Malaysia’s state-backed startup investors far from fast and furious

More: An NTU medtech spin-off gets US$5 million in funding. [Read from your browser]( Daily Newsletter Welcome to Tech in Asia's free Daily Newsletter! Get full access to our subscribers-only Daily Newsletter and other insightful analysis on the big and messy topics of Asia’s tech and startup community by [registering here](.  --------------------------------------------------------------- IN FOCUS In today's newsletter, we spotlight: - [More haste and more speed needed in Malaysian funding game]( - Proptech firm Rently expands into Singapore’s commercial real estate sector - Other newsy highlights such as funding for the NTU spin-off that’s trying to improve stroke treatment --------------------------------------------------------------- Hello {NAME} Mark Zuckerberg’s “move fast and break things” motto is something of a mantra for a lot of folks in the startup space. While the second half of the phrase is pretty controversial (I mean you can argue that Facebook broke democracy in more than a few countries), there’s still a lot to be said for the concept of moving fast. After all, most startups are trying to build products that are either completely new concepts or take a fresh approach. So first-mover advantage is critical. Governments and their surrounding bureaucracies are notoriously slow to make decisions, so how can startups hoping to win funding from institutional investors move fast? Today’s featured premium story tackles that very subject in Malaysia, where there are big gaps between government policies to fund entrepreneurship and how those policies are put into practice. -- Peter  ---------------------------------------------------------------  THE BIG STORY [Speed bumps ahead as Malaysian state investors grapple with startup funding]( Approach with caution as approvals are lengthy, a Kuala Lumpur-based lawyer tells founders. --------------------------------------------------------------- TRENDING NEWS [NTU spinoff raises $5m to bolster stroke, accident care wearable]( Synphne uses a blend of neural feedback, gamification, and data analytics to provide a customized and real-time view on a patient’s recovery process. [Singapore-based Rently expands into co-working, cloud kitchens]( The company, which launched in January, has partnered with The Working Capitol and Smart City Kitchens for the expansion. ---------------------------------------------------------------  TECH IN ASIA CONFERENCE 2024 The rise of Malaysia’s tech ecosystem The Tech in Asia Conference is back! This year, we’re thrilled to be hosting our flagship event not just in Jakarta but also at a new stop: Kuala Lumpur. Set for July 24 to 25, TIA Conference KL aims to provide a platform for founders, leaders, and innovators from Southeast Asia to come together, foster connections, and exchange insights on Malaysia's untapped potential. Through thought-provoking panels, curated networking sessions, and dedicated exhibition opportunities, attendees will gain fresh a perspective on what’s next for the country’s tech ecosystem. Tickets to this event are available now. Catch our early bird special, with prices starting from just US$40 (US$80 unit price) for a General Pass. [Grab yours while the offer lasts]( ---------------------------------------------------------------  VISUAL STORY OF THE DAY [Surviving the funding game: how timing can make or break your startup]( Industry realities, economic conditions, and market volatility can affect the time gap between funding rounds. ---------------------------------------------------------------  PRESS PEEKS The following press releases were published as they were received, without any editing from the Tech in Asia team. You too can publish your own press release on Tech in Asia by simply filling in [this]( page](. Our team will get back to you by the next business day. - KMS Solutions - [KMS Solutions Secures Katalon’s Esteemed Award: Leading the Charge in Quality Management]( KMS honored as Top Regional Partner 2023 - Asia Pacific by Katalon in providing testing services to enhace product quality for BFSI businesses. ---------------------------------------------------------------  EVENTS HAPPENING You can also check out a curated list of trending tech events [over here](. - [Saigon Summit 2024: Charting Vietnam’s Tech Future on May 30]( By popular demand, we’re bringing our signature trade show, Startup Showcase, to Saigon Summit on May 30! Startup founders, it’s your chance to put your name on the map and get the eyeballs of hundreds of tech professionals. Your next investor or business partner could be in the mix! Check out the perks you’ll receive when you sign up for Startup Showcase: * Your own space to showcase your product * Two tickets to Saigon Summit * Exclusive promo code for more tickets * Your logo spotlighted on our event website * .. and a lot more! Limited slots available - [apply to exhibit now]( - [Tech in Asia’s Founders Meetup in Singapore on April 24]( Discover what awaits at Founders Meetup 2.0 in Singapore! Join us at Hopscotch to glean insights and insider tips from distinguished VCs on navigating the tech winter. You could even secure exclusive face time with them to gain clarity on your funding struggles and prospects. Don’t miss out - [grab your ticket]( and be part of the experience! P.S. We’re just getting started. We’re hosting many other Founders Meetups this year, so [stay tuned]( - [Tech in Asia Conference Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia on the Rise]( The Tech in Asia Conference is back! This year, we’re thrilled to be hosting our flagship event not just in Jakarta but also at a new stop: Kuala Lumpur. TIA Conference KL aims to provide a platform for founders, leaders, and innovators from Southeast Asia to come together, foster connections, and exchange insights on Malaysia's untapped potential. Through thought-provoking panels, curated networking sessions, and dedicated exhibition opportunities, attendees will gain fresh perspectives on what’s next for the country’s tech ecosystem. Tickets to this event are available now. Catch our early bird special, with prices starting from just US$40 (US$80 unit price) for a General Pass. [Grab yours while the offer lasts]( ---------------------------------------------------------------  CONFERENCE LINEUP Check out Tech in Asia’s other signature events lineup for 2024 [here](. - [Product Development Conference (June 2024)]( Presale is now open! This year’s conference, themed around “scaling product innovation from startup to enterprise,” will deliver tailored insights for attendees at any stage of their business journey. [Secure your spot now]( - tickets start from US$13 (197,500 rupiah)! - [Tech in Asia Conference Kuala Lumpur 2024 (July 2024)]( For the first time ever, Tech in Asia Conference is coming to Kuala Lumpur! Join us in July as tech enthusiasts and industry experts across Southeast Asia get together for the region’s largest tech gathering. ---------------------------------------------------------------  WHO'S HIRING You can post a job [here]( or search for jobs [here](. - [Translator/Editor English-Indonesian]( at Tech in Asia Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia - [Business Editor]( at Tech in Asia Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia - [Business Journalist]( at Tech in Asia Indonesia Jakarta, Indonesia - [Startup Founder | Strategy, Partnerships and Business Development]( at Antler Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - [English Content & Curriculum Developer Intern]( at Scout.inc Jakarta, Indonesia - [Customer Success Representative]( at Jublia Jakarta, Indonesia [ADVERTISE]( | [SUBSCRIBE]( P.S. Don't miss out on the biggest tech news and analysis. Add newsletter@techinasia.com to your address book, contacts, or safe sender list. Or simply move us into your inbox. 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