Gobi Partners’ Post

Be part of Malaysia's Startup Journey

Introducing the 8 startups selected for the Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) #Manila Acceleration Program Batch 8! 🇵🇭 Throughout the program, these startups will receive expert mentorship and support, culminating in their pitch showcase at the Plug and Play APAC Summit in Singapore. 👏 Join us in welcoming our GIA Manila Batch 8 startups: Aktivo Labs BROROOTS HYDGEN KAI Hotel Solutions MyMedVault SafeAir Technologies TAPP! Global Trace+ Technologies We’re looking forward to collaborating with these innovators who are making significant contributions across various sectors including AI, Energy, HealthTech, SaaS, and more! 🔗 Learn more about them here: https://lnkd.in/g2eqZwj3 In partnership with Enterprise Singapore and IMDA, our Global Innovation Alliance acceleration program seeks to scale the expansion of Singapore-based startups and SMEs in the Philippines market. Leveraging Plug and Play’s extensive network of corporate partners, innovation ecosystems, and tech communities in Southeast Asia, we're set to catalyze unparalleled growth opportunities. 🚀 #plugandplayapac #pnptcapac #plugandplay #startups #innovation #accelerator #openinnovation #GlobalInnovationAlliance #accelerator #business #expansion #SEA #PhilippinesMarket #Philippines #tech #opportunities #network #singapore #marketexpansion

Recent developments in Switzerland include an increase in R&D spending, reaching 24.6 billion Swiss francs in 2021, and political shifts towards greener but not necessarily more left-wing cantonal parliaments. Additionally, Switzerland's approach to managing globally-systemic banks has been critiqued for potential flaws that could exacerbate future crises.

Envision catapulting your startup to global success? SLINGSHOT 2024 at Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) could be your chance! This isn’t just any competition; it’s your opportunity to win a trip to Singapore, compete for over S$1.2 million in grant prizes, and connect with top-tier international investors and corporations. If you are selected, as one of the Top 50 Global Startups, you’ll also have the chance to collaborate with leading MNCs and local innovators to fast-track your market entry. With SLINGSHOT 2024, your global ambitions could be turned into reality. Want to learn more about how to shine at the SLINGSHOT Finals or how this could be the LaunchPad your innovative ideas need? Drop me a message and let's explore together. #SLINGSHOT2024 #StartupCompetition #DeepTech #GlobalInnovation #SWITCH2024 #EnterpriseSingapore

'...but , we also humbly ask ministerial officials, please do your best to support the startups here, not by paying them money or grants, but if they could develop a very competitive product… why not just try to encourage the use of their product designs produced by startups in Malaysia?..' This sentiment was my main takeaway from the recent KL20 Summit. At this summit, Datuk Pua Khein Seng made a compelling case for the government to adopt more products from startups. Yet, despite Malaysia’s ambition to become a leading tech hub in the APAC region, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment where the government’s action—or lack thereof—could make or break our potential. Datuk Pua’s plea highlighted the crucial need for government backing to foster a thriving startup environment, one that could be a game-changer for our economy. The integration of startup innovations promises not just improved governmental operations but also a testament to a genuine commitment to technological progress and the entrepreneurial spirit. At Kapitani , our hope is to witness a new era of transparency within government entities, one that promotes partnerships which directly benefit our farmers and extends well beyond mere technology providers and traders. #bertanibinanegara #cukupdanterjamin #KL20 #Malaysia

A single $ of revenue from government procurement is often worth much much more than a single $ of investment by a VC fund. This is because startup valuation is a multiple of revenue and profit growth and revenue is proof of derisked product market fit, i.e. customers are willing to pay for it. Hence, government procurement can be a much larger lever of value creation for any startup ecosystem if deployed correctly. Unfortunately, this is not reflected in policies and is often missed out in strategy papers by consultants and policy makers. Even in a small country like Malaysia, the government spends billions annually on IT and tech procurement. In many cases, efficient and productive startups are also frequently crowded out by entrenched businesses and interests even if solutions from certain startups could be more nimble, more efficient or more friendly to tax payers. Government agencies should NOT be forced to buy local or from startups necessarily. However, they could be encouraged nonetheless to be supportive where possible. Hence, perhaps some extra + 10% weightage should be given to RFPs whenever local technology is used and negative weightage of -10% be given to straight through importations of foreign products. This partial skew could help spur a more robust local tech ecosystem.

