investor engagement.

This initiative is part of the broader “Boosting Exports through Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Central Asia” project, jointly implemented by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), with funding from ITFC’s Trade Connect Central Asia+ (TCCA+) programme.

THIS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IS FUNDED BY
THROUGH THE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH
SUPPORTED BY

Accelerate With Market-Ready Tools &

Regional Know-How

The Central Asia+ Accelerator Programme is open to 14 selected early-growth stage startups and SME entrepreneurs based in Central Asia — including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan — who are running digital or technology-enabled businesses and are looking to:

  • Increase their readiness and exposure for securing regional venture capital funding, and
  • Formulate actionable market expansion strategies with support from experienced partners, practitioner-instructors, and mentors.


Through this 3-month accelerator programme, you will gain valuable resources to help you scale, including:

Gain Access to Valuable Market Nuances and Capital Insights

Familiarising and priming yourself for the fundraising process that aligns with the investment requirements and style of East Asia and Southeast Asia venture capital firms and investment networks.

Build and Seed Relationship for Future Market Expansion

Develop and formulate a go-to-market strategy with the inputs of operators on the ground across different markets in Asia (East Asia and Southeast Asia) from a bottom-up perspective.

Leverage Our Network & Expertise Across Asia

With decades of economic development experience connecting corporations, government agencies, innovative enterprises, and universities, we are all hands on deck to support your needs to discover new opportunities, navigate them, and grow them with you.

PROGRAMME PERIOD
Mid-August to End-November 2025
MODALITY
HYBRID
PROGRAMME overview
2 DAY
in-person
14-15 AUGUST 2025
Investment Readiness 2-Day Bootcamp at Hyatt Regency Hotel Baku
2-day in-person Bootcamp conducted by GUIDE instructors and venture advisors using GUIDE's practitioner-built curriculum and modules.
PRACTITIONER MASTERCLASSES
WORKING SESSIONS
ACTION LEARNING
4 - 5 SESSIONS
online
SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 2025
Market Nuances And Local Navigation Workshops
A series of 1 - 1.5 hr online workshop showcasing and deep dive into the operating nuances and opportunities of different key local markets across Asia Pacific. List of regions to be featured: ASEAN, East Asia, etc.
MARKET DISCOVERY
MARKET IDENTIFICATION & FORMULATION
3 MONTHS
online
AUGUST - NOVEMBER 2025
Mentoring and Monthly Progress Check-In
2 engagements per month for each startup and additional programme team check in with companies.
MENTORSHIP
PROGRESS CHECKPOINT
3-5 DAYS
in-person
MARCH / APRIL 2026
Gateway to Greater Bay Area: Join Our Startup Delegation to JUMPSTARTER
High-performing participants from the cohort will be invited to join a sponsored business delegation to Hong Kong, where they will take part in JUMPSTARTER as a startup, explore the local market firsthand, and network directly with regional investors, corporates, and key stakeholders from the Greater Bay Area’s digital economy ecosystem.
MARKET Immersion
Business Networking

Over the course of this 3-month learning and development journey, as an early-growth stage entrepreneur, you will take part in a series of hybrid action-based learning experience with us—including in-person bootcamps and working sessions with instructors—supported by industry experts and experienced mentors remotely.

These will be complemented by online panel discussions, workshops, and regular check-ins with the programme team. By the end of the programme, you will be equipped to formulate a clear expansion strategy for exporting your digital services and products beyond your local markets, and to assess your own needs and readiness for growth capital.

Investment Readiness 2-Day

Bootcamp

PROGRAMME DATES: 14-15 AUGUST 2025
LOCATION: Hyatt Regency Hotel Baku

The programme kickstarts with a 2-day in-person bootcamp helps founders strengthen their communication, preparation, and planning for investment. You’ll explore key risk frameworks, learn to articulate your enterprise value, and engage in live practice sessions with investors to build clarity and momentum for your next growth phase.

Mitigating Venture Risks Using The VANGUARD 
Framework
Risks in starting, running, and scaling a venture can be mitigated. The Four Venture Risks Framework provides strategic guidance for venture operators, both entrepreneurs and executives to navigate challenges, avoid common mistakes, and overcome execution pitfalls. By applying first-principles thinking approaches, in this lesson we introduce this framework to help current and aspiring venture leaders make informed decisions and build resilient businesses from the get-go.
Growing Enterprise Value And Being Investment Worthy
Privately-held innovative companies can be highly valuable to current owners, loyal and capable staff, incoming shareholders, and even strategic clients. We cover essential topics related to generating shareholder value, equity distribution and management, the dynamics and processes involved in seeking venture capital investment, and the nuances of private capital markets from the perspective of a startup founder or early-stage business owner.

