KUALA LUMPUR, 7 August 2024 – MYStartup, in collaboration with WatchTower and Friends, proudly announces the selection of 30 high-potential startups for the MYStartup Pre-Accelerator Cohort 4. This prestigious programme, spearheaded by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle) and executed under the MYStartup initiative, is designed to propel these startups towards achieving product-market fit and fostering the overall success of the Malaysian startup ecosystem.
Chosen from a competitive pool of close to 100 applicants across Malaysia, the selected startups will embark on a four-month tailored programme. The programme covers essential topics, including aligning co-founder goals, crafting mission and vision statements, developing business models, designing and iterating Minimum Viable Products (MVP), conducting market validation, exploring valuations and funding, and understanding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and governance. This structured approach equips participants with the knowledge and tools to build and scale successful startups.

Supported More Than 100 Malaysian Startups Since 2022

Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle, expressed his enthusiasm on the programme launch, stating, “MYStartup is dedicated to advancing the local startup ecosystem by providing access to crucial early-stage support tools and resources such as expert mentoring, seed funding and market access. Since the launch of the first cohort in 2022, MYStartup Pre-Accelerator has supported more than 100 Malaysian startups across three cohorts. This programme reflects our commitment to position Malaysia as a key player in driving innovation and advancement in local and global technology sectors, aligning with the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation’s objective to place Malaysia among the top 20 global startup ecosystems by 2030, as described under the Malaysian Startup Ecosystem Roadmap (SUPER) 2021 – 2030.”

Guide Startups in Developing Viable Business Models

The pre-accelerator programme offers a cohesive package for each shortlisted startup, encompassing weekly learning modules, hands-on mentoring, on-demand resources, and strategic connections within the tech and entrepreneur industry. These resources are meticulously designed to guide startups in developing viable business models and seizing growth opportunities.

Prepare Startups for Sustainable Success in Competitive Landscape

By the end of the programme, participants will present their validated and constructive MVP to potential investors, presenting a pivotal opportunity to secure funding and propel their growth trajectory forward. This structured approach not only equips startups with essential skills and insights but also prepares them for sustainable success in the competitive startup landscape.

Government’s Goal to Create 5,000 Startups by 2025

“Since 2015, we’ve proudly supported Malaysian startups, with many from our WTF Accelerator evolving into the nation’s most successful ventures. Partnering with Cradle through MYStartup, we’re fully committed to the government’s goal of creating 5,000 startups by 2025. During this four-month programme, our focus is on achieving product-market fit across diverse sectors like SaaS, E-commerce, Edtech, Fintech and AI. We look forward to witnessing significant achievements and scaling potential under WatchTower and Friends,” shared Sam Shafie, Co-Founder of WatchTower and Friends.

WatchTower and Friends Co-Founder, Sam Shafie and Co-hort 4 participants.

Shortlisted 30 Startups for Co-hort 4

The 30 companies shortlisted for Cohort 4 include:

Join the startup ecosystem and be part of the innovation today! Visit www.mystartup.gov.my

END