KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (Mranti) has partnered with pitchIN to "revolutionise" the investment landscape for Malaysian startups and spinoffs.
The companies said the collaboration will enable startups and spinoffs to raise investments through pitchIN's robust platform while receiving valuable support and guidance from Mranti throughout their fundraising journey. "With alternative financing surpassing venture capital funding in Malaysia, having raised RM1.7 billion in 2022 compared to RM1.3 billion from venture funding, the collaboration regulated alternative financing and investments as the preferred option for businesses as well as investors in Malaysia," they added.
MRANTI chief executive officer Dzuleira Abu Bakar said the collaboration will pave the way for a vibrant and dynamic innovation environment. Dzuleira said by value-adding to the start-ups' growth development cycle, the company is effectively raising their value and impact. "Through this partnership, we are poised to transform the investment landscape, democratise access to capital, and drive the growth of startups and spin offs in the country," she added.
Fundraising Accelerator (FA) by pitchIN is a specialised programme designed to assist founders who have limited or zero experience in securing funding from external investors. It equips founders with the necessary techniques and knowledge to effectively raise capital for their businesses, providing in-depth learning on the intricacies of fundraising. Since its launch in November 2021, pitchIN has completed a total of six cohorts of the FA. The programme has been extended to three different cities, namely Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kuching in Sarawak. This year, the target is set to boost 15 tech startups from Mranti in raising funds from investors in exchange for a stake in the businesses.
pitchIN chief executive officer Sam Shafie said the company is looking forward to working with Mranti on this programme. Sam said its FA programme will impart essential knowledge and the intricacies of fundraising to the participants. "All startups need capital for growth and expansion. Our experience running the pitchIN equity crowdfunding platform has shown that most startups will benefit from learning about key areas covered in our programme such as company valuation, legal, due diligence, deal structuring, and funds sources. "In addition to that, all our FA cohorts participants receive specialised fundraising advice as well as preferential access to our equity crowdfunding expertise," he added.
Applications for the Funding Accelerator Programme that will take place from July 24-26 are now open. The deadline for applications is July 17.
