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Ecosystem Roundup: Singapore’s startup scene kicks off 2025 strong | Motion Ventures’s US$100M maritime tech fund | SoftBank acquires Ampere for US$6.5B

Dear reader,

Singapore’s tech startup ecosystem is showing resilience amid shifting investment patterns in Q1 2025.

While total funding dipped 9.1% year-on-year, the quarter saw a strong 30.8% recovery from Q4 2024. The standout trend? Late-stage startups dominated, with funding surging 110.2% quarter-on-quarter, highlighting investor preference for mature, de-risked ventures.

Enterprise Infrastructure emerged as the clear winner, attracting a record US$640M—over 3,000% growth from Q4 2024. In contrast, fintech and high tech saw steep declines, reflecting shifting priorities in the region’s digital economy. Meanwhile, early-stage startups faced a funding crunch, raising concerns about long-term innovation pipelines.

Singapore retained its stronghold, securing 95% of total SEA startup funding. The quarter also saw a steady pace of unicorn creation, with Sygnum joining the club. While acquisitions outpaced IPOs, investor interest remained high, signalling a maturing ecosystem. The recalibration suggests a more selective, strategic approach—one that favours stability and scalability.

…..

And, we have given the Ecosystem Roundup a fresh new look—cleaner, sharper, and more insightful—along with exciting new content categories to bring you even more value.

Enjoy reading!

Sainul,
Editor.

REGIONAL NEWS

Top-funded business models reveal shifting tech investment priorities in SEA
According to the latest SEA Tech Quarterly Funding Report by Tracxn, the types of business models that attracted the most capital in Q1 2025 clearly reflect investor sentiment and changing market dynamics.

Motion Ventures launches US$100M maritime tech fund in Singapore
Over the next 18 to 24 months, Motion Ventures Fund II plans to invest between US$250,000 and US$10,000,000 in at least 25 companies.

Venturi Partners launches US$225M Fund II for Asian consumer brands
Venturi’s Fund will continue to focus on high-growth areas such as retail, education, healthcare, and FMCG in India and Southeast Asia.

Funding Societies raises strategic equity investment from Gobi Partners
The SME lender said it has already disbursed over US$4B in business financing to approximately 100,000 SMEs and processed annualised payments gross transactions of over US$1.4B.

Malaysia’s wealth management startup Versa bags US$6.8M Series A
The investors are AHAM Asset Management and Tengku Fahad Mua’adzam Shah | Since launching in 2021, the platform has grown to offer nearly 20 conventional and Shariah-compliant funds.

Kyberlife lands US$3M to scale regional healthcare marketplace
The investors include 5I Ventures, East Ventures, A2D Ventures, and NUS Alumni Ventures | Kyberlife connects research and healthcare suppliers globally with laboratories, healthcare institutions, and research centres in SEA.

Higala extends seed round to bring instant payments to underserved banks in PH
The investors are 1982 Ventures and Talino Venture Studios | Higala broadens financial access across the Philippines by integrating rural banks, thrift banks, commercial banks, and e-money issuers into its network.

Malaysia’s secondhand furniture startup Unearth secures funding
1337 Ventures is the investor | Unearth offers a full-service model that includes furniture pickup, refurbishment, and resale | With the new funding, Unearth plans to enhance its supply chain operations and improve refurbishment processes.

SG competition watchdog says no Grab-GoTo merger notice received
While aware of merger discussion reports, CCCS advised the companies to seek legal advice to comply with competition laws | It remains open to engagement through its merger notification and pre-notification discussion processes.

Meet the winners of East Ventures’s IndoBuild AI inaugural Demo Day in Jakarta
IndoBuild AI, launched earlier this year, serves as a platform designed to equip AI innovators with resources to develop practical solutions.

FEATURES AND INTERVIEWS

Techcoop CEO on scaling agritech, sustainable farming, and global expansion
By digitising everything from inventory management to invoicing, Techcoop enables users to increase revenue while reducing operational costs.

With Giken Sakata partnership, 5.0 ROBOTICS is bringing human-centered robotics to Southeast Asia
The partnership includes a plan to set up an academy to upskill traditional manufacturing workers and train new talent in 5.0 ROBOTICS tech.

