Bridging Global Networks with the NUS and the IMDA
The National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) teamed up with the Founder Institute to empower Singaporean startups through access to Silicon Valley’s resources, mentors, and networks.
The Challenge
Singapore’s growing tech ecosystem faced a significant problem: the gap between local startups and the vast networks of industry professionals, mentors, and investors in Silicon Valley. Many Singaporean entrepreneurs struggled to establish global connections and lacked access to valuable resources that could accelerate their growth. Moreover, the local mentorship ecosystem was not sufficient to guide early-stage founders, leading to inefficiencies and a high failure rate among tech startups..
This challenge was compounded by the fact that the tech landscape was rapidly evolving, with startups needing to remain agile, innovative, and globally competitive. The collaboration between NUS, IMDA, and the Founder Institute was therefore essential to help Singapore’s early-stage startups access the international mentorship and investment networks that were critical for their growth.
The Solution: Founder Institute’s Multi-Stage Program
The Founder Institute launched a multi-stage program aimed at connecting 12 promising Singaporean startups with key stakeholders in Silicon Valley. The initiative was designed to address both the knowledge gap and the need for international networks.
-
1Silicon Valley Immersion
The first phase included a transformative 9-day trip to Silicon Valley for the selected companies, where they attended growth workshops, participated in site visits, and pitched to a live audience at the Founder Showcase. This event exposed the startups to over 300 investors and industry experts, giving them invaluable visibility and strategic connections.
-
2Mentoring and Product Refinement
Following the trip, the startups received product refinement and mentoring from experienced Silicon Valley-based mentors. This phase focused on refining the startups' business models, enhancing their products, and better preparing them for their next steps in the global market.
-
3Second Trip for Pitching and Partnerships
A second trip to Silicon Valley featured targeted pitch meetings and partnership discussions with U.S.-based investors and corporations. This was a critical step in helping the startups solidify long-term business relationships and explore funding opportunities.
-
4Sustained Support
Post-program, the companies continued to benefit from the Founder Institute’s extended network, gaining access to ongoing resources and support from mentors who assisted in scaling their ventures. empower more women to launch startups, FI introduces fellowships for top female applicants in all programs.
Key Takeaways
The collaboration effectively connected Singaporean startups with the global ecosystem, unlocking access to investors, mentors, and partners that were once beyond their reach.
Results
The synergy between the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), and the Founder Institute has led to significant outcomes for Singaporean startups. The collaboration also facilitated the introduction of Jeffrey Paine to two Silicon Valley investors, leading to the creation of Golden Gate Ventures in 2011, one of Southeast Asia’s most renowned VC firms.
-
Expanded Singaporean Ecosystem -
Access to Silicon Valley Investors
- 12
- Startups Participated in the Program
- 5
- Companies Secured Investment and Partnerships with U.S. Organizations
- $100MM+
- in Funding for Participating Companies
The mentorship gap has narrowed considerably, and we have a flourishing startup ecosystem that I am proud of.
Trusted By Top Companies
Our proven methodology helps organizations turn bold ideas into measurable results.
Want to drive real innovation?
Read more case studies
Discover the success stories of other custom programs creating real impact for entrepreneurs
-
Reinforcing Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Bermuda with UNDP
To improve Bermuda’s gender equality and strengthen the local entrepreneurial landscape, the Founder Institute, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) launched the Rise and Scale: Bermuda Business Accelerator Program.Read more -
Uncovering Talent, Retaining Top Performers, and Sparking Innovation through Structured Intrapreneurship
In 2013, Accenture partnered with the Founder Institute to empower top-performing employees who were considering launching startups. Select staff joined the Brussels program to gain mentorship and startup training without leaving their jobs.Read more
More About Founder Institute
The Founder Institute (FI.co) is the world's largest pre-seed startup accelerator. Since 2009, we have helped tens of thousands of employees and new/ idea-stage entrepreneurs validate, test, and launch startups worth an estimated $30BN+. Our mission is to activate and empower talented and motivated entrepreneurs to build meaningful technology businesses worldwide
The Founder Institute is the world’s most proven network to turn ideas into fundable startups, and startups into global businesses. Since 2009, our structured accelerator programs have helped over 7,500 entrepreneurs raise over $1.85BN in funding. Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 100 countries, our mission is to empower communities of talented and motivated people to build impactful technology companies worldwide.
