Startup SG Founder, Tech and Equity tracks — Costs and fees breakdown

Raffles Corporate Services works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.

Startup SG is Singapore’s umbrella of government support for early-stage companies, and its Founder, Tech and Equity tracks each target a different stage. Founder provides a mentored start-up grant with a capital top-up, Tech funds proof-of-concept and proof-of-value for deep-tech, and Equity co-invests alongside private investors. Eligibility, co-funding ratios and caps differ across the three. This guide to Startup SG Founder, Tech and Equity tracks sets out who it is for, the costs and fees in Singapore dollars, the step-by-step process, and the common mistakes to avoid.

What Startup SG Founder, Tech and Equity tracks cover

Startup SG Founder supports first-time founders through an Accredited Mentor Partner, pairing mentorship with a start-up capital grant that is matched by the founder’s own committed capital. Startup SG Tech funds the commercialisation of proprietary technology through Proof-of-Concept and Proof-of-Value grants. Startup SG Equity is a co-investment scheme where the government invests alongside qualified third-party investors in innovative, high-growth start-ups.

The three are administered under Enterprise Singapore and, for some deep-tech areas, in partnership with other agencies. They are designed to be used at different points in a company’s life, and some companies progress from Founder to Tech to Equity as they mature. For a related perspective, see our guide on Withholding tax, treaty benefits and certificates of residence — Costs and fees breakdown.

Who each track is for

Founder is for new founders, typically Singapore-registered companies less than a few months old, who have not previously received the grant. Tech is for start-ups commercialising proprietary or deep technology with strong intellectual property. Equity is for start-ups that can attract a lead private investor and need matched capital to scale.

A common progression is a first-time team taking Founder to validate the idea, moving to Tech to build and de-risk the technology, then raising under Equity once a private investor commits. See also our detailed walkthrough on How to Stack Singapore Government Grants: A Multi-Grant Strategy Guide (2026).

Eligibility and requirements

Across the tracks the company must be registered in Singapore, incorporated under the Companies Act 1967, and meet local shareholding, core-team and, in some cases, group revenue and headcount conditions. Founder requires a committed founder capital contribution matched by the grant. Tech requires the technology to be proprietary and the project to have clear commercial potential. Equity requires a qualified co-investor to lead the round.

The company must maintain proper accounting records, which the Companies Act 1967 requires directors to keep, because grant disbursement and later audit depend on verifiable spend. Authoritative guidance is published by www.enterprisesg.gov.sg and www.edb.gov.sg.

Cost, co-funding and timeline breakdown

These are grants and co-investments, not costs to the founder, but they come with matching obligations and claim administration. Founder pairs a grant with the founder’s own committed capital. Tech grants fund a large share of qualifying project costs up to a cap. Equity matches private investment up to defined ceilings that step up for deep-tech.

Application to approval commonly takes one to three months depending on the track and the completeness of the proposal. Disbursement is milestone-based and claim-driven, so budget for several weeks between incurring cost and receiving reimbursement.

Step-by-step application process

First, confirm the company is Singapore-incorporated and meets the track’s shareholding and stage conditions. Second, for Founder, approach an Accredited Mentor Partner; for Tech, scope the Proof-of-Concept or Proof-of-Value project; for Equity, secure a qualified lead investor. Third, prepare the business plan, budget and technology or commercialisation case. Fourth, submit through the relevant partner or agency. Fifth, on approval, sign the letter of offer and set up claim documentation. Finally, execute milestones, keep evidence of spend and submit claims for disbursement.

Common mistakes and gotchas

The most common error is applying to the wrong track for the company’s stage, for example seeking Equity before a lead investor is committed. Another is weak record-keeping, which stalls claims because grant reimbursement requires clean, matched documentation.

Founders also miss that Founder is generally a once-only grant for first-time founders, and that group-level revenue or headcount can disqualify a company that looks small on its own. Building the claim discipline in from day one avoids clawback and disbursement delays.

Startup SG Founder, Tech and Equity tracks: costs and fees at a glance

Figures are indicative for 2026 and vary with scope and provider. Confirm current fees before relying on them.

Related guides

• Withholding tax, treaty benefits and certificates of residence — Costs and fees breakdown
• EntrePass Singapore 2026: A Founder’s Complete Walkthrough
• How to Stack Singapore Government Grants: A Multi-Grant Strategy Guide (2026)

FAQs

Can I apply to more than one track?
Yes, at different stages. Many companies use Founder first, then Tech, then Equity as they mature, provided they meet each track’s conditions.

Is Startup SG Founder a one-time grant?
It is generally available once to first-time founders who have not previously received it, which is why timing the application matters.

How long does approval take?
Typically one to three months depending on the track and the completeness of the proposal, with milestone-based disbursement thereafter.

Do I need audited accounts?
You must keep proper accounting records as directors are required to under the Companies Act 1967. Grant claims require verifiable, matched documentation of spend.

Need help with this? Call, SMS or WhatsApp +65 8501 7133, or email [email protected]. Raffles Corporate Services works with a panel of corporate and employment law firms; this article is general information, not legal advice.