How Pyxis aims to help the maritime industry achieve net-zero goals with its electric vessels
Pyxis R requires only the power equivalent of three to four hairdryers to cruise along the Singapore River.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

SoftBank acquires AI data centre chipmaker Ampere for US$6.5B
Ampere specialises in CPU chips for data centres, focusing on applications in AI | Ampere’s CPUs, built on Arm architecture, are used by Oracle, which will sell its stake in the company along with Carlyle Group.

Vertex Ventures Japan launches with US$67M fund to propel Japanese startups globally
The new fund will focus on high-growth sectors, including deeptech, AI, digital transformation, and the creator economy.

FOMC lits a spark: US equities, treasuries, and cryptocurrencies all riding the waves
The Fed held rates steady, slowed QT, and fuelled market optimism, driving equities, crypto gains, and a cautious global economic outlook.

Saemin Ahn returns to Rakuten Capital
He rejoins the firm after a stint at 500 Global | Ahn was instrumental in establishing Rakuten’s CVC initiative, which was launched as Rakuten Ventures in 2014 | Over nearly a decade, he helped steer the fund’s early investments in technology startups across Asia and the US.

Bitcoin falls to US$81,300 as gold shines ahead of FOMC meeting 2025
Markets brace for the FOMC meeting as gold surges, stocks slip, and geopolitics stir uncertainty in a complex financial landscape.

One of Tesla’s top Wall Street supporters says Elon Musk faces a ‘moment of truth’
“If you agree or disagree with DOGE it misses the point that by Musk spending 110% of his time with DOGE (and not as Tesla CEO) since President Trump got back into the White House this has essentially turned Tesla into a political symbol,” Wedbush’s Dan Ives wrote.

SEMICONDUCTOR

Singapore’s semiconductor stars: A look at key players and startups
Singapore’s neutral geopolitical stance and efficient logistics system make it an attractive hub for chipmakers looking to diversify their supply chains.

‘The future of semiconductor manufacturing is regional’: Global TechSolutions CEO
Kenneth Lee discusses how Global TechSolutions leverages its regional network across Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan to overcome semiconductor industry challenges.

South Korea’s semiconductor revolution: The startups behind the boom
South Korea’s semiconductor startup industry is thriving with government-backed initiatives, including a US$19.1B support programme, mega chip clusters, and an ecosystem fund.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Singapore explores AI-driven defence autonomy with Anduril
Anduril’s Lattice for Mission Autonomy software platform will be utilised to develop autonomous behaviours that allow soldiers to make informed decisions quickly.

Why AI needs context and curiosity, not toxic positivity
Savvy data practitioners now realise that governance, while never sexy, has taken on a new and heightened importance in the age of AI.

Startup in the AI era: Building global companies ‘piece by piece’
Fractional entrepreneurship is reshaping Korea’s startup ecosystem, enabling professionals to launch ventures while maintaining careers.

Why we’re saying “no” to DeepSeek for now
This article examines the various factors that influenced my company’s decision to postpone the adoption of DeepSeek.

More choices, less hassle: Unlocking retail magic with AI and tech
The retail sector is evolving to meet emerging generations’ expectations for hyper-personalised, seamless experiences.

LLM prompting, fine-tuning, RAG, or AI agents: Which AI is better for marketing?
In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, the key is to match your AI strategy with your business’s scale, resources, and goals.

How to use Gen AI-enabled chatbots for workplace safety?
By using the power of Gen AI, industries can not only meet but exceed current safety standards, setting a new benchmark for the future.

Beyond the inbox: How SEA startups can drive growth with AI-powered communication
According to Stephen Hamill of 8×8, growth fueled by AI-powered engagement will become a critical to startup communication strategies.

Small business, big impact: How AI is democratising entrepreneurship
AI isn’t just for bigshots; discover how small businesses are using it to personalize, build free websites & go global.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Navigating the capital winter: Strategies for successful fundraising in a slow market
As the capital winter could be prolonged, it is time for the founder to know how to survive and sustain longer and wisely.

Securities Commission of Malaysia’s new regulatory sandbox summarised
Malaysia’s new regulatory sandbox will enable more innovative capital market products and services such as tokenised securities.

Skills for the gig age: Empowering workers in Malaysia for the future of work
The gig economy can prove to be the solution to reduce the stagnant unemployment rate that Malaysia has been plagued by.

Bridging the skills gap: Empowering companies in Malaysia for success
As Malaysia continues its journey towards economic prosperity, bridging the skills gap remains a pressing priority.

