Brinc2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
Hong Kong venture accelerator founded in 2014. Runs sector programs with governments and corporates across 11 countries, including a 12-week HK Financial Innovation Program.
- Varies
- Funding
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- Equity
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- Program length
- Dates TBA
- Applications
About Brinc
Brinc is a venture accelerator founded in Hong Kong in 2014 by Manav Gupta, Bay McLaughlin and Bashar Aboudaoud. Gupta is the CEO. It started with one of Hong Kong's first hardware and IoT accelerators.
In December 2021 it raised $130 million in a round led by Animoca Brands to build Web3 accelerators and expand abroad. Brinc now lists operations in 11 countries: the UAE, Hong Kong, India, Saudi Arabia, Korea, Oman, Qatar, Japan, Bahrain, the Philippines and Canada. Its model is different from a YC-style fund.
Much of its work is running accelerators on behalf of governments, corporates and foundations. Each program has its own sponsor, focus and terms. Current programs on its founders page include Rosewood Seeds for food and beverage waste, a 12-week Hong Kong Financial Innovation Program run with Ripple for apps on the XRP Ledger, a Web3 accelerator, the A4X accelerator for Indian startups with GVFL, and programs in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Terms vary a lot. Some programs invest, some are free, and some charge a fee. Brinc reports co-investing alongside names such as Tim Draper and Sam Altman.
Founders should read each program's terms before applying.
What Brinc looks for
Brinc's programs are sponsor-driven, so fit with the theme matters most. Current calls favour Web3 and digital assets, financial infrastructure, food and beverage sustainability, and startups ready to expand into the Gulf or Asia. Teams usually need a working product, a clear market-entry plan for the program's region and readiness to work with corporate or government partners. Ask how the sponsor measures success before you apply.
How the Brinc program works
There is no single Brinc batch. Each program is built with a partner and has its own length, location and terms. The Hong Kong Financial Innovation Program runs for 12 weeks with Ripple and focuses on financial apps on the XRP Ledger.
Rosewood Seeds, run with the Rosewood Foundation, backs early startups that cut waste in the food and beverage chain. Its 2026 call closed on September 14. Regional programs such as Misk Launchpad in Saudi Arabia, Tamkeen Mashroo3i in Bahrain and MBRIF in the UAE mix workshops, mentoring and corporate introductions.
Brinc also runs a virtual accelerator with MONIIFY, roadshows to the UAE, and an AI platform called VentureVerse. Upcoming programs in sustainability, Web3 and AI currently have waitlists only.
How to apply to Brinc
- 1Open brinc.io/founders and review the list of ongoing programs.
- 2Pick a program that matches your sector and region, then read its page for funding, fees and equity.
- 3Apply through that program's own form, or join the waitlist for upcoming sustainability, Web3 or AI programs.
- 4Expect screening calls and, for sponsored programs, a review by the partner organization.
- 5Confirm in writing whether the program involves a fee, an investment or an advisory stake before signing.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Brinc vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brinc | Varies | Varies | Hong Kong | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Wayra (Telefónica) | Up to $5.8M | Minority stake | Madrid | Rolling admissions |
| EIC Accelerator | Up to $2.9M | None on grant | EU | November 4, 2026 (8 days left) |
| PearX | Up to $2M | ~7% | San Francisco Bay Area | Rolling admissions |
| Dreamit Ventures | Up to $1.5M | Not published | New York | Rolling admissions |
| Seedcamp | Up to $1.3M | Varies | London, UK | Rolling admissions |
Brinc FAQ
When is the Brinc application deadline?+
Brinc has not announced its next deadline yet (Program-specific; waitlists for upcoming sustainability, Web3 and AI programs). We check the official site every month and update this page when dates are published.
How much does Brinc invest?+
There is no standard Brinc deal. Investment, fees and equity depend on the program. Brinc's own materials say a program relationship may involve fees, investment or advisory interests, and directory listings note some programs charge companies to take part. Check the specific program page before applying.
Which Brinc programs are open?+
Brinc's founders page lists ongoing programs including the 12-week HK Financial Innovation Program with Ripple, Rosewood Seeds, a Web3 accelerator, A4X for India and several Gulf programs. The Rosewood Seeds 2026 call closed on September 14, 2026. Upcoming sustainability, Web3 and AI programs show waitlists only.
Is Brinc only in Hong Kong?+
No. Brinc is headquartered in Hong Kong but lists operations in 11 countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, India, Korea, Japan, the Philippines and Canada, with Vietnam marked as coming soon. Many of its current programs run in the Gulf region.
What is the HK Financial Innovation Program?+
It is a 12-week program led by Brinc with Ripple for startups building financial applications on the XRP Ledger. Coverage in 2026 described it as targeting payments and stablecoin infrastructure, with applications opening on June 8, 2026. A third-party listing says the Hong Kong program carries a fee, so confirm costs directly.
Sources: brinc.io, brinc.io, e27.co, yespress.io, slidebean.com, avcj.com