Frequently Asked Questions
I am a startup looking for funding, what should I do?
If you are looking for funding, all you need to do is to apply as a WSF Startup member and enroll in the WSF-D’Academy Accelerator Bootcamps. You need to attend all the necessary modules, and only after that will you be eligible for early stage funding. The criteria for entry is simple - first you need to already have a startup business, and second, you must be willing to share details of your startup’s financial health for our assessment.
I only have an idea, can WSF help me develop it into a business?
Yes, certainly. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur and have a business idea, you can apply for the WSF Business Starter Course which guides you through the entire creative process from an idea to a startup. Simply go to our What We Do section, and find it there.
I represent an NGO, what do I gain from being a member of WSF?
NGOs solve problems in society, and naturally look for better ways to improve and to solve these problems. By being a member of WSF, you get to feel the pulse of new innovations and new startups created to solve specific problems in society, and work with them.
Can I benefit from the WSF Support Center if I am not a member?
In order for us to help you, we need to know you better. And the best way to know you better is for you to be part of our community. Only if you are a WSF member can we gauge your readiness, identify your specific challenges and your growth trajectory, and only then can we give the right support. So yes, you do need to become a member to benefit from the WSF Support Center.
How does the funding process in WSF work?
Startup investments come from the WSF International Fund. The Fund comprise a pool of angel, venture capitalist and private equity investors organized into portfolios according to types of investments and industries of startups. WSF curates the deal flows in the WSF startup community according to investor preference. WSF will showcase startups members who went through the WSF-D’Academy Accelerator Bootcamps. Once selected, startups get to pitch in front of these investors for funding.
How do I benefit from the WSF Labs?
As a startup member, WSF offers you work space in any of the WSF Labs in different regions. You will be able to work in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment with startups from all over the world, enabling you to have strong connections in other markets for future expansion. You will also get to be coached by industry experts and startup trainers across the globe through the WSF Business Starter Course and WSF- D’Academy Accelerator Bootcamps, giving you crucial insights and perspectives that will help widen and grow your business. And you will also be able to enjoy a myriad of support services for your business through the WSF Support Center.
I would like to co-invest with other investors in startups within your community. How do I go about doing that?
You can first join our WSF Investor Community under the Partnerships section. By doing so, you will have exclusive access to our startup deal flows. WSF will also be able to pair you up with investors who are looking to co-invest and match you with investors with the same investment appetite and preferred industries. Once you have established this, we will put you in the same portfolio and thereafter curate a list of startup deal flows for you to consider, after which you can consider whether to invest in them.
I am a startup and I don’t need funding. Why should I join WSF?
Funding is only one aspect of startup growth. More important than that is securing a market for your business. WSF does not only connect you to funding, but also gives you an opportunity to connect with your target market, as well as expand your business in other markets.
I need help in branding and promoting my business. How can WSF help?
Through partnership with brand agencies, WSF Support Centre can help in giving you professional advice on your branding. If you need a more immersive understanding of branding for your business, you can apply for a specific module under the WSF-D’Academy Accelerator Bootcamps that focuses on branding. For promotion, you can speak to our media team at media@worldstartupfestival.com for advertising packages in our WSF Magazine.
How many bootcamp modules must I take to qualify for funding?
It is important to remember that mere attendance of bootcamp modules does not qualify you for funding, let alone guarantee it. It is however an important prerequisite to funding because our wide array of modules are designed to improve every aspect of your business. For example after taking 3 modules, you pitch to investors and fail to secure funding, you might need to go back and take other modules that can improve your chances of success in the next round.
I would like to participate in the annual Festival. What do I need to do?
Simply fill in the registration form for the event and you will receive a notification confirming your participation.
I heard about the WSF Press Club. What is it about and how do I join?
This is a club of respected media agents and agencies across the globe who feature startup news for the WSF Media. Press club members get international coverage for their written articles, which might also get featured in the WSF magazine with an international circulation. To join, simply go to the WSF Media tab, and apply for the WSF Press Club.
I work for a government agency. What has WSF got to do with me?
If you work for a government agency responsible for the development of youth, women or entrepreneurship, WSF has a lot to do with you. This is because we help empower women and youth, and spearhead the movement to promote entrepreneurship within these groups. WSF provides you with a comprehensive understanding of startup business issues and challenges, which can help you in formulating a better policy framework to help improve businesses.
Who are the trainers of your training programmes?
The trainers of our WSF Business Starter Course and WSF-D’Academy Accelerator Bootcamps are startup trainers, which means that they are not merely individuals with a lot of knowledge about startup business, but most importantly they are also running startups themselves. This makes their coaching and sharing sessions more meaningful, because startup participants can relate to them better. You can find their names in the WSF Labs section.
I am a startup from Europe. What is the merit of me joining the WSF Lab in Asia?
Joining a WSF Lab in a different country has immense benefits. Firstly, you get to rub shoulders and work with local startups in that country. If you intend to expand your market in this country, this will prove essential in your expansion because you get to understand the work culture, validate your ideas and find your future business partner in the country.
Your vision is to be the global federation of startups. Why do we need this?
As you know, there is no overarching governing structure for the global startup ecosystem. Currently, this is a gameplay between startups, investors and corporations. But the success of businesses does not only depend on purely the business sector. Startups solve problems in society, so they need critical input from civil society. Startups’ exponential growth can only be made possible with conducive government policies and tax incentives, and hence the public sector has a crucial role to play. WSF is the platform to unify all these stakeholders into one place thereby maximizing the chances of creating more successful businesses in the future.
Why do I need to attend WSF’s annual Festival?
WSF annual Festival not only bring together startups, investors and corporations. But more importantly, you will also meet civil society leaders and government agencies, who will be crucial to help you in your business. Apart from that, there are so many exciting features of the Festival that caters to your needs such as the Collaboratorium, IdeaPad, LaunchPad, Angels and Unicorns and Chat Pods. Learn more about it at the WSF Festival section.
I am interested to do internship with WSF. How do I apply?
Simply write an email to hello@worldstartupfestival.com stating your interest and how long you intend to have your internship, and please attach your resume. We will review your application and revert in due course.
I am a matured startup looking for late stage funding for scale and possibly listing. I don’t need early stage bootcamps. Is there room for me?
Yes, there is room for you. We will organize a bespoke bootcamp to cater for your specific needs, and thereafter connect you to late stage investors.
Can I become a WSF bootcamp trainer?
Sure you can. Simple send an email to accelerator@worldstartupfestival.com and state your interest and please attach your resume as well.
I am interested to attend the WSF bootcamps. How do I apply for the next one?
Please send an email to accelerator@worldstartupfestival.com to register your interest and we will inform you accordingly on the next bootcamp and the payment details.
