Jelawang Capital Sdn Bhd, a fund-of-funds entity under Khazanah Nasional Berhad, launched two initiatives—the Emerging Fund Managers’ Programme (“EMP”) and Regional Managers’ Initiative (“RMI”)—to boost Malaysia’s venture capital ecosystem. This effort aligns with Malaysia’s Ekonomi MADANI framework, aiming to drive sustainable, impactful growth.
Following the RM1 billion commitment made during KL20, Jelawang Capital is allocating RM300 million for both EMP and RMI in 2025. This commitment is reaffirmed in Budget 2025. In turn, this is envisaged to improve the local VC ecosystem by improving the funding available to fund managers and, by extension, startups.
The EMP is a program by Jelawang Capital to support Malaysian venture capital VC fund managers raise their first, second, or third funds. It aims to help emerging managers establish their track record and develop their competitiveness in the local VC ecosystem. In turn, this is envisaged to improve the local VC ecosystem by increasing the quantity and quality of local managers who are required in any ecosystem.
According to Pitchbook, Southeast Asia grapples with lack of capital availability in the region. Malaysia’s slice of share is behind that of peer countries, signalling the intense competition to obtain funding. The EMP will increase the flow of capital directly to Malaysian VC fund managers. This will indirectly address the lack of funding faced by startups in Malaysia to scale and compete, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem for different players.
Furthermore, there is a gap in Limited Partners (“LP”) funding to address the breadth and depth of Malaysian VC fund managers. From their emerging status, the intent of Jelawang Capital investments is to provide Malaysian VC fund managers more credibility, improve their track record and increase the likelihood of raising subsequent funds.
Additionally, the EMP will take this opportunity to guide and equip emerging managers with robust firm-building guidelines, investment operations best practices, and strategic hiring guidance to build enduring fund management teams. In turn, this will enable them to better support their investee companies, i.e. the startups to develop their business and generate returns. Beyond the aim of improving Malaysian fund managers’ access to capital, the EMP will also benefit the wider VC ecosystem and economy. As Malaysia faces global challenges, our economic growth must be supported by local companies with diversified strengths. The nation will benefit from the bigger rising pool of companies, especially the ones that are innovation-driven with untapped potential.
Jelawang Capital aims to work with experienced capacity builders in the industry to support EMP fund managers in the form of workshops, networking events and partnerships with experienced industry professionals. In turn, this is envisaged to improve the local VC ecosystem by improving the talent quality and capabilities within Malaysian VC fund managers.
Local startups can gain access to more Malaysian VC fund managers in terms of capital and capacity-building. With this support, they can scale their operations, attract quality talent and deepen innovation through R&D.
Whilst Jelawang Capital endeavours to be able to support a broad group of fund managers, EMP will prioritise fund managers who demonstrate strong potential and alignment with Jelawang Capital’s investment strategy and objectives.
EMP is conceived to support emerging Malaysian VC fund managers and the growing VC ecosystem in Malaysia amidst the challenges and risks associated with VC as an asset class locally and globally. The intent of the program is also for the selected Malaysian VC fund managers to be competitive on the regional and/or international stage through flexibility in the geographical allocation commitment. In turn, this is envisaged to improve the local VC ecosystem by improving the quality, and viability capabilities of Malaysian VC fund managers.
The EMP represents a significant step under Jelawang Capital in advancing Malaysia’s startup ecosystem as we aim to nurture emerging Malaysian managers to become regional and reputable Venture Capital GPs. Jelawang Capital will act as an anchor for Malaysian GPs to gain traction and crowd-in further capital from other local or international investors. Aside from capital support, the EMP aspires to support GPs to develop crucial areas such as fund management, investment operations and talent management. In turn, this is expected to gradually institutionalise and improve the capabilities of GPs.
It is important to note, the key Emerging Fund Managers’ Programme is open to Venture Capital funds based in Malaysia or overseas that fulfil the following criteria:
1. GPs who are raising their first, second or third fund
2. VC fund management company with 30% or more Malaysian shareholding
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