16 May 2023, Shah Alam – Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) proudly announces the successful completion of its third expedition to the United States, where nine promising Malaysian tech startups had the opportunity to pitch their innovative ideas to more than 17 distinguished venture capitalists, renowned film producers, and angel investors in Washington D.C. and Silicon Valley
Malaysia Tech Startups at the 2023 SelectUSA Tech
The Malaysia Embassy in Washington D.C. played host to this highly anticipated Pitch Malaysia: USA Series pitching showcase and networking event, which proved to be a resounding success. With over 110 attendees, the event brought together a diverse audience, including startup founders from Singapore and Taiwan, the 1 Malaysia Diaspora Community, and esteemed business and industrial leaders from the D.C. area.
A highlight of the event was the presence of special guest Diane Farrell, the Deputy Under Secretary for International Trade at the US Department of Commerce, who added an extra level of prestige to the occasion. The enthusiasm in the room was palpable as the audience eagerly awaited the pitches from nine passionate Malaysian startups participating in the SelectUSA 2023 event.
Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yeop and Diane Farrell,
graced the pitching ceremony at Malaysia Embassy in Washington D.C.
The event featured pitches from the following Malaysian startups:
1. Alps Global Holdings: Amanda Low
2. VirtualTech Frontier: Jason Low
3. Boxcube: Dato Emil Rinaldi
4. iMotorbike: Gil Carmo
5. Entomal: Yanni Ching
6. Revenue Monster Group: Lim Kar Aik
7. Qmed Asia: Dr Kev Lim
8. Accendo Technologies: Sharma Lachu
9. Pod: Nadia Ismadi
Each startup delivered compelling presentations that captivated the audience, showcasing their innovative business ideas and entrepreneurial spirit.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Malaysia’s Ambassador to the USA, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Yeop, the Malaysia Embassy staff, and the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA) office in D.C. for their invaluable support,” said Dato’ Teng Chang Khim, Selangor State Executive Councillor for Industry and Trade in his opening remarks.
He also emphasised, “It takes a village to raise a child. The Tech Ecosystem Enabler of the Federal Government and State Government , VCs, and startups are all vital components of that village. By collaborating, sharing resources, building networks, nurturing talents, and incorporating new innovations such as AI, Blockchain, and the Metaverse in our daily lives, services, businesses, and industries, we can collectively contribute to the national goal of creating five unicorns by 2025.”
The Pitch Malaysia: USA Series also provided a prime opportunity for the participating Malaysian startups to showcase their innovative ideas and establish crucial connections with potential investors at the 2023 Select USA Investment Summit. Three (3) out of nine (9) Malaysian startups among 300 global participants have been selected to participate in the SelectUSA Tech Regional Pitching Session and additional five (5) startups exhibited in the SelectUSA Tech Pavilion.
Furthermore, the delegates had the honour of engaging in several business meetings, including high-level discussions with representatives from California’s Governor’s office, the under-secretary, and the deputy director-general of the US commerce department. These meetings facilitated the exploration of international investment prospects and the identification of avenues for collaboration between Malaysia and the United States. The ensuing discussions were insightful and thought-provoking, highlighting the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships that could significantly boost both countries’ economies.
One of the highlights of this extraordinary journey was the opportunity to pitch to Kamran Elahian of Global Innovation Catalysts LLC, the high-tech entrepreneur behind four highly successful Unicorn IPOs in Draper University, San Francisco.
During the 3 days visits in San Francisco, the startups were also honoured to engage with 17 Global Venture Capital & Angel investors:
1. Leonard Lee from 500 Global
2. Dato’ Syed Haizam and Kamesh from The Hive
3. Dato Derrick and Allan Tan from The SEA Capital
4. Charles Tan from MBA Fakhro
5. Venu from Wipro Ventures
6. Hyun Koo from March Capital
7. Kasey from Primer Sazze Partners & Iterative Ventures
8. Sunny Sundhiraj Sharma
9. Spencer Greene from TSVC
10. Neng Bing Doh
11. Aihui i-we from Transform Capital
12. Thomas Toy, Startup Capital Ventures
13. Pedram Mokrian
14. Yang Mulia Raja Shahrir from PNSB Innovation Ventures
15. Derek Andersen from StartUp Grind and Bevy
16.Faris Lodin from Sterling Equity
17.Taufiq iskandar from Penjana Kapital
Remarkably, two Malaysian startups, iMotorbike and VirtualTech Frontier, have already secured funding from 500 Global. This achievement serves as a testament to the exceptional quality and potential of the startups within Malaysia’s 4 entrepreneurial ecosystem and highlights the remarkable progress being made by Malaysian entrepreneurs in the global startup scene.
Furthermore, Chief Minister of Selangor Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari presented a luncheon with the Malaysia Diaspora Community at Silicon Valley as well as engaged in discussion with Malaysian students who are studying in the USA.
Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari with Malaysia Diaspora Community at Silicon Valley, US.
In addition to these invaluable networking opportunities, the delegation led by Dato’ Teng Chang Khim visited renowned institutions and innovation hubs, including the AWS Startups Loft, The George Washington University, Innovative Genomics Institute, Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley, and Draper University. These visits provided the startups with further exposure to cutting-edge technologies and facilitated knowledge exchange with leading academic and industry experts.
Sidec’s commitment to empower Malaysian startups has proven instrumental in positioning Selangor as a vibrant hub of innovation and digital entrepreneurship.
About Sidec
Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec) is the state government agency mandated to lead the digital transformation of Selangor as ASEAN’s digital hub by focusing on three key sectors of the Digital Economy, namely E-Commerce, Startups and SME Digitalisation.
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:
Dania Zainuddin
Manager, Corporate Communication Division
M: +6017-8778606 | E: dania@sidec.com.my
Lee Wai Meng
Manager, Startups & SME Division
M: +60182202218 | E: waimeng@sidec.com.my