GUIDE

What GUIDE does

GUIDE is a pan-Asia venture programme and advisory platform headquartered in Kuala Lumpur at Asia School of Business (a collaboration between Malaysia's Central Bank and MIT Sloan School of Management). The company designs and delivers accelerator programmes, bootcamps, corporate venture training, and ecosystem events that prepare early- to growth-stage technology companies for investment readiness and cross-border scaling across Southeast Asia, Greater Bay Area, Central Asia, and MENA. Core products include the Southeast Asia+ Accelerator Programme (consortium-backed by five VCs with combined US$3.3B+ AUM), the Central Asia+ Accelerator (jointly implemented with ITFC and UN ESCAP), the Global-to-GBA Programme (co-organised with Hong Kong Cyberport and Gobi Partners), the GBA Venture Ready Programme (HSBC title-sponsored), the Global Market Access Series (Qatar/MENA delegation), and bespoke corporate programmes such as PETRONAS PACE and The BIG Programme (Bengkel Inovasi GLC).

GUIDE's technology stack is not a software product but a curated curriculum and orchestration layer — venture-building education, mentorship frameworks, investor matchmaking, and event production — supported by a network of 300+ mentors, 80+ VC relationships, and 300+ venture fellows across 17 Asian cities. The platform also operates IndustrialEdge, a WhatsApp-delivered startup intelligence service, and offers downloadable resources such as investment data room and P&L templates. There is no proprietary AI/ML capability, SDK, or API surface; GUIDE's value derives from practitioner-led instruction, institutional endorsements (ITFC, UN ESCAP, HSBC, Khazanah, Stanford, HKU), and its affiliation with Gobi Partners.

The business model combines three revenue streams: (1) accelerator programme fees ranging from USD 1,980 (minimum co-payment) to USD 7,560 (SEA+ standard), USD 3,000 (Global-to-GBA), and USD 4,000 (GBA Venture Ready), subject to scholarship discounting via Cradle, Gobi, and HSBC nomination mechanisms; (2) corporate venture training delivered as bespoke professional services for Malaysian GLCs, PETRONAS, and large corporates under multi-year or fixed-fee engagements; and (3) donor-funded development programme delivery, notably the ITFC/ESCAP-funded Central Asia+ Accelerator where programme costs are underwritten by intergovernmental funders. GUIDE is a privately held, affiliated but independent entity of Gobi Partners, founded and led by Founding Managing Director Neil Cheong.

Name

GUIDE

Legal name

GUIDE

Website

https://guide.works

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

GUIDE is a pan-Asia venture programme and advisory platform that runs accelerator cohorts, corporate venture training, and ecosystem events for technology startups, government bodies, and GLCs across 17 Asian cities, operating as an affiliated but independent entity of Gobi Partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Accelerator Services

NAICS

Professional and Management Development Training (611430), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Accelerators & Incubators (Investor-Operated) (FSANAAAM)

Keywords

• Venture accelerator programmes
• Startup advisory services
• Founder education programmes
• Cross-border market access
• Corporate venture training

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, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Accelerator Programme Fees: Revenue generated from programme fees charged to participating startups for accelerator programmes. The SEA+ Accelerator charges USD 7,560 per scaleup, with scholarship options reducing costs for eligible participants. The Global-to-GBA programme charges USD 3,000 per startup. GBA Venture Ready Programme charges USD 4,000 for standard participants with reduced rates for partner-affiliated startups.
2. Corporate Venture Training: Revenue from delivering bespoke corporate venture programmes for large organizations including PETRONAS PACE Leadership Training, The BIG Programme for Malaysian GLCs, and other enterprise clients seeking innovation capability building.
3. Development Programme Delivery: Revenue from delivering donor-funded development programmes in partnership with intergovernmental organizations. The Central Asia+ Accelerator is funded by ITFC and ESCAP's Trade Connect Central Asia+ programme, with the programme offered free to eligible participants.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

GUIDE delivers structured venture accelerator programmes and advisory services for startups, corporations, and governments across Asia. Its portfolio includes equity-free accelerator programmes (Southeast Asia+ Accelerator, Central Asia+ Accelerator, Global-to-GBA, GBA Venture Ready), corporate venture training (PETRONAS PACE, The BIG Programme), cross-border delegation trips, and curated founder-investor matchmaking events, designed to build investment-ready companies and strengthen innovation-led economies across Asian markets.

