Alpha Academy · Part of Apex Master Expos
Mana Up: Invited Member
Precondition: Apex Participant · Complimentary · Includes 2 Ads
Invited Member — Apex Ecosystem

Mana Up

Apex Member Partner — Honolulu, Hawaii

Apex Business Group Worldwide presents Mana Up — Hawaii's leading product accelerator and venture fund, founded in 2018 by Meli James and Brittany Heyd. Mana Up introduces 100% Hawaii-based companies to global markets, with 105 alumni companies generating over $105 million in revenue and creating 1,035+ jobs across the islands. Connecting emerging founders with the global Apex ecosystem across 80+ countries.

What Apex Is

Apex is a living ecosystem — one of its kind. A decentralized, member-owned global business platform across 80+ countries where preferred venture partners such as Mana Up can explore early-stage innovation quietly and selectively, while founders showcase on their MySite and gain clarity on what long-term investors truly seek. No middleman. By members, for members.

Invited Member
Mana Up

Founded in 2018 by Meli James and Brittany Heyd, Mana Up is Hawaii's leading product accelerator and venture fund dedicated to building the state's next generation of consumer brands. The organization introduces 100% Hawaii-based companies to global markets while boosting economic opportunity and jobs for the people of Hawaii. Meli James also serves as President of the Hawaii Venture Capital Association.

Mana Up's six-month accelerator program provides intensive support in brand development, e-commerce, global market expansion, storytelling, leadership development, and scaling operations. The program has supported 105 companies across 10 cohorts, with alumni generating over $105 million in revenue in 2024 and creating more than 1,035 jobs across the islands. Each cohort is selected from approximately 200 applications.

Mana Up founded and manages XLR8®, a series of community-focused accelerator and incubator programs. XLR8UH® is an award-winning venture accelerator investing in University of Hawaii entrepreneurs and technologies — ranked by Forbes as one of the top 30 accelerators in the nation. XLR8HI® serves as Hawaii's Entrepreneurship Center, and XLR8YOUTH™ is a first-of-its-kind innovation intensive for youth. In 2024, Mana Up acquired Acasia Group, expanding its global reach into the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.

Mission: We introduce Hawaii-based companies to global markets and boost economic opportunity for the people of Hawaii — building the state's next generation of consumer brands.
www.manauphawaii.com · info@manauphawaii.com
Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Key Figures
105
Alumni Companies
$105M+
Alumni Revenue (2024)
1,035+
Jobs Created
$6.3M
Venture Fund
10
Cohorts Completed
2018
Year Founded
6-Month
Accelerator Program
Invited
Apex Role

"There has been an organic growth of hundreds of local product companies — Mana Up provides the funding and resources to fuel their growth beyond Hawaii's borders."

— Meli James, Co-founder, Mana Up
Startup Application

Apply to the Apex Startup Discovery Program

Aligned with Mana Up' investment focus. Precondition: You must be an Apex Participant to submit. Registration is complimentary and includes 2 Golden Ads. This project is part of Apex Master Expos.

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Precondition: You must be an Apex Participant to submit this application. Registration at myapex.me is complimentary and includes 2 Golden Ads.
Your unique Apex Participant ID. You receive this upon registration at myapex.me. Required to submit.
1. Founder & Company Information
Basic information about you and your startup.
Describe what your company does in one sentence.
"We drive innovation and growth forward by providing expertise, capital, and connections." — Mana Up
Mana Up values founders with deep conviction, community impact, and a passion for solving real-world problems.
2. Problem & Technology
What are you building and why does it matter?
What is the problem, why is it important, and who suffers from it?
"Our passion is to build amazing and innovative companies and technologies." — Mana Up
Mana Up is sector agnostic but values technology-driven innovation. Describe how technology powers your offering.
3. Market & Traction
How big is the opportunity and what have you achieved so far?
Users, revenue, partnerships, pilots, LOIs, notable milestones.
4. Funding & Investment
Mana Up participates in pre-seed and seed financing rounds with preferred investment partners.
"We invest sweat equity alongside financial backing — building entities primed for investment and long-term impact." — Mana Up
What specifically draws you to Mana Up' approach, expertise, and community?
5. Additional Information
Important Disclaimer · Read Full Legal Notice →

Apex Business Group Worldwide SL (abc-worldwide.com/ecosystem) does not act as an investment broker, placement agent, or funding intermediary. Alpha Academy — Club Society Multiverses (abc-worldwide.com/alphaacademy) does not represent Mana Up or any investor. Mana Up is an invited member of the Apex Ecosystem. Submission does not guarantee review, response, or investment.

Mana Up may browse submitted applications at their sole discretion. All participation is voluntary and non-binding. Apex does not sell applicant data. This project is part of Apex Master Expos.

For questions: info@gotoapex.com · Book a call with an Apex Expert · View Schedule · Full Legal Disclaimer

Apex Ecosystem with Golden Ads

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Remember

Apex is a living ecosystem — one of its kind. A decentralized, member-owned global business platform across 80+ countries where preferred venture partners such as Mana Up can explore early-stage innovation quietly and selectively, while founders showcase on their MySite and gain clarity on what long-term investors truly seek. No middleman. By members, for members.

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Whether you are a founder with a breakthrough idea or an investor seeking early discovery — the Apex Ecosystem is built for you.

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Golden Ads — "Who I Am · What I Want" — Complimentary for Apex Participants (includes 2 Ads) · info@gotoapex.com · www.abc-worldwide.com