Whether the goal is to finance growth ambitions or create wealth for all stakeholders, we provide comprehensive insights.
Investor - Investee Roleplay Game
A group roleplay designed to provide entrepreneurs with hands-on experience in a safe environment to develop core negotiation skills, understand market dynamics, and enhance strategic thinking around equity fundraising. Participants assume roles as either Startups seeking investors or Investors seeking startups, each with specific fundraising goals or investment mandates, working to negotiate favorable terms. The activity concludes with winners determined by a simulated outcome influenced by randomized market or economic factors (e.g., M&A, IPOs, policy changes).
Create a Zero-to-One Flywheel
We introduce product-sales cycles, the lifecycle of business in exposing the natural progression of business challenges and natural market forces that challenges the existence and growth of startups. Together, we introduce some law of market dynamics startups required to resolve in each micro-stages plus execution priorities to conserve resources for maximum revenue yield.

We dive into the mechanics of how typical startups fail, conduct self-evaluation, and showcase ways risks can be mitigated in very tactical way in approaching the process of building startups.
Scalable Unit Economics, Cost Levers, And Setting Price
This lesson focuses on how revenue models and cost levers shape overall business economics, with direct implications for the scalability and sustainability of a business. Participants will explore how to identify and manage critical metrics that drive growth, supported by practical scenarios such as product-sales curves. The session will also cover approaches to pricing strategies, providing guidance on how early-stage entrepreneurs can set prices that align with their business model, value proposition, and market realities such as their target buyers.
Developing My Growth Trajectory
This is a theory-to-application working session where programme instructors act as advisors, supporting founders in applying lessons, frameworks, and working models introduced in previous sessions. Through guided support, founders work toward achieving greater business clarity, making their ventures more attractive to investors.

Pitching Clinic
Learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurial pitching, including how to write effective pitch scripts and create structured pitch decks. The focus will be on developing clear and concise presentations that effectively communicate business ideas to captivate various audience. The session will provide practical tips and techniques for organizing content and delivering compelling pitches with different narrative arcs.
Developing Moat and Differentiator
This lesson deconstructs business components into smaller units and moving parts and guides founders to discover and pinpoint their founder-market fit and problem-product fit in order to create an unique edge around the business.

End Bootcamp Self-Assessment
This self-assessment is designed to help participants reflect on their learning, growth, and overall experience at the end of the two-day in-person bootcamp. It provides an opportunity to evaluate key takeaways, areas of confidence, and aspects that may require further development through the 3-month remote mentorship experience along with the series of panel sessions to continue the learning and improvements the participants needed.

Bootcamp Instructors.

Neil Cheong

Lead Instructor, Program Director for Central Asia+ Accelerator

Neil is a seasoned startup operator who transitioned into entrepreneurial development programmes, venture education, and community building—accumulating nearly 10 years of experience supporting entrepreneurship growth and bridging operational knowledge and network gaps across Southeast Asia. As the Founding Managing Director of GUIDE, he oversees learning experience design and materials development across all venture programmes and ecosystem initiatives led by GUIDE and its partners.

Neil has served as a mentor and judge for several innovation programmes, including Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund initiative—the Khazanah Innovation Impact Challenge—for which he led the design of the inaugural programme in 2021. He is also the founder of a regionally based venture studio and one of the creators of the Chief of Staff School. Previously, Neil founded a boutique digital marketing agency and held turnaround leadership roles in two local startups before joining the global entrepreneurial network Endeavor, and subsequently establishing GUIDE.

Alvin Chin

Co-instructor

A startup operator. Alvin led the finance and strategy function in his previous tenure in GoQuo - B2B travel-tech venture-backed startup GoQuo (backed by Gobi Partners and Monk’s Hill Ventures) and engineered an exit for the shareholders.

He spent his early working career with KPMG and PwC in Assurance services involving in various business industries such as hospitality and casino gaming, manufacturing, FMCG and oil and gas clients. Experienced in consumer travel industry, Alvin spent 4 years with Tune Hotels, heading the finance operations before joining GoQuo.

