Elevate Your Business With
Hawaii’s Virtual Investment Readiness and Business Scaling Program
"If You Want To Go Fast, Go Alone; But If You Want To Go Far, Go Together."
In reviewing the innovation landscape in Hawaii, we saw a large need in the community: Help for companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurs who want to get to “X” but don’t know how to get there – where “X” can be launching or pivoting your business, obtaining funding, rapidly increasing customers, or getting into accelerator programs, etc. preX is a springboard for those who want to get to the next step, and it’s why we built the program specifically for Hawaii’s founders and business owners.
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Get exclusive insights into the evaluation process for accelerator program applications. Learn actionable strategies to improve your future prospects and gain valuable insights into Hawaii’s top business scaling program, preX.
Free 4-Week Virtual Investment Readiness and Business Scaling Program
Designed For Hawaii's
- Founders
- Small-Business Owners
- Side-Gig Workers
- Innovators
- Entrepreneurs
Seeking to
- Raise Funding
- Gain Traction
- Pivot or Scale Your Business
- Apply to an Accelerator / Incubator Program
- Join a Community of Agile, Resilient, and Compassionate Individuals and Organizations
ABOUT preX
XLR8HI’s preX program is a transformative, virtual hyper-accelerator designed for Hawaii-based entrepreneurs, founders, small business owners, and startups at any stage of growth. Whether you’re just starting with an idea, actively scaling, or have already raised capital, preX provides a robust foundation to propel you forward. preX was launched in 2020 as an intensive investment readiness program to support Hawaii’s businesses, particularly on the underserved neighbor islands. Unlike traditional accelerators, preX embraces a dynamic, inclusive approach to foster sustainable growth for businesses of all types and stages. From providing tailored guidance from industry experts to facilitating connections with investors and resources, preX helps participants gain critical skills in areas like fundraising, scaling operations, and strategic growth. This stage- and sector-agnostic program is engineered to offer flexible, actionable support that meets the evolving needs of Hawaii-based businesses, ensuring that each company has the tools to thrive and scale in a competitive landscape.
Companies in preX join a vibrant network of Hawaii’s top business minds and gain access to an extensive mentor and investor network, including local and national partners. The program has proven results, with alumni generating over $100M in revenue and securing nearly $50M in funding, all while creating hundreds of jobs in Hawaii. With a focus on impact and inclusivity, preX also serves as a gateway for businesses led by women, Native Hawaiians, and underrepresented minorities, helping create economic opportunities across Hawaii. Now is your chance to join this powerful ecosystem, connect with mentors and investors, and accelerate your path to success. Apply today to start your journey with preX and unlock new growth opportunities for your business!
Get Ready
Lean on preX’s community of investors, experts, and fellow entrepreneurs
to guide you as you grow and elevate your business.
- To SCALE
- Refine your business model and identify the best funding path for you and your business;
- Identify key priorities and action items to advance your business over the next 3-12 months;
- Connect and learn from other entrepreneurs, experts, investors and investment programs on how to grow and scale your business in Hawaii and beyond.
- To FUNDRAISE
- Learn about various forms of capital available for fundraising
- Craft a compelling pitch to attract investors, customers, and partners;
- Prepare for the investor due diligence process with bonus insider tips and tricks;
- Receive direct feedback from active investors during investor pitch day.
program Impact Since 2020
preX In Numbers
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+ Founders & Business Owners
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+ Hawaii Companies
0
Cohorts
0
Hawaii Islands
$
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MM+ Revenue Generated by preX Companies
$
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MM+ Funding Raised by preX Companies
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% preX Companies Led by Underrepresented Founder
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% preX Companies based on Maui, Kauai, or Hawaii Island
Resources, Guidance, Network
What we Offer
Cohort Pitch Practice & Due Diligence Sessions
Fireside Chats with Local Accelerators & Entrepreneurs
Guest Webinars
with Experts & Investors
Investor Pitch Day
1-on-1 Office Hours
with the preX Team
Peer Working Sessions
Online Courses & Tutorials
Award-Winning, Curated Content
Community of Support
4-Week Investment Readiness and Business Scaling Accelerator
The preX Program
The preX Hyper Accelerator is a dynamic, 4-week virtual program designed to elevate Hawaii-based businesses through a combination of live, interactive sessions, and tailored mentorship. Here’s what you can expect as part of the preX experience:
Program Structure
- Live Guest Expert Workshops: Typically MWF 11:30am – 1:30pm*
- Weekly Office Hours
- Investor and Expert Meetings
- Pitch Practices
- Additional Proprietary Library of Resources
Time Commitment
- Minimum Commitment: ~10-15 hours / week
- Recommended Commitment: ~15-20 hours / week
Topics Covered
- Financials
- Funding Options
- Business Operations
- PR & Marketing
- Design and Branding
- Legal Considerations
- Accounting and Bookkeeping
- Pitching
- And More
*Pending cohort availability.
JOIN THE preX OHANA & APPLY TODAY
The Application Process
Round 1: The process begins with a quick Round 1 Application (~10 minutes to complete). Our team will respond to you within a week of submission.
Round 2: If you're selected to move on, you will receive an invitation to the Round 2 Application providing additional information about your venture.
Round 3: The final step of the process, you may be invited to an interview to personally connect with the preX team.
