Exclusive acceleration program designed to JUMPSTART your startup into the Global Markets

Change the world as you live, learn and grow in Silicon Valley among the smartest minds and the most ambitious people from around the world

Astana Hub and Draper University are partnering to bridge the IT-communities of Central Eurasian countries and California to open opportunities for local startups to step up in tech capital of the world – Silicon Valley.

We will help you to:

Exposure

Hero Training is an immersive learning experience in the Tech Capital – Silicon Valley, with an opportunity to attract Smart Money from the leading Venture Capitalists.

Created for ambitious entrepreneurs, looking to build on their existing skill sets, expand their network, and get ahead in launching a business. They can plug into the energy and excitement that permeates Silicon Valley, and learn to think like an entrepreneur.

Gain Expertise 

The program is delivered by Silicon Valley experts, and aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills they need to turn their ideas into successful startups. The program is divided into 12 modules, each focused on a different aspect of startup development and entrepreneurship.

Fundraise

Upon completion of the Hero Training, the graduates will be integrated in Silicon Valley and have the opportunity to Raise Global Funding.
Take your first steps into the IT community of Silicon Valley by leveraging the benefits of mentorship and community from Draper University.

Push your limits

Our program is designed to challenge and inspire startups, pushing them beyond their limits and helping them to achieve their full potential. Through our eduactional workshops, networking sessions, and mentorship, we will help startups to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in the fast-paced world of tech.

Why Draper’s Ecosystem?

38

Years in Venture

11

Funds Managed

$7

Billion Deployed

34

Unicorn Companies

3300

Students Educated

700

Startups Accelerated

$950M

Raised

101

Countries with Alumni

The Program Consists of 3 Stages

01

Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship

Online Pre-Acceleration Program     

•‎ Num. of Participants: Up to 80

•‎ Duration: 2 weeks

•‎ Format: Virtual

     

Program consists of:

- Business Development

- Online Activities

- 1:1 Mentoring

- Aссess to Pre-Seed funding up to $100,000 from Draper University's dedicated alumni fund 

   

    

Sponsored by Astana Hub (free)

• Decision Maker (CEO/Founder) participation: Obligatory participation of CEO or project founder, with a majority stake in the company

02

Hero Training

   

On-site acceleration in Silicon Valley

•‎ Num. of Participants: 15

•‎ Duration: 5 weeks

•‎ Format: offline in Draper University Campus, Silicon Valley

    

Topics covered:

- Vision and Future

- Money and Resources

- Strenght and Speed

- Legal and Justice

- Creativity

- Special Power

- Evangelism

- Survival

- Ideal pitchdeck

•‎ Participation Fee (see details below)

• Decision Maker (CEO/Founder) participation: Obligatory participation of CEO or project founder, with a majority stake in the company

03

Residency Program

   

Fundraising and Sales Period

•‎ Num. of Participants: 15

•‎ Duration: 20 weeks

•‎ Format: offline in Draper University Campus, Silicon Valley

    

What's included:

- Co-working Space

- Co-living Space

- Networking

- Mentorship

- Community

- Fundraising opportunities

   

•‎ Participation Fee (see details below)

* The CEO or founder of a company has the right to send an official representative to Silicon Valley to continue participation in the Residency Program

Participant Feedback

Almira Ali

Founder & CEO Big Dream Lab 

"We didn't think they would surprise us with anything. We assumed it would all be easygoing. But Draper University always keeps you on your toes, and you never know what's coming next. Each startup had the opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with Tim Draper and prominent investors from Silicon Valley. However, no investor will sit and listen to you comfortably, so the program will teach you how to pitch effectively."

Yana Shoibekova

Executive Director
Citix

"Hero Training has brought a lot of interesting experiences and helped me uncover hidden potential and talents within myself. None of us knew what awaited us. The program is very intense, vibrant, and the level of creativity among the companies is off the charts. We deliberately went to Silicon Valley in search of new partners. We had the chance to attend Tech Week 2023 and interact with venture capitalists and mature companies that have successfully fundraised. Tim Draper himself took an interest in us, and overall, we have developed a clear plan for our expansion in the US market."

Ayan Ispola

СЕО Alaqan Technologies

"It's amazing to test your product in the realities of the US, especially in Silicon Valley. I believe that if you conquer the American market, other markets will follow suit. The American market can be compared to a beehive—it's incredibly buzzing. In just two weeks of offline acceleration and the environment we were thrown into, our mindset changed completely. We are constantly pushed out of our comfort zone to bring out our best qualities, and all the processes in this program are somehow linked to having fun. The program's methodology works through physical efforts combined with human psychology and thinking. The boundaries of what is allowed and achievable expand greatly. Many invisible walls crumble, and it affects your belief in what you believe and that you are invincible. The program is not called Hero Training for nothing; it turns us into superheroes. Those who catch the flow, ride that wave, feel awesome right now. They say that if you haven't pitched yourself 200 times, you haven't pitched at all. You have to step out of your comfort zone before they force you to, because every day, we are given at least 10 opportunities, and we must make use of them."