Alvin co-founded SEA-based venture studio Ignition Chamber Academy with Neil in nurturing new startups. He also serves as director and advisor of several companies in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and the UK. At GUIDE, Alvin leads the venture advisory unit where he bridges business needs with specialised services for venture growth continuity.

Backed by Experience.

Fueled by Insights.

Our mentors bring deep operational and investment know-how from launching, scaling, and investing across Asia and they’re here to guide you forward.

Introducing Our Cohort.

Powered by Ambition.

14 outstanding startups have been selected for this programme, offering high-potential opportunities for investment and collaboration in Central Asia. Chosen for their innovation and impact, they are driving new products and services that advance entrepreneurship, regional growth, and cross-border trade.

AddSign is a platform with great potential to grow. The problem of handwritten signatures and its ineffectiveness is AddSign solves this problem by providing a fast, secure, and legally recognised wav to sign documents digitally saving businesses time and increasing overall efficiency.
(Co-)Founder/CEO
 :  
Suusar Abysheva
Website :  
https://addsign.kg
Artisan Education is a STEM learning platform and modular engineering kit that empowers students to become young engineers - no matter where they live or what background their teachers have. With plug-and-play hardware, a built-in circuit simulator, and a gamified curriculum, we turn classrooms into innovation hubs, even in schools with no technical staff. We’re currently working with schools across Kazakhstan and preparing to scale across Central Asia.
(Co-)Founder/Project Manager
 :  
Nurken Bolatov
Az Irrigation is a locally developed company providing smart irrigation solutions that reduce manual labour for farms and gardens. Alongside advanced systems designed by agronomists, engineers, and programmers, we also offer repair and maintenance services for lawn sprinklers and drip systems, ensuring sustainable and efficient water management.
(Co-)Founder
 :  
Melisa Yıldız
At Corpowid, we believe that digital accessibility is a fundamental right for all users. That's why we have developed an innovative digital accessibility widget designed to enhance website accessibility for individuals with disabilities, including those with visual impairments, cognitive challenges, epilepsy, dyslexia, and other health-related limitations.
Founder/CEO
 :  
Orkhan Mammadov
Epsilion3 is a synthetic data solution company using proprietary model zGAN to generate high-quality data for training ML models in low-data environments for AI-powered forecasting tools for governments and public institutions to predict demand, optimize resources, and make data-driven decisions.
(Co-)Founder
 :  
Mihir Modi
This is a payment system in Kyrgyzstan that allows users to pay for various services, including mobile communications, internet, utilities, and more, without commissions.
Managing Partner
 :  
Argen Darmanov
Website :  
https://finik.kg/
Growz is an AgriTech platform that uses AI to help smallholder farmers improve productivity, sustainability and market access. Through a mobile app, farmers receive crop-specific guidance, instant pest and disease diagnostics, and access to a trusted marketplace for inputs and financing, making modern farming simple, efficient and affordable.
Founder/CEO
 :  
Murod Khusanov
Website :  
https://growz.io/
Hoopla is a drink subscription app that lets you enjoy one drink every day at any of our partner cafes across Uzbekistan. With a single monthly payment, you gain access to a growing network of local coffee shops—no extra fees, no hassle. Whether it’s your morning coffee or afternoon tea, Hoopla makes it easy to enjoy your daily drink while discovering new favorite spots around the city.
Founder/CEO
 :  
Otabek Davronbekov
Website :  
https://hoopla.uz/
AI SaaS platform that analyses and classifies 100% of customer requests from every channel, turning all that to insights and analytics. The system automatically classifies every call, chat, and review to deliver structured, actionable intelligence to the right people in the company. By providing a clear view of what customers are truly saying, we empower businesses to make smarter product decisions, reduce churn, and drive sustainable growth.
Founder/CEO
 :  
Aisulu Kalshabekova
LakLak is a digital marketplace that offers a wide range of products including everyday essentials, electronics, fashion, beauty items, and groceries. It connects local sellers with customers across Tajikistan through a fast and reliable delivery system that includes postamats and pick-up points. The platform also provides seller support services, promotional tools, and responsive customer care, making online shopping easy, accessible, and trustworthy for everyone.
(Co-)Founder
 :  
Mirzosaid Mirzoev
MYupgrade is a smart platform that helps individuals and organizations discover the best business and educational events for personal and professional growth. The platform aggregates high-quality events such as trainings, forums, coaching sessions, and masterclasses — and uses AI to generate personalized learning plans based on each user’s role, interests, and goals.
Founder/CEO
 :  
Maira Ibrayeva
Mulk Protocol offers a blockchain-based sukuk issuance service platform that enables Shariah-compliant tokenization of real-world assets—such as real estate, vehicles, aircraft, and financial instruments—at 3–5x lower cost and faster speed than traditional methods. Our platform connects emerging-market asset owners with global Islamic investors through cross-chain, cross-border, and fully compliant digital sukuk issuance.
Founder/CEO
 :  
Hayotjon Azimov
Take Care Mom is a digital platform helping mothers care for themselves and their babies, especially in places where healthcare access is limited. We built an app that brings everything together in one place: AI-powered chat with pediatricians and psychologists, health trackers, expert advice, and a real community of moms. We’ve supported mothers in 9 countries and reached more than 5 million people online. Our work has been recognized by UN Women, UNFPA, and the UN’s AI for Good initiative.
Founder/CEO
 :  
Zulfiya Urunova
Xenone is a data-driven K-12 micro-school, providing personalized learning at scale. Our vision is to provide access to high-quality 21st-century education for K-12 students, anytime and anywhere. Key features include learning through adventure with gamified quests, behavioral analytics using facial and voice profiling, and the development of cross-cultural intelligence and 4C competencies.
Founder/CEO
 :  
Aslan Aimbetov

