[Written in partnership with MYStartup, but the editorial team had full control over the content.]
MYStartup, in partnership with Watchtower and Friends (WTF), has announced the return of its MYStartup Pre-Accelerator programme, with applications now open for its fourth cohort.
WTF is a Malaysian startup accelerator and venture builder that help startups rapidly build business cases, validate them, and build their ventures.
Applications are open from now until June 23, 2024 for pre-seed and early-stage startups from various sectors with a focus on technology-led solutions.
The pre-accelerator programme will take place from June through September 2024 where the selected startups will undergo a tailored module aimed at fast-tracking development and scaling growth.
Throughout the programme, these startup founders will gain access to a wealth of resources, including world-class mentorship and outcome-based curriculum.
The top five startups from the cohort will also qualify for an intensive fundraising accelerator programme, providing them with all the support they need to succeed beyond the pre-accelerator programme.
Who is it for?
According to the accelerator’s website, it’s welcoming entrepreneurs who embrace cutting-edge ideas across diverse industries, prioritising solutions driven by technology.
To apply, the startup must be registered entities in Malaysia, or plan to register as a Malaysian entity in the next three months.
Applicants must demonstrate a well-defined concept, prototype, or ideally, a minimum viable-product (MVP). They should also present a compelling unique selling proposition (USP) that clearly articulates the value and benefits the venture brings to the market.
Another criteria is that the team should comprise two founders, with at least one dedicated full-time to the venture. At least one team member must commit to attending the full accelerator programme.
There are no charges or fees for joining the accelerator programme.
What’s on the agenda?
Designed to provide early-stage startups with a comprehensive learning experience over four months, MYStartup Pre-Accelerator Cohort 4 Programme will have three sessions per week, each lasting three hours.
The programme covers the following topics:
| Week 1 | Founders’ Foundations | Aligning co-founder goals, crafting mission and vision statements, and using OKRs. |
| Week 2 | Business Model Canvas | Developing business models, customer profiling, and market analysis. |
| Week 3 | Minimum Viable Product | Designing MVPs, resource specifications, and launch roadmaps. |
| Week 4 | Market Validation | Conducting validation research, gathering user feedback, and iterating MVPs. |
| Week 5 | Early-stage fundamentals | Exploring valuations, funding, legal documents, and pitching techniques. |
| Week 6 | ESG for startups | Understanding Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), governance, and aligning startups with SDGs. |
Mentoring sessions will primarily be conducted in person, with virtual access available for founders based outside the Klang Valley.
Standing on the shoulders of past successes
The fourth instalment of the MYStartup Pre-Accelerator programme comes on the heels of the achievements seen in the previous cohort, including startups such as Deepsight. The startup secured a grant amounting to RM100,000, and has successfully launched its product on Google Play and the App Store.
Additionally, startups like Rabt, PropMoth, and PyceHub are in the midst of discussion to secure potential investments with an estimated value of RM1.5 million, cumulatively.
If any of that sounds inspiring, be sure to visit the accelerator’s page and apply for the accelerator before its June 23, 2024 deadline.
- Learn more about MYStartup Pre-Accelerator Cohort 4 here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Featured Image Credit: MYStartup