Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – 1337 Ventures, a leading early-stage venture capital firm in Malaysia, has launched its latest fund, 1337 Capital 1.
Built on the ethos of “founders supporting founders,” the fund is backed by entrepreneurs who have successfully scaled and exited their startups, alongside experienced banking professionals and industry leaders. These investors bring more than just capital—they offer mentorship, strategic guidance, and deep networks to accelerate the success of the next wave of startups.
Targeting 40 high-growth startups, 1337 Capital 1 focuses on key sectors, with early investments in:
- AI: Beacon AI (formerly DesignPro), Laminar, Mogul, EliteFit, and EnPrivacy—developing AI-driven business tools, fitness, and enterprise applications.
- HealthTech: MyScripts is optimizing pharmacy workflows and personalized care in Malaysia.
- Gaming: Nebula, a Sarawak-based startup capitalizing on Southeast Asia’s booming digital entertainment industry.
- FinTech: Hata is pioneering Malaysia’s regulated digital asset exchange ecosystem.
- LegalTech: Simplifi.my is streamlining legal practice management for law firms.
- HardTech: RebeeHealth is enhancing physical therapy with real-time biomechanical data solutions
“We’re excited to have seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders backing 1337 Capital 1,” said Bikesh Lakhmichand, CEO & Founding Partner of 1337 Ventures. “Our LPs, including exited founders like Tan Lip Han, founder of AnyPay, understand the challenges of building a startup because they’ve been through it themselves. Their experience, networks, and capital go beyond funding—they will be long-term partners guiding startups from ideation to scale.”
Suresh Thiru, former COO of JobStreet and an active startup investor, added:
“Early-stage startups often struggle to secure funding because they are considered too risky. But this is exactly where the most groundbreaking innovations come from. By investing at this stage, we can help founders build strong foundations and reshape industries.”
Beyond its funds, 1337 Ventures plays a pivotal role in corporate innovation by bridging the gap between startups and established enterprises. Through strategic partnerships with GXBank, Maybank, FWD Insurance, RHB Bank, and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the firm matches high-potential startups with corporations seeking to drive innovation. This collaboration has led to impactful advancements across various industries, with notable portfolio companies such as Vircle, a leader in digital payments; ParkEasy, which has revolutionized smart parking systems; and Arus Oil, a sustainability-focused startup transforming waste oil into usable products.
Startups looking for funding and strategic support can pitch to us at Pitch Tuesday at https://1337.ventures/pitch-tuesday. First-time founders can acquire essential startup skills through the free Alpha Startups Online programme at https://1337.ventures/asda.
