India and Malaysia's startup partnership aims to secure deals worth US$20 million.

Cradle Fund, a prominent early-stage startup influencer in Malaysia, has announced the creation of the India-Malaysia Startup Alliance (IMSA) in collaboration with Startup India. This initiative aims to enhance cooperation between technology-based startups in both countries, focusing on innovation and collaborative efforts.

During Malaysia’s official visit to New Delhi, led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, a Letter of Cooperation (LOC) was signed to formalize this partnership. The alliance will prioritize knowledge sharing, capacity-building sessions, and initiatives to connect startups across the two nations. It also expects to generate investment and commercial agreements valued at up to US$20 million.

Significant upcoming events under this alliance include the Startup Mahakumbh 2025 and the ASEAN-India Startup Festival 2025. Key figures at the LOC signing included Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Cradle’s Group CEO Norman Vanhaecke, and Sanjiv, Joint Secretary from India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.

Cradle Fund, established in 2003 under Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance and now under the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, has been instrumental in supporting early-stage Malaysian tech startups. The organization has funded over 1,000 startups and expanded its role to include venture investments through Cradle Seed Ventures.