1337 Ventures, a leading early-stage venture capital firm, has successfully invested in over 60 startups, solidifying its commitment to fueling Malaysia and Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem.
The firm has backed well-known names such as Swipey, Arus Oil, SpaceIn, and Vircle, focusing on bridging the funding gap for seed-stage startups that often struggle to secure capital due to a lack of traction or market validation. Most investors prefer later-stage deals, leaving promising businesses without the funding they need to grow.
To address this, 1337 Ventures partnered with angel investors like Asgari Stephens and Suresh Thiru, former COO of JobStreet.com, to provide not just capital but also hands-on mentorship—helping startups refine their business models, scale effectively, and navigate future funding rounds.
Unlike traditional VCs, 1337 Ventures remains actively engaged with founders throughout their journey, from seed stage to Series A and beyond. Entrepreneurs typically start their engagement with the firm through Pitch Tuesday, where they receive direct feedback from the investment team. Founders can then participate in the Alpha Startups™ pre-accelerator or corporate accelerator programs designed to strengthen their business fundamentals.
“If someone has a great idea, they should have access to funding. Too many founders with innovative solutions never get the chance to grow simply because they lack the right support,” said Bikesh Lakhmichand, CEO & Founding Partner of 1337 Ventures.
“We started 1337 Ventures not just to fund great ideas, but to walk alongside founders as they build and scale their companies. As founders ourselves, we know how tough the journey can be—when you need help, but none is available. That’s why we want to be more than just investors; we want to be true partners, offering funding, mentorship, and access to networks that will help founders succeed.”
This hands-on approach was a key reason why Suresh Thiru teamed up with 1337 Ventures.
“Many startups don’t just need funding; they need proper guidance. That’s why this investment strategy is built to provide both—mentorship, strategic support, and access to critical investor networks that help them grow beyond just the first round,” he said.
Investing in High-Growth Startups Solving Real-World Problems
1337 Ventures has backed startups across multiple industries, focusing on companies tackling pressing challenges with scalable solutions. Some of its key investments include:
- Vircle – Malaysia’s first truly child-safe VISA prepaid card.
- Swipey – A finance operating platform empowering over 2,000 Malaysian businesses.
- Blueduck – A Rent Now, Pay Later proptech solution redefining Malaysia’s rental market.
- Arus Oil – A sustainable waste oil collection and recycling startup, with over 2 million kg recycled.
- Finory.tech – Providing critical insights to banks and fintechs to enhance personal finance and lending.
- SpaceIn – A pioneer in Malaysia’s nanosatellite technology sector.
- Unearth – A proptech platform optimizing real estate transactions, selling over 100,000 furniture pieces.
- BetterTeem – A Philippines-based AI-powered HRtech startup.
With the introduction of 1337 Capital Fund I, 1337 Ventures is doubling down on its mission to back and mentor the next wave of innovative startups. Entrepreneurs looking for funding and strategic support can pitch their startups at Pitch Tuesday, the first step in securing investment and tailored guidance. Book a slot at: https://1337.ventures/pitch-tuesday
Additionally, first-time founders can gain essential startup skills through the free Alpha Startups Online programme.
