Tetris exec launches startup accelerator

The man who brought Tetris to North America is looking for the next big thing in tech. Henk Rogers, founder of Blue Planet Software and co-owner of The Tetris Company, has established a new accelerator called Blue Startups, and has begun searching for outfits needing investment.

Based in Hawaii, Blue Startups is looking to boost the island's "entrepreneurial ecosystem" by attracting the best and brightest to work in the state. The company has received a notification of funding from the Hawaii Strategic Development Corporation, and will use that money to boost its investment efforts. Given its location, the company will have an Asia Pacific focus, and is looking for new players in the gaming, mobile, online, software, and e-commerce fields.

Companies who receive support from Blue Startups will get $20,000 up front, workspace for up to three people in Honolulu, "and access to more than $100,000 in services." In exchange, Blue Startups will take an equity stake.

"Blue Startups represents the development of Hawaii's entrepreneurial ecosystem," said Rogers. "By attracting talented entrepreneurs to our community, we enhance it. We believe the best will stay in Hawaii. Many will likely build several companies-a powerful dynamic when you're talking about 10 to 20 companies per year."