Mukhtar Kuanyshbaiuly

General Director
Connected Home

"The program is well-structured. After the five-week offline acceleration in Silicon Valley, the Kazakhstani market became small for us. From the very beginning of the startup, I aimed to scale into the US market. Thanks to Astana Hub and Hero Training, we have come even closer to our goal. The program is very intense both mentally and physically, so it was challenging to maintain a single focus. It was an impressive experience for all of us, which also contributed to personal growth. We have already scheduled conference calls and meetings with partners and investors from the US in the near future. There are plenty of opportunities in Silicon Valley, and the market is enormous. You can meet an interesting startup entrepreneur who raised $50,000 in a coffee shop out of nowhere."

Investment Opportunities

Online Demo Day on Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship

 

Up to $100,000 from Draper University's dedicated alumni fund

Demo Day at the end of Hero Training

 

Demo Day with leading Silicon Valley venture capitalists.

In all time, Draper University alumni have raised $950 million.

Hero Training | Past Speakers

Global game-changers

Tim Draper

Founder

DraperU / Draper Venture Network

Josh Constine

Venture Partner

Signal Fire

Nathan Beckord

CEO

Foundersuite

Itamar Novick

Solo Venture Capitalist

Recursive Ventures

Surbhi Sarna

Group Partner

Y Combinator

Andy Tang

Partner

Draper Associates

William Santana Li

CEO

Knightscope

Dheeraj Pandey

CEO

DevRev

Important Dates

  • August 6

    Application Deadline

  • August 14

    Virtual pre-acceleration

    (2-weeks, online)

  • August 31

    Selection of TOP-15 project to the Hero Training Program

  • October 9

    Hero Training in Silicon Valley

    (5-weeks, on-site)

  • November 11

    Residency Program in Silicon Valley

    (20-weeks, on-site)

Limited seats available!

Features of The Program

Infrastructure

•‎ Co-living: Living Space designed for entrepreneurs in the birthplace of leading Tech Giants

•‎ Co-working: Get access to a co-working community that promotes creativity, collaboration & entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley.

Education

•‎ Expertise - Elevate your startup to the international level with the expertise provided by top Silicon Valley speakers like Elon Musk.

•‎ Mentorship - Guidance from mentors that have facilitated the growth of a number of successful startups.

Networking

•‎ Fundraising - Entering the Draper Ecosystem will put your startup on the spotlight of the top investors 

•‎ Networking - Leverage the extensive IT networking opportunities that are open to the members of Draper Ecosystem.

Requirements of Participation in each part of the Program

ONLINE

Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship

OFFLINE

Hero Training & Residency Program

Stage: We accept startups at MVP (minimum viable product), PMF (product/market fit) and Scale stage (projects at scale and export stage).

• CEO participation: Obligatory participation of CEO or project founder, with a majority stake in the company

• Tech startup: A startup must include a Tech-component in its structure.

• The language of the program: Good understanding of English to master the material provided. 
 
• Designed for Citizens and Startups from the following countries:

- Azerbaijan

- Georgia

- Kazakhstan

- Kyrgyz Republic

- Mongolia

- Tajikistan

- Turkmenistan

- Turkiye

- Uzbekistan


   

    

Note: Alumni of Astana Hub Programs such as Silkway Accelerator and Scalerator programs will have an advantage in the selection process

Participation fee – Special Offer by Astana Hub

| Selected participant must pay participation fee to get access into Hero Training and Residency Program

     

For resident of Astana Hub                  

    

$5,000

* Payment in case of successful completion of the virtual 2-week pre-acceleration program and selection to the top 15 projects for the program in Silicon Valley

* The amount of payment for residents of Kazakhstan is paid in KZT and may vary due to differences in currency exchange rates

For those who are willing to become a resident of

Astana Hub

$5,000

+ $20,000 (Deposit)

* Refundable Deposit of $20,000 after becoming a resident of Astana Hub

Note: The deadline for obtaining a resident status is December 2023

* As an Astana Hub resident, you will Benefit from tax preferences, simplified visa regime and access to resources of Astana Hub partners

click here for more information

   

* Payment in case of successful completion of the virtual 2-week pre-acceleration program and selection to the top 15 projects for the program in Silicon Valley

For non-resident of

Astana Hub

    

$25,000

* Payment in case of successful completion of the virtual 2-week pre-acceleration program and selection to the top 15 projects for the program in Silicon Valley

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FAQ

  • What are the requirements for participation in the Program?

    Requirements for participation in the online part of the program

    • Stage: We accept startups at MVP(minimum viable product), PMF (product/market fit) and Scale stage (projects at scale and export stage).

    • CEO participation: Obligatory participation of CEO or project founder, with a majority stake in the company

    • Tech startup: A startup must include a Tech-component in its structure.

