Startup companies looking for funding are advised to sort out financial data

KUALA LUMPUR – Local startup companies who are looking at acquiring funds or grants for commercialisation of businesses are advised to ensure their credit scoring and personal finance are in good condition to help attract investors, reported Bernama.

Vice-president, business and technology advisory of Malaysia Debt Ventures Bhd (MDV), Zuhry Rashid said potential investors would like to have the full picture of the startup business before making a decision to provide investments or financing.

“There are a few data points that we (investors) look forward to seeing in your startup business operation and one of the key points will be the financial data.

“We would rather have an estimate or a good overview of what is your fundamental data points such as breakeven point that help sustain the business towards increasing the paying customers,” he said in a webinar entitled ‘Financing the Future: Investing in Creating and Building Digital Business Models’ organised by Cyberview Sdn Bhd on April 27.

Zuhry said the other data points for startups to pay attention to before applying for financial aid are revenue models which will help business with sustainability in terms of cash flow, commitments to investors, growth plan and related marketing activities.

“When you come up with your business proposal or business plan, try to be as realistic as possible because there will be a lot of concern if these things are not addressed realistically,” he added.

Meanwhile, Cyberview’s head of technology hub and development division Shafinaz Salim said the tech hub developer provides specific intervention programmes or facilitation via Cyberview Living Lab Accelerator (CLLA) programme to help startups grow their businesses.

“Through the alternative funding offered by MDV, it will also help the startups to have access and understand better of the emerging tech and innovation and eventually be able to access the process,” she added.