Online platform matches start-ups with investors

The online fundraising platform TOP100 has been relaunched with new features designed to bridge gaps between start-ups and investors. Organised by Echelon Connect (e27), TOP100 connects startups and investors online using proprietary matching algorithms that encourage deal-making across Asia. The annual TOP100 will enable start-ups to seek funds year round, and allow investing groups to find opportunities that match their organisation’s goals.

Officially launched at e27.co, more than 150 start-ups and notable investors like 500 Startups, Queen’s Capital Road, Golden Gate Ventures, KK Fund and others have joined, offering access to up to US$500 million (17 billion baht) in venture capital. Website organisers are projecting 800-1,000 members by the end of June.

The new TOP100 aims to empower any start-up that expresses an interest in fundraising, and any investor looking to discover the best and rising start-ups.

Start-ups and investors are matched accordingly based on compatibility. Once a mutual interest is indicated on both sides, e27 will then provide direct communication via e27’s messaging platform, allowing the two parties to take negotiations further.

For start-ups and investors that are matched successfully, e27 provides the offline avenue — conferences in major SEA cities — for start-ups to showcase their business to a wider audience and for investors to follow-up with their prospects, with a more direct form of communication.

A major challenge most young start-ups face is simply getting noticed.

“Any start-up in the region can apply to TOP100,” said Thaddeus Koh, chief operating officer of e27. “TOP100’s online platform overcomes the obstacles that many new start-ups face, and provides an even playing field. These start-ups can then potentially meet the right investors to fund their businesses.”

“It is now easier than ever for start-ups and investors to establish relationships — starting online. When compared to the typical delays one gets from email, the messaging platform will reduce the formalities involved and ease the flow of conversation between both parties,” Koh said.

TOP100 allows start-ups and investors to continually bridge gaps across geographic boundaries to find that perfect investing match — rather than merely being judged by a typical standalone intense seven-minute pitch on stage.

“After winning Echelon’s TOP100 programme last June, we started gaining traction across Southeast Asia, even globally,” shared Jee Shen Lee, founder of Malaysia-based Softinn Solutions.

“Even more quality investors and partners approached us after each Echelon participation, further spurring our strategic growth into markets in Vietnam and Indonesia.”

Each TOP100 start-up member hosts its own stand-alone version of pitching (called the TOP100 Fight Club). But simply being a member of the TOP100 Fight Club does not automatically gain one entry to the Echelon Asia Summit, an annual regional networking event scheduled for June 28-29 in Singapore that places start-up companies in front of potential investors. Instead, start-ups will have a chance to qualify for the summit, based on overall interest from investors shown on the TOP100 website throughout the year.

Applications are now open at e27.co/echelon/top100/ register. Start-ups looking to gain exposure, win prizes, and make connections should apply for the summit by April 16.