New program urges founders to start and expand from Singapore

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The Economic Development Board (EDB) has introduced a program designed to help seasoned business founders and innovators launch and scale their next venture from Singapore.

Called the Global Founder Program (GFP), the initiative aims to strengthen the city-state’s startup ecosystem by supporting innovative new ventures that could potentially become global industry leaders, EDB says in a statement.

Jermaine Loy, managing director at EDB, says that through this program, the agency hopes to build globally minded ventures “right here in Singapore” – a place he describes as a “nexus of global business, innovation, and talent.”

Successful GFP applicants can tap into the city-state’s tech infrastructure, R&D capabilities, and deep talent pool to drive the growth of their ventures.

These founders will become part of a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, strategic partners, investors, and advisors. They will also be given access to curated programs.

Moreover, they will be invited to apply for the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass – a work pass for top talent that lets holders simultaneously start, operate, and work for multiple companies.

EDB adds that successful founders will also receive assistance for streamlined business setups and talent facilitation so they can build high-performing teams in Singapore.

They will be connected to experts and potential customers at key growth stages, which would let them 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 deeptech venture to commercial success in sectors such as healthcare, hardware, AI, or the green economy.

Applicants should also be ready to establish and scale their next venture with Singapore as their global headquarters.

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