FWD Startup Studio and Malaysian venture capital firm 1337 Ventures announced that the fifth cohort of its accelerator programme is now open to Asia-based startups that are venture-backed in insurtech or adjacent verticals.

Through the FWD Startup Studio Accelerator, participants will have access to decision-makers within FWD Insurance and other mentors who will provide guidance as well as open doors to collaborations.

Participants will also have a chance to fast-track the development of their collaboration to a real proof of concept (POC) before the accelerator programme concludes and pilot their ideas in Malaysia which could potentially spark interest from other FWD branches in different countries.

Startups will also receive resource support with over US$20,000 worth of credits on digital infrastructure and cloud services.

FWD Startup Studio Accelerator will begin on 5 September 2023 and the deadline for submissions is 28 August 2023.

Ryan Kim, Group Chief Digital and Marketing Officer, FWD Group said,

“Startups bring new ideas to traditional businesses and industries, which aligns closely with our vision of changing the way people feel about insurance.

 

Through our Startup Studio Accelerator as well as TIM Ventures, our venture capital fund, we are keen to identify outstanding startups, work together with them and help them grow, leveraging on our presence in 10 markets across Asia.”

Bikesh Lakhmichand, Founding Partner of 1337 Ventures said,

“The FWD Startup Studio Accelerator presents an incredible opportunity for startups to engage with FWD Insurance to explore a proof of concept (POC) solution and access to decision-makers and mentors within FWD Group.

 

We are eager to support and witness the growth of promising startups in the insurtech and fintech space.”