IPOH: Start-up entrepreneurs can now access up to RM2mil in funding under a new Cradle Fund programme designed to support companies transitioning from early validation to growth.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said start-up entrepreneurs could apply for funding from the Cradle Elevate programme to kick-start their ventures.
He said the programme, with RM10mil in funds, is intended to fill the gap in early-stage funding for start-ups.
“Previously, Cradle was more for offering grants for pre-seed and seed funding.
“But from seed to Series A, we see there’s another gap where we need to fill in for start-ups that have validated their solutions but are not yet ready for larger private funding rounds,” he said in a press conference after the opening of Cradle Live! Roadshow Perak 2026 here yesterday.
“At this stage, ventures often struggle to access growth capital and unlock market opportunities.
“This programme would bridge this gap while also encouraging greater venture capital participation by de-risking early stage investment and building investor trust,” he added.
Seed funding is the first official stage of equity financing for businesses, in which capital is raised from external investors to finance initial steps, such as market research, product development and building a founding team.
Series A is a significant venture capital financing round focused on accelerating product growth.