Product overview

GUIDE is a pan-Asia venture programme and advisory platform led by practitioners who have built and scaled companies before. The offering consists of a portfolio of accelerator programmes (Southeast Asia+ Accelerator, Central Asia+ Accelerator, Global-to-GBA Programme, GBA Venture Ready Programme, Global Market Access Series, AgTech Startup BootCamp, Edukasyon.ph Partnership, Petronas PACE Training, BIG Programme, Tianjin Incubator Training), venture event formats (ASEAN AI Summit, CradleLive ASEAN Summit, Alibaba Netpreneur Masterclass, HKU Super Angel Network, Philippine Horizons), downloadable resources (Investment Data Room Template, P&L Statement Template), and intelligence services (IndustrialEdge). These programmes work alongside Asia capital providers, ecosystem builders, and economic enablers to provide full-fledge entrepreneur development and support founders to be investment-ready and hyperscale through Asian markets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• IndustrialEdge: Startup intelligence product delivered via WhatsApp

Products and services

• Southeast Asia+ Accelerator Programme A consortium-backed growth accelerator for Seed to Series A technology companies seeking to expand across Southeast Asia, combining a 3-day revenue bootcamp, practitioner masterclasses, 1-month hybrid coaching, corporate and financing matchmaking, and product deployment support. USD 7,560 per scaleup, with scholarship options available.
• Central Asia+ Accelerator Programme A 3-month private sector development programme supporting innovative digital startups and SMEs from Central Asia (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan) in scaling and attracting investment. Features investment readiness bootcamp, market navigation workshops, mentoring, and Greater Bay Area immersion. Offered free to eligible participants through ITFC and ESCAP funding.
• Global-to-GBA Programme A 6-month equity-free programme supporting global startups in entering and expanding within the Greater Bay Area, providing curated business development, fundraising advisory, partner access, market insights, and structured in-region immersion across Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou. USD 3,000 per startup.
• GBA Venture Ready Programme An equity-free bootcamp strengthening growth-stage, deep-tech focused startups by reviewing their business using investment readiness tools, providing mentorship, curated dealflow meetings, connections to 300+ regional industry experts and investors, and intensive business review sessions. Standard fee USD 4,000 per company, with reduced rates for partner-affiliated startups and fee waivers for nominated startups.
• Global Market Access Series A curated cross-border programme connecting high-potential founders with investors, strategic partners, and government stakeholders across dynamic emerging markets through purpose-designed delegations anchored to flagship regional events with private curated meetings.
• AgTech Startup BootCamp A 3-day programme in Xinjiang for agriculture and technology founders seeking market entry, partnerships, and on-ground exposure in Western China, combining training, matchmaking, and visits to key industry partners supporting early traction and cross-border opportunities.
• Edukasyon.ph Programme Partnership An incubator partnership with Edukasyon.ph delivering structured learning, mentorship, and practical venture-building experience for 30-50 early-stage Philippine startups per cohort, covering product-market fit, growth strategy, fundraising, and cross-border expansion.
• PETRONAS PACE Leadership Training A 10-week in-person programme partnering with Asia School of Business to equip PETRONAS' top internal talents with venture knowledge and capabilities through project-based learning, mentorship, fireside chats, and site visits to Malaysian startups.
• The BIG Programme (Bengkel Inovasi GLC) A 12-month open innovation initiative powered by Cradle, supported by Malaysia's Ministry of Finance and MOSTI, bridging Government-Linked Companies and publicly listed corporations with startups through corporate-startup partnerships and co-development tracks, with 1-to-1 matching grants up to RM2 million.
• Tianjin Incubator Association Training Bootcamp A 3-day in-person training programme for Tianjin-based incubator administrators and operators covering operational strategy, innovation frameworks, and value creation, with over 70 participants from 40+ incubators.
• IndustrialEdge Startup intelligence service delivering vetted information to innovation teams' phones via WhatsApp, providing curated market insights without obligation to act.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5-12 companies per SEA+ Accelerator cohort achieving investment readiness
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Gobi PartnersflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGobi Partners is the primary strategic partner and affiliated entity of GUIDE. The venture capital firm co-develops and co-delivers accelerator programmes including Global-to-GBA, SEA+ Accelerator, and Central Asia+ Accelerator. Gobi provides deal flow sourcing, investor network access, and co-investment opportunities for programme participants. GUIDE is described as an affiliated but independent entity of Gobi Partners.
• Asia School of Business (ASB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAsia School of Business, a collaboration between Malaysia's Central Bank and MIT Sloan School of Management, serves as GUIDE's primary host location and strategic partner. Provides institutional endorsement, curriculum collaboration, and access to innovation and entrepreneurship centre coaching.
• United Nations ESCAPcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) jointly implements the Central Asia+ Accelerator with ITFC and GUIDE. Provides institutional legitimacy and ecosystem development framework for the programme.
• Hong Kong CyberportcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHong Kong Cyberport co-organises the Global-to-GBA Programme with GUIDE and Gobi Partners. Provides strategic partnership, access to Cyberport ecosystem, funding schemes (CCMF, CIP), and working spaces for programme participants.
