Watchtower & Friends fortifies a decade of accelerating startups

Watchtower & Friends (WTF) continues to solidify its position as Malaysia’s premier private accelerator, celebrating a decade of empowering startups through a strong network of collaborators, government partners, investors, mentors, and industry visionaries.

According to the company, its flagship WTF Accelerator Programme has supported over eight cohorts, investing in more than 50 startups and creating over 2,000 jobs. Many of these startups have evolved into established SMEs with substantial revenue, with several reaching valuations exceeding US$22.5 million (RM100 million). Collectively, the estimated market capitalization of these companies surpasses US$113 million (RM500 million).

Originally conceived as a venture builder, WTF initially focused on developing startups in-house, including the equity crowdfunding platform pitchIN. It later transitioned into an accelerator model, a strategic shift that has since propelled its continued success.

Co-founders Sam Shafie and Kashminder Singh coined the company’s distinctive name as a nod to the challenging startup journey, the friendships forged along the way, and a tribute to Jimi Hendrix’s All Along the Watchtower.

Leveraging their diverse expertise, the duo developed the State of My Startup framework, guiding founders in assessing their development stage, available resources, and market opportunities. This foundation shaped the WTF Accelerator Programme, which delivers structured mentorship and covers essential startup topics such as Founders’ Foundation, Minimum Viable Product Development, and Funding Fundamentals over a 12-week course.

The accelerator has helped numerous startups transition from concept to reality, equipping them with the tools to secure additional funding from venture capitalists, angel investors, and equity crowdfunding platforms. With technological advancements shortening the window of opportunity for startups, structured accelerator programmes like WTF’s play a crucial role in early-stage business development.

WTF alumni have consistently highlighted the programme’s impact, with founders emphasizing how its support goes beyond investment and incubation, providing the belief, trust, and strategic guidance needed for growth. Graduates of the programme include TheLorry, a logistics booking platform; Lapasar, a B2B e-commerce wholesale platform; MoneyMatch, a fintech specializing in international money transfers; and Omnimatics, an automotive IoT solutions provider for fleet management. These success stories have had a ripple effect, contributing to their respective industries, the startup ecosystem, and Malaysia’s broader economic landscape.

As WTF marks its tenth anniversary, it remains committed to its mission of nurturing impactful startups and strengthening Malaysia’s startup ecosystem. With the support of government and private sector partners, WTF continues to champion local entrepreneurs, fostering confidence in the capabilities of homegrown startups and accelerators.

Looking ahead, WTF is focused on expanding its collaboration opportunities, reaching more startups, and leaving a lasting legacy of positive change. Startups seeking to scale their business are encouraged to connect with WTF and join a thriving network of passionate entrepreneurs, corporate partners, and government stakeholders. The programme also welcomes mentors and investors eager to support Malaysia’s next wave of innovative startups.

Credit to → https://www.digitalnewsasia.com

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