22-04-2025
Wanted: Business founders to build up their next big venture from Singapore
[SINGAPORE] The Economic Development Board (EDB) on Tuesday (Apr 22) launched a programme designed to help seasoned business founders and innovators to launch and scale their next venture from Singapore.
The Global Founder Programme (GFP) seeks to strengthen Singapore's startup ecosystem by giving a leg up to innovative new ventures with the potential to become global industry leaders, EDB said in a statement.
Describing Singapore as a 'nexus of global business, innovation and talent', EDB managing director Jermaine Loy said the agency hopes to build globally minded ventures 'right here in Singapore' through the programme.
Successful GFP applicants will be able to tap into Singapore's technology infrastructure, research and development capabilities, and deep talent pool to support the growth of their ventures.
These founders will become part of a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, strategic partners, investors and advisors, and be given access to curated programmes.
Participants will also be invited to apply for the Overseas Networks & Expertise (One) Pass – a work pass for top talent that opens the way for holders to start, operate and work for multiple companies concurrently.
BT in your inbox
Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.
Sign Up
Sign Up
EDB added that successful founders will also get support for streamlined business setups and talent facilitation, so they can build high-performing teams in Singapore.
They will be also connected to experts and potential customers at key growth stages – which would enable them to refine product-market fit and business strategies, forge partnerships, access capital, and expand into new markets.
EDB defines founders as individuals with a proven track record of building and scaling successful new businesses. They would have, for example, grown a startup into a global company, played a key role in launching major products or business lines in a multinational or tech unicorn, or led a deep-tech venture to commercial success in sectors such as healthcare, hardware, artificial intelligence or the green economy.
Applicants should also be ready to establish and scale their next venture with Singapore as their global headquarters.
