Temasek, Microsoft tie-up to boost Singapore startup scene

Six of Singapore’s biggest firms will provide mentorship.

Aspiring Singapore entrepreneurs are a step closer to the startup of their dreams, thanks to a partnership between Temasek and Microsoft.

According to an announcement on its website, Temasek and six of its portfolio companies have joined the Microsoft Accelerator (MA) programme as official global network partners in Seattle, Berlin, Tel Aviv and Bangalore.

The mentor-driven MA programme will provide startups with support to rapidly scale into enterprise-ready firms. This includes tackling issues that come with launching a company, global expansion, and securing customers.

Temasek and its portfolio companies will participate in the MA programme by providing part time programme managers. Involved in the projects are CapitaLand, Ascendas, InnoVen Capital, Quann, ST Engineering, and Fullerton Financial.

“[The MA programme] offers partnering opportunities between promising startups and our portfolio companies to provide innovative solutions to operating pain points and enhance customer experience,” commented Ong Beng Teck, Managing Director, Enterprise Development Group at Temasek.

“For the startups, this provides them with the opportunity to work with established companies to pilot and validate their products and technologies. This is therefore a win-win partnership,” Ong added.

Temasek and its portfolio companies have identified urban solutions, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, financial technology, cybersecurity, healthcare IT and digital media as key focus areas for the initiative.