Zoho Corporation, an India-based technology company, has announced a strategic partnership with Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, an early stage start-up influencer, to empower Malaysia’s startup ecosystem.

The duo said in a statement on Wednesday that under this collaboration, Zoho will extend its Zoho for Startups program via Cradle’s MYStartup Single Window platform, an integrated hub supporting startup founders at various stages of their journey.

It is noted that Malaysia is the second ASEAN country that will have access to this program.

This initiative aligns with Zoho’s global mission to equip startups with resources to launch and scale their ventures.

As part of the strategic partnership, Zoho has committed over RM44 million in Zoho
Wallet credits to empower 4,400 Malaysian startups with access to its comprehensive
suite of business applications.

Each participating startup will receive credits valid for one year, allowing them the flexibility to explore and adopt tools tailored to their specific operational and growth needs.

Since its inception in 2017, the Zoho for Startups program has engaged with over
18,000 startups globally through impactful partnerships with more than 200 incubators,
accelerators, and startup-enabling organizations.

In Malaysia, this opportunity will be extended to startups with Cradle’s expansive
ecosystem, which includes companies ranging from early-stage to those that have
reached Series B funding.

Promotion of the program will be carried out through various touchpoints, including WhatsApp groups, emails, events, and social media to ensure broad visibility and engagement.

Startups interested in accessing this support may apply through the MYStartup Single Window platform (www.mystartup.gov.my) to be part of the program and leverage Zoho’s solutions for their next phase of growth.

“At Cradle, we believe startups grow faster when they’re equipped with the right tools
and surrounded by the right ecosystem,” said Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group Chief Executive Officer, Cradle.

“Our collaboration with Zoho is all about making that happen, giving founders easy access to world-class software solutions that can power their next big leap,

“Through the MYStartup Single Window platform, we are not just connecting startups to the right tools and resources-we are opening doors to global opportunities and helping them build with confidence,” he added.

Kuppulakshmi Krishnamoorthy, Global Head—Zoho for Startups, said the Zoho for Startups program operates like any “pull model” responding to the startup
ecosystem’s proactiveness, also keeping in mind Zoho’s growth strategy for the region.

“Malaysia is steadily focusing on its innovation landscape, strengthened by the support and budget from the government and the new policies in place,

“With the collective experience we have of running the Zoho for Startups program in more than 10 locations across the world, including India, we are poised to make this collaboration as one of the most impactful one for Malaysia,” he added.

Gibu Mathew, Vice President and General Manager, Zoho Asia Pacific (APAC), also said that in addition to providing wallet credits, the firm is exploring opportunities around, and may also supporting other government-led startup initiatives by participating as an expert or speaker at relevant cohort events.

“This involvement reflects Zoho’s ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable startup ecosystem in Malaysia and equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed,” he added.

According to the statement, this partnership represents a significant step toward strengthening the Malaysian startup landscape, fostering innovation, and supporting the growth of the next generation of successful tech companies in the country.

Over $22.8 million investment secured by Malaysian startups under MYStartup in 2024