As Malaysia’s startup scene flourishes, local companies are realizing that the domestic market, while promising, may not be enough to fuel long-term success. For many, the answer lies in expanding regionally to tap into Southeast Asia's vast potential. However, the path is not without its challenges. Both Venture Capital (VC) and Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) are facing growing obstacles in smaller Southeast Asian markets like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, where traditional paths to IPOs and M&amp;A exits are proving elusive.

As these emerging economies continue to develop, it’s clear that the time to act is now. Companies that prioritize regional scalability early are more likely to attract investor interest and secure sustainable growth paths. Without a regional expansion plan, Malaysian startups and companies risk hitting a growth ceiling that may limit future funding and exit opportunities.

Kailash Raghuwanshi is a seasoned business strategist with over fifteen years of experience across Southeast Asia, the US, and China. Known to many as “Kai,” he has built a reputation for guiding companies through complex growth challenges in rapidly evolving markets. A New York graduate, Kailash’s expertise spans diverse sectors, including fintech in Indonesia, high-impact joint ventures in Vietnam, and launching an American digital marketing company JV in Vietnam. As a thought leader and speaker, Kailash has contributed to Vietnam’s Ministry-affiliated SIHUB and has advised through the Mranti (Malaysia)-Kumpul (Indonesia) partnership program, fostering cross-border collaboration in the region. He also served as a Director at a Shanghai-based public health venture backed by the Gates Foundation, where he gained valuable experience in impact-driven innovation.

A decade ago, Kailash was instrumental in consulting for vOffice’s teams in Malaysia-Indonesia&nbsp;and contributed to Rocket Internet’s pioneering team in Malaysia, helping at PMO level with Zalora, Lazada, and Foodpanda. His extensive work with VCs and CVCs positions him as a leader in exploring innovative growth models for Southeast Asia’s unique challenges. For more insights, visit<a href="http://www.kairaghu.com"> kairaghu.com</a>.

We sat down with Kailash to explore why regional expansion is essential for Malaysian startups and companies seeking sustainable growth and viable exit opportunities.

Q: Kailash, why is regional expansion so crucial for Malaysian businesses, especially now?

Kailash: Malaysia is an excellent market to start in, but it’s ultimately limited by its population of 32 million. For companies aiming to grow sustainably, thinking regionally is essential. A great example is Carsome, Malaysia’s first tech unicorn, which began as a used car platform and expanded across Southeast Asia. Carsome now operates in multiple countries, including Indonesia and Thailand, and offers end-to-end solutions for car buying and selling. Their regional expansion has allowed them to tap into larger markets, secure significant funding, and become a recognizable brand across the region. Without a regional focus, Carsome might not have achieved this scale or investor appeal.

Similarly, Grab, another company that started in Malaysia, recognized the potential of Southeast Asia’s interconnected markets early on. Grab’s expansion across eight countries transformed it from a local ride-hailing service to a multi-country super-app serving over 600 million people. Both Carsome and Grab show that regional growth isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for Malaysian companies that want to achieve long-term, scalable success.

For Malaysian startups and companies, going regional is not just about scaling—it’s also crucial for securing viable exit opportunities. Local-only businesses often face limited exit options, as Malaysia’s market size restricts large IPOs and major acquisitions, making it harder for investors to see substantial returns. Companies that scale regionally are far more attractive to investors who want to see a clear path to exit, whether through acquisitions or IPOs in larger markets.

Q: Why is Malaysia in a particularly tricky situation right now, compared to other Southeast Asian markets?

Kailash: Malaysia’s market size is both a strength and a limitation. With a population of 32 million, it’s larger than Singapore but significantly smaller than Indonesia or the Philippines. This middle-ground size means that while there is enough demand to support startups initially, growth reaches a ceiling quickly. Unlike larger markets where companies can sustain themselves by dominating locally, Malaysia’s market size often isn’t enough to fuel sustained, high-scale growth.

Moreover, the VC and CVC landscape is evolving. Investors are cautious about local-only businesses that lack regional or global scalability, as they see more limited exit opportunities. Traditional paths to exits, like IPOs or large-scale mergers and acquisitions, are not as robust here as they are in larger economies. This has created a ticking clock for Malaysian companies: if they want to secure funding and attract regional or international investors, they need to expand beyond Malaysia sooner rather than later.

Q: How do Carsome and Grab’s regional strategies compare to Gojek’s approach in Indonesia?

Kailash: Carsome and Grab took a regional-first approach, expanding across Southeast Asia to capture a larger market. Carsome, for instance, started with a Malaysia-based used car platform and grew into multiple Southeast Asian countries, building a strong regional brand and attracting significant investments. Grab similarly leveraged its Malaysian origins to establish a broad presence across the region, positioning itself as a super-app.

Gojek, by contrast, focused on dominating its home market of Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest with 275 million people. Gojek embedded itself deeply into the Indonesian ecosystem, becoming a staple in daily life but hasn’t achieved the same international reach as Carsome or Grab. For Malaysian companies, which operate in a smaller home market, a regional approach like Carsome’s or Grab’s is more scalable and sustainable.

Q: What makes Southeast Asia such an attractive region for Malaysian companies to target?

Kailash: Southeast Asia is a region with 650 million people and a combined GDP of nearly $3 trillion. Expanding into markets like Vietnam (97 million people), Thailand (70 million), and the Philippines (113 million) can significantly increase a company’s reach and revenue potential. The region’s high level of digital connectivity, with 440 million internet users, creates unique opportunities for digital and mobile-first companies.

Additionally, smaller markets like Cambodia (17 million) and Laos (7 million) offer fertile ground for early movers. For Malaysian companies, these markets represent a chance to establish a presence and capture market share before larger players step in.

Q: What advice would you give to Malaysian startups and companies looking to expand regionally?

Kailash: Start with a regional mindset from day one. Design your business and brand to appeal to customers across Southeast Asia’s diverse markets. Both Carsome and Grab structured their offerings to be adaptable across different countries, which allowed for smoother expansion.

Second, forge strategic partnerships. Partnering with local companies can ease entry into new markets by helping to navigate regulatory challenges and establish local credibility quickly.

Lastly, prioritize a mobile-first approach. Southeast Asia is highly mobile-centric, with most of the digital audience connecting through smartphones. Adapting to this digital landscape is essential for capturing a broad audience.

Q: How can VC and CVC support play a role in helping Malaysian companies go regional?

Kailash: VC and CVC partnerships are crucial, especially for companies looking to enter unfamiliar territories. For Malaysian startups, finding investors who understand the regional landscape can provide not only funding but also strategic connections and market insights. However, it’s essential for startups to retain strategic independence and ensure that these partnerships support, rather than restrict, their regional growth.

Q: What’s your final takeaway for Malaysian startups, VCs, and corporates interested in regional expansion?

Kailash: Southeast Asia is rich with opportunities, but capturing them requires urgency and a regional-first mindset. Malaysian startups should embrace this approach early—don’t wait until you’ve maxed out the local market to consider expansion. By positioning for regional growth, companies can become more resilient and appealing to investors who are looking for scalable, multi-market ventures.

In short: aim big, act regionally, and leverage strategic partnerships. Southeast Asia’s diversity and dynamism provide a clear path to success for those ready to cross borders. Carsome and Grab’s journeys are testaments to what’s possible, and Malaysian companies can carve their own path to regional impact by following a similar model.

