Cradle Fund

What Cradle Fund does

Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian government-linked company established in 2003 and headquartered at Level 20, Sunway Putra Tower, Kuala Lumpur, operating as the focal agency for Malaysia's early-stage startup ecosystem under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). The company administers a multi-stage funding stack including pre-seed grants (CIP Spark), seed grants (CIP Sprint), equity investments for the 'missing middle' (Cradle Elevate, RM500,000 to RM2 million per startup), corporate innovation matching grants (BIG 2.0, up to RM2 million per corporate), and the Angel Tax Incentive via its ATIO unit. Since founding, Cradle has disbursed over RM264 million in grants to more than 1,000 Malaysian technology-based companies, with portfolio companies contributing RM1.83 billion to national GDP and creating over 80,000 jobs. The agency claims the highest commercialization rate among Malaysian funding agencies.

The company's core technology and platforms are ecosystem-orchestration tools rather than commercial products. The MYStartup Single Window (under the SUPER 2021-2030 roadmap) provides national pipeline visibility; the Startup ASEAN platform, launched in June 2025 under Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship, connects 8,600+ startups with 1,700+ investors regionally; and Cradle Seed Ventures (CSV), a wholly-owned VC subsidiary, has deployed capital across 10 Malaysia- and Singapore-based startups since 2015. Cradle is custodian of the SUPER 2021-2030 national roadmap targeting Top 20 global startup ecosystem status by 2030.

Cradle's business model is government-mandate driven, not commercial: revenue derives from MOSTI allocations, joint Ministry of Finance co-funding (notably BIG 2.0), and partner co-investment rather than product sales. Go-to-market is executed through flagship events (Cradle LIVE! roadshows, the first ASEAN-endorsed startup conference held Nov 2025), digital platforms (MYStartup, Startup ASEAN), international expansion missions (Japan, India), and ecosystem-channel partnerships (Google Cloud, Zoho, CloudMile, NEXEA Ventures, ASEAN Secretariat). The primary customer base is Malaysian technology entrepreneurs across pre-seed through Series A, with secondary stakeholders including government-linked corporations participating in BIG, angel investors accessing the Angel Tax Incentive, and foreign HNW investors via the Zenith International Investor Network.

Name

Cradle Fund

Legal name

Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd

Website

https://cradle.com.my

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian government-linked agency under MOSTI that funds and develops early-stage technology startups through grants, equity investments, and corporate innovation matching, serving 1,000+ portfolio companies via programs like CIP Spark, CIP Sprint, Elevate, and BIG 2.0.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Startup Ecosystem Development and Funding Agency

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Finance Services (6199)

akta.pro primary industry

Early-Stage Venture Capital (Pre-Seed/Seed) (FSANAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Development Finance & Blended Finance Facilities (BPADAOAD), Emerging Managers / Seeding Platforms (FSAHAKAI)

Keywords

• Startup grants funding
• Early stage investment
• Startup ecosystem development
• Corporate innovation matching
• Angel investor incentives

Headquarters

HQ city

Kuala Lumpur

HQ country

Malaysia

HQ region

Asia

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations

Revenue model

1. Grant Disbursements (CIP Spark, CIP Sprint): Cradle Fund disburses government-backed grants to early-stage technology startups in Malaysia. CIP SPARK provides pre-seed funding and CIP SPRINT provides seed funding to support technology entrepreneurs and innovators. As a government-linked agency under MOSTI, the revenue model is grant-based rather than commercial revenue generation.
2. Elevate Equity Investments: The Cradle Elevate program (RM10 million / $2.53 million funding program) provides equity investments of RM500,000 to RM2 million from Pre-A to Series A stage for early-stage startups in the 'missing middle'. Partner investors co-invest alongside Cradle, making this an equity investment model rather than pure grant disbursement for the Elevate program.
3. Ecosystem Programs and Initiatives: Cradle generates ecosystem outcomes through programs including MYStartup Accelerator (RM5.5 million invested across five cohorts), MYStartup Pre-Accelerator, BIG 2.0 (RM15 million matching grants), and Angel Tax Incentive administration. The agency operates as a government agency without commercial revenue; outcomes are measured in GDP contribution, jobs created, and commercialization rates.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd is a Malaysian government-linked agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) that supports early-stage technology startups through non-dilutive grants (CIP Spark pre-seed, CIP Sprint seed), equity investments (Elevate for Pre-A to Series A), corporate innovation matching grants (BIG Programme), angel investor tax incentives, and national/regional ecosystem platforms (MYStartup, Startup ASEAN). Founded in 2003, it has disbursed over RM264 million to more than 1,000 Malaysian technology-based companies and holds the highest commercialization rate among Malaysian funding agencies.