Official start of the second startup challenge, during the Forum of The Global Diwan. Introduction speeches were made by Hervé Novelli, Camille Angué and Suraya Turk. It was followed by a panel developing two topics: Topic 1: Startups depend highly on strong and multi-skilled ecosystems. How do you build bridges in your respective sectors between the European and Arab markets, which can be welcoming for startups? Focus: needs of the respective markets, regulations, accelerators, expertise sharing Topic 2: What do you see as the current barriers for the bilateral internationalization of startups, and what can be done to overcome these barriers? Focus: Startups growth support, bringing ideas to market (TRL evolution), Matchmaking & Co-Investment The panelists were Marwa Al Mansoori , Gilles Le Cocguen , Dr Adil AL-Busaidi , Karl GEDDA-MUDROV and moderated by David Cabili. It was followed by a startup challenge with 17 companies, result on tomorrow.

Join us at the Connected Summit Africa that kicked off today and was officially opened by H.E President William Ruto, at the Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi. KEPSA through its partners from Lithuania, Digital Explorers, and Govtech Lab will be moderating a breakout session from 4 pm-5pm, Themed: Startups and Emerging Technologies Solving Public Sector’s Challenges Discover how GovTech is revolutionizing #publicservices, making them more #innovative, #efficient, and responsive through digital tools and new #technology from #startups and #smallbusinesses. Gain #insights into real-world examples of GovTech collaborations, inspiring you to rethink traditional approaches and consider innovative solutions for public sector challenges. #ConnectedSummit2024

🌍 Ready to take your startup global? Check out our latest article on expanding internationally through our Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) program! In partnership with Enterprise Singapore, our GIA acceleration program aims to scale the expansion of Singapore-based startups and SMEs to key overseas markets such as Jakarta 🇮🇩, Manila 🇵🇭, and San Francisco 🇺🇸. Our article dives into the essential strategies and steps you need to navigate market expansion successfully. Learn more about: - Crafting a Go-To-Market (GTM) Strategy - Navigating Legal and Cultural Challenges - Leveraging International Expansion for Growth - Real-life Success Stories from Startups Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gJFuhRSN #plugandplayapac #pnptcapac #plugandplay

Busy week, busy ecosystem #TechWeekinReview shows preparations, lot of activity, financing in search. ➡️bonapp.eco opened a 2-million-euro financing round to support its international expansion. The startup helps fighting food waste by connecting customers with food providers such as restaurants, cafes and shops offering discounted products which are nearing expiration date. The startup was recognized for its contribution and development as The Startup of the Year at the recent professional community event ANIS Romania Gala. ➡️The ecosystem is dominated by intense learning, sharing, networking which is also mirrored in busy angel investors agenda. In just one week our members were actively involved in Bulgaria (Digitalks), the UK (Endeavor), Greece (Start for future) and, of course, Romania (Launch Romania, Factory Bootcamp and at Techstars Startup Weekend Romania where ionut iliescu, TechAngels member participated as mentor during this weekend. Next period is also full of new conversations and events, follow us here to see where you can meet our members #TechAngelsEverywhere. Following soon with #TechAngels Board members involvement 🗓 21st of May – workshop on innovation management standards, Stefan Morcov, PhD 🗓 27th of May – Investors Day by Techcelerator.Co, Malin-Iulian Stefanescu 🗓 28th of May – Tigers Summit by start-up.ro, Marius Istrate #growingtogether #growsmart #smartgrowth #angelinvestors #startups #founders