    • The language of the program: Good understanding of English to master the material provided. 

    • Designed for Citizens and Startups from the following countries:

    - Azerbaijan

    - Georgia

    - Kazakhstan

    - Kyrgyz Republic

    - Mongolia

    - Tajikistan

    - Turkmenistan

    - Turkiye

    - Uzbekistan

     

    To pass on-site portion of the program in Silicon Valley, the following requirements must be met:

    Successful completion of the ONLINE part of the program

     

    Availability of Funds: to pay for all expenses not covered by the Program, such as travel, meal, visa, insurance, Participation fee and other expenses arising during the your stay in the United States. 

     

    Valid US Visa OR submitted Visa application

    * Program participants are required to independently apply for a U.S. visa in advance. Startups with a U.S. visa may be given a preference in the selection process for the program.

  • What is the duration of the Program?

    Program consists of 2 stages:

     

    Online 

    Pre-acceleration program

    Duration: 2 weeks

     

    On-site in Silicon Valley

    1. Hero Training
      Duration: 5 weeks 

    Residency Program
    Duration: 20 weeks 

  • What is the cost of participation in the Program?

    The cost of participation in the online part of the program is subsidised by Astana Hub.

     

    The subsequent cost of participation in the on-site part of the program in Silicon Valley, which includes the Hero Training and Residency Program (not including airfare, visa fees, insurance, and meals), is:

    $5,000 for residents of Astana Hub

    $25,000 for non-residents of Astana Hub

     

    * The amount of payment for residents of Kazakhstan is paid in KZT and may vary due to differences in currency exchange rates

     

    * If you are non-resident, but want to become a resident and get a Special Offer by Astana Hub, you have to apply and become a resident of Astana Hub by the end of December 2023.

     

  • In what language will the program be conducted?

    Language of the whole program is English.

  • I am the Decision Maker (CEO/Founder) of a startup/company and my citizenship is not from an OTS country. Can I apply?

    We only accept CEOs whose citizenship belongs to Azerbaijan, Georgia Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,  Turkiye and Uzbekistan.

  • Can I bring family members with me to Silicon Valley?

    Astana Hub and/or Draper University do not cover any costs associated with bringing a family member or others.

  • What is the timeline for the program?

    Online pre-acceleration program dates:

    August 14 - August 25

     

    Hero Training:

    October 9 - November 10


    Residency Program:
    November 11, 2023 - March 31, 2024

  • Do I get guaranteed investments/grants during the program?

    No, there will not be guaranteed investments or grants during the programme.
    However, the participants will be added to the Draper’s and Astana Hub’s alumni list, which will guarantee a spotlight of some of the biggest investors.

  • Do I have to be physically present in Silicon Valley for the whole duration of the on-site program in Silicon Valley?

    Participation of the CEO or project founder, with a majority stake in the company is obligatory in Hero Training.

    Participation of the CEO or project founder, with a majority stake in the company is not obligatory in the Residency Program.

    * The CEO or founder of a company has the right to send an official representative to Silicon Valley to continue participation in the Residency Program

  • How do I determine whether my startup is at MVP, PMF or Scale stages?

    There is no clear guideline for defining what counts as the MVP, PMF or Scale stage of a startup.


    Our definition is: MVP - a minimum viable product

     

    PMF - a working sales channel, a clear understanding of growth, positive unit economics.

     

    Scale - startup is at the stage where the funds are allocated into the sales channels to increase.

  • Can a co-founder participate in the program instead of a CEO?

    Participation of a CEO or project founder, with a majority stake in the company is obligatory for the program.

  • What is Draper University?

    Draper University is a private, for-profit school located in San Mateo, California. It offers a leading pre-acceleration program in Silicon Valley, is proud to partner with diverse markets, institutions and organizations powered by various governments to fuel the growth of innovation hubs around the world.

  • What’s covered in the Participation Fee?

    By submitting the Participation Fee, participants of the program will have access to an intensive, immersive accelerator program in Silicon Valley. Access to co-living and co-working spaces, events, networking and mentorship support is covered by the Program.

  • What do I get by being an Astana Hub resident?

    By becoming an Astana Hub resident you get access to a variety of benefits, including tax exemptions, Partner resources, simplified working visa regime, A-class working spaces and other facilities. More about becoming an Astana Hub resident at this link

  • By becoming the Astana Hub resident, which portion of the Participation fee will I get back?

    For those participants, who already submitted a payment of $25,000 Participation Fee and later obtained Astana Hub residence, deposit of $20,000 will be refunded.

  • Will the Silkway Accelerator, Scalerator or any other Astana Hub acceleration programs alumni get a preference in the selection process of Hero Training?

    Yes, alumni of the Silkway Accelerator, Scalerator programs will get a preference in the selection of Hero Training.

By joining the Hero Training Telegram-chat you will receive

• Prompt feedback from the program supervisors

• Networking and community with program participants

Join the chat

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