Blackbox Connect Welcomes Sixteen Global Startups to Silicon Valley

Today, on the 5th anniversary of Blackbox Connect, we’re excited to announce the 17th edition of our Silicon Valley based residential program. The program, taking place from November 7th to 18th, is dedicated to leveling the playing field for the founders of born-global startups by helping them stretch their minds, focus their ambition, and hone their craft of entrepreneurship.

The 17th edition of the program brings the founders of sixteen exceptional startups from thirteen countries to Silicon Valley. Their time here will help empower them to become stronger leaders in not only their companies, but also their local startup communities.

As members of Google for Entrepreneurs’ expansive global partner network, these founders are coming to Silicon Valley from every corner of the world: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Ireland, Netherlands, Pakistan, Palestine, Poland, South Korea, Spain, Uganda, and the United Kingdom, and from organizations as diverse as Gaza Sky Geeks and TechStars.

“​Blackbox Connect is an invaluable program for startups looking to access the best Silicon Valley has to offer, while providing them with the tools and connections necessary to build global companies from day one,” says Mary Grove, Director of Google for Entrepreneurs. “We’re thrilled to partner with Blackbox on the 17th cohort, and support this truly global talent pool from across the Google for Entrepreneurs partner network​.”

The program culminates in a Startup Showcase on November 18th, at Fact0ry, the old archbishop’s mansion in San Francisco. Here, the founders will present their startups in front of a select audience of investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leading executives, including:

Adam Cheyer, Co-Founder of Siri & Viv
Keith Teare, Co-Founder of Techcrunch, Founder of Archimedes Labs
Anton Commissaris, Founding Business Team of Mint
Stina Ehrensvard, Founder & CEO of Yubico

To date, 270 startups from 63 countries have participated in our immersion program for international entrepreneurs based outside Silicon Valley. Many have become leaders in their local startup communities. Within three to nine months after the program, over 60% went on to raise funding and more than 90% of Blackboxers continue to grow their businesses. There have been nine exits to fuel the growth of global seed venture. We expect this cohort to add even more value to these numbers.

Ethnic and cultural diversity are inherent to Blackbox Connect operations. So far, the program has received over 4,000 applications from 108 countries. As a proud supporter of tech equity, Blackbox is also happy to report that 38% of Blackbox startups have at least one female co-founder — a number we expect to improve.

“We’ve come a long way from our days as a startup ourselves, growing our mission of supporting entrepreneurs grow their born-global startups.” said Fadi Bishara, Blackbox Founder and CEO. He added, “We’re grateful for partners like Google for Entrepreneurs who have been a key part of our growth. Together with their global network of entrepreneurial communities, we’ve aligned support for startups who are fueling economic growth in more countries around the world.”

Stay connected as we continue our journey with the 17th edition of Blackbox Connect on November 7th, 2016. We’ll be sharing updates on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #BBConnect.