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About FGSP - Digital Penang
INTRO TO

FOUNDERS' GRIT

The Founders’ Grit highlights the entrepreneurial journey of twenty-nine notable engineering companies in the high-tech manufacturing sector as well as exciting digital technology start-ups that have emerged in Penang.

Read about how one company went from start-up to household name at a tech conference in the US after a founder took a bold risk in R&D, or how another entrepreneur resigned from his stable job at a space engineering company overseas to follow his dream of building his own business. Be inspired by the foresight many entrepreneurs had to venture out on their own and build successful enterprises, overcoming significant challenges and obstacles along the way.

This book celebrates the achievements and success of these entrepreneurs, showing everyone who reads it that the fundamental element to “making it” is the grit to succeed.

THE

Founders' Grit Seed Programme (FGSP)

The Founders’ Grit Seed Programme is the first seed fund in Penang by Digital Penang that is designed for pre-seed to early-stage startups to build and validate their ideas & business models. FGSP provides a platform for the eligible and shortlisted startups to pitch in front of Penang investors and high-net-worth-individuals through a private, closed door, exclusive pitching session.


about

FGSP

Are you an investor?

FGSP is an opportunity for angel and seed investors to get in early and pick which start-ups to invest in through a private, closed-door, exclusive pitching session.

Email us at contact@digitalpenang.my with subject title RE: Founders’ Grit Seed Programme for more information!

Are you a startup?
Founders’ Grit Seed Programme (FGSP) is an opportunity for tech startups to pitch and seek funding from a panel of investors to accelerate their business. Applications are now open!

APPLY NOW BELOW:

For Startups
Founders’ Grit Seed Programme (FGSP) is an opportunity for tech startups to pitch and seek funding from a panel of investors to accelerate their business. Applications are now open!

APPLY NOW BELOW:

THE

Eligibility Criteria

Startup Stage

Focus Sector

Eligibility Criteria

Startup Stage

Focus Sector

Eligibility Criteria

THE

FGSP Journey

Activities will be in hybrid format (most activities will be available online). Some activities are compulsory.

Application Opens

Online Application via Digital Penang website.

15th March 2022

Application Closes

15th April 2022

Shortlisted Startups Announced

Applicants are shortlisted down to 20 candidates by the selection committee, which is made up of the Digital Penang’s core team and Program partners.

2nd May 2022

Start of Pre-accelerator Bootcamp

Digital Penang’s core team, partners and mentors will then select the top 10 qualifying startups to pitch in front of the investors.

9th May 2022

Virtual Qualifying Pitch

21th June 2022

In-Person Founders' Grit Pitch Day

Selected applicants go to the FGSP Pitch Day where they pitch in front of investors and investors will decide to invest on promising startups.

5th July 2022

THE

REQUIREMENTS

Register for the programme

Applications open in February 2022 for eligible startups to apply and be shortlisted for the programme.

Upload your pitch deck

A brief presentation that provides an overview of your startup in 10-20 slides including the vision, problem, target market & solution.

List your core team members

Don’t forget to include a slide on your team and their competitive advantages, why they are the right people for this journey.

Include revenue and financials

Have slides on your solution, revenue, business model, traction and validation, roadmap, target market and opportunity.

Always have your "ask" slide

Probably the most important slide in a pitch deck is to ask for what you need for your startup to succeed whether it is funds, hiring talent, mentorship, etc.

THE

PERKS

Up to USD$5,000 worth of cloud credits from AWS and Freshworks for eligible startups that apply!
Get exclusive invites to our networking sessions between mentors, investors, subject-matter experts, and startups.
Golden opportunities await your startup to run pilot programmes and test the markets by setting up presence at our Creative Digital District Sandbox in the heart of Georgetown!
With partnerships from VCs, angel investors, federal agencies like the NTIS Sandbox, MDEC, MRANTI, and more, we open the doors for you to pitch your startup to our investors and ecosystem partners and help you raise the funds you need.

FAQ

FOR STARTUPS

1. What are the startup programmes for the Founders’ Grit Seed Programme?

The FGSP programme includes: 

  • 4-week pre-accelerator bootcamp,
  • Quarterly Founders’ Grit Pitch Day event and networking
  • FGSP Accelerator Programme for investee companies
  • Demo Day held at the end of the accelerator.
2. Who and why should I apply?
Be a part of the first cohort of Digital Penang’s inaugural seed programme funded by a public-private partnership in collaboration with high-net-worth Individuals and corporations. We are looking for early stage startups with a minimum viable product looking to increase revenue, find product-market fit, and scale to the next level.
 
3. What do I get if my startup is shortlisted?
As a shortlisted startup in the Founders’ Grit Seed Programme, we will invite you to our quarterly Pitching events which are exclusive, private, closed-door, and invite-only. Pitch alongside the best startups in the region and get investment from our panel of angel investors, VCs, and ecosystem partners to accelerate and grow your startup! 
 

4. How do I apply? 

Thank you for your interest! Please start by submitting the form here: https://bit.ly/DigitalPenangStartups. You can also send us an email at contact@digitalpenang.my

FOR INVESTORS

1. What is the Founders’ Grit Seed Programme (FGSP)?

The Founders’ Grit Seed Programme is the first seed fund in Penang by Digital Penang that is a collaboration between the public and private sector in helping startups access money, markets, and mentors both regionally and globally.
 
2. Why and who should join the Founders’ Grit Seed Programme?
Be a part of the first cohort of Digital Penang’s inaugural seed fund funded by a public-private partnership in collaboration with high-net-worth Individuals and corporations. We are looking for seasoned investors, first-time angels and successful entrepreneurs.
 
3. What do I get as a FGSP investor?
As an investor in the Founders’ Grit Seed Programme, we will invite you to our quarterly Founders’ Grit Pitch Day events which are exclusive, private, closed-door, and invite-only. Witness pitches from the best startups in the region and invest early in the ones you want to support by providing them with access to money, market, and/or experts! 
 
4. How do I invest in FGSP? 
Thank you for your interest! Please reach out to us by emailing contact@digitalpenang.my with the subject title RE: Founders’ Grit Seed Programme. Alternatively, call us at 604-8350307. 
 
5. What is Angel Tax Incentives?
Angel Tax Incentive is a new initiative approved by the Government to encourage more early stage investments by the private sector. This incentive hopes to reduce the risks usually associated with early stage investments by giving back in the form of tax exemption to the investors. For more information, please go to https://mban.com.my/angel-tax-incentive.

Interested to join our Founders' Grit Seed Programme?