• Cradle FundcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCradle is Malaysia's Cradle Fund providing the Revenue Success Scholarship track for SEA+ Accelerator participants. Malaysia-incorporated companies can receive up to USD 5,580 in scholarship support contingent on verified SEA commercial transaction. Cradle also co-develops The BIG Programme.
• Stanford UniversityminorOthersStanford University mentioned as a trusted institution partner for GUIDE, indicating potential collaboration or endorsement relationships.
• Edukasyon.phcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPhilippine education platform partners with GUIDE to deliver the GUIDE Incubator Philippines. Edukasyon.ph manages operational and financial aspects while GUIDE provides curriculum covering product-market fit, growth strategy, fundraising, and cross-border expansion.
• PETRONAScoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPETRONAS PACE (Accelerated Commercialisation Engine) programme delivered by GUIDE in partnership with Asia School of Business. EQUIP programme equips PETRONAS internal talents with venture knowledge through 10-week in-person training with project-based learning, mentorship, and startup ecosystem exposure.
• Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF Inc.)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMOF Inc. supports The BIG Programme (Bengkel Inovasi GLC) alongside Cradle and MOSTI, bridging Malaysia's leading corporations with startups and venture builders. GUIDE participates as programme partner contributing cross-border venture expertise.
• Esquel GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate partner for AgTech Startup BootCamp in Xinjiang, providing industry leadership and market access connections for programme participants focused on agriculture technology.
• Nanjing Agriculture UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for AgTech Startup BootCamp providing expertise and connections in agriculture technology sector for programme participants exploring China market opportunities.
• Xinjiang UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner for AgTech Startup BootCamp supporting programme delivery and local ecosystem connections in Western China.
• University of Hong Kong (HKU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHKU Super Angel Network unites alumni and supporters to create sustainable startup ecosystem within HKU and broader Hong Kong innovation community. GUIDE is involved in building scalable, mentorship-driven programs across the region.
• AntlerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGlobal venture capital firm supporting Global-to-GBA Programme as a partner providing deal flow and startup ecosystem connections for Greater Bay Area market access.
• Business FinlandminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFinnish innovation agency supporting Global-to-GBA Programme, providing Nordic startup ecosystem connections for programme participants.
• Hub71minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAbu Dhabi-based tech hub supporting Global-to-GBA Programme, providing MENA ecosystem access and startup connections.
• EndeavorminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal entrepreneur support network. GUIDE's founding managing director previously worked with Endeavor before establishing GUIDE.
• TMminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorTelecommunications company participating in The BIG Programme as a Government-Linked Company seeking startup collaboration and innovation.
• MaybankminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMalaysia's largest bank participating in The BIG Programme as a GLC seeking financial technology innovation and startup partnerships.
• CIMB GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBanking group participating in The BIG Programme for corporate innovation through startup collaboration.
• JUMPSTARTERcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAlibaba Cloud and HSBC-backed startup initiative serving as the anchor event for Central Asia+ Accelerator's Gateway to Greater Bay Area immersion. High-performing participants invited to sponsored business delegation to Hong Kong to participate in JUMPSTARTER and explore GBA ecosystem.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Plug and Play: Global innovation platform and accelerator operating corporate-startup matching programmes across multiple verticals and geographies including Southeast Asia. Comparable in the enterprise-corporate-startup matchmaking and accelerator design (similar to PETRONAS PACE / BIG Programme engagements) but at materially larger scale and breadth.
• SOSV: Global multi-stage VC operating vertical-specific accelerator programmes (HAX for hardware, IndieBio for biotech, dlab for blockchain, etc.) across multiple geographies including Asia. Comparable in the cohort-based, practitioner-led accelerator model but operates at much greater scale and with direct accelerator-to-fund integration.
• Gobi Partners: Pan-Asia venture capital firm ($3.3B+ AUM, 600+ portfolio companies, 8 unicorns) and GUIDE's affiliated strategic partner. Gobi co-delivers SEA+, Global-to-GBA and Central Asia+ accelerators and provides deal flow; comparable in investor-network and accelerator operations but at significantly larger scale and with direct investment capability GUIDE does not have.
• Hong Kong Cyberport: Hong Kong government-backed digital tech hub and incubator co-organising GUIDE's Global-to-GBA Programme. Comparable as an institutional startup development platform offering funding schemes (CCMF, CIP), workspace and ecosystem access in the GBA corridor, though operating as a government entity rather than a private practitioner-led platform.
• 500 Global: Global venture capital firm and accelerator running multi-country Flagship and vertical programmes (including 500 SEED, Fintech, Health) across Asia. Comparable as a scaled equity-light accelerator with regional cohort programmes and large mentor/VC networks, though with significantly larger fund firepower.

