Do you have the license to fail? 500Startups opens registrations for the 7th batch of its startup accelerator program

500Startups has opened registrations for the 7th batch of its accelerator program. As with the last

batch, the registrations for this batch will also be done via AngelList (registration link here). A press release regarding the same says that the 500Startups is looking for companies in -Consumer & Commerce, SMB / SaaS, Family Tech, Education, Marketing / Distribution services, Video Content & Infrastructure, Language / International, Mobile / Tablet, Financial Services / Payments and Food Tech

The geographies of focus remain the same as with the last batch, namely, Middle East, Latin America, Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa and Eastern/Western Europe. The Applications will be open for a whole month (7/16 – 8/16) and the fall program will likely start on 10/7. Batch 7 will have around 30 companies.

We caught up with Pankaj Jain, 500Startups' Venture Partner for India, for a few questions. -

YS: Can you share some of the key learnings for 500 startups after working with the previous batch?

Pankaj: We've found that using the AngelList applications has allowed us to reach startups that may not have had an opportunity to pitch investors from Silicon Valley before. It's another step towards the democratization of capital flow globally. Dropifi from Ghana is a great example of this.

YS: Which new countries are you expecting applications from this time around?

Pankaj: We hope to see more great startups applying from India. We also hope to see applications from high quality companies in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Africa and other parts of Asia.

YS: How did the Indian companies fare in previous batch and what are you expectations from Indian applicants this time around?

Pankaj: The Indian companies have done well. Some of them joined late because of delays in getting their visas, however, they've been working hard to build their distribution channels and ramp up their businesses. They have also made significant progress in communicating and pitching their businesses more effectively to customers and investors.

YS: What were some of your high points while working with the previous batch?

Pankaj:  Seeing the Indian companies making significant progress with distribution, reaching out and networking with mentors, investors, and other founders across the 500 Family and Silicon Valley has been great to see. Part of the value that 500 brings to Indian startups is an entry into Silicon Valley and allowing Indian founders to bring a little bit of the Valley culture and ecosystem back with them to India. I'm glad to see our Indian founders immersing themselves in the culture and taking it back with them.

YS: And on a lighter note, after super friends and star trek, what do you guys have in store for us this time?

Pankaj:  We have a "License to Fail" :-)

Register for a chance to be a part of the 7th batch of 500Startups