Running a startup can be tough for different reasons depending on where you are in the lifecycle of your company.

Accelerators like 500 Startups popped up around the world to support local startups and develop an ecosystem which teaches, connects, funds, and helps them grow big and strong to support the local and regional economies as they grow.

Today I have the privilege of speaking with Ee Ling Lim, who was recently promoted to be the Head of APAC Business Development at 500 Startups, where her and her team focus on working with corporations and governments to invest in the development of local startup ecosystems alongside them.

She’s also the Co-Founder and CEO of Smarter Me, an education platform, which equips children with the skillset, mindset and heartset to define their own success and happiness in the future.

We talk about:

• Why would a founder apply to 500 Startups?
• What does 500 Startups look for in companies?
• How do people apply for 500 Startups?
• What is the best part of working with startups?
• What is the hardest part of working with startups?
• What is the best startup idea you’ve been pitched?
• What is the worst startup idea you’ve been pitched?
• What is something you wish you could change about startups and the investment world?
• How is investment changing?
• What does the future of investing and startups look like?

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