Why startups need mobile apps to thrive in today’s competitive market
Discover how mobile apps can boost startup success, increase visibility, and drive revenue in today’s competitive digital marketplace.

The double-edged sword of personal branding: A journey of discovery
Building a personal brand is not a decision to be taken lightly, nor is it a one-size-fits-all solution for career advancement.

Unlocking startup investment: The vital role of virtual data rooms
Craft your data room thoughtfully, and it will become a strategic asset in your quest for capital and growth.

Skill-based hiring vs industry-based hiring: How should one decide?
Before an employer starts the hiring process, it is imperative to note the pros and cons of both to proceed.

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HEINEKEN launches Global Generative AI Lab in Singapore to drive innovation

Left to right: Surajeet Ghosh (Chief AI Officer, HEINEKEN); Dr Ralph Ostertag (Director Digital & Technology APAC and Global GenAI Lab, HEINEKEN); Laurence Liew (Director, AI Innovation, AI Singapore); Kenneth Choo (Managing Director, APAC, HEINEKEN); Melissa Guan (Vice President and Head, Consumer, EDB)

HEINEKEN has announced the establishment of its first Global Generative AI (GenAI) Lab in Singapore, marking a significant milestone in the brewer’s digital transformation journey. Developed in collaboration with AI Singapore, the lab aims to harness the potential of GenAI to enhance productivity, customer engagement and operational efficiency across its global business.

The new GenAI Lab will serve as a central hub for the development of scalable AI solutions designed to tackle complex business challenges, ranging from intelligent financial reporting to next-generation customer support systems.

It will also play a key role in standardising AI-driven solutions for implementation across HEINEKEN’s global operations.

Ronald den Elzen, Chief Digital and Technology Officer at HEINEKEN, underscored the strategic importance of this move. “HEINEKEN aims to be the world’s best-connected brewer. GenAI will play an increasingly important role in understanding consumer needs, enhancing customer engagement, and improving productivity throughout the company.”

“The establishment of the Global GenAI Lab marks a significant milestone in HEINEKEN’s digital transformation journey, highlighting our strategic focus on advanced GenAI technologies as essential drivers for growth, efficiency and innovation,” he said.

The Lab will operate as an ongoing partnership with AI Singapore. It will foster continuous knowledge exchange and talent sharing, combining HEINEKEN’s digital specialists with AI Singapore’s expertise.

Also Read: Tech taps into beer: 5 ways breweries are winning with digital transformation

A highly specialised full-time team is expected to be in place by the end of 2025, drawing talent from both organisations and tapping into Singapore’s robust AI ecosystem.

Kenneth Choo, Managing Director, APAC, HEINEKEN, highlighted the lab’s regional significance. “By taking this significant step, HEINEKEN is strategically positioning ourselves for a resilient and thriving future, reaffirming our commitment to Singapore and the Asia Pacific region,” he said.

“By harnessing Singapore’s exceptional AI ecosystem, skilled talent and supportive government policies, we are excited to drive the development of innovative solutions that will transform the beverage industry for years to come.”

The GenAI Lab’s research and development agenda will focus on creating intelligent agentic systems capable of solving complex problems autonomously. Planned applications include automated marketing content creation, intelligent financial reporting, advanced customer support, and knowledge management systems.

Laurence Liew, Director of AI Innovation at AI Singapore, expressed confidence in the collaboration’s potential impact. “We are excited to partner with HEINEKEN on this long-term strategic collaboration, marking them as the first organisation to work with AI Singapore in building an AI lab and centre of expertise for AI innovation.”

“By combining HEINEKEN’s industry expertise with AI Singapore’s cutting-edge AI capabilities and talent, we are creating a powerful model for how private and public sector collaboration can drive innovative solutions with real-world impact.”

Venturing into GenAI

HEINEKEN’s venture into GenAI builds upon its existing track record of leveraging AI technologies. Previous initiatives include a financial insights platform providing instant access to a decade’s worth of financial data and the KIM (Knowledge and Insight Management) system, which streamlines how marketing teams access consumer and market insights.

Also Read: How beer delivery startup Wishbeer raised US$300K in funding — by using Facebook Ads

The company outlined its dual focus for GenAI projects: developing accessible AI tools to boost individual employee productivity and building specialised applications to solve functional challenges.