Direct peers

• Antler: Global early-stage VC and accelerator operating across Southeast Asia, Greater China and MENA with cohort-based founder programmes, mentorship networks, and pre-seed investment. Directly comparable as a practitioner-led, equity-linked accelerator targeting the same Seed-to-Series A startup pipeline across Asian corridors where GUIDE operates.
• Brinc: Hong Kong-headquartered global accelerator and venture studio running vertical-specific programmes (IoT, MedTech, Smart Manufacturing, EdTech) and helping overseas startups enter China and SEA markets. Renee Pan, GUIDE's MD China, previously ran Brinc China, indicating deep operational overlap in model and approach.
• Endeavor: Global high-impact entrepreneur support network selecting, mentoring and accelerating scale-up founders. GUIDE's Founding MD Neil Cheong previously worked at Endeavor, and the organisations share an entrepreneur-development and ecosystem-building thesis; comparable in scale-up founder focus but Endeavor is membership/network-based rather than cohort-based fee programmes.
• Startupbootcamp: Global accelerator operating industry-focused programmes with corporate partners, offering mentorship, office space and investor access. Directly comparable in cohort-based accelerator design with corporate partnership model (similar to GUIDE's PETRONAS PACE / BIG Programme structure) and pan-regional footprint.

Regional players

• Cradle Fund: Malaysia's government-linked early-stage fund and ecosystem builder, partner on GUIDE's Revenue Success Scholarship and The BIG Programme. Comparable as a Malaysia-focused startup development and funding platform, but operates primarily as a grant provider rather than cohort-based accelerator.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/guideecosystem

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about GUIDE