Product overview

Cradle Fund is Malaysia's government-linked early-stage startup ecosystem development agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). The organization operates a multi-tiered product portfolio consisting of grant programs (CIP Spark for pre-seed, CIP Sprint for seed funding), an investment program (Elevate for Series-A bridge capital), ecosystem platforms (MYStartup with Accelerator and Pre-Accelerator tracks), corporate innovation initiatives (The BIG Programme), and regional connectivity platforms (Startup ASEAN). Supporting programs include the Angel Tax Incentive for angel investors and Cradle Seed Ventures as the venture capital subsidiary. The organization serves as custodian of the SUPER 2021-2030 roadmap targeting Top 20 global startup ecosystem status for Malaysia by 2030.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CIP Spark: Pre-seed grant programme for technology startups
• CIP Sprint
• Elevate
• MYStartup
• Angel Tax Incentive
• Startup ASEAN
• BIG Programme
• SUPER
• Cradle Seed Ventures (CSV)

Products and services

• CIP Spark Pre-seed grant program for technology-based startups in Malaysia under the Cradle Investment Programme (CIP), providing early-stage funding of up to RM500,000 per startup to help entrepreneurs develop and validate business concepts.
• CIP Sprint Seed funding grant program of up to RM500,000 for Malaysian technology-based startups (minimum 51% Malaysian-owned equity) that have completed CIP SPARK and are ready to scale through commercialization.
• Cradle Elevate Series-A bridge capital investment program offering equity investments of RM500,000 to RM2 million for startups between seed and Series A stages with validated solutions but limited access to growth capital. Co-invested alongside partner investors under a RM10 million program size.
• BIG 2.0 (Bengkel Inovasi GLC) Corporate innovation program providing matching grants of up to RM2 million per selected corporation to foster collaborations between large corporations/government-linked companies and startups, promoting technology adoption within local businesses. Builds on BIG 1.0 successes including Malaysia Aviation Group and CelcomDigi deployments.
• MYStartup Accelerator Accelerator program providing investment and mentorship to Malaysian tech startups across multiple cohorts. Managed with NEXEA Ventures, the program has invested nearly RM5.5 million into startups across five cohorts in areas including AI, aquaculture, EV infrastructure, and smart retail.
• MYStartup Pre-Accelerator Pre-accelerator program for early-stage Malaysian startups providing capacity-building programs, bootcamps, and foundational support to prepare founders for accelerator and growth stages.
• Angel Tax Incentive (ATIO) Government-approved tax incentive administered by Cradle's Angel Tax Incentive Office (ATIO) to encourage private sector angel investments in early-stage technology start-ups. Provides 100% income tax exemption on investments between RM5,000 and RM500,000 per annum into certified technology startups.
• Startup ASEAN Platform Regional startup platform connecting over 8,600 start-ups with over 1,700 investors across ASEAN, launched as the first-ever ASEAN-endorsed startup conference under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship. Provides cross-border market access, funding, talent, and data connectivity for ASEAN member states.
• Cradle Seed Ventures (CSV) Early-stage venture capital subsidiary of Cradle Fund focusing on digital and technology sector startups across verticals including financial services, tourism, business services, electronics & electrical, wholesale & retail, education, healthcare, communications, content & infrastructure, oil/gas/energy, and agriculture. Has invested in 10 startups through CSVF1.