As Malaysia’s startup scene flourishes, local companies are realizing that the domestic market, while promising, may not be enough to fuel long-term success. For many, the answer lies in expanding regionally to tap into Southeast Asia's vast potential. However, the path is not without its challenges. Both Venture Capital (VC) and Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) are facing growing obstacles in smaller Southeast Asian markets like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, where traditional paths to IPOs and M&A exits are proving elusive.We sat down with Kailash to explore why regional expansion is essential for Malaysian startups and companies seeking sustainable growth and viable exit opportunities.Kailash Raghuwanshi is a seasoned business strategist with over fifteen years of experience across Southeast Asia, the US, and China. Known to many as “Kai,” he has built a reputation for guiding companies through complex growth challenges in rapidly evolving markets. As Malaysia’s startup scene flourishes, local companies are realizing that the domestic market, while promising, may not be enough to fuel long-term success. For many, the answer lies in expanding regionally to tap into Southeast Asia's vast potential. However, the path is not without its challenges. Both Venture Capital (VC) and Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) are facing growing obstacles in smaller Southeast Asian markets like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, where traditional paths to IPOs and M&amp;A exits are proving elusive.As these emerging economies continue to develop, it’s clear that the time to act is now. Companies that prioritize regional scalability early are more likely to attract investor interest and secure sustainable growth paths. Without a regional expansion plan, Malaysian startups and companies risk hitting a growth ceiling that may limit future funding and exit opportunities.Kailash Raghuwanshi is a seasoned business strategist with over fifteen years of experience across Southeast Asia, the US, and China. Known to many as “Kai,” he has built a reputation for guiding companies through complex growth challenges in rapidly evolving markets. A New York graduate, Kailash’s expertise spans diverse sectors, including fintech in Indonesia, high-impact joint ventures in Vietnam, and launching an American digital marketing company JV in Vietnam. As a thought leader and speaker, Kailash has contributed to Vietnam’s Ministry-affiliated SIHUB and has advised through the Mranti (Malaysia)-Kumpul (Indonesia) partnership program, fostering cross-border collaboration in the region. He also served as a Director at a Shanghai-based public health venture backed by the Gates Foundation, where he gained valuable experience in impact-driven innovation.A decade ago, Kailash was instrumental in consulting for vOffice’s teams in Malaysia-Indonesia&nbsp;and contributed to Rocket Internet’s pioneering team in Malaysia, helping at PMO level with Zalora, Lazada, and Foodpanda. His extensive work with VCs and CVCs positions him as a leader in exploring innovative growth models for Southeast Asia’s unique challenges. For more insights, visit<a href="http://www.kairaghu.com"> kairaghu.com</a>.We sat down with Kailash to explore why regional expansion is essential for Malaysian startups and companies seeking sustainable growth and viable exit opportunities.<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/eeb870c7-6b77-4969-dbec-4e565e18e700/public" alt="Kailash book has been rated as the best 8 books on the topic of growth expansion and strategies in SouthEastAsia by a media group.&nbsp;" />Q: Kailash, why is regional expansion so crucial for Malaysian businesses, especially now?Kailash: Malaysia is an excellent market to start in, but it’s ultimately limited by its population of 32 million. For companies aiming to grow sustainably, thinking regionally is essential. A great example is Carsome, Malaysia’s first tech unicorn, which began as a used car platform and expanded across Southeast Asia. Carsome now operates in multiple countries, including Indonesia and Thailand, and offers end-to-end solutions for car buying and selling. Their regional expansion has allowed them to tap into larger markets, secure significant funding, and become a recognizable brand across the region. Without a regional focus, Carsome might not have achieved this scale or investor appeal.Similarly, Grab, another company that started in Malaysia, recognized the potential of Southeast Asia’s interconnected markets early on. Grab’s expansion across eight countries transformed it from a local ride-hailing service to a multi-country super-app serving over 600 million people. Both Carsome and Grab show that regional growth isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for Malaysian companies that want to achieve long-term, scalable success.For Malaysian startups and companies, going regional is not just about scaling—it’s also crucial for securing viable exit opportunities. Local-only businesses often face limited exit options, as Malaysia’s market size restricts large IPOs and major acquisitions, making it harder for investors to see substantial returns. Companies that scale regionally are far more attractive to investors who want to see a clear path to exit, whether through acquisitions or IPOs in larger markets.Q: Why is Malaysia in a particularly tricky situation right now, compared to other Southeast Asian markets?Kailash: Malaysia’s market size is both a strength and a limitation. With a population of 32 million, it’s larger than Singapore but significantly smaller than Indonesia or the Philippines. This middle-ground size means that while there is enough demand to support startups initially, growth reaches a ceiling quickly. Unlike larger markets where companies can sustain themselves by dominating locally, Malaysia’s market size often isn’t enough to fuel sustained, high-scale growth.Moreover, the VC and CVC landscape is evolving. Investors are cautious about local-only businesses that lack regional or global scalability, as they see more limited exit opportunities. Traditional paths to exits, like IPOs or large-scale mergers and acquisitions, are not as robust here as they are in larger economies. This has created a ticking clock for Malaysian companies: if they want to secure funding and attract regional or international investors, they need to expand beyond Malaysia sooner rather than later.Q: How do Carsome and Grab’s regional strategies compare to Gojek’s approach in Indonesia?Kailash: Carsome and Grab took a regional-first approach, expanding across Southeast Asia to capture a larger market. Carsome, for instance, started with a Malaysia-based used car platform and grew into multiple Southeast Asian countries, building a strong regional brand and attracting significant investments. Grab similarly leveraged its Malaysian origins to establish a broad presence across the region, positioning itself as a super-app.Gojek, by contrast, focused on dominating its home market of Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest with 275 million people. Gojek embedded itself deeply into the Indonesian ecosystem, becoming a staple in daily life but hasn’t achieved the same international reach as Carsome or Grab. For Malaysian companies, which operate in a smaller home market, a regional approach like Carsome’s or Grab’s is more scalable and sustainable.Q: What makes Southeast Asia such an attractive region for Malaysian companies to target?Kailash: Southeast Asia is a region with 650 million people and a combined GDP of nearly $3 trillion. Expanding into markets like Vietnam (97 million people), Thailand (70 million), and the Philippines (113 million) can significantly increase a company’s reach and revenue potential. The region’s high level of digital connectivity, with 440 million internet users, creates unique opportunities for digital and mobile-first companies.Additionally, smaller markets like Cambodia (17 million) and Laos (7 million) offer fertile ground for early movers. For Malaysian companies, these markets represent a chance to establish a presence and capture market share before larger players step in.<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/4a0388ad-8ce1-4d5c-e07c-85ad470bc600/public" alt="A while ago, CNBC featured Kailash Raghuwanshi to discuss growth strategies and regional expansion topics for startups and companies&nbsp;" />Q: What advice would you give to Malaysian startups and companies looking to expand regionally?Kailash: Start with a regional mindset from day one. Design your business and brand to appeal to customers across Southeast Asia’s diverse markets. Both Carsome and Grab structured their offerings to be adaptable across different countries, which allowed for smoother expansion.Second, forge strategic partnerships. Partnering with local companies can ease entry into new markets by helping to navigate regulatory challenges and establish local credibility quickly.Lastly, prioritize a mobile-first approach. Southeast Asia is highly mobile-centric, with most of the digital audience connecting through smartphones. Adapting to this digital landscape is essential for capturing a broad audience.Q: How can VC and CVC support play a role in helping Malaysian companies go regional?Kailash: VC and CVC partnerships are crucial, especially for companies looking to enter unfamiliar territories. For Malaysian startups, finding investors who understand the regional landscape can provide not only funding but also strategic connections and market insights. However, it’s essential for startups to retain strategic independence and ensure that these partnerships support, rather than restrict, their regional growth.Q: What’s your final takeaway for Malaysian startups, VCs, and corporates interested in regional expansion?Kailash: Southeast Asia is rich with opportunities, but capturing them requires urgency and a regional-first mindset. Malaysian startups should embrace this approach early—don’t wait until you’ve maxed out the local market to consider expansion. By positioning for regional growth, companies can become more resilient and appealing to investors who are looking for scalable, multi-market ventures.In short: aim big, act regionally, and leverage strategic partnerships. Southeast Asia’s diversity and dynamism provide a clear path to success for those ready to cross borders. Carsome and Grab’s journeys are testaments to what’s possible, and Malaysian companies can carve their own path to regional impact by following a similar model.

Think tank

Venture Capitals

Listed companies

Local companies

Startups

As Malaysia’s startup scene flourishes, local companies are realizing that the domestic market, while promising, may not be enough to fuel long-term success. For many, the answer lies in expanding regionally to tap into Southeast Asia's vast potential. However, the path is not without its challenges. Both Venture Capital (VC) and Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) are facing growing obstacles in smaller Southeast Asian markets like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, where traditional paths to IPOs and M&A exits are proving elusive.We sat down with Kailash to explore why regional expansion is essential for Malaysian startups and companies seeking sustainable growth and viable exit opportunities.Kailash Raghuwanshi is a seasoned business strategist with over fifteen years of experience across Southeast Asia, the US, and China. Known to many as “Kai,” he has built a reputation for guiding companies through complex growth challenges in rapidly evolving markets. 

Expanding Horizons: Why Malaysia’s Startups and Companies Need a Regional Game Plan

As the Executive Co-Chairman of the Vietnam Smart City Consortium (VSCC) and a Partner at MARA (Market Access &amp; Regulatory Affairs) Vietnam, Shanmuga Retnam has been instrumental in promoting local economic development and facilitating trade exchanges within Vietnam and ASEAN. His previous roles include Vice President, Asia Pacific for G3 Worldwide and Chairman of the Data Driven Marketing Association of Singapore (DMAS), where his visionary leadership was recognized with a Minister’s Award by the Prime Minister’s Office (Singapore) in 2010, where he conceptualized the World Cities Summit in 2008.

Retnam's expertise in fostering sustainable urban projects and his role as a special advisor to Fundacion Metropoli and the Good City Foundation highlight his commitment to enhancing city lives and environments through innovative strategies. His recent initiatives, such as the Vietnam Business Exchange (VBEx) series, underscore his dedication to connecting enterprises across Singapore and Vietnam, strengthening business ties and fostering economic growth.

"Simplyfi™ is privileged to have Shanmuga Retnam&nbsp; join our advisory board," said Wayne, CEO/Co-Founder of Simplyfi™. "His extensive network, strategic insights, and proven track record in transforming cities and businesses make him an invaluable asset to our team. With Retnam’s guidance, we are poised to navigate the complexities of the ASEAN market more effectively and to drive our mission of delivering innovative financial solutions that empower businesses and individuals across the region"

Retnam’s appointment is a testament to Simplyfi™'s commitment to excellence and our vision for a connected, sustainable future. We look forward to his contributions and are excited about the possibilities his involvement brings to our strategic direction and growth.

Simplyfi™, a pioneering force in financial management platform, is honored to welcome Mr. Shanmuga Retnam as the newest member of our advisory board. Mr. Retnam, a distinguished business leader with an illustrious career spanning both the private and public sectors across Asia, brings to Simplyfi™ a wealth of experience and an unparalleled depth of knowledge in smart city development, cross-border strategies, and economic city branding. As the Executive Co-Chairman of the Vietnam Smart City Consortium (VSCC) and a Partner at MARA (Market Access &amp; Regulatory Affairs) Vietnam, Shanmuga Retnam has been instrumental in promoting local economic development and facilitating trade exchanges within Vietnam and ASEAN. His previous roles include Vice President, Asia Pacific for G3 Worldwide and Chairman of the Data Driven Marketing Association of Singapore (DMAS), where his visionary leadership was recognized with a Minister’s Award by the Prime Minister’s Office (Singapore) in 2010, where he conceptualized the World Cities Summit in 2008.Retnam's expertise in fostering sustainable urban projects and his role as a special advisor to Fundacion Metropoli and the Good City Foundation highlight his commitment to enhancing city lives and environments through innovative strategies. His recent initiatives, such as the Vietnam Business Exchange (VBEx) series, underscore his dedication to connecting enterprises across Singapore and Vietnam, strengthening business ties and fostering economic growth."Simplyfi™ is privileged to have Shanmuga Retnam&nbsp; join our advisory board," said Wayne, CEO/Co-Founder of Simplyfi™. "His extensive network, strategic insights, and proven track record in transforming cities and businesses make him an invaluable asset to our team. With Retnam’s guidance, we are poised to navigate the complexities of the ASEAN market more effectively and to drive our mission of delivering innovative financial solutions that empower businesses and individuals across the region"Retnam’s appointment is a testament to Simplyfi™'s commitment to excellence and our vision for a connected, sustainable future. We look forward to his contributions and are excited about the possibilities his involvement brings to our strategic direction and growth.

HR / Recruitment

System / Website / Application development

Coaching / Mentoring / Consultation

Software

Simplyfi™, a pioneering force in financial management platform, is honored to welcome Mr. Shanmuga Retnam as the newest member of our advisory board. Mr. Retnam, a distinguished business leader with an illustrious career spanning both the private and public sectors across Asia, brings to Simplyfi™ a wealth of experience and an unparalleled depth of knowledge in smart city development, cross-border strategies, and economic city branding.