“Our most impactful AI products are designed to tackle business challenges and are chosen based on their potential to create value or provide a strategic edge,” a HEINEKEN spokesperson explained. “Our product lifecycle always starts with the end user, and our GenAI products are tailored to their needs and developed to solve their pain points.”

Beyond the Lab, HEINEKEN continues to scale AI initiatives across markets. In Mexico, AI has transformed distribution processes, with 80 per cent of orders now placed online. AI tools guide sales strategies, helping determine promotional targets or predict customer churn.

Several AI-driven products have already had a measurable impact on the company. The Artificial Intelligence Data-Driven Advisor (AIDDA), deployed in eight markets, supports 490,000 daily customer engagements by guiding sales representatives on optimal actions.

The Product Recommender system, active in seven markets, offers personalised suggestions based on customer behaviour, while Falcon, an image recognition tool, simplifies retail audits.

In marketing, Allocation AI optimises spending across brands and channels, delivering incremental gross profit in three markets. Additionally, the Promo Advisor suite enables targeted promotion planning and optimisation, supporting sales growth and return on investment.

Image Credit: HEINEKEN

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Two decades on: Women in tech see culture shift and growing satisfaction

The tech industry has undergone seismic changes over the past two decades, with advances in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and mobile technology reshaping the global digital landscape. Yet beyond the technical revolutions, the human side of the sector is evolving too—particularly for women.

According to the Tech Salary Report 2025, experienced women in tech are among those most likely to acknowledge that workplace culture has improved.

Among professionals with over 20 years in the industry, 64 per cent of women believe the culture has become better, compared to just 46 per cent of their male counterparts. This makes women nearly 1.5 times more likely to report positive changes in their work environments.

“Early in my career, I faced significant gender bias,” shared one woman with more than 25 years of experience in the sector. “I needed to get an MBA just to be considered for the same roles my male colleagues walked into. It’s exciting to see younger women coming in now and being trusted with complex roles right from the start. That was almost unheard of when I began.”

This reflection encapsulates a wider trend that suggests a gradual shift in the culture of the tech industry, especially for women. While challenges remain, there is a growing sentiment among seasoned female professionals that progress is finally tangible.

Also Read: From authentic leadership to talent investment: 5 proven tips to win the startup game

The past two decades have seen technology professionals ride a wave of innovation, from the rise of JavaScript reshaping software development to AI and machine learning now dominating conversations around the future of tech. Yet, for many women, the most remarkable change has been the slow but steady improvement in inclusivity and opportunities.

Significant changes in the tech industry

Despite economic uncertainties, salary trends in 2024 remain robust. The average tech professional now earns US$112,521 annually—a modest 1.2 per cent increase from the previous year.

However, when adjusted for purchasing power, today’s figures remain almost identical to those from 2005. Industries such as consulting, software, and banking/finance lead the pack, offering salaries exceeding US$125,000.

AI expertise has also emerged as a premium skillset. Tech professionals responsible for AI projects earn nearly 18 per cent more than their peers, underscoring the growing value placed on this area.

Interestingly, while entry-level salaries have seen consecutive declines, mid-career professionals with three to five years of experience enjoyed the most significant salary growth in 2024.

Against this backdrop of fluctuating compensation trends, women in tech are standing out for another reason—higher levels of salary satisfaction. The report identifies women, alongside consultants, experienced professionals, software developers, and those with security clearances, as the groups expressing the most contentment with their pay.

Also Read: Future-proofing talent management: The impact of AI on retention in Southeast Asia

This relative satisfaction is noteworthy, given that overall satisfaction with compensation is declining across the industry. The reasons behind women’s greater contentment remain unclear, but the finding suggests a narrowing of the historical pay gap, at least among certain demographics.

Career mobility also plays a crucial role in earning potential. The report highlights that the sweet spot for switching jobs among those with over two decades of experience is between four and ten times. Those who change roles six to nine times throughout their careers tend to achieve the highest salaries.

For women, particularly those who navigated male-dominated environments early on, this strategic job mobility may have contributed to both career growth and compensation satisfaction. As one seasoned professional reflected, seeing younger women ascend the ranks more swiftly is a testament to the pathways carved out by earlier generations.

Still, challenges remain. The tech industry continues to grapple with broader issues, including diversity gaps at leadership levels and persistent biases.

