Iterative2027 deadline, funding, equity and how to apply
Singapore accelerator for Southeast Asia, founded in 2020. Invests $150,000 to $500,000 for roughly 10 to 15%, paid upfront. Winter 2027 batch runs February to May 2027.
- Up to $500K
- Funding
- ~10 to 15%
- Equity
- 3 months
- Program length
- Dates TBA
- Applications
About Iterative
Iterative is a Singapore-based venture firm that runs a Y Combinator-style accelerator for startups in Southeast Asia. It was founded in 2020 by Hsu Ken Ooi and Brian Ma, a former Divvy Homes executive. Its first cohort of eight startups debuted in mid-2020.
Iterative invests $150,000 to $500,000 per company for roughly 10 to 15% equity. The full amount is wired on admission. There are no milestones, no clawbacks and no program fees.
Third-party listings describe the instrument as a post-money SAFE. The program is open to all industries and all stages. Iterative says it has backed companies that were two-week-old concepts with no traction, as well as companies with millions in revenue.
Startups must be based in Southeast Asia or sell mainly to customers there. Batches run twice a year. Each starts with a four-day in-person orientation, and the rest is remote, so founders can stay in their home market.
The last Demo Day drew more than 400 investors, and the founder community counts more than 200 people. Alumni have raised later rounds from investors such as Y Combinator, Sequoia, Monk's Hill Ventures, Wavemaker and Insight Partners. Spenmo, GoZayaan and CoderSchool are among its portfolio companies.
Applications are open for the Winter 2027 batch, which runs February to May 2027.
What Iterative looks for
Iterative says it looks at three things. Market: does the problem affect many people acutely? Evidence: proof that you are working on an important problem.
Founders: can this team solve it? It invests at every stage and in every industry, and states that an idea alone is enough to apply. It prefers founders who learn fast and show steady improvement, and reapplicants historically get in at twice the rate.
Third-party listings say it aims for companies that could reach $50 to $100 million in revenue within 5 to 10 years.
How the Iterative program works
Each batch lasts about three months. It opens with a four-day in-person orientation where founders meet their batch and their Lead Partner. The rest of the program is remote.
Every founder has a weekly one-hour office hour with a Lead Partner who has built and scaled a company. Every week or two there are group office hours with five to eight companies. Guest speakers come in weekly.
Past speakers include Airtable co-founder Emmett Nicholas, Product Hunt founder Ryan Hoover and Xendit co-founder Moses Lo. The last four weeks are a fundraising bootcamp with pitch practice and friendly investor pitches. Around week 12, startups present at an invite-only Demo Day.
After the batch, founders keep access to a founder concierge for introductions, perks on software tools, a job board and the alumni community.
How to apply to Iterative
- 1Confirm you are based in Southeast Asia or that most of your customers are there.
- 2Submit the online application for the Winter 2027 batch at iterative.vc/apply. You do not need to be incorporated yet.
- 3If your application passes review, do a 30-minute interview with a Venture Partner, followed by a General Partner interview.
- 4Expect a decision about two weeks after review. Everyone who interviews gets detailed feedback.
- 5If accepted, set up an eligible legal entity, receive the full investment and attend the in-person orientation.
Startup perks after acceptance
Accelerator startups qualify for most startup credit programs. These are the ones founders claim first.
Notable Iterative alumni
Companies that went through or were backed by Iterative.
Iterative vs similar accelerators
| Program | Funding | Equity | Location | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iterative | Up to $500K | ~10 to 15% | Singapore | Next deadline not announced yet |
| Antler | Up to $500K | Varies | 30 locations including New York, San Francisco, Austin, London, Singapore, Sydney | Rolling admissions |
| Antler Singapore | Up to $400K | 10% | Singapore | Rolling admissions |
| SGInnovate Deep Tech Programs | Varies | Varies | Singapore | Rolling admissions |
| Founders Factory | Varies | Not published | London, plus Perth, Singapore, Milan, Chicago | Rolling admissions |
| Wayra (Telefónica) | Up to $5.8M | Minority stake | Madrid | Rolling admissions |
Iterative FAQ
When is the Iterative application deadline?+
Iterative has not announced its next deadline yet (Winter 2027 batch, February to May 2027 (applications open)). We check the official site every month and update this page when dates are published.
How much does Iterative invest and for how much equity?+
Iterative invests between $150,000 and $500,000 for roughly 10 to 15% of the company. The full amount is paid immediately on admission, before the program starts. There are no milestones, no clawbacks and no program fees. Third-party listings describe the instrument as a post-money SAFE.
Do I have to move to Singapore?+
No. Each batch starts with a four-day in-person orientation, and the rest of the program is remote. Founders stay in their home market. You do need to be based in Southeast Asia or have most of your customers there, and you must set up an eligible entity before the money is wired.
Can I apply with only an idea?+
Yes. Iterative says it has invested in companies that were two-week-old concepts with no traction, and it invests across all stages and industries. It gives detailed feedback to everyone it interviews. Startups that reapply after a rejection have historically been accepted at twice the rate of first-time applicants.
When is the next Iterative batch?+
Applications are open for the Winter 2027 batch, which runs from February to May 2027. Iterative had not published a fixed deadline on its apply page as of late October 2026. You can sign up there for a reminder one month before the deadline. Iterative runs two batches a year.
Sources: iterative.vc, iterative.vc, startupgrantsindia.com, e27.co, e27.co, technode.global