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Last updated 31 Aug 2026

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Global Founder Programme

Your venture needs a global stage

Apply now
EDB’s Global Founder Programme (GFP) is a targeted initiative for experienced founders to launch and scale their next venture from Singapore. It is designed for founders from around the world, including Singapore, to launch new ventures with global impact.

 

The programme comprises a holistic suite of resources and tools to help founders access Singapore’s ecosystem accelerate their venture growth, and expand into new markets. 

Global-first ventures, built from Singapore

Learn how these experienced founders leveraged Singapore’s startup ecosystem to validate ideas, scale business operations, and secure venture capital.

Portrait of Caesar Sengupta
Caesar Sengupta

Co-founder and CEO, Arta

Portrait of Noah Pepper
Noah Pepper

Co-founder and CEO, Multiplier Holdings

Portrait of Reuben Lai
Reuben Lai

Co-founder and CEO, Arkadiah

Portrait of Tianyi Jiang (TJ)
Tianyi Jiang (TJ)

Co-founder and CEO, Avepoint

Portrait of Caesar Sengupta
Caesar Sengupta

Co-founder and CEO, Arta

Arta

Arta is an AI-powered investment platform democratising wealth management solutions previously available only to the ultra-wealthy. Its co-founder and CEO Caesar Sengupta, previously led Google’s fintech and Next Billion Users efforts. The company is leveraging Singapore's strong tech talent, regulatory suport and vibrant ecosystem to build and scale personalised financial tools, complemented by deep AI development. Gain insight into Arta’s unique approach to AI-powered investing and why its model signals the future of intelligent, accessible wealth management.  

Find out more

Group photo at an Arta event

The global nexus for founders to create next-generation ventures

Who the Global Founder Programme (GFP) is intended for

EDB’s Global Founder Programme (GFP) is for you if you plan to build a new venture and are:

  • A successful founder who has founded and scaled a startup into a global business; or
  • A key employee of an MNC or tech unicorn who has developed and grown a major new product or business line; or
  • A deep tech founder who has led a startup to achieve strong commercial traction in areas such as healthcare, hardware, artificial intelligence (AI) and green economy

 

EDB works closely with each founder and venture to deliver tailored support that maximises their potential for success. To ensure that all founders who join us on this journey have the best shot at building a global business, our support is optimised for a limited programme cohort size.

The support and benefits offered through the GFP are designed to meet the unique needs of each founder and venture. While EDB strives to provide a comprehensive range of resources, the availability and scope of benefits may vary between ventures based on factors such as programme fit, stage of growth, and strategic alignment.

What founders have to say about living and building in Singapore

Portrait of Noah Pepper.

Noah Pepper

Co-founder and CEO of Multiplier Holdings, a technology company acquiring and transforming high stakes services firms

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In 2019, Stripe asked me to relocate to Singapore to lead its APAC business. My plan was to be here for one to two years. Moving here expanded my world view and gave me a truly global mindset.

My experience living in Singapore caused me to think global from day one, when it was time to start my latest company. Singapore has created the ideal environment for both family and business where we can build relationships across cultures both personally and professionally.

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Portrait of Huey Lin.

Huey Lim

Experienced fintech operator, active in angel investing, back to building what's next

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I have met amazingly talented people and created invaluable connections through EDB’s Global Founder Programme.

It is a fantastic initiative for founders, bringing together a well-curated network that any founder knows is crucial to building a new business. And with Singapore’s safety, connectivity and unbeatable convenience, it has easily become my home.

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Portrait of Shawn Low.

Shawn Low

Co-founder and COO of LXA, a tech-enabled asset manager institutionalising residential mortgages as an asset class for investors in Asia

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Singapore’s clear, business-friendly regulatory and legal frameworks make it an ideal place to build a business, especially for a regulated venture like LXA.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is not only progressive, but highly respected in the region, giving us a strong foundation as we expand into new markets.

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Discover the Global Founder Programme (GFP)

Explore GFP benefits and our community of serial founders and seasoned builders.

Download programme booklet (3.9 MB)
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What you can expect

Start

  • Invitation to ONE Pass, Singapore’s personalised pass for top talent, to explore new business opportunities and living in Singapore
  • Business guides and personalised introductions to navigate Singapore’s ecosystem
  • Admission to a community of global founders for peer advice and networking, as well as regular programming with strategic partners, investors and advisors

Build

  • Streamlined business setup and hiring in Singapore, including talent connections and facilitation for Tech.Pass and Employment Pass (EP) for key hires
  • Access to EDB’s Venture Builders and network of experts, who can support founders to refine their go-to-market strategy 
  • Connections to first customers and companies looking to pilot new tech and solutions, including potential grant support for eligible pilots
  • Access to EDB’s network of financial and strategic investors, including corporations, regional venture capital (VC) firms, family offices and SG Growth Capital (SGGC)

Accelerate

  • A dedicated EDB team working alongside founders, to address key business needs and enable regional or global venture expansion
  • Access to additional support schemes by EDB and other government agencies in Singapore
  • Potential profiling opportunities on highly visible platforms by EDB and its partners   

Ready to build your next venture on the world stage?

Apply now

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