Khmer Enterprise, supported by Reactor, Celebrates the Successful Completion of Startup LaunchPad Season 1, Driving the Growth of Venture-Backable Startups in Cambodia
Khmer Enterprise and Reactor School celebrate the success of Startup LaunchPad’s first seasons, accelerating Cambodian startups toward venture readiness.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Ecosystem Builder Summit (EBS) 2024, held from December 2-4, 2024, marked a significant milestone in fostering collaboration among key players in the technology and innovation sectors. This year's edition, hosted by the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI), a leading agency driving technological advancements in Malaysia, in conjunction with the I-Nation Global Summit 2024, brought together 60 delegates from Reactor School’s global network, representing 46 organizations across 20 countries and 5 continents, including regions such as Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, and Oceania. This diverse assembly underscored the summit's commitment to nurturing innovation and inclusivity on a worldwide scale.
At Reactor School, we are a global ecosystem builder empowering the galaxy's best young founders under 30 to unleash their entrepreneurial potential and create innovative solutions for the world's biggest challenges.
The summit aimed to share best practices, identify ecosystem gaps, and promote partnerships that drive sustainable growth within the technology ecosystem. With representatives from government agencies, university incubators, science and technology parks, and venture capital firms, EBS 2024 served as a dynamic platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.
The overseas experts for Cohort 1 included:
Andy Teoh, Co-Founder of Reluvate Technologies and Chief Operating Officer of Ignite Asia, is an industry veteran based in Singapore with a proven track record in scaling tech startups and sustainable businesses. His guidance is instrumental in helping Cambodian founders navigate the complexities of building sustainable, scalable ventures that appeal to investors.
Jozua Pung, Venture Capitalist at Genting Ventures, provides insights from his extensive experience in venture capital, helping startups understand what makes a business attractive to early-stage investors and how to strategically position themselves for investment rounds.
The overseas experts for Cohort 2 included:
Sathis Manoharen, Vice-President of Group Strategy & Corporate Finance at MR. DIY, based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With over 25 years of experience in strategy and operations across ASEAN, South Asia, Turkiye, and Europe, Sathis advises startups on how to design and launch businesses with sustainable growth models. His expertise in Private Equity and strategic business development is critical in guiding startups toward becoming venture-ready.
Zaim Zainudin, Manager of Token Crowdfunding (TCF) at pitchIN, brings deep expertise from his experience in venture capital and fintech. His mentorship focuses on the fundamentals of fundraising, investor relations, and market positioning, enabling startups to craft compelling pitches and secure necessary capital.
Highlighting the Innovators: Startups Ready for Venture Growth
The inaugural season of Startup LaunchPad successfully pre-accelerated 13 startups that demonstrated strong potential for venture backing.
Startups completing Cohort 1:
Polymer Invoice: AI-powered invoice management software that integrates with accounting systems and QR payment gateways, targeting the MSME segment with scalable B2B solutions.
Zippy Express: A logistics platform for social commerce, optimizing delivery and fulfillment processes for Cambodia's growing e-commerce market.
Cam-Edu: An online education platform offering English language courses, leveraging digital learning tools to tap into Cambodia's education market.
Cloth Bird: A digital laundry service platform, aiming to disrupt the local laundry industry through an all-in-one app for customer convenience and operational efficiency.
FSQ Centre: Provides specialized training and consultancy in food safety and quality, addressing the growing demand for compliance in the Cambodian food sector.
Solo Landscapes: A sustainable travel booking platform connecting eco-conscious travelers with local communities, fostering community-driven tourism models.
Startups completing Cohort 2:
Anaveha: An m-commerce ecosystem that empowers small retailers and farmers to transition to online business using mobile technology, addressing the rural-urban market divide.
Bondoul: Connects startups, SMEs, and NGOs with students seeking paid internships, creating a bridge between education and employment.
Scholarar: An EdTech startup facilitating access to overseas education for talented Cambodians by matching them with scholarships and providing preparation services.
GogoSpider: A mobile app that streamlines hiring for home services and vehicle maintenance, integrating payment and job tracking features for user convenience.
KrubKrong: A SaaS solution tailored for SMEs, offering comprehensive tools to manage operations and sales, enabling businesses to focus on growth.
Buttercup: Automates order management for Facebook Live sellers, enhancing the efficiency of social commerce.
Planitall: Innovates the wedding planning process, providing a customizable platform for users to create memorable events tailored to their preferences.
Paving the Way for Cambodia's Startup Ecosystem
Startup LaunchPad aims to position Cambodia as a growing hub for venture-backed startups by providing not only mentorship and resources but also access to a network of investors and industry leaders. The program is set to continue with future cohorts, expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs to thrive on the global stage.