Startup Cambodia, a collaborative platform set to officially launch next month, aims to create a comprehensive and accessible database of Cambodia’s startup companies to help entrepreneurs tap into early-stage funding, a spokesman for the company spearheading the project said yesterday.
The platform is the brainchild of online startup and technology-focused media outlet Geeks in Cambodia and will initially serve as a basic database for information on registered startups and potential angel investors.
Roman Di Geronimo, business and account manager at marketing agency Endorphine Concept Digital Solutions, said the Startup Cambodia platform could become a useful tool for local entrepreneurs to get on their feet.
“Without a doubt, there are many talented people with a strong entrepreneurial mindset in Cambodia, especially amongst the youth, but they express the fact that they don’t know where to start or how to move forward with their projects,” he said.
“We’re putting all the information they’ll need to start their businesses on this platform.”
He explained that Cambodia currently lacks an officially recognised and dedicated list of active startups, much less one that caters to the rapid uptake of new market entrants. The new platform aims to fill that void by providing startup profiles and direct business contacts.
The database already includes 300 entries, according to Di Geronimo, who said he expects the list to grow exponentially after the November launch when startups and potential investors can request to be listed free of charge.
“We want people to use this platform to see what kind of businesses they could be investing in, but also to organise events, invite speakers and compile resources,” he said. “We want to invite experts to provide insights and provide video mentoring to entrepreneurs, and we will have a newsfeed where people can promote their own programmes.”
Besides seeking to connect startups with investors, the platform hopes to assist fledgling companies to find sustainable business models that strengthen growth potential.
While a number of online platforms have been established to help connect entrepreneurs with investors, Di Geronimo said Startup Cambodia would be solely dedicated to supporting local ventures.
“So far in Cambodia, even if various players are working towards supporting local entrepreneurs, there is no one-stop online platform that caters to the very basic needs of aspiring entrepreneurs, and caters for local stakeholders at the same time,” he said.
