Startup ‘decelerators’ aim to inspire creativity in picturesque locations

Image: Change Ventur.es

A new wave of initiatives, or ‘decelerators’ as they are called, are inviting entrepreneurs to spend a couple of days, or even weeks recuperating against picturesque backdrops.

Programs such as deceler8.me and Geeks on a Beach believe that such settings build a more relaxed atmosphere for entrepreneurs to be rejuvenated, which will in turn inspire creativity and fruitful collaboration among participants. It is the exact opposite of startup accelerators, marked by its frenetic pace and sleepless nights.

From the scenic beaches of Boracay Island, Philippines to the great cultural history Bali offers, Asia offers plenty of potential locations for decelerators. Bali is home to two of them: deceler8.me and  Change Ventur.es, both run by Grace Clapham.

Change Ventur.es has a month-long program designed for participants to connect and work together with social, creative and business professionals. It’s also weaving a social mission into this program by seeking driven and aspiring individuals who are determined to generate sustainable solutions to solve social problems.

In the course of this program, which will run from September 9 to October 9, admitted participants will learn the essential skills of launching a successful business (or a not-for-profit venture): Design thinking, public speaking, customer development, marketing and branding, investor relations, and business model generation.

To give back to the host community of Indonesia, Change Ventur.es is seeking to sponsor a local Indonesian (either a resident of Indonesia or of Indonesian nationality) to become a Change Scholar and join this program.

This Change Scholarship is made possible through collective sponsorship by fellow Venturers. Providing such scholarships for individuals who otherwise would not have been able to afford these programs goes a long way towards catalyzing opportunities for collaboration and the exchanging of ideas.

Aspiring Venturers can apply through the website. Change Ventur.es also welcomes Change Scholar nominations.

Individuals can also apply to be a Change Scholar here. Only Indonesian residents or Indonesian nationals may apply.