However, the data from the Tech Salary Report 2025 offers a glimmer of progress—an acknowledgment from women who have witnessed, and helped shape, two decades of industry change.

Image Credit: Mimi Thian on Unsplash

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Fore Coffee eyes expansion with US$23.2M IPO on Indonesia Stock Exchange

Fore Coffee, a leading premium coffee retail chain in Indonesia, has announced its intentions to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX).

Trading under the ticker symbol “FORE”, this strategic move is designed to bolster the company’s ambitious expansion plans.

Fore Coffee will offer 1.8 billion ordinary shares to the public, representing 21.08 per cent of its total issued and fully paid-up capital. The indicative offering price has been set between IDR 160 and IDR 202 per share, potentially raising up to approximately US$23.2 million (IDR 379.8 billion).

Also Read: The 2 forces shaping coffee consumption and how Fore Coffee uses them to push for growth

The company intends to allocate 76 per cent of the net IPO proceeds to expand its outlet network across Indonesia. It targets establishing around 140 new coffee outlets over the next two years.

A further 18 per cent of the raised capital will be used to open new doughnut outlets via its subsidiary, while the remaining 6 per cent will be used for working capital purposes.

The book-building period commenced on March 19 and will conclude on March 21, 2025. The indicative public offering period is slated for March 26 to April 9, 2025.

“We see a huge opportunity in the Indonesian premium coffee market, and this IPO will give us the resources we need to capitalise on that opportunity,” stated Vico Lomar, CEO of Fore Coffee.

“Fore Coffee’s IPO is a historic moment that reflects the solidity of their sustainable business model. We believe this IPO will accelerate Fore Coffee’s expansion process, open up opportunities to reach more coffee lovers across Indonesia, and strengthen their position as an innovation leader in the coffee industry,” commented Willson Cuaca, President Commissioner of Fore Coffee and co-founder and Managing Partner at East Ventures.

Established in 2018 with an online-to-offline business model and the tagline “Grind the Essentials,” Fore Coffee has grown to become a leading company. As of September 2024, the company boasted 217 outlets across 43 cities in Indonesia and Singapore, including 61 new openings in 2024 alone.

The company claims to have demonstrated significant financial growth, with net sales surging by IDR 418 billion (135 per cent year-on-year) to IDR 727 billion as of September 2024, up from IDR 309 billion in September 2023. Gross profit also witnessed substantial growth, increasing by IDR 252 billion (128 per cent year-on-year) to IDR 447 billion in the same period. Furthermore, Fore Coffee’s EBITDA growth rose by an impressive 187 per cent year-on-year to IDR 135 billion in September 2024.

Also Read: Fore Coffee sharpens business strategy to achieve profitability

According to a Redseer Analysis report from December 2024, the Indonesian coffee market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11 per cent over the next five years, reaching a potential market size of US$12.6 billion (IDR 206 trillion based on an exchange rate of IDR 16,350 to USD). Fore Coffee caters to diverse customer needs through its three outlet formats: flagship, medium, and satellite.

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A startup’s roadmap to success in Malaysia: Key government agencies and their support systems

As a startup lawyer, we regularly get feedback from overseas clients that  navigating the different government entities and accessing the support system can feel overwhelming considering the vast number of entities which also raises questions about potential overlap in duties. 

This article looks at several government agencies and their respective functions. We hope that they may be useful for you in pinpointing the correct entity when you need to access support such as funding or other assistance.

Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI)

MOSTI acts as the central authority, spearheading national policy and initiatives that will help startups thrive in the country. 

The latest national agenda is the  Malaysia Startup Ecosystem Roadmap (SUPER) 2021–2030, which aims to make Malaysia a preferred startup ecosystem in the region for the next decade.  The top-down approach usually entails guidance for other agencies to comply and follow from time to time.

Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle)

As a funding agency, Cradle serves as a critical source of capital for pre-seed or seed startups. 

In the past, Cradle has experimented with different funding products, ranging from cash grants to equity financing using redeemable preference shares. Presently, Cradle offers 2 funding products, namely CIP Spark, which funds up to RM150,000 (US$32,250) and CIP Sprint, which is a form of conditional convertible grant of up to RM600,000 (US$129,000) for commercialisation initiatives. 