Simplyfi.co appoints Strategic Advisor in Vietnam

Amidst the dynamic backdrop of Star of the Sea at Keppel Bay, Simplyfi™ proudly unveiled <a href="http://simplyfi.co/">simplyfi.co</a>, marking a major milestone in the company's history. Previously operating under <a href="http://simplyfi.sg/">simplyfi.sg</a>, the new domain marks a strategic enhancement designed to amplify our services across the entire ASEAN region. The event, attended by a select group of friends, partners, and investors, not only showcased the platform's capabilities but also symbolized our official commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout Southeast Asia.

Simplyfi™: Your Financial Journey, We G.A.O.D.I.M for You!

Simplyfi™ is dedicated to guiding SMEs through their financial journeys with our innovative G.A.O.D.I.M framework, specifically tailored for the ASEAN market. This strategy encapsulates the resilience and spirit of ASEAN entrepreneurs and provides a structured approach to overcoming regional business challenges:

Gather: Collect essential data to understand your business landscape thoroughly. Analyze: Derive actionable insights to inform strategic decisions. Obstacles &amp; Objectives: Identify challenges and set achievable goals. Develop: Create custom strategies and solutions. Implement: Execute these solutions within your operations effectively. Monitor: Provide ongoing support to ensure continuous optimization and success.

In a region ripe with growth potential, <a href="http://simplyfi.co/">simplyfi.co</a> emerges at a pivotal moment. Headquartered in Singapore, the financial epicenter of Southeast Asia, the platform offers an extensive suite of services tailored for SMEs. From advanced R&amp;D consultancy and specialized business advisory to transformative digital solutions and strategic regional branding, <a href="http://simplyfi.co/">simplyfi.co</a> is designed to navigate and simplify the complexities of regional and global expansion. Our goal is to foster significant growth and success for SMEs throughout ASEAN.

Celebrating New Beginnings and Strategic Partnerships

The launch event also celebrated the formation of Simplyfi's new Malaysia subsidiary and the announcement of a strategic partnership with Digital Centre Indonesia, a prominent digital transformation agency. This collaboration underscores our theme for the evening, "Empowering Our Asia through Digital Finance and Digital Transformation." Together with leaders from across Asia, we are united in our mission to craft a brighter, more innovative future for ASEAN businesses.

Simplyfi™ Hub: Empowering ASEAN Businesses Through Four Key Spokes

In tandem with the launch, Simplyfi™ is excited to announce the development of Simplyfi™ Hub. Simplyfi™ Hub is structured around four core spokes—Ask, Learn, Match, and Solutions—each designed to address distinct aspects of business scaling and development in the ASEAN region. This year, we are excited to introduce early-access to two innovative modules under the Solutions spoke:

Simplyfi™ Forecast: Provides businesses with advanced tools for financial forecasting, helping them plan their financial future with greater accuracy and confidence.

Simplyfi™ Financing: Connects businesses with a range of financing options tailored to their specific needs, facilitating smoother access to capital for growth and expansion.

These solutions are part of a comprehensive suite designed to tackle the unique financing challenges faced by businesses in ASEAN. Simplyfi™ Hub aims to transform the financial management landscape by providing targeted, efficient, and scalable tools that enable businesses to thrive in a competitive market. The waitlist is now open! Secure your spot soon to take advantage of these innovative solutions.

Simplyfi™ proudly announces the launch of www.simplyfi.co, marking a strategic shift to enhance our outreach across the ASEAN region. Based in Singapore, the epicenter of regional finance, Simplyfi.co focuses on streamlining business financial health checks through our proprietary drag-and-drop financial forecasting tool, Simplyfi™ Forecast. With clear financial control provided by Simplyfi™ Forecast, we empower ambitious companies to develop their Exit plans and match them with financiers, facilitating regional growth and expansion. Amidst the dynamic backdrop of Star of the Sea at Keppel Bay, Simplyfi™ proudly unveiled <a href="http://simplyfi.co/">simplyfi.co</a>, marking a major milestone in the company's history. Previously operating under <a href="http://simplyfi.sg/">simplyfi.sg</a>, the new domain marks a strategic enhancement designed to amplify our services across the entire ASEAN region. The event, attended by a select group of friends, partners, and investors, not only showcased the platform's capabilities but also symbolized our official commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) throughout Southeast Asia.<h3>Simplyfi™: Your Financial Journey, We G.A.O.D.I.M for You!</h3>Simplyfi™ is dedicated to guiding SMEs through their financial journeys with our innovative G.A.O.D.I.M framework, specifically tailored for the ASEAN market. This strategy encapsulates the resilience and spirit of ASEAN entrepreneurs and provides a structured approach to overcoming regional business challenges:Gather: Collect essential data to understand your business landscape thoroughly. Analyze: Derive actionable insights to inform strategic decisions. Obstacles &amp; Objectives: Identify challenges and set achievable goals. Develop: Create custom strategies and solutions. Implement: Execute these solutions within your operations effectively. Monitor: Provide ongoing support to ensure continuous optimization and success.<h3>Expanding Regional Impact</h3>In a region ripe with growth potential, <a href="http://simplyfi.co/">simplyfi.co</a> emerges at a pivotal moment. Headquartered in Singapore, the financial epicenter of Southeast Asia, the platform offers an extensive suite of services tailored for SMEs. From advanced R&amp;D consultancy and specialized business advisory to transformative digital solutions and strategic regional branding, <a href="http://simplyfi.co/">simplyfi.co</a> is designed to navigate and simplify the complexities of regional and global expansion. Our goal is to foster significant growth and success for SMEs throughout ASEAN.<h3>Celebrating New Beginnings and Strategic Partnerships</h3>The launch event also celebrated the formation of Simplyfi's new Malaysia subsidiary and the announcement of a strategic partnership with Digital Centre Indonesia, a prominent digital transformation agency. This collaboration underscores our theme for the evening, "Empowering Our Asia through Digital Finance and Digital Transformation." Together with leaders from across Asia, we are united in our mission to craft a brighter, more innovative future for ASEAN businesses.<h3>Simplyfi™ Hub: Empowering ASEAN Businesses Through Four Key Spokes</h3>In tandem with the launch, Simplyfi™ is excited to announce the development of Simplyfi™ Hub. Simplyfi™ Hub is structured around four core spokes—Ask, Learn, Match, and Solutions—each designed to address distinct aspects of business scaling and development in the ASEAN region. This year, we are excited to introduce early-access to two innovative modules under the Solutions spoke:Simplyfi™ Forecast: Provides businesses with advanced tools for financial forecasting, helping them plan their financial future with greater accuracy and confidence.Simplyfi™ Financing: Connects businesses with a range of financing options tailored to their specific needs, facilitating smoother access to capital for growth and expansion.These solutions are part of a comprehensive suite designed to tackle the unique financing challenges faced by businesses in ASEAN. Simplyfi™ Hub aims to transform the financial management landscape by providing targeted, efficient, and scalable tools that enable businesses to thrive in a competitive market. The waitlist is now open! Secure your spot soon to take advantage of these innovative solutions.

Management Consulting

SMEs

Cloud service

Simplyfi™ proudly announces the launch of www.simplyfi.co, marking a strategic shift to enhance our outreach across the ASEAN region. Based in Singapore, the epicenter of regional finance, Simplyfi.co focuses on streamlining business financial health checks through our proprietary drag-and-drop financial forecasting tool, Simplyfi™ Forecast. With clear financial control provided by Simplyfi™ Forecast, we empower ambitious companies to develop their Exit plans and match them with financiers, facilitating regional growth and expansion.

Simplyfi™ Launches New Platform www.simplyfi.co, Expanding Its Reach to Empower ASEAN SMEs

<a href="https://arches-global.com/">Arches</a>,
a leading expert knowledge-sharing platform, has secured $3 million in a
funding round led by KUSABI, with participation from Visional Inc., SMBC
Venture Capital, and angel investors from leading investment firms. This brings
the company's total funding to $5 million.

Arches has rapidly established itself as a trusted bridge between global
decision-makers and the nuanced expertise required to navigate Asia's dynamic
markets. The company's flagship "Expert Matching" service has already
connected over 300 clients in 20+ countries with a vast network of over 100,000
vetted experts. But Arches isn't stopping there.

The Expert Knowledge Bank: A Paradigm Shift

This new funding round will supercharge the development of the "<a href="https://arches-global.com/expert-knowledge-bank/">Expert Knowledge Bank</a>," a revolutionary platform that
transforms expert interviews into a searchable database of actionable insights.
Clients gain discounted access to experts in exchange for contributing to this
growing knowledge repository, democratizing access to specialized information
that was once the exclusive domain of a select few.

"The Expert Knowledge Bank is more than a database; it's the future of
knowledge sharing," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiroki-kato-b75b90175/">Hiroki Kato, CEO and Co-founder</a> of Arches.
"We're building a platform where anyone, anywhere, can tap into the
collective wisdom of Asia's brightest minds."

Arches' vision extends beyond Asia. The company plans to expand its expert
network to include Europe and the United States, solidifying its position as a
truly global knowledge-sharing platform. Additionally, Arches will invest in
new marketing strategies to reach a broader audience, including corporations
and financial institutions seeking a competitive edge in an increasingly
complex world.

Investors are enthusiastic about Arches' potential to disrupt and redefine
the knowledge-sharing landscape. Yuki Watanabe, Representative Partner at
KUSABI, noted, "Arches is not just addressing a market need; they're
creating a new category. We're excited to be part of their journey as they
scale globally."

