Cradle in collaboration with WatchTower and Friends has announced yet another round of shortlisted startups with untapped potential during the MYStartup Pre-Accelerator Cohort 5 event with a total of 30 startups being enlisted.
As part of the MYStartup ecosystem development initiative, this particular round runs from October 2024 to February 2025 and aims to guide pre-seed and early-stage startups toward achieving product-market fit and contributing to the growth of Malaysia’s startup ecosystem.
The selected startups, chosen from over 100 applicants nationwide, represent diverse industries such as travel, fintech, biotech, and proptech. Over four months, participants will cover critical topics, including co-founder alignment, crafting mission and vision statements, business model development, MVP design and iteration, market validation, and funding strategies. The program will also emphasize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, increasingly relevant to today’s investors and markets.
Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to fostering a robust startup ecosystem. He stated, “We believe that the future of Malaysia’s economy is shaped by bold ideas and fearless entrepreneurs. Startups shortlisted for Cohort 5 represent the next generation of changemakers, with 37% being women founders, demonstrating an increase in women-led startups ready to disrupt their respective industries. Through this initiative, we aim to provide the guidance, resources, and networks they need to thrive, putting their solutions at the forefront to address real-world challenges, create more job opportunities, and position Malaysia as a hub for global innovation.”
A transformative journey for high-potential startups
The MYStartup Pre-Accelerator Cohort 5 offers a comprehensive support package, including weekly learning modules, one-on-one mentorship, on-demand resources, and strategic connections within the startup ecosystem. This structured program is part of the Malaysia Startup Ecosystem Roadmap (SUPER) 2021-2030, an initiative by the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI). Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders like WTF, the program transitions startups from innovative ideas to market-ready solutions, contributing to Malaysia’s innovation-driven economy.
Sam Shafie, Co-Founder and CEO of WTF, reflected on the success of Cohort 4, stating, “Cohort 4 was a testament to the drive, creativity, and resilience of Malaysian startups. We saw firsthand how targeted mentorship, hands-on training, and a supportive network
could transform early-stage ideas into strong business models ready for market. With Cohort 5, we’re building on that success by introducing an expanded curriculum and more first-hand experiences for our selected startups. Our commitment remains steadfast, to empower Malaysia’s entrepreneurs with the tools, connections, and guidance they need to grow and thrive. Together with MYStartup, we’re dedicated to continuously elevating the program, ensuring that each new cohort is positioned for even greater impact and success in Malaysia’s startup ecosystem.”
A legacy of success
The MYStartup Pre-Accelerator has supported startups across diverse sectors such as fintech, agritech, edtech, healthtech, and green technology. Previous cohorts have seen alumni secure substantial investments, partnerships, and funding to scale their solutions.
The 30 startups shortlisted for Cohort 5 include:
- Aisya Rahman Advisory: Empowers Muslim women through an Islamic financial literacy program for financial freedom and spiritual growth.
- Asia Farm: Leverages AI and big data to automate cattle farming and create job opportunities.
- Blazing Fast: AI sales chatbot designed to help SMEs close more sales without requiring expertise.
- CourtIQ: Uses AI and cameras for advanced sports performance insights, enhancing court engagement.
- Cynco: AI-powered accounting platform simplifying tasks into one-click solutions.
- Docubutler: Digitizes paper documents for business insights via AI, Machine Learning, and Blockchain.
- GivingHub: A platform for making charitable giving more accountable and impactful.
- Grenoh Food Lab: Biotech company creating sustainable cocoa powder alternatives while generating AI-driven carbon credits.
- Insured Speaks: A dedicated review platform for health insurance products and services.
- KueMue: Malaysian food tech startup designing gadgets to bridge manual and industrial food production.
- iSearch Malaysia: A marketplace for buying and selling SME businesses.
- Lestagro: Commercializes berry plants using Temporary Immersion Bioreactor technology.
- LLto: A micro-lending platform offering accessible, affordable loans to underserved communities.
- Logical Structure: Builds affordable, sustainable pre-made homes for low- and middle-income families.
- Neoteric Engineering: Employs AI and IoT to deliver precision farming solutions.
- Nexus Homes: AI-powered property valuation and agent matching platform.
- Ocean Rich Resources: Sustainable aquaculture startup cultivating tropical oysters with minimal environmental impact.
- OINC: Crowd-owned mushroom farm utilizing smart technology.
- ProLadang: Satellite-based monitoring system for sustainable farming.
- Quantiq: Data-driven platform offering investment insights tailored for retail investors.
- Razzbotics: Retrofitting solutions for transforming carts into autonomous systems.
- Reclimate: Processes agricultural waste in line with global carbon standards.
- Roadmap: Simplifies business planning and growth strategies.
- Sebijihub: Strengthens food security by empowering farmers with innovation and sustainable practices.
- Securifi: Ensures safe internet experiences aligned with Islamic values.
- Sempoi Travel: Simplifies island travel bookings for tourists.
- Simplifi: A legal tech platform connecting users with nearby lawyers.
- Spear-X: Cloud-based project management tool for cost and risk control.
- Star Macs: Heavy machinery rental platform addressing payment and service quality challenges.
- Terapeas: Offers video-call therapy sessions with minute-based payment options.
The program will conclude with a Demo Day, where startups will present their MVPs to investors, mentors, and industry leaders. This event provides an opportunity to secure funding, gain exposure, and elevate their businesses to new heights.
