Phnom Penh, Cambodia – 7 November 2024 — Khmer Enterprise, in partnership with Reactor School, proudly announces the successful conclusion of Season 1 of the Startup LaunchPad, an innovative pre-accelerator program designed to empower MVP-stage startups to validate their markets, build initial traction, and create a clear pathway to venture readiness.

The program successfully piloted two cohorts in 2024, each selecting 6 to 7 promising startups across a range of diverse sectors.

Reactor School is an Asia Pacific-centric entrepreneurial ecosystem builder headquartered in Singapore. Committed to nurturing the next generation of global founders under 30, Reactor has impacted over 20,000 youths across 18 countries. The program leverages a unique approach to entrepreneurship education that empowers young people with the skills, mindset, and opportunities needed to create impactful solutions to the world's biggest challenges.

Catalyzing a New Wave of Cambodian Startups

• H.E.Dr. Vanmunin Chhieng, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge as Chief Executive Officer of Khmer Enterprise, emphasized the significance of nurturing venture-ready startups: “Cambodia's entrepreneurial ecosystem is ready to absorb new kind of growth with its new innovative ideas, quality startup education using curriculum-based mentorship, connecting local and global networks, and receiving early stage funding. Startup LaunchPad is a critical step in developing a new generation of startups that are not only locally impactful but also globally scalable. Our goal is to transform these early-stage ventures into robust, venture-backable businesses that attract both local and international investment, driving economic growth and innovation in the country."
• ‍Mr. Rusydi Khairul, CEO and Co-Founder of Reactor School, added: "At Reactor School, we focus on building startups that are prepared to enter the venture capital landscape. Through the Startup LaunchPad, we provide founders with access to world-class mentors, strategic resources, and market opportunities, helping them shape ventures that are investor-ready and capable of scaling beyond Cambodian borders."‍
• Mr. Eric Kong Vong, Director of Public-Private Partnerships at Reactor School, highlighted the program's role in addressing critical barriers: "Many early-stage startups in Cambodia face significant challenges when it comes to becoming investable. Our focus has been on breaking through these bottlenecks — from insufficient market validation to a lack of strategic mentorship and investor relations. By equipping founders with practical tools, targeted mentorship, and access to a global network of investors, the Startup LaunchPad enables these startups to bridge the gap between ideation and investment readiness. This program is about turning local ambition into a regional success, ensuring that Cambodian startups are well-positioned to attract both local and international VCs."
  

Meet the Mentors: Building the Next Generation of Venture-Backable Startups

The program’s success is driven by the expertise of Reactor School’s global network of Entrepreneurs-In-Residence (EIR) and Investors-In-Residence (IIR), who bring a wealth of experience in startup growth and investment readiness.

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.

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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.

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