With this latest funding round, Arches is poised to unlock a new era of
knowledge sharing, where expertise is not a privilege but a powerful resource
accessible to all. The company's one-stop platform, offering expert interviews,
research, consulting, and talent placement, is set to become the go-to
destination for organizations seeking to harness the power of knowledge to
drive growth and innovation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://arches-global.com/">Arches</a>,
a leading expert knowledge-sharing platform, has secured $3 million in a
funding round led by KUSABI, with participation from Visional Inc., SMBC
Venture Capital, and angel investors from leading investment firms. This brings
the company's total funding to $5 million.<h2>Bridging the Knowledge Gap</h2>
Arches has rapidly established itself as a trusted bridge between global
decision-makers and the nuanced expertise required to navigate Asia's dynamic
markets. The company's flagship "Expert Matching" service has already
connected over 300 clients in 20+ countries with a vast network of over 100,000
vetted experts. But Arches isn't stopping there.<h2>The Expert Knowledge Bank: A Paradigm Shift</h2>
This new funding round will supercharge the development of the "<a href="https://arches-global.com/expert-knowledge-bank/">Expert Knowledge Bank</a>," a revolutionary platform that
transforms expert interviews into a searchable database of actionable insights.
Clients gain discounted access to experts in exchange for contributing to this
growing knowledge repository, democratizing access to specialized information
that was once the exclusive domain of a select few.
"The Expert Knowledge Bank is more than a database; it's the future of
knowledge sharing," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/hiroki-kato-b75b90175/">Hiroki Kato, CEO and Co-founder</a> of Arches.
"We're building a platform where anyone, anywhere, can tap into the
collective wisdom of Asia's brightest minds."<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/710ed699e6f0132e8c35dfb747039cd694899d34e84d5f36aa38160fa469e85a/Ver%20%232%20%281%29.jpg" alt="The Expert Knowledge Bank: A Paradigm Shift" /><h2>A Vision for Global Expansion</h2>
Arches' vision extends beyond Asia. The company plans to expand its expert
network to include Europe and the United States, solidifying its position as a
truly global knowledge-sharing platform. Additionally, Arches will invest in
new marketing strategies to reach a broader audience, including corporations
and financial institutions seeking a competitive edge in an increasingly
complex world.<h2>Investor Confidence</h2>
Investors are enthusiastic about Arches' potential to disrupt and redefine
the knowledge-sharing landscape. Yuki Watanabe, Representative Partner at
KUSABI, noted, "Arches is not just addressing a market need; they're
creating a new category. We're excited to be part of their journey as they
scale globally."<h2>The Future of Expertise</h2>
With this latest funding round, Arches is poised to unlock a new era of
knowledge sharing, where expertise is not a privilege but a powerful resource
accessible to all. The company's one-stop platform, offering expert interviews,
research, consulting, and talent placement, is set to become the go-to
destination for organizations seeking to harness the power of knowledge to
drive growth and innovation.&nbsp;<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/9dbb6e786d963335aeb063019a69fb829e12f86ff58d424c1bca7a4eb3836e94/Final%20%20%281%29.jpg" alt="Expansion of Arches Service Lineup" />

Financial results announcement

Foreign companies

Arches Raises $3 Million to Democratize Expertise on Asia's Markets & Beyond

KUALA LUMPUR: The partnership between Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd and Bursa Malaysia Bhd is a step forward in propelling local startups for a listing on the stock market.

The two companies today inked a memorandum of collaboration to further enhance awareness pertaining to funding. This includes funding from the equity market.

The partnership also aims to facilitate in the process of early identification of potential companies that are poised for listing on Bursa.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the collaboration is part of the ministry's Fund Funnel programme, an initiative designed to streamline funding options and offer comprehensive support to startups throughout the funding journey.

This includes from the seed stage to the initial public offering.&nbsp;The Fund Funnel programme was established to address the concerns related to startups particularly due to lack of information about government funding.

To streamline information, the programme aims to provide clear details about funding agencies and the stage where financial support is offered.

Through the partnership, the government would be able to build robust mechanisms to ensure accessibility to startups to necessary funding, mentorship and infrastructure.

"By leveraging the strengths of agencies like Cradle and institutions like Bursa Malaysia, we will enhance the ecosystem's capacity to provide startups with the support they need," Chang said at the signing ceremony here.

Bursa chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar emphasised that there are two key areas the company intends to focus on through the partnership.

"Firstly, through knowledge-sharing and organising programmes to raise awareness of funding opportunities available through the equity market, to accelerate growth journeys;

"And secondly, by identifying the necessary assistance required by start-ups and offering support by connecting them with other advisers where needed, until they become publicly listed companies on Bursa Malaysia," he said.

The collaboration is poised to boost more initial public offerings (IPO) from various sectors particularly technology-related IPOs.

Technology companies can also take advantage of the listing expenses incentive provided by the government.

Cradle acting group chief executive officer Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke said the collaboration is for two years.

Cradle will provide market intelligence of the local startup ecosystem to assist Bursa in identifying potential listing candidates.

"Through this collaboration, we hope to empower startups to develop their comprehensive strategies, ultimately paving the way for a successful listing on the exchange while bridging critical funding gaps within the ecosystem.

"By strategically aligning resources, expertise and collaboration, we create an enabling environment where startups can thrive, revolutionise industries and drive economic growth," he added.

<h1>Cradle Fund, Bursa Malaysia to help startups secure funding, go for listing</h1>KUALA LUMPUR: The partnership between Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd and Bursa Malaysia Bhd is a step forward in propelling local startups for a listing on the stock market.The two companies today inked a memorandum of collaboration to further enhance awareness pertaining to funding. This includes funding from the equity market.The partnership also aims to facilitate in the process of early identification of potential companies that are poised for listing on Bursa.Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang said the collaboration is part of the ministry's Fund Funnel programme, an initiative designed to streamline funding options and offer comprehensive support to startups throughout the funding journey.This includes from the seed stage to the initial public offering.&nbsp;The Fund Funnel programme was established to address the concerns related to startups particularly due to lack of information about government funding.To streamline information, the programme aims to provide clear details about funding agencies and the stage where financial support is offered.Through the partnership, the government would be able to build robust mechanisms to ensure accessibility to startups to necessary funding, mentorship and infrastructure."By leveraging the strengths of agencies like Cradle and institutions like Bursa Malaysia, we will enhance the ecosystem's capacity to provide startups with the support they need," Chang said at the signing ceremony here.Bursa chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar emphasised that there are two key areas the company intends to focus on through the partnership."Firstly, through knowledge-sharing and organising programmes to raise awareness of funding opportunities available through the equity market, to accelerate growth journeys;"And secondly, by identifying the necessary assistance required by start-ups and offering support by connecting them with other advisers where needed, until they become publicly listed companies on Bursa Malaysia," he said.The collaboration is poised to boost more initial public offerings (IPO) from various sectors particularly technology-related IPOs.Technology companies can also take advantage of the listing expenses incentive provided by the government.Cradle acting group chief executive officer Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke said the collaboration is for two years.Cradle will provide market intelligence of the local startup ecosystem to assist Bursa in identifying potential listing candidates."Through this collaboration, we hope to empower startups to develop their comprehensive strategies, ultimately paving the way for a successful listing on the exchange while bridging critical funding gaps within the ecosystem."By strategically aligning resources, expertise and collaboration, we create an enabling environment where startups can thrive, revolutionise industries and drive economic growth," he added.Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd. (Cradle) is Malaysia’s early stage start-up influencer, incorporated under the Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF) in 2003 with a mandate to fund potential and high-calibre tech start-ups through its Cradle Investment Programme (CIP). Cradle is presently administered by Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).+603 4045 8600
enquiries@cradle.com.my

STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering, Math)

Cradle Fund, Bursa Malaysia to help startups secure funding, go for listing

The partnership aimed at fostering innovation, accelerating growth, and unlocking new opportunities in the Malaysian market, Vynn Capital said in statement.

The partnership brings together Vynn Capital’s local network in the Southeast Asia region and expertise in identifying and nurturing promising startups and Marubeni Malaysia’s extensive network and deep industry knowledge.

This collaboration will create a robust ecosystem to support and empower innovative entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses in Malaysia and beyond, the VC firm added.

Key highlights of the partnership include:

1. Business Synergy: Vynn Capital’s strong portfolio of investments in various sectors, coupled with Marubeni Malaysia’s vast resources and access to global markets, will enable both companies to strategically invest and collaborate with high-potential businesses and collaborate with local corporations. This synergy will contribute to fostering innovation across multiple industries and facilitate the growth of disruptive technologies.

2. Market Access and Expansion: Vynn Capital will support Marubeni Malaysia in accessing local opportunities and exploring potential to scale new business opportunities and operations locally and regionally.

3. Collaborative Innovation: By joining forces, Vynn Capital and Marubeni Malaysia will actively explore and invest in cutting-edge technologies and business models. This collaboration will drive the development and implementation of innovative solutions, promoting sustainable economic growth in Malaysia. Some of the areas identified are mobility, electrification and sustainability themed opportunities.

Victor Chua, Founder and Managing Partner of Vynn Capital, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Marubeni Malaysia to drive innovation and contribute to the growth of Malaysia’s business ecosystem. Our combined strengths and expertise will create a positive impact on the economic landscape, allowing better integration between Japanese and Malaysian business communities and solve real-world challenges.”

Takeshi Fujiwara, Representative of Marubeni Malaysia, shared his thoughts on the partnership, saying, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Vynn Capital, with their strong portfolio of investments in various sectors, in exploring new business opportunities and operations locally and regionally to contribute to the growth to Marubeni’s business ecosystem. We believe that the collaboration will commence our contributions through National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) in Malaysia and accelerate Marubeni Corporation’s businesses.”

Marubeni Malaysia conducts business in Malaysia in a wide range of areas including forest products, chemicals, machinery products, energy, metals , infrastructure projects and mobility, healthcare.

Vynn Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm founded with the objective of bridging the gap between traditional industries and the new economies through the development of technology. The team is made up of professionals with experience across early stage invest to late stage financing, with experience in business operations.

The investment philosophy revolves around the creation of synergistic value between partners and companies supported by Vynn. Beyond investing, Vynn Capital assists its investors or Limited Partners in understanding new industries and markets with its localised team and network across the major cities of Southeast Asia.

