Watch Tower & Friends Funds

Their funding program aims to help founders rapidly build business cases, validate ideas, and launch startups with strong growth potential.

Key features and objectives:

• Provides RM100,000 investment to early-stage startups.
• Runs a flagship 12-week accelerator program designed to equip founders with essential skills and knowledge.
• Focuses on building a success-driven ecosystem, having invested in over 50 startups across 8 cohorts.
• Alumni include notable startups like TheLorry, MoneyMatch, and LaPasar, collectively creating around 2,000 jobs and achieving a market capitalization exceeding RM500 million.

Target beneficiaries:

• Early-stage startup founders looking for seed funding and mentorship.
• Entrepreneurs aiming to develop viable business models and minimum viable products (MVPs).
• Startups interested in understanding funding fundamentals and sustainable development goals (ESG).

Application process:

• Interested startups can apply online via an application form.
• Selected startups join the 12-week program involving workshops and mentoring.

Program structure includes:

1. Founders’ Foundations: Leadership skills for startup founders.
2. Business Model: Customer identification and business model development.
3. MVP: Building a minimum viable product.
4. Market: Early customer onboarding and MVP iteration.
5. Funding Fundamentals: Understanding valuations, funding rounds, and legal agreements.
6. ESG for Startups: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals.
7. Six weeks of dedicated mentoring to support startup growth.

The program emphasizes practical guidance and has a strong track record of helping startups scale and secure further funding. Testimonials from alumni highlight the accelerator’s role in refining ideas, product development, and funding success.