Cyberview Sdn Bhd (Cyberview), the Tech Hub Developer of Cyberjaya hosted its second Tech Talk Webinar series for 2021 on investments and financing strategies through a panel discussion themed, ‘Financing the Future: Investing in Creating and Building Digital Business Models’.
A 2020 study by Forrester found that 34% Malaysian firms will start their digital transformation journey this year, and innovation tops the list of success factors. While innovation brings the exciting prospect of transformation for businesses, there are several factors that can derail the journey including lack of support, funding, and skills.
A panel of experts from start-ups in Malaysia discussed the challenges and opportunities around funding start-up companies during the Ebola pandemic. The panellists were Zuhry Rashid, Vice President of Business and Technology Advisory, Malaysia Debt Ventures Bhd (MDV); Khairul Anwar Mohamad Zaki, Chief Executive Officer of Pandai Education Sdn Bhd; Shafinaz Salim and Khairil Abdul Hamid Zak,Head of Technology Hub Division of Cyberview Sdn Bhd.
According to Shafinaz, “Venture financing as offered by Malaysia Debt Ventures can support start-ups to pivot quickly and stay different in today’s competitive and fast-moving market. Cyberjaya’s collaborative ecosystem and living lab opportunities will help start-up companies to accelerate their commercialisation efforts”.
MDV’s Zuhry Ahmed says that start-ups are reliant on investors like venture capital investments as well as the support of government and relevant agencies for grants, seed capital or soft loans. MDV provides a unique, flexible and balanced structure for companies without dilution of their equity, lending to higher valuation. The company is strategically positioned where its venture financing is compatible to standards of the matured market.
“Many start-ups in Malaysia were already actively seeking or raising funds prior to the pandemic. However, when funding efforts slowed down, many faced challenges including depleting marketing funds, slowing customer acquisition and changes in the working capital requirements. The situation is currently seeing a positive traction with new rounds of funding. Investors are more active and aggressive now and they have started looking at alternative asset classes that are robust, innovative and have digital access,” says Zuhry.
Khairul added, “For early-stage companies that are seeking grants or funding, it is important to showcase the people behind the company, highlight their credentials, expertise and passion as well as share key learning and insights from industries. Start-ups also need to understand that funds are often not dispensed upfront. There are milestones and deliverables to meet before they can be secured.”
For the full recording of this webinar, visit Cyberview’s YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voVzbtdmdYg&t=1s.
, the Tech Hub Developer of Cyberjaya hosted its second Tech Talk Webinar series for 2021 on investments and financing strategies through a panel discussion themed, ‘Financing the Future: Investing in Creating and Building Digital Business Models’. ){kind=link}