EDB launches Global Founder Programme to strengthen global ventures from Singapore

By leveraging Singapore’s tech, R&D, and talent pool, the growth of these ventures is expected to strengthen the country’s startup ecosystem.

A new Global Founder Programme (GFP) by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) will allow founders the opportunity to launch and scale their next venture from Singapore.

Launched on Tuesday (22 April 2025), the GFP aims to establish innovative new ventures with the potential to be global industry leaders. By leveraging Singapore’s tech, research & development (R&D) and talent pool, the growth of these ventures is expected to strengthen the country’s startup ecosystem.

Managing Director of EDB Jermaine Loy commented that the Board is looking forward to partnering with experienced founders to build new venture with global potential in Singapore through the GFP.

GFP founders will consist of entrepreneurs and seasoned builders all over the world including Singapore. They will bring their expertise, networks and experience to the table.

To be a founder for the programme, one has to meet the following criteria:

1. Have a proven track record of building and scaling successful new businesses, in the following categories:

a) A successful founder who has founded and scaled a startup into a global business; or

b) A key employee of an MNC or tech unicorn who has developed and grown a major new product or business line; or

c) A deep tech founder who has led a startup to achieve strong commercial traction in areas such as healthcare, hardware, artificial intelligence (AI) and green economy; and

2. Ready to establish and scale their next venture, with Singapore as the global headquarters

A range of resources and tools will be made available to GFP founders to guide them through their journey of their venture growth. This will include:

• Access to Singapore’s ecosystem: Founders will join a community of like-minded individuals and be invited to apply for ONE Pass for top business talent. They will be able to tap on resources to navigate the business landscape and lifestyle options of the country.
• Operational ease and setup: Support will be given to streamline business setup and talent facilitation services for founders to build top performing teams.
• Expert networks: Founders will be able to build new ventures with support from experts and customers through introductions from EDB in their early-stage growth journeys to refine product-market fit and business strategies. This enables strategic partnerships, secure access to top markets and capitals and expansion to new market segments.

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