1337 Ventures' 3-day ECF Accelerator bootcamp is back for a third cohort

• Cover topics necessary for launching an ECF campaign & fundraising 
• Registration closes on 28 July, supported by WORQ, MDEC, Digital Penang

1337 Ventures and Leet Capital are back to host the ECF Accelerator Programme. This three-day fundraising boot camp will guide up to 20 growth-stage entrepreneurs on fundraising methods and strategies through venture capital, private equity, and equity crowdfunding (ECF).
 
The boot camp will cover stakeholder mapping, go-to-market strategy, financial modelling, marketing, pitching, and other topics necessary for launching an ECF campaign and fundraising exercises. The top three companies from the boot camp will showcase their potential at Leet Angel Club - an invite-only gathering of investors and angel investors curated by Leet Capital.

The programme is supported by WORQ, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Digital Penang.
 
"In the journey of fundraising, many SME entrepreneurs hit a wall when it comes to building solid financial models, crafting a bulletproof fundraising strategy, or nailing a killer pitch," said Bikesh Lakhmichand (pic), founder and CEO of 1337 Ventures. 

He added that while Malaysian businesses have potential, understanding the fundraising landscape is needed and learning to pitch to investors is an essential skill that most lack. 
 
According to a report, the Securities Commission of Malaysia said total funds raised in Equity Crowdfunding stood at US$123.10 million (RM560.34 million) through 330 campaigns. This supports the alternative financing landscape.

In 2022, the ECF Accelerator programme had two successful cohorts, including homegrown companies from health tech, eco-friendly beauty products, F&B, etc. QMED Asia, a winner of the first cohort, raised over US$1.1 million (RM5 million) in ECF from 110 investors on Leet Capital.
 
Recently, Shell invested in Arus Oil, from Cohort 2, as an initiative to encourage Malaysians to recycle their used cooking as a clean and sustainable energy solution.

Read Also: Syazwan Majid of Arus Oil has stared into the abyss… and survived
 
The third cohort begins in August and will occur on Aug 4, 11, and 18 at WORQ, Menara UOA, Bangsar. Malaysian SMEs and pre-IPO companies interested in raising funds via ECF are welcome to apply. Registration closes on 28 July.