By Muhammad Najib Mohd Taib
Start-ups could be defined as business that is typically technology-oriented and has high growth potential. Start-up is considered to be a part of Small Medium Enterprises (SME) which are said to be responsible in propelling innovation and creating competitions in many economic sectors.
Studies show that these SMEs outnumber large companies by a huge gap and also provide more job opportunities than a huge company. All of these SMEs started from individuals having an idea and struggle to make it work by venturing into start-up programmes. Some may succeed and triumph while others may encounter some ups and downs throughout the process in making their ideas come true.
Here are some homegrown Malaysia’s SMEs who came from zero to hero:
1) The Lorry
Lorry Online Sdn Bhd came through as an idea to provide on-demand transportation services throughout Malaysia, in which they can transport from household appliances to commercial cargo. It is an online based platform for people easily and fast to find and book lorry for transporting goods. Led by SPH Media Fund and participation from Silicon Valley-based Elixir Capital, the company successfully raised US$1.5 million (RM6.6 million) in Series A round. The Lorry will continue to expand as they plan to expand their business across Asia.
2) Animonsta Studio
The creator of Malaysia’s blockbuster 3D animated cartoon BoBoiBoy. Aimed to produce a universal animated cartoon content with the local touch of Malaysia. With the success of BoBoiBoy which was broadcasted across Asian continent, and also raking RM13 million in their first movie franchise BoBoiBoy: Animonsta Studio is the living proof of small animation entrepreneur penetrating into world class animation industry.
3) MyTeksi Sdn Bhd
Under the MyTeksi Sdn Bhd the name of GrabTaxi, is an online-based taxi booking service provider, which right now has the strongest presence in Singapore, Phillipines, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, and around other countries around the world. The app which recently managed to raises 750 Million USD in funding.Since its Series E funding in August 2015, Grab has nearly quadrupled its total number of drivers and active users, as well as rides volume. Today, the Grab app has been downloaded onto over 21 million mobile devices and users have access to over 400,000 drivers to meet their transportation needs
It is without a doubt that many young and fresh entrepreneurs are inspired to follow these successful startups. With the right creation and innovation, entrepreneurs who are keen to start a start-ups could grow rapidly and achieve high revenue in short times.
In Malaysia there are many organisations that help start-ups to ventures, accelerate and grow into a successful business. Among them are Malaysia Global Innovation and Creative Centre (MaGIC), Cyberview Sdn. Bhd, MAD Incubator and many more.
These organisations provide a special programme for start-ups to grow as their services and also they provide incentives and networking for fresh start-ups and paved the way for start-ups to success. So, if you have ideas, and willing to make it happen, here’s the opportunity to build your start-up and join incubator programme and be among those SMEs who came from zero to hero. ***