Alpha Startups™
INNO4HER
Are you ready to transform the future of women’s health, wellness, and empowerment?Â
Empowering FemTech & Female-Focused Solutions, this batch of Alpha Startups INNO4HER is the ultimate platform for FemTech innovators and female-focused startups. Whether you’re in the early stages of ideation or looking to scale your growth-stage venture, this program is built to help you succeed.
Take the first step in shaping the future of FemTech and women-focused solutions. Join a community of trailblazers making a difference. Pre-accelerator intake begins Feb-March 2025.Â
FemTech, short for female technology, is revolutionizing the landscape of women’s health and wellness. By leveraging innovation, FemTech addresses unique challenges faced by women, from personalized healthcare and menstrual health to maternal care and beyond.
About the accelerator
Our pre-accelerator programme is a high-impact platform designed to empower founders and innovators building solutions in FemTech and women-focused sectors. Think of it as an intensive bootcamp tailored to guide you in starting and scaling your startup.
Selected teams of entrepreneurs, developers, and designers collaborate to test and validate their scalable products or startup idea. With daily deliverables, peer collaboration, expert mentorship, and a commitment to growth, this program equips you with the tools and support needed to succeed.
Take the first step toward transforming women’s health and making a lasting impact. Apply today!
Alpha Startups™
Alpha Startups™ is organised by 1337 Ventures, a Malaysian early-stage venture capital firm, in collaboration with Leet Academy, our education arm. One of Alpha Startups’ main goals is to help early-stage startups find product-market fit. This award-winning flagship accelerator programme is now 60 cohorts strong.
The AlphaStartups™ Pre-Accelerator is run on a hybrid style (a mix of virtual & physical sessions) as well as some self-paced learning. This programme is free of charge, but attendance for the mentoring sessions is highly encouraged to get the most out of this programme.
How do you put running shoes to your ambitious idea? These days, most startups’ quickest resort is to seek funding and incubator support from accelerators and angel investors. There is a lot to achieve however to get your startup from “idea” to “minimal viable product” (MVP) and “market validation” stage – the main criteria for accelerators and investors looking to invest in a worthy start-up.
We saw that gap, and we seek to be the bridge between your alpha idea and its critical acceleration curve! Alpha Startups™ is an intensive bootcamp where selected teams of entrepreneurs, developers and designers get to test and validate a scalable product/startup idea together with their peers. Daily deliverables are expected, mentorship is provided, and commitment is absolutely mandatory!
Before you seek support and raise funds, put your idea to the ultimate test.
Idea > MVP + Validated Startups
All Alpha Startups that successfully complete the pre-accelerator programme will gain priority admission into funding programmes run by 1337 Ventures. As we’re a venture capital firm, apart from having an interest in investing in early stage startups, we have a wide network where we can connect you to other VCs and/or other recognised funding organisations throughout the country.
Above all, upon completing this accelerator programme you will be a validated startups with strong pitch decks consisting of a viable product proposition, refined marketing plan and practical development roadmap.
Bridging the Gap
We are looking for startups with ideas or products designed for female users, focusing on high-growth FemTech sectors. We are particularly interested in innovative solutions within the following 6 key focus areas:
Personalized Healthcare (AI, Data Analytics, and Telehealth Integration)
Leveraging AI and data analytics to deliver tailored, remote healthcare solutions, enhancing women's well-being through personalized care.
Menopause and Aging Health Solutions
Products and services that address symptoms of menopause and aging, enhancing life quality for women through holistic support.
Menstrual Health Innovations
Safe, effective, and sustainable solutions to improve menstrual care and health awareness for women of all ages.
Advanced Maternal Care
Innovative solutions that enhance maternal health from preconception to postpartum.
Fertility and Reproductive Health Solutions
Technologies that assist with fertility, contraception, and reproductive health management.
Wearable Technology for Women’s Health
Smart devices designed to monitor and improve women's health, from menstrual tracking to fitness and pregnancy management.
Programme Schedule
Alpha Startups™ Pre-Accelerator requires an 8-day commitment spread over 10 weeks, which includes both physical and virtual sessions.
14 Sep | Lean Canvas & Customer Understanding | Physical @ KL |
TBC | Market Validation | Physical @ KL |
TBC | Solution Building | Virtual |
TBC | Pitching | Virtual |
TBC | Qualifying Pitch | Virtual |
TBC | Preparation | Virtual |
TBC | Demo Day Preparation | Physical @ KL |
24 Nov | Demo Day | Physical @ KL |
Updated: 8 Mar 2023
*The final schedule is subject to change.
Perks & Benefits
10+ Hours of Mentoring
Participating teams will have access to business and technical mentors. Startups will have group mentoring sessions as well as one-to-one sessions to accelerate their learning.
Digital Credits
Digital credits of up to RM20K will be awarded to all participating teams. Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud credits, Airtable, Digital Skills Training, Job Portal credits, and more are included.
Fundraising Support
Connect with 1337 Ventures to expand your network within the investor community, unlocking the potential for VC funding.
Office Space
Co-working space privileges for teams in Penang or those who want to expand/relocate to Penang through our partner, Digital Penang.
Market Access
Let us help you get noticed. With our partners and through our connections, we will use our platform to spread the word about your brand and products.
Corporate Access
Through the accelerator, you won't have to knock on doors; you'll have direct access to corporate changemakers who can help you go to market. Get validated, ask questions and perhaps convert them into customers.
Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for startups developing FemTech innovations or solutions for women. All startup stages are welcomed – while teams are preferred, individuals with ideas are also welcome.Â
Entry Requirements:
- Able to communicate and understand English
- Above 18 years old
- Have a team of 2 to 4 people, with a specific idea or problem to solve.
- A startup is a technology or innovation-enabled business at an early-stage with a scalable business model and a high-growth strategy.
- Startups must be based in Malaysia or serve a Malaysian market OR
- Startups must have at least ONE Malaysian co-founder regardless of the market served or geographic location
- Stages:
- Idea Stage: Got an idea? Let’s turn it into reality.
- MVP Stage: Ready to test and refine your product.
- Growth Stage: Seeking the resources and connections to scale.
Previous Cohort
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Apply for Alpha Startups™ INNO4HER
Learn how to start a startup, validation, learn how to pitch to VCs & investors.Â
Upcoming Events
As part of Alpha Startups™ INNO4HER, we have curated an exclusive webinar series focused on female-led solutions in tech, health, and wellness. Hear from FemTech startup founders as they share their inspiring journeys in building their businesses.
Navigating the Women's Health Scene: Challenges and Innovations in Femtech
7 January 2025 (Tue) | 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (GMT+8)
Join Christina Teo, Chief Builder of she1K and chiefX, as she discusses the challenges and innovations in Femtech, exploring opportunities, emerging technologies, and the role of startups in improving women’s health. Watch Webinar >>
Story about Athena: Addressing Menstrual Health Challenges and Empowering Underprivileged Women
10 January 2025 (Fri) | 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (GMT+8)
Join Anja Juliah Abu Bakar, Social Impact Director of Athena Holdings, as she shares Athena’s mission to address menstrual health challenges and empower underprivileged women through increased awareness and access. Watch Webinar >>
Empowering Women’s Health Across Life Stages: From Careers to Aging Gracefully
14 January 2025 (Tue) | 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (GMT+8)
Join Sherry Sheriff, Co-Founder of Wahine Capital, explores the unique health challenges women face, from navigating career obstacles to aging gracefully, and the opportunities for innovation in supporting women across life stages.
A Mother’s Role: Challenges, Needs, and Opportunities in the Journey of Womanhood
17 January 2025 (Fri) | 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (GMT+8)
Join Lavinie Thiruchelvam, founder and CEO of Babydash, as she shares the story of BabyDash and insights into the evolving needs of modern mothers, from pregnancy to toddlerhood, and opportunities in maternal care.
Empowering Women in Their Golden Years With Oretha: The Evolving Needs of Aging Women
23 January 2025 (Thur) | 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (GMT+8)
Join Oretha Herrera, Founder & CEO of Oretha’s Senior Care, as she shares her journey in addressing the unique challenges aging women face, including health, social, and economic aspects, and the gaps in current solutions.
RSVP now for this exclusive webinar series focused on female-led solutions in tech, health, and wellness.Â
As Seen On
Testimony
from previous Alpha Startups Accelerator
Success Stories
With a tried and tested curriculum, a powerful network of mentors, and a track record to taking startups to success. Get access to exclusive events, digital software and infrastructure, co-working spaces, and so much more. Learn what our alumni have to say about Alpha Startups.Â
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Mentoring will take place either physically or virtually, depending on the mode of the day’s programme. If it is physical, it will be done face to face, and if it is virtual, teams will need to be in a Zoom call.
There will be a total of 9 hours for the self-paced learning, 23 hours of live webinar, and 26 hours of available office hours. The live webinars (i.e classrooms) happen two days a week, while Mentor Rooms (i.e office hours and coaching) are flexible for participants to join. Self-paced learning sessions can be done at the convenience of the participant, as our videos and interactive teaching materials are online on our Leet Academy portal.
No, however in order to qualify for the funding, you will need to ensure the key outputs required (i.e Lean Canvas, Pitch Deck, etc) must be completed in the timeframe required.
At the end of the accelerator, a physical pitching session will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. All of the participants who have been shortlisted will pitch, and it will be open to both judges and audiences.
No, there is no application fee to join this accelerator.
The AlphaStartups Pre-Accelerator accepts ideas from any industry or niche. Preference will be given to Startups in the Fintech, Healthtech, Insurtech, Agritech and DeepTech.
For the past 10 years, 1337 Ventures has been conducting the Alpha Startups Pre-Accelerator programme. Traditionally, this programme was held in a physical format. However, in the past 2 years during the MOC & pandemic, we have successfully conducted multiple cohorts virtually. To provide participants with more flexibility and ensure optimal results, we are now introducing a hybrid mode for this programme, which includes both physical and virtual components.
To participate in the Alpha Startups Pre-Accelerator programme, all applications undergo a rigorous screening and review process. Our aim is to provide aspiring Malaysian entrepreneurs with a platform to pursue their dreams.
Over the years, we have had the privilege of running both large and small cohorts, ranging from 120 to 25 shortlisted startups. We have also collaborated with esteemed partners such as MDEC, Accenture, Mranti (formerly MaGIC), KPMG, Digi, Found8, and others.
Click here for full Terms & Conditions for Alpha Startups Digital Accelerator (ASDA).Â
You can reach out to us at 1337 Ventures via WhatsApp +6011 5628 0817 or email us at info@1337.ventures.Â
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