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is Central Asia+ Accelerator Programme?

The Central Asia+ Accelerator is a private sector development programme designed to support innovative digital startups and SMEs in scaling up and attracting investment to boost digital service exports. Delivered by GUIDE, an affiliated and independent entity of Gobi Partners, the Accelerator equips selected startups with tailored mentorship and expert-led training on internationalization strategies, market entry, and investor engagement. This initiative is part of the broader “Boosting Exports through Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Central Asia” project, jointly implemented by the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), with funding from ITFC’s Trade Connect Central Asia+ (TCCA+) programme.

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 East Asia or Southeast Asia.
  • A product(s) or service(s) that uses digital (software) and/or science-based technology.
  • The business must be registered and domiciled in one of the six priority countries: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, or Uzbekistan.
  • Founders must be the citizens in one of the six priority countries: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan.
  • Commitment from one founder per company to attend the 2-day in-person BootCamp and able to engage in at least 80% of the key activities (remotely) during the programme period.
  • Able to communicate in English.

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. We are also committed to inclusive entrepreneurship, valuing diverse backgrounds, sectors, and perspectives that contribute to a more resilient and equitable innovation and digital ecosystem in Central Asia region, as well as Azerbaijan.

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 Central Asia, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.


Additional Factors Influencing Final Selection

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

Is there a programme fee to participate?

The programme is offered free of charge to eligible companies and entrepreneurs as part of the Trade Connect Central Asia+ (TCCA+) initiative—a joint effort by ITFC and the United Nations ESCAP to enhance trade and investment opportunities in Central Asia.

How many founders per company can participate?

14 companies will be selected by the Selection Committee, which comprises representatives from ITFC, United Nations ESCAP, and GUIDE. One entrepreneur slot will be allocated to each of the selected companies.

What is the process for shortlisting and selection?

Application, Nomination, Screening, and Selection Process

All interested and eligible entrepreneurs are welcome to apply to the Central Asia+ Accelerator Programme.

Applicants are required to submit all necessary information and supporting documents, along with two recommendation or nominations. Nominations are mandatory and must not come from related parties (e.g., co-founders, family members, or employees). Only applications with two valid recommendations will be considered complete and eligible for review.

Key Dates

  • Applications Open: NOW
  • Application Deadline: July 13, 2025


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 interview. Successful applicants will then receive an official offer to join the Central Asia+ Accelerator Programme.

Please note that incomplete applications, those lacking nominations, or those with poor-quality supporting documents will not be considered.

The multi-stages process flow:

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: program@guide.works. Please reach out to us if you have any questions.

Please ensure you check this email address regularly for updates, requests for additional information, and important notifications. We strongly advise applicants to whitelist this address or check your spam/junk folders to avoid missing any critical communications. Any communication from other channels or unofficial emails should be disregarded unless otherwise stated on our official website or by a verified team member.

Applications Closed — Register Interest

Applications for this intake are now closed. If you're a founder or nominator keen to be part of the next Central Asia+ Accelerator intake, you can register your interest now to be notified when applications reopen.

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