<h1>VYNN CAPITAL ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH MARUBENI MALAYSIA TO DRIVE INNOVATION & GROWTH</h1>Malaysia-headquartered venture capital firm Vynn Capital announced on Tuesday a strategic partnership with Marubeni Malaysia, a subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation, a renowned Japanese trading and investment conglomerate.The partnership aimed at fostering innovation, accelerating growth, and unlocking new opportunities in the Malaysian market, Vynn Capital said in statement.The partnership brings together Vynn Capital’s local network in the Southeast Asia region and expertise in identifying and nurturing promising startups and Marubeni Malaysia’s extensive network and deep industry knowledge.This collaboration will create a robust ecosystem to support and empower innovative entrepreneurs, startups, and businesses in Malaysia and beyond, the VC firm added.Key highlights of the partnership include:1. Business Synergy: Vynn Capital’s strong portfolio of investments in various sectors, coupled with Marubeni Malaysia’s vast resources and access to global markets, will enable both companies to strategically invest and collaborate with high-potential businesses and collaborate with local corporations. This synergy will contribute to fostering innovation across multiple industries and facilitate the growth of disruptive technologies.2. Market Access and Expansion: Vynn Capital will support Marubeni Malaysia in accessing local opportunities and exploring potential to scale new business opportunities and operations locally and regionally.3. Collaborative Innovation: By joining forces, Vynn Capital and Marubeni Malaysia will actively explore and invest in cutting-edge technologies and business models. This collaboration will drive the development and implementation of innovative solutions, promoting sustainable economic growth in Malaysia. Some of the areas identified are mobility, electrification and sustainability themed opportunities.Victor Chua, Founder and Managing Partner of Vynn Capital, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Marubeni Malaysia to drive innovation and contribute to the growth of Malaysia’s business ecosystem. Our combined strengths and expertise will create a positive impact on the economic landscape, allowing better integration between Japanese and Malaysian business communities and solve real-world challenges.”Takeshi Fujiwara, Representative of Marubeni Malaysia, shared his thoughts on the partnership, saying, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Vynn Capital, with their strong portfolio of investments in various sectors, in exploring new business opportunities and operations locally and regionally to contribute to the growth to Marubeni’s business ecosystem. We believe that the collaboration will commence our contributions through National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) in Malaysia and accelerate Marubeni Corporation’s businesses.”Marubeni Malaysia conducts business in Malaysia in a wide range of areas including forest products, chemicals, machinery products, energy, metals , infrastructure projects and mobility, healthcare.Vynn Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm founded with the objective of bridging the gap between traditional industries and the new economies through the development of technology. The team is made up of professionals with experience across early stage invest to late stage financing, with experience in business operations.The investment philosophy revolves around the creation of synergistic value between partners and companies supported by Vynn. Beyond investing, Vynn Capital assists its investors or Limited Partners in understanding new industries and markets with its localised team and network across the major cities of Southeast Asia.Vynn Capital is a Southeast Asia focused early stage venture capital firm investing in early stage tech startups.

As a sector focused investor, Vynn Capital is eyeing on the Supply Chain and Mobility industries including but not limited to Logistics, Travel, FMCG.

We believe in the Vynn-ing Formula – investing into companies could form an ecosystem within our portfolio. We look for entrepreneurs with the right mindset and willingness to work with us to achieve greater heights.

In addition to investing, we see ourselves as partners to the entrepreneurs to support them in challenging the norms and building world changing businesses.vc@vynncapital.com

Malaysia-headquartered venture capital firm Vynn Capital announced on Tuesday a strategic partnership with Marubeni Malaysia, a subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation, a renowned Japanese trading and investment conglomerate.

VYNN CAPITAL ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH MARUBENI MALAYSIA TO DRIVE INNOVATION & GROWTH

FWD Startup Studio Accelerator Opens Applications for Asia-based Startups

Application for <a href="https://fwdstartupstudio.com/accelerator">FWD Startup Studio Accelerator Programme</a> is now open, with a focus on Asia-based startups that are venture-backed in insurtech or adjacent verticals.

FWD Startup Studio, in collaboration with <a href="https://1337.ventures/">1337 Ventures</a>, is thrilled to announce the 5th cohort of FWD Startup Studio Accelerator, a game-changing 13-week programme designed to catapult your insurtech or adjacent vertical startups to new heights. If you have a brilliant idea for a collaboration with FWD Insurance in Malaysia, this is an opportunity you don't want to miss!

The FWD Startup Studio Accelerator aims to bring together the brightest minds in the industry, fostering innovative collaborations and potentially leading to proofs of concept (POC). Aspiring startups seeking to enrich their ventures through a strategic partnership with FWD Insurance in Malaysia are encouraged to apply.

"Startups bring new ideas to traditional businesses and industries, which aligns closely with our vision of changing the way people feel about insurance. Through our Startup Studio Accelerator as well as TIM Ventures, our venture capital fund, we are keen to identify outstanding startups, work together with them and help them grow, leveraging on our presence in 10 markets across Asia," said Ryan Kim, Group Chief Digital &amp; Marketing Officer, FWD Group.

The accelerator programme offers a plethora of benefits for participating startups:

Industry expertise: Gain unprecedented access to decision-makers within FWD Insurance and esteemed mentors who can provide invaluable guidance, open doors to collaborations, and facilitate partnerships.

Acceleration of growth: Fast-track the development of your collaboration to a real proof of concept (POC) before the accelerator programme concludes, giving your startup the momentum it needs to thrive.

Fundraising opportunities: Connect with prominent investors such as TIM Ventures and 1337 Ventures, expanding your network within the investor community. Exceptional collaboration ideas may even unlock the potential for Venture Capital funding.

Access to customers and markets: Successfully piloting your idea in Malaysia could spark interest from other FWD branches in different countries, opening doors to new markets and potential scaling opportunities.

Resource support: Empower your startup with over USD 20K worth of credits on digital infrastructure and cloud services, providing essential resources to fuel your growth.

Networking and community: Join a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs and global insurtech and adjacent vertical leaders, fostering meaningful connections that could propel your startup to new heights.

Bikesh Lakhmichand, Founding Partner of 1337 Ventures, stated, "<a href="https://fwdstartupstudio.com/accelerator">The FWD Startup Studio Accelerator</a> presents an incredible opportunity for startups to engage with FWD Insurance to explore a proof of concept (POC) solution and access to decision-makers and mentors within FWD Group. We are eager to support and witness the growth of promising startups in the insurtech and fintech space.”

Venture-backed seed stage Asia-based startups who are in the insurtech or adjacent verticals are encouraged to apply and develop a proof of concept (POC) design with FWD Malaysia.

The startups who participated in the previous cohorts have walked away from the accelerator better equipped to be game changers within their respective industries. Past participants include; BlueDuck, Kapitani, Finory, Betterteem, Koha, Safyer, Cashku, eHibah, CoreHalal, Du-It, Marion, Protos Labs, uPledge, Warantee and more.

Join us in an upcoming webinar on 17 August 2023, to learn more about this accelerator, RSVP at <a href="https://bit.ly/eventfwdc5">https://bit.ly/eventfwdc5</a>

Applications are open now, and the deadline for submissions is 28 August 2023. FWD Startup Studio Accelerator will begin on 5 September 2023. For more information and to apply, please visit <a href="https://fwdstartupstudio.com/accelerator">https://fwdstartupstudio.com/accelerator</a>.

<h1>FWD Startup Studio Accelerator Opens Applications for Asia-based Startups</h1>FWD Startup Studio, in collaboration with 1337 Ventures, is thrilled to announce the 5th cohort of FWD Startup Studio Accelerator (https://fwdstartupstudio.com/accelerator), a game-changing 13-week programme designed to catapult your insurtech or adjacent vertical startups to new heights. If you have a brilliant idea for a collaboration with FWD Insurance in Malaysia.FWD Startup Studio Accelerator Opens Applications for Asia-based StartupsApplication for <a href="https://fwdstartupstudio.com/accelerator">FWD Startup Studio Accelerator Programme</a> is now open, with a focus on Asia-based startups that are venture-backed in insurtech or adjacent verticals.FWD Startup Studio, in collaboration with <a href="https://1337.ventures/">1337 Ventures</a>, is thrilled to announce the 5th cohort of FWD Startup Studio Accelerator, a game-changing 13-week programme designed to catapult your insurtech or adjacent vertical startups to new heights. If you have a brilliant idea for a collaboration with FWD Insurance in Malaysia, this is an opportunity you don't want to miss!The FWD Startup Studio Accelerator aims to bring together the brightest minds in the industry, fostering innovative collaborations and potentially leading to proofs of concept (POC). Aspiring startups seeking to enrich their ventures through a strategic partnership with FWD Insurance in Malaysia are encouraged to apply.<img style="max-width:100%;height:auto;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/1b6d9a753c25e8e06489df319c1a36e3266886ce1ff09653c57c933411f71dce/RyanKim-FWDGroup%20copy.jpg" alt="Ryan Kim, Group Chief Digital &amp; Marketing Officer, FWD Group"/>"Startups bring new ideas to traditional businesses and industries, which aligns closely with our vision of changing the way people feel about insurance. Through our Startup Studio Accelerator as well as TIM Ventures, our venture capital fund, we are keen to identify outstanding startups, work together with them and help them grow, leveraging on our presence in 10 markets across Asia," said Ryan Kim, Group Chief Digital &amp; Marketing Officer, FWD Group.The accelerator programme offers a plethora of benefits for participating startups:Industry expertise: Gain unprecedented access to decision-makers within FWD Insurance and esteemed mentors who can provide invaluable guidance, open doors to collaborations, and facilitate partnerships.Acceleration of growth: Fast-track the development of your collaboration to a real proof of concept (POC) before the accelerator programme concludes, giving your startup the momentum it needs to thrive.Fundraising opportunities: Connect with prominent investors such as TIM Ventures and 1337 Ventures, expanding your network within the investor community. Exceptional collaboration ideas may even unlock the potential for Venture Capital funding.Access to customers and markets: Successfully piloting your idea in Malaysia could spark interest from other FWD branches in different countries, opening doors to new markets and potential scaling opportunities.Resource support: Empower your startup with over USD 20K worth of credits on digital infrastructure and cloud services, providing essential resources to fuel your growth.Networking and community: Join a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs and global insurtech and adjacent vertical leaders, fostering meaningful connections that could propel your startup to new heights.Bikesh Lakhmichand, Founding Partner of 1337 Ventures, stated, "<a href="https://fwdstartupstudio.com/accelerator">The FWD Startup Studio Accelerator</a> presents an incredible opportunity for startups to engage with FWD Insurance to explore a proof of concept (POC) solution and access to decision-makers and mentors within FWD Group. We are eager to support and witness the growth of promising startups in the insurtech and fintech space.”<img style="max-width:100%;height:auto;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/bdd525a3a1891fd77b6c95d9c35cc1b3ee754577759db5976004b2da4c7e52be/Bikesh-1337Ventures.jpg" alt="Bikesh Lakhmichand, Founding Partner of 1337 Ventures."/>Venture-backed seed stage Asia-based startups who are in the insurtech or adjacent verticals are encouraged to apply and develop a proof of concept (POC) design with FWD Malaysia.The startups who participated in the previous cohorts have walked away from the accelerator better equipped to be game changers within their respective industries. Past participants include; BlueDuck, Kapitani, Finory, Betterteem, Koha, Safyer, Cashku, eHibah, CoreHalal, Du-It, Marion, Protos Labs, uPledge, Warantee and more.Join us in an upcoming webinar on 17 August 2023, to learn more about this accelerator, RSVP at <a href="https://bit.ly/eventfwdc5">https://bit.ly/eventfwdc5</a>Applications are open now, and the deadline for submissions is 28 August 2023. FWD Startup Studio Accelerator will begin on 5 September 2023. For more information and to apply, please visit <a href="https://fwdstartupstudio.com/accelerator">https://fwdstartupstudio.com/accelerator</a>.Established in 2012, 1337 Ventures is Malaysia’s first accelerator programme and early-stage accelerator. Pioneering the Design Thinking Methodology and Design Sprints in Malaysia, 1337 Ventures has utilised its learning to accelerate the growth of over 2,500 startups from 6 different countries. 1337 Ventures has launched accelerators for MNCs and GLCs such as Bank Negara Malaysia, Khazanah Nasional, Telekom, Digi, MDEC, CIMB and Maybank, to name a few. More recently, 1337 Ventures is proud to be one of the three new recipients of the Equity Crowdfunding license from the Securities Commission. 

