Malaysia’s Stock Exchange Joins Hands with Cradle to Support Local Startups’ Listing

Cradle, an early-stage fund under Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance, has formed a partnership with Bursa Malaysia, the nation’s stock exchange, with the primary objective of enhancing local startup listings.

This collaboration brings together the financial expertise of Bursa Malaysia and the startup support initiatives of Cradle Fund. The primary focus is to raise awareness among startups in Malaysia about the diverse funding opportunities available, including those within the equity market.

By pooling their resources and knowledge, both entities aim to create programs and initiatives that facilitate greater access to funding for emerging businesses.

The Chairman of Bursa Malaysia, Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, emphasized that this partnership addresses a common hurdle encountered by startups in Malaysia: the challenge of securing funding opportunities. By leveraging the collective strengths of Bursa Malaysia and Cradle, the aim is to provide a solution to this long standing issue.

The joint effort aligns with the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Fund Funnel program, which seeks to streamline funding options and offer comprehensive support to startups throughout their funding journey, from the initial seed stage to the eventual initial public offering (IPO). This collaborative initiative is expected to empower startups with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate the financial landscape effectively.

As part of the partnership, Bursa Malaysia will actively contribute to Cradle’s efforts by sharing valuable insights and expertise. This knowledge exchange will help startups gain a deeper understanding of how the equity market can play a pivotal role in their growth and expansion. 

Additionally, the collaboration will involve the joint identification of companies with the potential to list on Bursa Malaysia, creating an environment that encourages local startups to explore the opportunities presented by the stock exchange.

Cradle’s role in this collaboration extends to providing valuable market intelligence on the local startup ecosystem, equipping Bursa Malaysia with early insights into potential candidates for listing. 

Simultaneously, Bursa Malaysia will leverage the data shared by Cradle to work collaboratively on programs designed to streamline and improve funding access for budding entrepreneurs.

Cradle, established in 2003, holds a rich legacy of supporting more than 1,000 Malaysian tech firms, making contributions amounting to over 3.4 billion ringgit (approximately US$727 million) to the nation’s economy.

The collaboration between Cradle and Bursa Malaysia, through the Fund Funnel initiative, offers a practical solution to a challenge often voiced by startups—the lack of clear information on government funding opportunities. 

This initiative fills this information gap by providing startups with concise, transparent details about funding agencies and the specific stages at which they extend financial support, serving as a valuable resource for aspiring entrepreneurs in Malaysia’s tech landscape. 

“Through this collaboration, we hope to empower startups to develop their comprehensive strategies, ultimately paving the way for a successful listing on the exchange while bridging critical funding gaps within the ecosystem,” Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Cradle’s Acting Group Chief Executive Officer stated. 

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