About WTF.
WatchTower And Friends Sdn Bhd operates WTF Accelerator.
Our accelerator programmes are founded on the belief that connecting these companies with the right mentors, investors, and industry experts is the right way to achieve scale and generate explosive growth.
Many of the alumni startups of the WTF Accelerator have gone on to become top rated Malaysian startups. Our success rate is well above comparable industry levels. To date, we have completed 8 accelerator batches since 2015, totalling 52 startups. 3 examples of startup success stories that came out of our accelerator programmes are the following:
LaPasar: 3 funding rounds. Fast growing startup that is tipped to achieve unicorn status. Company valuation at over RM300 million.
The Lorry: 4 funding rounds. Currently at Series B. Operating in 3 countries. Company valuation over RM100 million.
MoneyMatch: First startup to graduate from Bank Negara Fintech Sandbox and obtain full license. Raised 3 funding rounds. Operating in 4 countries. Company valuation over RM100 million.
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SAM SHAFIE (CO-FOUNDER)
Sam is the CEO of WatchTower and Friends (WTF) Accelerator, a tech accelerator that invest in early-stage technology startups. Sam is also the CEO and Co-Founder of pitchIN, a registered market operator that offers Equity Crowdfunding (ECF) and Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) fundraising services. pitchIN is Malaysia’s leading Equity Crowdfunding platform with the largest market share of ECF in Malaysia.
He has been named by Digital News Asia in their 2016-2017 Digerati 50, FinTech’s Prominent Personality of the Year in 2018 and FinTech’s Ecosystem Builder of the Year (2023). -
KASHMINDER SINGH (CO-FOUNDER)
Kashminder is the co-founder of WatchTower and Friends and pitchIN, a pioneer crowdfunding platform based in Malaysia. An entrepreneur for most of his working life, Kash previously was the founder and Managing Editor of MOBILE WORLD, a leading tech publication and co-founder of GoMobile, a groundbreaking event that comprised an expo, conference, and awards night.
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HARDESH SINGH (ACCELERATOR LEAD)
Hardesh is the Accelerator Lead at WatchTower And Friends, where he manages startup programmes and cohorts. He is also Managing Partner at Bawatana, an early-stage investor in Malaysian startups and editor of Sustainability Matters, a sustainability and ESG-focused channel published by Digital News Asia. Hardesh holds a Master in Sustainable Development Management from the Jeffrey Sachs Centre on Sustainable Development where he is currently pursuing his PhD.