To find out more about 1337 Ventures, please visit www.1337.ventures. 

-------

About FWD Startup Studio
FWD Startup Studio is a leading innovation and accelerator platform that empowers startups to realise their full potential and drive transformative change in the insurance, takaful and adjacent sectors. With a commitment to fostering innovation, FWD Startup Studio provides startups with access to industry expertise, resources, and collaboration opportunities to accelerate their growth.Shannon Chow
Head of Marketing, 1337 Ventures
shannon@1337.ventures

Life insurance / Non-life insurance

Event

FWD Startup Studio, in collaboration with 1337 Ventures, is thrilled to announce the 5th cohort of FWD Startup Studio Accelerator (https://fwdstartupstudio.com/accelerator), a game-changing 13-week programme designed to catapult your insurtech or adjacent vertical startups to new heights. If you have a brilliant idea for a collaboration with FWD Insurance in Malaysia.

The aim is to push the expansion of&nbsp;<a href="https://bigpayme.com/" target="_blank">BigPay</a>, Capital A’s fintech arm, in Southeast Asian markets including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This effort also involves Capital A’s two other subsidiaries: airline business&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airasia.com/en/gb" target="_blank">AirAsia</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airasia.com/aa/appdownload/" target="_blank">AirAsia Super App</a>.

As part of the deal, UnionDigital Bank will partner with BigPay to provide embedded finance within the super app’s travel category, which is the main booking channel for AirAsia flights in the Philippines.

The digibank will also handle flexible payment options for Capital A’s customers, including making “fly now, pay later” available on the super app.

The deal comes on the heels of the appointment of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.techinasia.com/capital-bigpay-appoints-leader-ceo-steps">Zubin Rada Krishnan</a>&nbsp;as acting group CEO of BigPay.

In April, the firm said it has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.techinasia.com/capital-bigpay-appoints-leader-ceo-steps">1.3 million transacting and carded users</a>&nbsp;and recently achieved US$224 million in gross transaction value on its international remittance service.

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyfernandesairasia/?originalSubdomain=my" target="_blank">Tony Fernandes</a>, the CEO of Capital A,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/capital-a-shelves-ipo-of-airasia-philippines-yet-again-355419" target="_blank">reportedly</a>&nbsp;confirmed that listing AirAsia Philippines on the local stock exchange is not currently part of his plans, potentially marking another delay in the fundraising plan that was initially conceived in 2015.

<h1>Capital A partners with UnionDigital Bank for SEA expansion</h1>Malaysia-based Capital A has announced a partnership with UnionDigital Bank, the digital bank unit of Philippines-based Union Bank.The aim is to push the expansion of&nbsp;<a href="https://bigpayme.com/" target="_blank">BigPay</a>, Capital A’s fintech arm, in Southeast Asian markets including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This effort also involves Capital A’s two other subsidiaries: airline business&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airasia.com/en/gb" target="_blank">AirAsia</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.airasia.com/aa/appdownload/" target="_blank">AirAsia Super App</a>.As part of the deal, UnionDigital Bank will partner with BigPay to provide embedded finance within the super app’s travel category, which is the main booking channel for AirAsia flights in the Philippines.The digibank will also handle flexible payment options for Capital A’s customers, including making “fly now, pay later” available on the super app.The deal comes on the heels of the appointment of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.techinasia.com/capital-bigpay-appoints-leader-ceo-steps">Zubin Rada Krishnan</a>&nbsp;as acting group CEO of BigPay.In April, the firm said it has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.techinasia.com/capital-bigpay-appoints-leader-ceo-steps">1.3 million transacting and carded users</a>&nbsp;and recently achieved US$224 million in gross transaction value on its international remittance service.<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyfernandesairasia/?originalSubdomain=my" target="_blank">Tony Fernandes</a>, the CEO of Capital A,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dealstreetasia.com/stories/capital-a-shelves-ipo-of-airasia-philippines-yet-again-355419" target="_blank">reportedly</a>&nbsp;confirmed that listing AirAsia Philippines on the local stock exchange is not currently part of his plans, potentially marking another delay in the fundraising plan that was initially conceived in 2015.Building a world-class brand, a leading Asean airline, and a digital travel and lifestyle platform that leverages data and technologycapitala_ir@airasia.com

Malaysia-based Capital A has announced a partnership with UnionDigital Bank, the digital bank unit of Philippines-based Union Bank.

Capital A partners with UnionDigital Bank for SEA expansion

Alternative financing is gaining popularity in Malaysia as a viable option for local businesses to raise funds. This is evident as total funds raised in Equity Crowdfunding stood at RM560.34 million via 330 campaign as reported by the Securities Commission of Malaysia.&nbsp;

To support the alternative financing landscape, <a href="https://1337.ventures/">1337 Ventures</a> and <a href="https://www.leet.capital/">Leet Capita</a>l are back to host the ECF Accelerator Programme. The three-day fundraising bootcamp will guide up to 20 ambitious growth stage entrepreneurs on fundraising methods and strategies through venture capital, private equity, and equity crowdfunding (ECF).

The bootcamp will cover stakeholder mapping, go-to-market strategy, financial modelling, marketing, pitching, and other topics necessary for launching a successful ECF campaign and fundraising exercises. The culmination of this rigorous bootcamp will see the top three companies gaining an exclusive opportunity to showcase their potential at <a href="https://leet.capital/insights/angel-investor-club/">Leet Angel Club</a> - a prestigious event is a strictly invite-only gathering of discerning angel and sophisticated investors, curated by the reputed Leet Capital.

"In the journey of fundraising, many SME entrepreneurs hit a wall when it comes to building solid financial models, crafting a bulletproof fundraising strategy, or nailing a killer pitch. That's a real concern," says Bikesh Lakhmichand, the man behind the thriving force of 1337 Ventures. Bikesh, with his vast experience of propelling over 2,500 startups to their zenith, emphasizes: "Our local Malaysian businesses aren't short of potential, they just need the right pointers to understand the fundraising landscape. And yes, learning to pitch effectively to investors is a game-changer that many are missing out on in their capital raising efforts.”

In 2022, the ECF Accelerator programme had two successful cohorts that included homegrown companies from healthtech, eco-friendly beauty products, F&amp;B, and more. QMED Asia, the cohort 1 winner, raised over RM5 million in ECF from 110 investors on Leet Capital.&nbsp;

Arus Oil, from cohort 2, was recently invested in by Shell as an initiative to encourage Malaysians to recycle their used cooking oil and continue to provide cleaner and sustainable energy solutions.&nbsp;

Cohort 3 begins in August 2023 and will take place on August 4th, 11th, and 18th, 2023, at WORQ, Menara UOA, Bangsar. Malaysian SMEs and pre-IPO companies that are interested in raising funds via ECF are welcome to apply on <a href="https://bit.ly/ecfaccelerator">https://bit.ly/ecfaccelerator</a>. Registration closes on 28 July.&nbsp;

The programme is supported by WORQ, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Penang. 

<h1>1337 Ventures’ ECF Accelerator is back to help Malaysian SMEs maximise opportunities through ECF fundraising</h1>To support the alternative financing landscape, 1337 Ventures and Leet Capital are back to host the ECF Accelerator Programme. The three-day fundraising bootcamp will guide up to 20 ambitious growth stage entrepreneurs on fundraising methods and strategies through venture capital, private equity, and equity crowdfunding (ECF).Alternative financing is gaining popularity in Malaysia as a viable option for local businesses to raise funds. This is evident as total funds raised in Equity Crowdfunding stood at RM560.34 million via 330 campaign as reported by the Securities Commission of Malaysia.&nbsp;To support the alternative financing landscape, <a href="https://1337.ventures/">1337 Ventures</a> and <a href="https://www.leet.capital/">Leet Capita</a>l are back to host the ECF Accelerator Programme. The three-day fundraising bootcamp will guide up to 20 ambitious growth stage entrepreneurs on fundraising methods and strategies through venture capital, private equity, and equity crowdfunding (ECF).The bootcamp will cover stakeholder mapping, go-to-market strategy, financial modelling, marketing, pitching, and other topics necessary for launching a successful ECF campaign and fundraising exercises. The culmination of this rigorous bootcamp will see the top three companies gaining an exclusive opportunity to showcase their potential at <a href="https://leet.capital/insights/angel-investor-club/">Leet Angel Club</a> - a prestigious event is a strictly invite-only gathering of discerning angel and sophisticated investors, curated by the reputed Leet Capital."In the journey of fundraising, many SME entrepreneurs hit a wall when it comes to building solid financial models, crafting a bulletproof fundraising strategy, or nailing a killer pitch. That's a real concern," says Bikesh Lakhmichand, the man behind the thriving force of 1337 Ventures. Bikesh, with his vast experience of propelling over 2,500 startups to their zenith, emphasizes: "Our local Malaysian businesses aren't short of potential, they just need the right pointers to understand the fundraising landscape. And yes, learning to pitch effectively to investors is a game-changer that many are missing out on in their capital raising efforts.”In 2022, the ECF Accelerator programme had two successful cohorts that included homegrown companies from healthtech, eco-friendly beauty products, F&amp;B, and more. QMED Asia, the cohort 1 winner, raised over RM5 million in ECF from 110 investors on Leet Capital.&nbsp;Arus Oil, from cohort 2, was recently invested in by Shell as an initiative to encourage Malaysians to recycle their used cooking oil and continue to provide cleaner and sustainable energy solutions.&nbsp;Cohort 3 begins in August 2023 and will take place on August 4th, 11th, and 18th, 2023, at WORQ, Menara UOA, Bangsar. Malaysian SMEs and pre-IPO companies that are interested in raising funds via ECF are welcome to apply on <a href="https://bit.ly/ecfaccelerator">https://bit.ly/ecfaccelerator</a>. Registration closes on 28 July.&nbsp;The programme is supported by WORQ, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Penang. 1337 Ventures is an early-stage Venture Capital (VC) firm focused on pre-seed and seed-stage investments in Malaysia and South East Asia. Established in 2012, we are Malaysia’s first accelerator programme. Pioneering the Design Thinking Methodology and Design Sprints in Malaysia, 1337 Ventures has utilised its learning to accelerate the growth of over 2,500+ startups from 5 different countries. 1337 Ventures has launched accelerators for MNCs and GLCs such as FWD, NTIS, Bank Negara Malaysia, Khazanah Nasional, Telekom, Digi, MDEC, CIMB, RHB, and Maybank, to name a few. 

