Draper University in KL will accelerate innovation, value creation in Malaysia’s start-up ecosystem, says Digital Minister
Draper University, the world’s leading pre-accelerator, will set up a campus in Kuala Lumpur, its first, outside of Silicon Valley, California.
In partnership with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Draper University will support and spearhead the growth of 140 start-ups in Malaysia over the next two years with a focus on companies that operate in the artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, Web3, and advanced 5G space.
MDEC is an agency under the Ministry of Digital.
“I am happy to note that Draper University will establish its first campus outside of Silicon Valley – in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,” said Digital Minister, Gobind Singh Deo.
“This will accelerate innovation and value creation in our start-up ecosystem. This underscores Malaysia’s commitment to develop a global mindset in this sector and position us as the preferred digital hub in Southeast Asia,” added Gobind, who is on a working trip to San Jose, California.
Gobind visited Draper University’s campus in San Mateo, California, on March 20. There, he met the university’s founder, Tim Draper, and Draper University growth operations director, Suffiyan Malik. Gobind was accompanied by MDEC head of digital investment, Raymond Siva.
The collaboration between MDEC and Draper University is expected to drive investment into local start-ups by developing the digital ecosystem, and providing mutually beneficial market access for emerging Malaysian companies.
Malaysia is currently looking to build its competitive edge, capable of empowering start-ups, including supporting initiatives that innovate and simplify business processes.
Draper University has accelerated over 750 companies to date, with over US$1.05 billion raised from top global investors. It has also produced several unicorns, including video game developer 1047 Games, and Highstreet – a commerce-centred metaverse that integrates shopping with gaming.
Draper University is part of the Draper Venture Ecosystem, which is an alliance of various global independent venture firms, including Draper Associates, Draper Dragon, Draper Cygnus, DNX Ventures, Boost VC, and Draper Startup House, a global chain of affordable housing for entrepreneurs.
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