1337 Ventures announces new cohort of Alpha Startups for women in Southeast Asia

• Winners will receive up to US$10,600 in equity funding
• Aims to empower women entrepreneurs in Malaysia & Southeast Asia

1337 Ventures’ Alpha Startups™ is launching a new cohort exclusively for women-led startups. In a statement, the pre-accelerator programme said this initiative, in collaboration with Freda Liu, a respected Malaysian author, broadcast journalist, and women's startup mentor, aims to empower women entrepreneurs in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Bikesh Lakhmichand (pic), CEO and founding partner of 1337 Ventures, highlights the importance of this collaboration with Freda, emphasising their shared vision to elevate women entrepreneurs in the Southeast Asia region. The upcoming cohort seeks to provide dedicated support and a solid platform for tangible growth and success.

"We are honoured to collaborate with Freda Liu, an advocate for women's empowerment in business, for our Alpha Startups™ for Women, a pre-accelerator cohort for women-led startups. Freda’s insight that women-owned businesses are crucial for nation-building and economic growth resonates deeply with our goals and commitment to creating an environment where their unique challenges are understood and their potential is celebrated,” Bikesh said.

Alpha Startups™ has a track record of supporting early-stage startups, with notable women alumni like Atirah Danial and Amirah Jasmine of Manis Leting, Rejina Rahim of W Vault, Dr Norilmi Ismail of SpaceIn, and Shermaine Wong of Cult Creative. Crystal Tan, Elaine Yuen, and Sue Lyen, founders of Eat Cake Today, were past winners.

Freda (pic) emphasises the significance of an all-women pre-accelerator in offering support and recognition to aspiring women founders. “Talking about women's empowerment is not just about cheering them on but providing a solid platform where they can take concrete steps. There are plenty of opportunities available right now in Malaysia and Southeast Asia for women, and it's time for women to take up the mantle,” she added.

The 4-week virtual Alpha Startups™ for Women pre-accelerator programme, is open to idea-stage startups with or without an MVP and first-time women founders, covering the essentials of launching a startup, from idea validation to building a revenue generating business model, developing an MVP with minimal resources, fundraising, and how to pitch their ideas to investors.

It culminates in a demo day where finalists will pitch to a panel of esteemed judges and investors with the winner receiving up to US$10,600 (RM50,000) in equity funding and all participants will receive digital perks worth US$4,200 (RM20,000) credits.

Aspiring women entrepreneurs and women-led startups, you are invited to apply here. Registration closes on 19 February 2024.

In conjunction with the launch of Alpha Startups™ for Women, 1337 Ventures will be hosting a panel discussion on "Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey: Wisdom from Female Founders," featuring Nadia Ismadi (co-founder of Pod), Anabelle Co-Martinent (co-founder of La Juiceria Superfoods) and Parmeet Kaur (founder of Joyed Consulting), the session will be moderated by Freda. Click here to RSVP.

There will be a series of webinars featuring startup stories of Malaysian women founders, follow the updates on 1337 Ventures LinkedIn.