Quantifiable outcome

• RM1.83 billion in GDP contribution from funded companies since 2003
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Japan PostcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2026Cradle Fund led a Malaysian startup mission to Japan participating in the Japan Post-Accelerator Program to facilitate market expansion and partnerships for Malaysian startups. The initiative included startup showcases, investor engagement, and strategic alliances following a structured support process.
• Ministry of Finance MalaysiacoreOthers · 29 January 2026BIG 2.0 (Bengkel Inovasi GLC 2.0) is a RM15 million innovation programme jointly led by the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, delivered by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd to foster collaborations between corporations and start-ups.
• CloudMilecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 December 2025CloudMile, in collaboration with Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd. and with support from Google Cloud, selected ten Malaysian startups for an inaugural AI Master Class Program running from September 2025 to February 2026. Program provides hands-on AI application sessions, implementation blueprints, and integration plans with guidance from industry experts.
• Wippd LtdminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 December 2025Cradle Fund announced strategic collaboration with UK-based strategy firm Wippd Ltd to enhance innovation and cross-border knowledge transfer, supporting Malaysia's ambition to become a regional hub for research, technology, and entrepreneurship through programs like innovateXchange.
• InfobipcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 November 2025Infobip Shift 2025 held its first Asian edition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as part of the Cradle LIVE! Startup ASEAN Summit 2025. The developer conference attracted over 1,000 developers and tech professionals from Southeast Asia, with speakers from IBM, Atlassian, Amazon Web Services, and Okta. This expansion marked Infobip Shift's presence on a third continent within the same year (after Croatia and Miami).
• Google CloudcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 November 2025Google Cloud provides support to the CloudMile and Cradle Fund AI Master Class Program, selecting ten Malaysian startups for hands-on AI application sessions and mentorship from September 2025 to February 2026.
• Startup IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 September 2025MoU between Cradle and Startup India to form collaboration towards bridging startups between both countries, as part of the Malaysia Techlympics initiative.
• Yayasan Dato' Malaysia (YDM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 August 2025MoU signed August 20, 2025 between YDM and Cradle Fund to launch the Zenith International Investor Network, an exclusive initiative targeting foreign High Net-Worth Individual investments into high-technology Malaysian startups. Focus on post-CIP Sprint startups in Blockchain, AI, and ESG sectors. Masverse Sdn. Bhd. appointed as project coordinator.
• Masverse Sdn. Bhd.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 August 2025Masverse Sdn. Bhd. appointed as project coordinator for the Zenith International Investor Network initiative between Cradle Fund and YDM, introducing BlockchainCert.my for investor verification through the Zenith Elite Program.
• Malaysia Mobile Technology AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 August 2025YDM announced plans to enter separate MoUs with the Malaysia Mobile Technology Association and Micro Venture Group Limited to further expand strategic investment networks, with the initial MoU set to remain in effect for two years.
• ASEAN SecretariatcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2025Startup ASEAN platform launched as first major deliverable under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship and ASEAN Startup Technology Ignite 2025 programme. Executed by Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). Positions Malaysia as a regional innovation hub with a fully operational digital gateway connecting startups across ASEAN member states.
• Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI)coreOthers · 26 June 2025Cradle Fund is the startup ecosystem development agency under MOSTI, executing national initiatives including the MYStartup Single Window platform and Startup ASEAN platform under Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship.
• Iskandar Investment BerhadminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2025Iskandar Investment Berhad participated in the MIDA and BEYOND4 Strategic Engagement Session 2026, collaborating with Cradle Fund on ecosystem connectivity, talent development, and scaling opportunities.
• Universiti Kebangsaan MalaysiaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2025Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia participated in the MIDA and BEYOND4 Strategic Engagement Session 2026, collaborating with Cradle Fund on ecosystem connectivity, talent development, and scaling opportunities.
• Qarbotech Sdn. Bhd.minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2025Qarbotech Sdn. Bhd. participated in the MIDA and BEYOND4 Strategic Engagement Session 2026, collaborating with Cradle Fund on ecosystem connectivity, talent development, and scaling opportunities.
• Zoho CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 April 2025Zoho Corporation committed over RM44 million in credits to support 4,400 Malaysian startups through an expanded 'Zoho for Startups' program in partnership with Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd. Collaboration provides access to Zoho's business applications and fosters innovation among early-stage companies.
• MIDAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2025MIDA (Malaysian Investment Development Authority) and BEYOND4 co-hosted the Strategic Engagement Session 2026 in Kuala Lumpur bringing together stakeholders including Cradle Fund, Iskandar Investment Berhad, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Qarbotech Sdn. Bhd., focusing on ecosystem connectivity, talent development, and scaling opportunities.
• Cradle Seed Ventures (CSV)coreOthers · 1 January 2015Cradle Seed Ventures (CSV) is the venture capital arm of Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd. CSV is an early-stage venture fund focusing on digital and technology sector with specific vertical focuses including internet/mobile technology, software & enterprise solutions, and engineering & hardware. Has invested in 10 startups through CSVF1 since 2015.
• Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMBAN is the body that functions as a trade organisation, driving regional and international linkages between angel investors. MBAN is responsible for accrediting individual angel investors and angel investor clubs, creating awareness and training for investors, and monitoring angel investment statistics in Malaysia. Cradle serves as the interim secretariat for MBAN.
• AngelsdenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAngelsden is one of the pro-tem committee members managing the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN), alongside Virtuous Investment Circle (ViC), Pikom Angels Chapter, and AIPO Business Angels Club.
• Virtuous Investment Circle (ViC)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVirtuous Investment Circle (ViC) is one of the pro-tem committee members managing MBAN, driving regional and international linkages between angel investors.
• Pikom Angels ChapterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPikom Angels Chapter is one of the pro-tem committee members managing MBAN, contributing to angel investor accreditation and ecosystem development.
• AIPO Business Angels ClubminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAIPO Business Angels Club is one of the pro-tem committee members managing MBAN, supporting angel investor accreditation and ecosystem development.
• ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim HournminorOthersASEAN Secretary-General highlighted that ASEAN is on course to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030, with the forthcoming ASEAN Digital Economy Framework projected to contribute up to US$2 trillion by 2030. Supported Cradle LIVE! Startup ASEAN Summit 2025.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SGInnovate: Singapore government-linked investor focused on deep-tech startups via equity and grant instruments. Directly comparable to Cradle as a state-backed early-stage capital and ecosystem builder targeting technology founders in Southeast Asia.
• Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC): Malaysian government-linked agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation driving startup ecosystem development via accelerators, programs, and ecosystem coordination. Closest in-country peer to Cradle with overlapping mandate.
• MDI Ventures: Indonesia's sovereign-backed corporate venture arm of Telkom Indonesia investing in early-to-growth stage startups. Comparable as a state-affiliated multi-stage investor with regional SEA reach and corporate-startup matching thesis.
• Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC): Government agency under the Ministry of Digital (formerly MOSTI) leading Malaysia's digital economy initiatives including startup programs and ecosystem development. Closely aligned mandate with Cradle in catalyzing the local tech ecosystem.

