The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, a truth that resonates deeply with entrepreneurs. For the three startup winners of MyHeart Innovate, their first step into Malaysia is supported by a programme designed to empower and guide them as they build a strong local presence.
Early this year, MyHeart Innovate’s first Cohort named three visionary startups as champions: Motions Cloud, Fill Easy Limited and Rainforest Innovations. Their winnings included over RM50,000 worth of shared services and support from Beyond4 and Coserra, as well as MyHeart Innovate’s support in resources, mentorship and connections.
So, how exactly did MyHeart Innovate help? Let’s hear it from the winners themselves.
MotionsCloud’s Growth Strategy Unfolds
Among the winners, Germany-based MotionsCloud is turning heads with its innovative AI-powered inspection technology. What makes it so impactful? It effectively tackles pain points in car rental and sharing, fleet management, airlines and even insurance industries, by eliminating the human errors and disputes in manual claims and inspections.
MotionsCloud was previously all-in on the B2B model, but since being named champion, CEO Lex Tan is now eyeing the business-to-business-to-consumer business (B2B2C) model, aiming to break into the Malaysian market. The game-changer? Developing an AI-powered protection product that’s both appealing and affordable. This shift was a strategic move designed for impact.
Through this programme, Lex Tan also had the opportunity to be mentored by Rohit Nambiar, Tune Protect Group’s ex-CEO. On top of building bridges to industry networks, these invaluable sessions explored strategies for growing MotionsCloud startup quickly, safely and sustainably.
Despite having prior experience working in Malaysia, Lex emphasises that without MyHeart and Beyond4’s support, navigating the local market would be far more challenging, costly and time-consuming. Instead, they made the processes much more streamlined and paved the way for his startup. He remarked,
Fill Easy Limited’s Next Move to Malaysia
As one startup sharpens its strategy, another lays the groundwork for expansion with Fill Easy Limited is looking to make its mark in Malaysia from Hong Kong.
In 2021, Matthew Lee founded his company to help organisations securely verify and collect data using government digital IDs, streamlining essential digital processes like authentication, onboarding and digital signing. From opening bank accounts to applying for e-health services, his solution simplifies identity checks where they matter most. As the first runner-up of Cohort 1, he’s only just getting started.
While securing Hong Kong’s market share, Matthew is also working with Beyond4 to understand Malaysia’s business ecosystem and how to localise his solutions for successful technology transfer. Expanding beyond this comfort zone wasn’t easy, but MyHeart Innovate gave him the tools to adapt to Malaysia’s business landscape – which is a world apart from Hong Kong and mainland China. Matthew added,
Resources are just one piece of the puzzle—connections are just as crucial. Thanks to Charlie Streeter from the Voluntas Group, Matthew forged valuable ties with major banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) players, setting the stage for what’s next. With Malaysia’s MyDigital ID gaining traction, he envisions Fill Easy Limited as the go-to plug-and-play solution for secure online transactions, ready to bridge the gap in the market.
Rainforest Innovations’ New Chapter In Agritech
Meanwhile, another winner is revolutionising Malaysia’s palm oil industry. With Malaysia’s status as a global leader in palm oil production, it’s the ideal playground for Dr. Brendan Chan’s Rainforest Innovations in the United States.
Dr. Brendan’s startup at its core, leverages cutting-edge data analytics and AI technology to revolutionise large-scale plantations like palm oil, aiming to reduce waste and boost revenue. Since participating in MyHeart Innovate, he’s dived straight into working with Beyond4 on the go-to-market (GTM) strategy to adapt and localise his solutions. Connecting directly with local plantation owners and managers provided invaluable insights, prompting him to reevaluate his initial assumptions. He credits mentors Adrian Watkins and Peter Hall for tirelessly helping him shape a solid business plan to apply to Malaysia.
MyHeart Innovate hasn’t just refined Dr. Brendan’s strategy—it’s ignited his drive. With strong mentorship and the right connections, he’s confident the journey of his startup is set to accelerate faster than ever. Urging Malaysian entrepreneurs abroad to participate, he said,
Welcoming Malaysian Entrepreneurs Abroad
These stories highlight how the right support can propel startups to new heights.
MyHeart Innovate offers not only comprehensive resources and mentorships for entrepreneurs looking for a launch pad, but also invaluable industry connections and local insights – turning Malaysian ideas into success stories. Malaysian entrepreneurs abroad, this programme is your gateway to take your startup to new heights.
MyHeart continues to be the bridge that connects Malaysian talents based overseas with exciting opportunities back home. We’re not just about fostering networks; we’re about creating a lasting bond that extends far beyond our initiatives. Stay tuned for the next Cohort at www.myheart.my/myheart-innovate/ – it might just be the catalyst you need to bring your innovative ideas back home and make a significant contribution to your home country.
Be part of a global Malaysian community today at MyHeart.
