For the first time, Google is bringing its Demo Day to Asia. This event is set for September 20, 2018, in Shanghai, China. Just like the previous Demo Day events held in North America and Europe, Google Demo Day Asia will gather venture capital firms, businesses from the Google entrepreneurship network, and other investors to hear pitches from founders of startup businesses, this time coming from across the continent.
As a tradition, the giant technology company selects the best and most promising startups and ideas to be given the chance to seize this opportunity to solicit further funding through the event. Thus, it has opened applications for those new businesses that aim to take part in this activity.
The search for the most promising startups in the region will be up only until the end of day of July 1, 2018. For Filipino startup businesses, the application is facilitated through a sign-up site.
The best and most promising startups will be selected and shortlisted. Those will be given the rare opportunity to receive mentorship from no less than Google itself, which will help them deliver their promising pitches in the most persuasive manner to convince a panel of distinguished investors.
Selected Filipino startups will also get the represent the country on an all-expenses-paid immersion program to be held in China. There, they will learn more about the startup ecosystem directly from successful founders.
Globally, startups that have already pitched at the recent Google Demo Days have already raised a combined amount of up to $259 million (P13.7 billion). Google hopes that more startups with promising pitches and ideas from across Asia can also get the necessary support from participating investors through the event.
Google Demo Day Asia is another sign that the company is further strengthening its presence in China and the rest of Asia. In the past several months, Google has entered into partnership with a number of Chinese and Taiwanese firms, along with other Asian startups like India’s Dunzo (on-demand service provider) and Southeast Asia’s Go-Jek (ride-hailing firm).