Regional broadcaster Channel NewsAsia has launched a leading multi-platform
project that would be a foremost reference and solution for aspiring entrepreneurs, fledgling innovators and business owners.
Called Start-UP, the project will see a TV series of four episodes of factual entertainment that tracks the journey of 8 finalists with start-up ideas for businesses. They would pitch for seed funding worth more than S$2 million. Two illustrious Venture Capitalists, Mr Leslie Loh of Red Dot Ventures, and Mr Eddie Chau of TNF Ventures , would take them through the processes of seeking private capital, traps and pitfalls, and also other dynamics of the deal making world. The finalists would be mentored and their ideas tested and incubated over 8 weeks. Mr Loh once said, “Unless your idea or product delivers significantly better value propositions than the leading competitor in your space, you will not win.” Original web content will also be produced and showcased on the Start-UP website, www.thestartup.asia. This web content will capture intriguing insights and unique perspectives of the start up and venture capitalist landscape. This digital site, launched on 1st October 2013, is a long-term feature that serves the community of start-ups and investor to engage likeminded people for every question and answer. It provides
exciting new information, innovation trends, articles, resources and activities for this group of entrepreneurs. Many potential partners have already shown interest in working with the channel on this digital website.
Mr Yong Chung Jin, Assistant Vice President, Channel NewsAsia Marketing, says, “Channel NewsAsia is pushing boundaries in its engagement of viewers and partners. With its established editorial business content on TV and online, the channel is looking to further build on this environment by launching a project that spots and nurtures budding businessmen and innovators, and also inspires business owners and investor. We have
the platforms, including the “go-to” website which aggregates information and activities for the whole spectrum of entrepreneurship, and to make it a systematic and convenient stop for networking and matching of needs.” This project is founded on a comprehensive survey designed and implemented in partnership with the channel’s knowledge partner, Deloitte, over a period of two months. It essentially established the notion of “What do you
think it takes to be an entrepreneur?” – the profile of the would-be or current businessmen, what are their priorities in their ventures, their background traits and their specific outlook on businesses. The analytics helped shaped the direction and emphasis of the project to make it relevant and useful for the participants and the Venture Capitalists.
Mr Philip Yuen, CEO, Deloitte Singapore said, “We see Start-UP as a bold and dynamic long-term project based on a firm foundation of market survey of practitioners and anyone looking for a break to do business. Channel NewsAsia has applied the complete treatment, starting with a serious basic first step of researching on the background, the hopes and psyche of entrepreneurs, and generating a multi-pronged outreach via TV and online. We certainly look forward to seeing startup seekers, investors and venture capitalists using this valuable resource to help address business challenges, or just to network.”
Start-UP is now calling for entries for its TV series. The details are on the website www.thestartup.asia.