KUALA LUMPUR: Zoho Corporation, a global technology company is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), Malaysia’s focal agency for early-stage startups.
Under this collaboration, Zoho will extend its Zoho for Startups program via Cradle’s MYStartup Single Window platform, an integrated hub supporting startup founders at various stages of their journey. Malaysia is the second ASEAN country that will have access to this program. This initiative aligns with Zoho’s global mission to equip startups with resources to launch and scale their ventures.
The strategic partnership was announced at MYStartup NXT – a micro conference in Cyberjaya witnessed by YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).
As part of the strategic partnership, Zoho has committed over RM44 million in Zoho Wallet credits to empower 4,400 Malaysian startups with access to its comprehensive suite of business applications. Each participating startup will receive credits valid for one year, allowing them the flexibility to explore and adopt tools tailored to their specific operational and growth needs.
Since its inception in 2017, the Zoho for Startups program has engaged with over 18,000 startups globally through impactful partnerships with more than 200 incubators, accelerators, and startup-enabling organizations.
In Malaysia, this opportunity will be extended to startups with Cradle’s expansive ecosystem, which includes companies ranging from early-stage to those that have reached Series B funding. Promotion of the program will be carried out through various touchpoints, including WhatsApp groups, emails, events, and social media to ensure broad visibility and engagement. Startups interested in accessing this support may apply through the MYStartup Single Window platform (www.mystartup.gov.my) to be part of the program and leverage Zoho’s solutions for their next phase of growth.
“At Cradle, we believe startups grow faster when they’re equipped with the right tools and surrounded by the right ecosystem. Our collaboration with Zoho is all about making that happen, giving founders easy access to world-class software solutions that can power their next big leap. Through the MYStartup Single Window platform, we are not just connecting startups to the right tools and resources-we are opening doors to global opportunities and helping them build with confidence.”
– Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO, Cradle
“The Zoho for Startups program operates like any “pull model” responding to the startup ecosystem’s proactiveness, also keeping in mind Zoho’s growth strategy for the region. Malaysia is steadily focusing on its innovation landscape, strengthened by the support and budget from the government and the new policies in place. With the collective experience we have of running the Zoho for Startups program in more than 10 locations across the world, including India, we are poised to make this collaboration as one of the most impactful one for Malaysia.”
— Kuppulakshmi Krishnamoorthy, Global Head—Zoho for Startups“Malaysia’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem presents an exciting opportunity for us to engage with a dynamic, tech-savvy community. With strong government support and innovative founders driving growth, now is the perfect time to launch Zoho for Startups. Our solutions—Zoho CRM, Zoho Workplace, Zoho Books, Zoho Creator, Zoho Desk and Zoho One—are already popular among startups, and we look forward to seeing how Malaysia’s vibrant ecosystem shapes their adoption.”
– Gibu Mathew, VP & GM, Zoho APAC
In addition to providing wallet credits, Zoho is exploring opportunities around may also supporting other government-led startup initiatives by participating as an expert or speaker at relevant cohort events. This involvement reflects Zoho’s ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable startup ecosystem in Malaysia and equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed.
This partnership represents a significant step toward strengthening the Malaysian startup landscape, fostering innovation, and supporting the growth of the next generation of successful tech companies in the country.
For more information on Zoho for Startups and how your company can benefit from this program, please visit Zoho for Startups.
