Singapore-based Start Now changes business model, aims for employees to volunteer

This article is part of our coverage of 2012 Startup Arena participants. We’ve been tracking their progress since they pitched at last year’s event, and here’s where they stand now. Join Startup Arena Jakarta 2013 to experience the same thrill this year.

Those who have been following Tech in Asia closely have heard of Start Now, our second runner-up at Startup Arena Singapore 2012. Start Now is also Singapore’s first non-governmental social enterprise. In essence, the Singapore-based startup aims to makes volunteering easy while also simplifying the recruiting process for NGOs and businesses.

Co-founder Ivan Chang told Tech in Asia that its business model has changed from a consumer-driven model to an enterprise-focused one, by creating its Corporate Volunteer Management Solution. Employees from three blue-chip Singapore companies with over 25,000 employees are currently testing the system. With this new system, volunteers can also come from corporate sector.

Ivan also shared his thoughts about living a happy startup life on our blog previously.

Ivan also told us that the Singaporean market is way too small, and the team is thus looking for new market opportunities. (We wrote about Start Now’s plans to expand into the Chinese market last year).

More Singaporean volunteers

Start Now has also started another program to help Singaporean NGOs, called the President’s Challenge Volunteer Drive. One can register as:

1. An advocate, by helping to promote volunteering through platforms like email or social media
2. A volunteer, by registering here
3. A partner, by creating event for volunteers to work with and engaging others to volunteer as a group

The idea behind the President’s Challenge is to prove that many Singaporeans have a good heart and are willing to volunteer.

Start Now is busy with these two programs, but it also plans to streamline its products into one core SaaS solution in the future.

Startup Arena Jakarta

Startup Arena is a startup competition where 10 to 15 early-growth stage startups from across Asia will take to the stage to pitch and compete for $10,000 in cash, on top of getting excellent exposure from the attendees.

Most startups either launch or first pitch their products at Startup Arena, and past participants include Start Now, Piktochart, and Teamie.

Looking for an excellent platform to launch or validate your startup? Register your startup today!

(Editing by Vanessa Tan and Charlie Custer)