Our sister company Leet Capital is an Equity Crowdfunding (ECF) platform. Leet Academy, our education arm, focuses to empower, educate & build resilient individuals through a series of workshops, mentorship and networking events in the areas of Design Thinking, Pitching & Agile Ways of Work. 

To find out more about 1337 Ventures & our leet ecosystem, please visit www.1337.ventures.Shannon Chow
Head of Marketing, 1337 Ventures
shannon@1337.ventures

To support the alternative financing landscape, 1337 Ventures and Leet Capital are back to host the ECF Accelerator Programme. The three-day fundraising bootcamp will guide up to 20 ambitious growth stage entrepreneurs on fundraising methods and strategies through venture capital, private equity, and equity crowdfunding (ECF).

1337 Ventures’ ECF Accelerator is back to help Malaysian SMEs maximise opportunities through ECF fundraising

With a total of 54 million BonusLink Points available throughout the campaign period, customers have the chance to earn their share of 18 million Points each month.

The Points will be credited to members’ accounts within five to six weeks after the campaign ends, and are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The main objective of the campaign is to encourage more transactions and increased spending with Visa debit or credit cards across all participating BonusLink partners.

The diverse range of participating partners include industry-leading brands such as Shell, Parkson, AmBank, Tealive, EON, Komugi and many more.

Lim said BonusLink is excited to launch the campaign and offer their valued members the chance to earn up to 25 times BonusLink Points with their Visa transactions.

“This initiative not only rewards our loyal members but also strengthens our partnerships with prominent brands across various sectors,” he said.

BonusLink members are advised to read the campaign’s terms and conditions and find out more by visiting the official&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bonuslink.com.my/EN/Promotions/25XBonusLinkPointsWithVisa.aspx?utm_source=cont&amp;utm_medium=artcl&amp;utm_campaign=mg%7Cblink%7Cupto25xpoints-publisher%7C220523&amp;utm_content=link%7CFMT" target="_blank">website</a>.

<h1>BonusLink rewards members who transact with Visa</h1>Taking place from June 1 to Aug 31, BonusLink members can win their share of 18 million Points each month.With a total of 54 million BonusLink Points available throughout the campaign period, customers have the chance to earn their share of 18 million Points each month.The Points will be credited to members’ accounts within five to six weeks after the campaign ends, and are only available on a first-come, first-served basis.The main objective of the campaign is to encourage more transactions and increased spending with Visa debit or credit cards across all participating BonusLink partners.The diverse range of participating partners include industry-leading brands such as Shell, Parkson, AmBank, Tealive, EON, Komugi and many more.Lim said BonusLink is excited to launch the campaign and offer their valued members the chance to earn up to 25 times BonusLink Points with their Visa transactions.“This initiative not only rewards our loyal members but also strengthens our partnerships with prominent brands across various sectors,” he said.BonusLink members are advised to read the campaign’s terms and conditions and find out more by visiting the official&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bonuslink.com.my/EN/Promotions/25XBonusLinkPointsWithVisa.aspx?utm_source=cont&amp;utm_medium=artcl&amp;utm_campaign=mg%7Cblink%7Cupto25xpoints-publisher%7C220523&amp;utm_content=link%7CFMT" target="_blank">website</a>.Launched in January 1998, BonusLink is Malaysia’s first premier consumer rewards program with 9 million Members nationwide. At BonusLink, we understand lifestyle and the joy of everyday rewards which is why collecting BonusLink Points and redeeming them are made simple and hassle free!

There are many places to collect BonusLink Points! Fuel up at Shell, shop at Parkson and Focus Point, holiday with Agoda and collect enough BonusLink Points to redeem Gifts you’ll love! Our range of Gifts and Vouchers are priced affordably, offering you the best deals for redemption, all for FREE!

Hoping to speed up your Points collection? Get the family together and accelerate those Points collection! To multiply your Points 10X for your all your purchases at Shell and Parkson all year long, get our AmBank BonusLink Visa Card. This card also gives you 10X Points for your everyday spend – Dining, Groceries, Online transaction & Entertainment. No other Card compares!

BonusLink Card is also available on the App. Download the BonusLink App and never miss out on collecting BonusLink Points again. There are tons of great rewards and privileges you wouldn’t want to miss; all at your fingertips.

Join us and be part of the BonusLink Family today!03-7626 1000
MemberServices@bonuslink.com.my

Gifts / Flowers

Taking place from June 1 to Aug 31, BonusLink members can win their share of 18 million Points each month.

BonusLink rewards members who transact with Visa

Bayo Pay said in a statement that VentureTECH SBI and VentureTECH Sdn Bhd have invested MYR 7 million ($1.52 million) and MYR 3 million ($650,000) respectively in Bayo Pay.

“The investments will be utilised to fund Bayo Pay’s expansion by onboarding new clients and promote its ancillary digital services,” said Aznul Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Bayo Pay.

According to him, the investments will also go a long way in the operations of the company and support the capital expenditure requirements as part of its forward strategies to expand client base, increase collaborative-based income and further deepen its focus in its niche verticals.

“We are thrilled to have both VentureTECH SBI and VentureTECH as our cornerstone institutional investors and we believe this investment validates our business roadmap, as we execute our strategies to leverage on the global surge in use of digital payments,” he said.

According to the statement, this is a maiden investment for VentureTECH SBI, a joint-venture fund management company between VentureTECH and SBI Ventures Malaysia Sdn Bhd (awholly-owned subsidiary of SBI Holdings, Inc Japan), that focuses on venture capital and private equity activities in the Southeast Asia region.

Meanwhile, this marks VentureTECH’s first investment in the Fintech market segments since its inception, and with the addition of Bayo Pay, VentureTECH has invested and committed to invest in 25 technology industry leaders in its targeted high technology and emerging industries, with aggregate investee net worth surpassing the MYR 2 billion ($440 million) mark.

“Our MYR 7 million ($1.52 million) investment will speed up Bayo Pay’s product development cycle through hiring additional talents and client acquisition,” said Mohd Jerry Tan, Principal of VentureTECH SBI.

According to him, Bayo Pay’s various white label products and modular approach allow new solutions or financial products to be rapidly deployed on top of its core offerings, allowing Bayo Pay’s clients to focus on what truly matters, i.e., their products and marketing.

Meanwhile, VentureTECH Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Redzuan Sidek said the MYR 3 million ($650,000) investment is in line with VentureTECH’s mission to support local fintech talents and its impact investment philosophy that aims to generate positive socioeconomic benefits in line with the country’s vision of embracing IR4.0 towards creating a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable growth.

According to him, Bayo Pay’s dynamic and modular solutions grant fast deployment in terms of additional features such as security electronic ID module, customer engagement platform and corporate digital payment solutions.

He noted the additional features are important because through rapid deployment and various available options, Bayo Pay’s clients are able to customize and offer various products that are central to its strategic positioning.

VentureTECH is a government-backed impact investment company established to catalyse the growth of local industries particularly Bumiputera in the high value-added and high-technology industries through equity investment.

The firm was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT).

Bayo Pay is a licensed Mastercard non-bank E-money issuer to assist the company in growing its core business and further enhancing its B2B2X white label Digital Payment-as-a-Service solutions to support the growth of local fintech startups in Malaysia.

Bayo Pay focuses on offering integrated end-to-end digital payment solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporates with a growing and captive user base.

Bayo Pay’s B2B2X business model allows its clients to access its proprietary technology to develop a scalable private label payment solution accessible via its white-label or embedded payment module.

This enables any fintech startups or corporates to dive into digital financial services at a more efficient cost by accelerating their go-to-market strategy and alleviating regulatory, legal, and technical obstacles while providing flexibility, and ease of product customization and integration.

