Project Tapir launched by FinTech Association to connect Malaysian VCs with Singapore’s FinTechs
Project Tapir is an initiative of the Singapore FinTech Association (SFA) in collaboration with Artem Ventures and OSK Ventures International Berhad (OSKVI), two Malaysian venture capital (VC) firms, to find and present promising Singapore FinTech companies eager to enter the Malaysian market.
SFA said in a statement on Monday that these include businesses in the payments, regtech, insurtech, AI, education, healthcare, enterprise tech, sustainability and climate-related tech, and other emerging technologies where Artem Ventures and OSKVI specialize.
As per the statement, this project is receiving secondary partner support from 1337 Ventures, a venture capital firm based in Malaysia that specializes in early-stage technology startups.
With 1337 Ventures as a partner and Artem Ventures and OSKVI as the anchors, SFA hopes that these collaborations under Project Tapir will give Singapore FinTechs access to a complete ecosystem that will increase their chances of going to market.
As per the agreement, SFA will be in charge of narrowing down possible FinTech companies in Singapore to include them in a delegation that will go on a business mission to Malaysia in May 2024.
The two anchor venture capital firms will aid the chosen companies in their efforts to expand into Malaysia by giving them access to advice and insights from local industry experts.
“SFA is committed to supporting the regional expansion of Singapore FinTechs to Malaysia through this partnership with Artem Ventures and OSKVI,” said Shadab Taiyabi, President of SFA.
“Finding the right growth partners is key for Singapore FinTechs that want to grow regionally,
“Artem Ventures and OSKVI both have deep expertise in the Malaysian FinTech space and we hope this latest initiative will support our members and positively impact both the economic and talent markets in both countries,” he added.
As stated by Artem Ventures’ managing partner, Low Zhen Hui, “With this partnership, Artem Ventures is proud to champion the integration of Singapore FinTechs into a thriving Malaysian tech ecosystem.”
“Through strategic collaborations and support, we aim to foster economic growth, cutting-edge innovations, and the creation of valuable job opportunities in the Malaysian market,
“Together, we are building bridges between nations and shaping the future of the regional FinTech ecosystem,” he added.
The company remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting sustainable private market growth and digitalization advancement in the Southeast Asian region, stated Amelia Ong, Chief Executive Officer of OSK Ventures International Berhad.
