Digital Penang and MBAN launch angel investment accelerator to strengthen Penang’s startup ecosystem
**Digital Penang and MBAN Launch Angel Investment Accelerator Programme to Boost Early-Stage Startup Funding in Penang**
Digital Penang, in collaboration with the Malaysian Business Angel Network (MBAN), has announced the launch of the Angel Investment Accelerator Programme — a pioneering initiative designed to nurture a new generation of angel investors while bridging the critical funding gap for early-stage startups in Penang.
The launch event and Letter of Agreement (LOA) exchange took place in Kuala Lumpur during the MBAN Summit 2025, marking the beginning of a three-month accelerator. The programme will provide structured training, mentoring, and deal-flow opportunities for both aspiring and existing investors.
By cultivating a skilled pool of local angel investors, this initiative aims to fuel innovation, attract entrepreneurial talent, and position Malaysia — particularly Penang — as a premier hub for startup growth and investment.
An ongoing MBAN members survey of 59 respondents highlights the significant role angel investors play in the ecosystem. To date, they have deployed close to US$24 million (RM100 million) across 402 startup investments.
The Angel Investment Accelerator Programme is designed to build on this strong foundation, acting as a catalyst to increase both the number of active investors and the total capital deployed. This will ensure a stronger pipeline of funding for promising ventures in the region.
Ng Kwang Ming, CEO of Digital Penang, emphasised the importance of this collaboration:
“By building on our partnership with MBAN and nurturing more angel investors, we can unlock funding for early-stage ventures to drive Penang’s digital economy and Malaysia’s economy more broadly.”
Echoing this sentiment, Peter Wee, president of MBAN, said:
“This collaboration with Digital Penang is a significant step forward for Malaysia’s startup ecosystem. The Angel Investment Accelerator is not just about training — it is about connecting capital with innovation. We are creating a structured pathway for investors to learn, discover and fund high-potential startups, directly addressing the funding gap for early-stage growth.”
According to Digital Penang, this partnership reflects a collective ambition to deliver tangible outcomes benefiting startups, businesses, investors, and the future workforce in Penang. It also aims to build a stronger and more sustainable investment ecosystem for the state.
The programme is open to aspiring and active angel investors — including high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, professionals, and executives — who are keen to diversify their portfolios while supporting innovation.
Participants will benefit from structured learning, peer-to-peer networking, and direct engagement with Penang’s growing startup community.
For more information and to apply, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Digital Penang or MBAN websites.
https://www.digitalnewsasia.com/startups/digital-penang-and-mban-launch-angel-investment-accelerator-strengthen-penangs-startup
