Cradle Fund Drives Malaysia’s Startup Ecosystem with Bold Mission for Growth

Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia’s leading early-stage startup influencer, is on a mission to fuel innovation and entrepreneurship across the nation.

Established in 2003 under the Ministry of Finance and now administered by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Cradle has been a cornerstone in shaping the country’s tech landscape.

Cradle’s Legacy: Building a Tech-Driven Future

With over 1,000 tech startups funded through its Cradle Investment Programme (CIP), Cradle boasts the highest commercialization rate among funding agencies in Malaysia.

This achievement underscores its role as a catalyst for transforming ideas into market-ready solutions.

Impact on Malaysia’s Economy and Innovation

The impact of Cradle’s initiatives extends beyond individual startups, contributing significantly to Malaysia’s economic growth by fostering job creation and technological advancement.

Historically, Cradle has adapted to the evolving needs of entrepreneurs, expanding from grants to equity investments through ventures like Cradle Seed Ventures since 2015.

Collaborations and Global Outreach

Recent partnerships, such as the collaboration with UK-based Wippd Ltd. under the Cradle Innovation Advisory (CIA), aim to bring global innovation into Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

These efforts position Malaysia as a regional hub for tech innovation, enhancing its global competitiveness.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite its successes, Cradle faces challenges in addressing governance and legal gaps among startups, as highlighted during the Startup ASEAN Summit 2025.

Looking to the future, Cradle aims to strengthen its ecosystem by supporting SMEs through initiatives like the Innovation Impact Lab with Alliance Bank and Monash University Malaysia.

This forward-thinking approach ensures that Malaysia remains a fertile ground for tech-driven entrepreneurship.

Ultimately, Cradle’s mission is not just about funding but about creating a sustainable, innovative environment where startups can thrive and redefine Malaysia’s digital backbone.