<h1>MALAYSIAN FINTECH FIRM BAYO PAY RAISES $2.2M IN FUNDING LED BY VENTURETECH SBI</h1>Malaysian FinTech firm Bayo Pay (M) Sdn Bhd has raised $2.2 million Series A funding led by venture capital firm VentureTECH SBI Sdn Bhd.Bayo Pay said in a statement that VentureTECH SBI and VentureTECH Sdn Bhd have invested MYR 7 million ($1.52 million) and MYR 3 million ($650,000) respectively in Bayo Pay.“The investments will be utilised to fund Bayo Pay’s expansion by onboarding new clients and promote its ancillary digital services,” said Aznul Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Bayo Pay.According to him, the investments will also go a long way in the operations of the company and support the capital expenditure requirements as part of its forward strategies to expand client base, increase collaborative-based income and further deepen its focus in its niche verticals.“We are thrilled to have both VentureTECH SBI and VentureTECH as our cornerstone institutional investors and we believe this investment validates our business roadmap, as we execute our strategies to leverage on the global surge in use of digital payments,” he said.According to the statement, this is a maiden investment for VentureTECH SBI, a joint-venture fund management company between VentureTECH and SBI Ventures Malaysia Sdn Bhd (awholly-owned subsidiary of SBI Holdings, Inc Japan), that focuses on venture capital and private equity activities in the Southeast Asia region.Meanwhile, this marks VentureTECH’s first investment in the Fintech market segments since its inception, and with the addition of Bayo Pay, VentureTECH has invested and committed to invest in 25 technology industry leaders in its targeted high technology and emerging industries, with aggregate investee net worth surpassing the MYR 2 billion ($440 million) mark.“Our MYR 7 million ($1.52 million) investment will speed up Bayo Pay’s product development cycle through hiring additional talents and client acquisition,” said Mohd Jerry Tan, Principal of VentureTECH SBI.According to him, Bayo Pay’s various white label products and modular approach allow new solutions or financial products to be rapidly deployed on top of its core offerings, allowing Bayo Pay’s clients to focus on what truly matters, i.e., their products and marketing.Meanwhile, VentureTECH Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Redzuan Sidek said the MYR 3 million ($650,000) investment is in line with VentureTECH’s mission to support local fintech talents and its impact investment philosophy that aims to generate positive socioeconomic benefits in line with the country’s vision of embracing IR4.0 towards creating a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable growth.According to him, Bayo Pay’s dynamic and modular solutions grant fast deployment in terms of additional features such as security electronic ID module, customer engagement platform and corporate digital payment solutions.He noted the additional features are important because through rapid deployment and various available options, Bayo Pay’s clients are able to customize and offer various products that are central to its strategic positioning.VentureTECH is a government-backed impact investment company established to catalyse the growth of local industries particularly Bumiputera in the high value-added and high-technology industries through equity investment.The firm was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT).Bayo Pay is a licensed Mastercard non-bank E-money issuer to assist the company in growing its core business and further enhancing its B2B2X white label Digital Payment-as-a-Service solutions to support the growth of local fintech startups in Malaysia.Bayo Pay focuses on offering integrated end-to-end digital payment solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and corporates with a growing and captive user base.Bayo Pay’s B2B2X business model allows its clients to access its proprietary technology to develop a scalable private label payment solution accessible via its white-label or embedded payment module.This enables any fintech startups or corporates to dive into digital financial services at a more efficient cost by accelerating their go-to-market strategy and alleviating regulatory, legal, and technical obstacles while providing flexibility, and ease of product customization and integration.Bayo Pay (M) Sdn Bhd is a homegrown financial technology company regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia under the Payment System Act 2003 and a licensed entity by Mastercard as an issuer of Mastercard payment card in Malaysia.

We employ the best-in-class technologies in payment system ensuring unparalleled user experience.Tel: +603-76215151
Email: support@bayo.my

Malaysian FinTech firm Bayo Pay (M) Sdn Bhd has raised $2.2 million Series A funding led by venture capital firm VentureTECH SBI Sdn Bhd.

MALAYSIAN FINTECH FIRM BAYO PAY RAISES $2.2M IN FUNDING LED BY VENTURETECH SBI

The pre-accelerator programme received hundreds of applications from early-stage startups nationwide when applications were announced early this year with&nbsp;26 promising startups&nbsp;selected to join the cohort. This was narrowed down&nbsp;to the top nine finalists.

The Alpha Startups Demo Day, hosted at Google Malaysia, marked the programme's culmination, providing participants with a platform to gain hands-on experience to pitch their ideas to potential investors and launch their startups.

Manis Leting and Triphie subsequently won the cohort and will receive pre-seed funding of up to US$10,813 (RM50,000).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Amirah Jasmine and Atirah Danial's Manis Leting create Healthier Alternative Food Products that use zero white sugar.&nbsp;"Alpha Startups has boosted our confidence as startup founders in the food and beverage industry. The mentors in the programme provided much-needed guidance and support, giving us more clarity on how to bring Manis Leting forward,"&nbsp;said Atirah.&nbsp;With the funding from 1337 Ventures, the duo now plans to focus on licensing and certification, production, operations, and marketing to scale.

Triphie is an AI-enabled, all-in-one, personalised, collaborative trip-planning platform that helps travellers discover, plan, and book their holidays.&nbsp;"We're at such an early stage, and that too in a very competitive travel and tourism market. Being part of the Alpha Startups pre-accelerator programme gave us a clear vision of how to differentiate ourselves from our competitors,"&nbsp;said Nour Araar,&nbsp;founder of Triphie.&nbsp;The other startups that pitched at the demo day were Beseek, Cocojack, Kita, MyDeliva, Odar, SAPOT, and TigerCampus. They raised their ideas to a panel of judges, including Freda Liu, author and radio personality; Bikesh Lakhmichand, founding partner of 1337 Ventures; and Alpha Startups™ alumnus&nbsp; from 2020, Gokula Krishnan, the founder of Vircle.

"It's hard to get to the core of your business when you only have a short time to pitch and convince investors. Everyone worked hard, and as a first-time judge who has interviewed a lot of companies, it was a great experience for me," Freda said.&nbsp;"Reflecting on my journey as an early-stage startup during the pandemic, Alpha Startups™&nbsp;quickly helped me validate and finetune the idea of Vircle. It was a great stepping stone to where Vircle is today. The pre-accelerator also created invaluable connections and mentors that are still supportive today,"&nbsp;Gokula said.&nbsp;All the startups from the recent cohort will receive perks up to US$17,300 (RM80,000)&nbsp;worth of digital credits from Google Cloud, CloudMile, Airtable, Swipey, Notion, Stripe, WORQ and more.&nbsp;MRANTI, Digital Penang, WORQ, and Google support the latest cohort of Alpha Startups.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Watch the live stream of the Demo Day&nbsp;<a href="https://1337.ventures/alpha-startups/demo-day/">here</a>.&nbsp;

Early-stage startups keen to participate in the upcoming cohort can register&nbsp;interest&nbsp;<a href="https://1337.ventures/alpha-startups/pre-register">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h1>Manis Leting and Triphie top the 1337 Ventures' Alpha Startups Pre-Accelerator</h1>Nine aspiring Malaysian startups recently showcased their innovative solutions in front of a live audience of investors, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs during 1337 Ventures' Alpha Startup Pre-Accelerator programme.The pre-accelerator programme received hundreds of applications from early-stage startups nationwide when applications were announced early this year with&nbsp;26 promising startups&nbsp;selected to join the cohort. This was narrowed down&nbsp;to the top nine finalists.The Alpha Startups Demo Day, hosted at Google Malaysia, marked the programme's culmination, providing participants with a platform to gain hands-on experience to pitch their ideas to potential investors and launch their startups.Manis Leting and Triphie subsequently won the cohort and will receive pre-seed funding of up to US$10,813 (RM50,000).&nbsp;&nbsp;<img style="max-width:100%;height:auto;" src="https://vritimes-public.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/production/3d6c11ab1081d2fc1c11bc0e41ee93f01ec11f3944bb1cdea18d4db17349e4e5/Amirah%20Jasmine%2C%20Atirah%20Danial%20of%20Manis%20Leting.jpeg" alt="Amirah Jasmine (left) and Atirah Danial, founders of Manis Leting who have developed a healthier alternative to white sugar which got the judges vote as winners for the Alpha Startups Demo Day."/>Amirah Jasmine and Atirah Danial's Manis Leting create Healthier Alternative Food Products that use zero white sugar.&nbsp;"Alpha Startups has boosted our confidence as startup founders in the food and beverage industry. The mentors in the programme provided much-needed guidance and support, giving us more clarity on how to bring Manis Leting forward,"&nbsp;said Atirah.&nbsp;With the funding from 1337 Ventures, the duo now plans to focus on licensing and certification, production, operations, and marketing to scale.Triphie is an AI-enabled, all-in-one, personalised, collaborative trip-planning platform that helps travellers discover, plan, and book their holidays.&nbsp;"We're at such an early stage, and that too in a very competitive travel and tourism market. Being part of the Alpha Startups pre-accelerator programme gave us a clear vision of how to differentiate ourselves from our competitors,"&nbsp;said Nour Araar,&nbsp;founder of Triphie.&nbsp;The other startups that pitched at the demo day were Beseek, Cocojack, Kita, MyDeliva, Odar, SAPOT, and TigerCampus. They raised their ideas to a panel of judges, including Freda Liu, author and radio personality; Bikesh Lakhmichand, founding partner of 1337 Ventures; and Alpha Startups™ alumnus&nbsp; from 2020, Gokula Krishnan, the founder of Vircle."It's hard to get to the core of your business when you only have a short time to pitch and convince investors. Everyone worked hard, and as a first-time judge who has interviewed a lot of companies, it was a great experience for me," Freda said.&nbsp;"Reflecting on my journey as an early-stage startup during the pandemic, Alpha Startups™&nbsp;quickly helped me validate and finetune the idea of Vircle. It was a great stepping stone to where Vircle is today. The pre-accelerator also created invaluable connections and mentors that are still supportive today,"&nbsp;Gokula said.&nbsp;All the startups from the recent cohort will receive perks up to US$17,300 (RM80,000)&nbsp;worth of digital credits from Google Cloud, CloudMile, Airtable, Swipey, Notion, Stripe, WORQ and more.&nbsp;MRANTI, Digital Penang, WORQ, and Google support the latest cohort of Alpha Startups.&nbsp;&nbsp; Watch the live stream of the Demo Day&nbsp;<a href="https://1337.ventures/alpha-startups/demo-day/">here</a>.&nbsp;Early-stage startups keen to participate in the upcoming cohort can register&nbsp;interest&nbsp;<a href="https://1337.ventures/alpha-startups/pre-register">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;1337 Ventures (pronounced as 'Leet'), is a Malaysian VC, we invest in early-stage startups. We run Alpha Startups Accelerator to help idea and MVP-stage startups launch, validate, and grow. We also help SMEs raise funds via ECF & consult corporates on their Innovation journey.WA : +601156280817
e-mail : info@1337.ventures

Nine aspiring Malaysian startups recently showcased their innovative solutions in front of a live audience of investors, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs during 1337 Ventures' Alpha Startup Pre-Accelerator programme.