Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI), a commercialization catalyst in the technology and innovation ecosystem, and pitchIN, Malaysia’s Digital Fundraising and Investment Hub, have announced their strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing the investment landscape for Malaysian startups and spinoffs.

This 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, the duo said in a statement on Tuesday.

With alternative financing surpassing venture capital funding in Malaysia, having raised MYR 1.7 billion ($370 million) in 2022 compared to MYR 1.3 billion ($280 million) from venture funding, the collaboration between MRANTI and pitchIN positions regulated alternative financing and investments as the preferred option for businesses as well as investors in Malaysia.

“Malaysia aims to attain a Top 20 position in the Global Innovation Index (GII) by 2030 and rises among the middle-income economies by bridging the innovation divide, supported by positive indicators such as high-tech net exports and creative goods exports,

“Our position here tells you that we do have bright talent and a lot of potential that requires some refining,” said Dzuleira Abu Bakar, Chief Executive Officer of MRANTI.

According to her, the collaboration between MRANTI and pitchIN will pave the way for a vibrant and dynamic innovation environment, enhancing Malaysia’s position on the global innovation index (GII).

By value-adding to the start-ups’ growth development cycle, she said the collaborations are effectively raising their value and impact.

She also said that through this partnership, they are poised to transform the investment landscape, democratize access to capital, and drive the growth of startups and spin offs in the country.

“Keep in mind that startups are the engine of our economy. They are generally more concerned with cutting-edge innovation and innovative technologies,

“Being more agile means startups are able to develop a concept into a product and update it in response to customer demand with quicker decision-making communications. Essentially, they not only increase creation of impact technologies, but also chances for innovations to go into market,” she added.

Fundraising Accelerator (FA) by pitchIN is a specialized program 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 successfully completed a total of six cohorts of the FA.

The program 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 (equity) in the businesses.

Distinguished by its proven track record, pitchIN has facilitated the successful fundraising efforts of 163 companies, collectively raising an impressive MYR 297 million ($63.83 million) since 2016.

Furthermore, pitchIN’s Fundraising Accelerator (FA) program has already nurtured over 60 companies and 120 founders, equipping them with the skills and connections to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys.

PitchIN Chief Executive Officer Sam Shafie said that pitchIN is looking forward to working with MRANTI on this program.

“Our FA programme will impart essential knowledge and the intricacies of fundraising to the participants. All startups need capital for growth and expansion,” he said.

According to him, his experience running the pitchIN equity crowdfunding platform has shown that most startups will benefit from learning about key areas covered in its program such as company valuation, legal, due diligence, deal structuring, and funds sources.

“In addition to that, all our FA cohorts participants receive specialized fundraising advice as well as preferential access to our equity crowdfunding expertise,” he added.

Under this transformative partnership, several key initiatives will be implemented to foster growth and provide comprehensive assistance to startups and spinoffs.

The capacity building programs are designed to equip startups and spin offs with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully raise investments.

These programs will guide entrepreneurs through the fundraising process, empowering them with the tools needed to attract investors effectively.

Next, through pitchIN’s Equity Crowdfunding (ECF) platform, tech enterprises are granted access to a diverse range of investors, including those from ASEAN countries, thereby expanding their alternative funding horizons.

Furthermore, MRANTI’s collaboration with pitchIN will foster collaboration between the private, public, government, and civil society sectors.

By promoting the quad helix model, this partnership aims to create a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures innovation and facilitates seamless cooperation between all stakeholders.

Adding to this, pitchIN will provide access to its extensive network of legal, marketing, and financial experts.

Startups and spinoffs can leverage these resources for invaluable support and guidance throughout the fundraising process, ensuring a robust and successful campaign strategy.

This partnership further amplifies MRANTI’s role as connector and catalyst in the startup ecosystem.

By joining forces with pitchIN, MRANTI reinforces its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and driving the growth of startups and spinoffs in Malaysia.

Applications for the Funding Accelerator Program that will take place from July 24 to July 26 are now open, and interested startups can apply at https://academy.pitchin.my. The deadline for applications is July 17, 2023.

MRANTI invites high growth Malaysian startups for global expansion