
About Us
We’re sharing entrepreneurship skills to accelerate innovation in Hawai’i

Entrepreneurs in Startup Paradise
Who we are
XLR8HI is a team on a mission to nurture, grow, and diversify Hawai’i’s economic ecosystem.
We help visionaries learn and startups launch. A hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, we are driven by an unwavering commitment to creating inclusive opportunities. We believe that enabling the visionary individuals and gritty small businesses that comprise Hawai’i’s economic landscape will lead to creative solutions to so many of today’s challenges.
We help visionaries learn and startups launch. A hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, we are driven by an unwavering commitment to creating inclusive opportunities. We believe that enabling the visionary individuals and gritty small businesses that comprise Hawai’i’s economic landscape will lead to creative solutions to so many of today’s challenges.
What we do
We host virtual and in-person classes, events, and workshops to support entrepreneurs in all sectors.
We share our resources intentionally – from knowledge to networks or funding – seeking to provide ripples of value across Hawai’i’s economic landscape. We seek to benefit all residents and stakeholders, not just a few.
We’re here for mom-and-pop shops refining their business model. For lifestyle solopreneurs crafting a pitch. For tech companies attracting capital. We provide resources for all stages of growth, lifting up business owners and taking their companies to the next level.
Our array of offerings includes both multi-week virtual courses as well as one-off classes and talk story sessions.
We also cultivate public-private partnerships. Day and night, we are in conversation with thought leaders across Hawai’i’s business ecosystem. We use our network to help craft and influence programming and policies that can positively impact the entire ecosystem.
We share our resources intentionally – from knowledge to networks or funding – seeking to provide ripples of value across Hawai’i’s economic landscape. We seek to benefit all residents and stakeholders, not just a few.
We’re here for mom-and-pop shops refining their business model. For lifestyle solopreneurs crafting a pitch. For tech companies attracting capital. We provide resources for all stages of growth, lifting up business owners and taking their companies to the next level.
Our array of offerings includes both multi-week virtual courses as well as one-off classes and talk story sessions.
We also cultivate public-private partnerships. Day and night, we are in conversation with thought leaders across Hawai’i’s business ecosystem. We use our network to help craft and influence programming and policies that can positively impact the entire ecosystem.
Why we do it
Did you know that for every 10,000 small businesses receiving venture capital funding in the U.S., only five of those startups are from Hawai’i?
Three states control around 90% of U.S. venture capital dollars. And 55% of all minority-owned businesses in the U.S. remain concentrated in California, Texas, Florida, and New York.
So, where does that leave Hawai’i? Must our local talent leave the islands to pursue their vision?
We say no, and this answer drives all our work. At XLR8HI we believe it’s possible to plant seeds AND nurture their growth, developing our economic community right here in Hawai’i.
Three states control around 90% of U.S. venture capital dollars. And 55% of all minority-owned businesses in the U.S. remain concentrated in California, Texas, Florida, and New York.
So, where does that leave Hawai’i? Must our local talent leave the islands to pursue their vision?
We say no, and this answer drives all our work. At XLR8HI we believe it’s possible to plant seeds AND nurture their growth, developing our economic community right here in Hawai’i.
Partner
Startup support comes in many forms, with corporate engagement being most crucial. If your organization is interested in making Hawai’i a better place to work and live, or in creating long-term, large-scale economic development, reach out.
Financial contributions and corporate partnerships profoundly impact the local entrepreneurs and communities we serve.
Financial contributions and corporate partnerships profoundly impact the local entrepreneurs and communities we serve.
Support
Small steps can create a business ecosystem able to nourish us all. Need to place an Amazon order soon? Before you do, select XLR8X as your AmazonSmile Charity. Then shop away! Amazon will donate .5% of your eligible purchases to our nonprofit’s efforts to diversify and nourish Hawaii’s economy. It’s that easy.