Broad incumbents

• Khazanah Nasional: Malaysian sovereign wealth fund with strategic investments across technology, innovation, and growth-stage companies. Larger and broader mandate than Cradle but overlaps as a government-linked capital allocator.
• Temasek Holdings: Singapore state-owned investor with global mandate and large technology exposure. Comparable as a sovereign-affiliated capital allocator, though vastly larger and broader than Cradle's early-stage focus.
• Enterprise Singapore: Singapore government agency supporting enterprise growth and startup development via funding schemes, co-investment programs, and internationalization support. Comparable mandate to Cradle in catalyzing domestic startups but broader enterprise scope.

Emerging players

• 500 Global: US-rooted venture firm with strong emerging-markets presence including Southeast Asia accelerator programs. Comparable as an early-stage investor targeting regional tech founders, though private rather than government-backed.
• Antler: Global early-stage VC running pre-seed and residency programs across Southeast Asia including Malaysia and Singapore. Comparable as a deal-sourcing platform for very early-stage founders, complementing Cradle's CIP Spark stage.

Regional players

• Hong Kong Cyberport: Hong Kong government-owned digital tech hub and incubator providing funding, office space, and ecosystem support to startups. Functionally analogous to Cradle as a state-backed startup catalyst in a different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cradlefund
• YouTubeyoutube.com/cradlefundofficial
• Facebookfacebook.com/cradlefund
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cradlefund
• Instagraminstagram.com/cradlefund
• TikToktiktok.com/@cradlefund

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments51 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cradle Fund