Acceptance is on a rolling basis, and spots can fill up quickly. Apply as early as possible to increase your chances of securing a seat in the preX program.
Testimonials
what our Alumni have to say
"This was the most valuable 4 weeks of learning since I started my company. I felt like this took all the bits and pieces I've put together as an entrepreneur and tied them up in a cohesive format that will enable me to move forward in a more productive and less haphazard way. Thank you for helping me determine which direction I should move forward in (and several directions that I should not.)"
Christopher DamitoFounder & CEO, Iwahai 
"If you are an entrepreneur in Hawaii and you want to scale your business, or seek capital or acquisition, this program is quite simply essential. You need these people, their experience, contacts and values. We can’t recommend it highly enough. But be prepared to work!"
Barbara and Paul LoganOwners, Uncle’s Ice Cream 
"As a participant, you will clarify who your unique customer is and refine your brand message in order to reach them. You will learn about investment opportunities and discover ways to think bigger about what's possible for your business. I'm so thankful for the resources and the amazing network of people that this program connected me to. Happy to be part of the preX family!"
Roxy OrtizCo-Founder, Wooden Wave 
“It helped us from every approachable aspect of the business. From honing in on our customer persona and discovery to evaluating proper financial vehicles to scale OR grow our business. It's a tough but friendly look in the mirror that is helping us actualize what kind of company we are and what we need to do to achieve our goals with aloha as our North Star.”
Ethan WestFounder & CEO, Piko Provisions 
"It was mind-blowing, for real! So much valuable information and really amazing hosts and guest speakers. I am a different entrepreneur coming out of this and I love it!!!"
Malie SarsonaCo-Founder, Waimea Herb Company 
"This was the most valuable 4 weeks of learning since I started my company. I felt like this took all the bits and pieces I've put together as an entrepreneur and tied them up in a cohesive format that will enable me to move forward in a more productive and less haphazard way. Thank you for helping me determine which direction I should move forward in (and several directions that I should not.)"
"The presentations on the subject along with the access to (and generous time with) experienced (and local!) investors of several varieties. We had very little knowledge about angels, VCs and that whole world and process and it’s opened our eyes. Also we feel less uncomfortable talking with them and our process ahead.”
"As a participant, you will clarify who your unique customer is and refine your brand message in order to reach them. You will learn about investment opportunities and discover ways to think bigger about what's possible for your business. I'm so thankful for the resources and the amazing network of people that this program connected me to. Happy to be part of the preX family!"
“It helped us from every approachable aspect of the business. From honing in on our customer persona and discovery to evaluating proper financial vehicles to scale OR grow our business. It's a tough but friendly look in the mirror that is helping us actualize what kind of company we are and what we need to do to achieve our goals with aloha as our North Star.”
"It was mind-blowing, for real! So much valuable information and really amazing hosts and guest speakers. I am a different entrepreneur coming out of this and I love it!!!"
Why preX
With over a decade of experience working with, training, and investing in Hawaii’s entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses, our team’s work has been recognized locally and nationally multiple times by entities like the Small Business Administration, Economic Development Administration, and even featured in Forbes.
We’ve also worked heavily with, and have been trusted by, local state entities such as: High Technology Development Corporation, City and County of Honolulu, Oahu Economic Development Board, Maui Economic Development Board, Hawaii Island Economic Development Board, Economic Development Alliance of Hawaii, and the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.
Federal Support
State Support
Community Support
JOIN THE preX OHANA & APPLY TODAY
The Application Process
Round 1: The process begins with a quick Round 1 Application (~10 minutes to complete). Our team will respond to you within a week of submission.
(ROUND 1 APPLICATIONS CLOSE SUNDAY, 11/21/2021).
Round 2: If you're selected to move on, you will receive an invitation to the Round 2 Application providing additional information about your venture.
Round 3: The final step of the process, you may be invited to an interview to personally connect with the preX team.
Acceptance is on a rolling basis, and spots can fill up quickly. Apply as early as possible to increase your chances of securing a seat in the preX program.
FAQs
You Ask, We Answer
No, this is a virtual program and we invite businesses from across Hawaii to participate. There will be opportunities in the future to gather together and meet through networking events, showcase and demo days, pau hana, and more.
The program is currently 100% free, but this may change in the future. We only ask for your commitment to maximize your time with the resources made available for you during the program’s 4 weeks and to support your fellow cohort members during and after the program. 🙂
While funding is not guaranteed for any company, preX companies will have the chance to pitch to external investors for additional funding opportunities.
preX is approximately 1-month long (occasionally this may vary by a week or so due to holidays).
Nope, we’re open to all sectors. In fact, we’ve worked with all types of companies ranging from ice cream cookies to innovative solar technology to organic baby food to cancer therapeutics… and everything in between. We have the experience and expertise network to support you in any sector.
Nope again. 🙂 preX was created for business owners at any stage, whether just starting out with an idea or already generating millions in revenue. We’re here to help you get to X – whatever that next step is in your journey.
Yes, we welcome nonprofits. The solutions and services you provide are vital to Hawaii’s wellbeing and economy, and the resources, expertise and best practices we provide can help multiply your impact.
Submit your questions HERE and we will get back to you as soon as possible.