Singapore VC firm Expara to invest in startups combating Covid-19

As the number of Covid-19 cases continues to increase globally, Singapore-based Expara Ventures has launched a new accelerator program to support startups developing solutions to the new challenges brought by the outbreak.

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The early-stage VC firm and startup enabler said it is now accepting applications for its Expara VirTech Global Accelerator. The three-month online program is set to back 30 companies from all around the world, providing mentorship services and funding of up to US$50,000.

No face-to-face interaction will be required, and the demo day will be held online, according to a statement.

Expara said potential areas of interest for the accelerator include solutions for detecting the virus, tools that share information about pandemics, solutions that help protect people and slow down the spread of the virus, and services that can improve life quality and work efficiency during and after global pandemics.

Interested startups may apply until April 30 this year.

“Governments and corporates are struggling against the virus, and Expara wants to invite entrepreneurs and startups to join the battle,” Expara CEO Douglas Abrams said.

Abrams, who has over 20 years of experience in investing and teaching in Singapore, established Expara Ventures in 2003. Since then, the company has launched five VC funds and has invested in more than 80 startups.

It also runs two incubator programs – Expara IDM Ventures and Expara IDM Ventures II – as well as Extream Ventures, a communications- and internet-focused joint fund with Upstream.

Expara has a presence in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Poland.