Additionally, Cradle is in charge of MYStartup portal, a new centralised platform offering valuable information known as the ‘Single Window Initiative’. MYStartup portal is aimed toward anyone from aspiring founders to VCs new to the startup scene in Malaysia seeking resources, and connections to navigate Malaysia’s startup ecosystem. For instance, Cradle regularly organises events such as startup accelerator and investor matching events.

Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC)

Founded in 1996, MDEC was formed as the lead agency to implement the MSC Malaysia initiative. takes the lead in propelling the growth of the digital economy in Malaysia. 

As an agency, the entity also conducts activities ranging from talent development and market access to activities designed to get people involved in the digital economy. 

As a foreign founder, MDEC plays key functions in helping foreign companies, such as obtaining work visas, especially for technopreneurs who want to start a company or move their existing company to Malaysia. For a company, MDEC also assists in the Malaysia Digital Status (formerly known as MSC Status), which usually entails specific tax incentives for its successful recipients.

Also Read: Gear up and grow: Key regulatory updates for Malaysian startups in H1 2024

Malaysia Venture Capital Management Berhad (MAVCAP)

This government-owned VC firm provides equity financing to high-growth Malaysian companies, primarily focusing on later-stage startups (Series A onwards). As the government’s VC, MAVCAP may invest directly or via a “fund-of-funds” structure by investing in other leading VCs such as Gobi Partners and 500 Global.  

MAVCAP also deploy capital via the “fund of funds” structure, especially to first-time fund managers and regularly comes in as an anchor investor, which seeks to further grow the local venture capital ecosystem.

Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI)

MRANTI is a newly merged entity of two former government entities, Technology Park Malaysia (TPM Corp) and the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity Center (MaGIC). MRANTI is Malaysia’s central research commercialisation agency, helping high-technology adoption in the country. 

MRANTI is headquartered at MRANTI Park, an extensive 686 acres in Kuala Lumpur, supporting the growth of smart manufacturing, biotech, agritech, smart city, green tech and enabling technology clusters and offers leasing of the space for interested tenants.

According to a local news article, the entity may be in the midst of another rebranding exercise, so we may likely have to wait if it will also entail any change in the entity’s mandate.

Khazanah Malaysia Berhad 

Khazanah, Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund of Malaysia is expected to play a more active role in the startup space it announced the Dana Impak (‘Impact Fund’) in 2023, an RM6 billion (US$1.29 billion) commitment over five years aiming to address critical national challenges such as healthcare, social mobility, food and energy security, and climate change via capital investment.  

Also Read: How can Malaysia leverage AI for growth and not see it as a threat?

At the KL20 Summit 2024 this year, the prime minister announced that Khazanah would provide an initial RM1 billion (US$215 million) allocation via a national “fund of funds” to invest in Malaysian companies.

Therefore, we may likely foresee further announcements in the future on other partnerships, such as VCs that may be selected as the fund manager to be deployed by Khazanah.

To date, the sovereign wealth fund has announced several partnerships with  VCs such as Gobi Partners, 500 Global, Antler, and ecosystem players like Plug and Play as investors in view of getting more local startups funded. In addition to the “fund of funds” structure, Khazanah may also invest directly in startups (which may likely involve larger ticket sizes, such as from Series B onwards, such as recently in PolicyStreet, an insurtech startup). 

The government also announced that present government’s “fund of funds” funding entities such as MAVCAP and Penjana Kapital  will be under Khazanah’s supervision, which indicate bigger role that the fund will be involved in the startup ecosystem.

Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)

Since 1992, MTDC has been the first government VC to invest in SMEs. The present funding mandates include early-stage technology companies that are involved in deep-tech or present peripheries that may complement the government’s current initiatives. 

The funding structures usually entail equity financing in the investee via Redeemable Convertible Preference Shares (RCPS).

Malaysia Debt Ventures Berhad (MDV)

MDV was established in 2002 to offer more flexible and innovative financing products to develop the technology sector. MDV ordinarily provides venture debt or quasi-debt financing to selected companies that fulfil its funding conditions. 

Final thoughts

It is crucial to note that Malaysia has an extensive network of other government agencies that may also be available and relevant. Therefore, it is crucial for you to understand the specific functions and objectives of these government entities so that you can figure out the necessary resources and programmes available from them. 

As a founder, it is worthwhile to stay up to date on the latest initiatives launched by these entities so that you can leverage specific insights that may be beneficial to your startup.

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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Image credit: Canva Pro

This article was first published on July 26, 2024

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