Startup SG Founder, Tech and Equity tracks — Eligibility and requirements checklist

Startup SG Founder, Tech and Equity are three distinct Enterprise Singapore tracks that support early-stage founders with mentorship and a capital grant, deep-tech ventures with commercialisation funding, and startups with co-investment alongside private investors. This guide explains each track, who qualifies, and the funding on offer.

What the Startup SG tracks are

Startup SG Founder, Tech and Equity tracks form part of Enterprise Singapore’s national startup platform, each serving a different stage and need. Startup SG Founder provides first-time entrepreneurs with a start-up capital grant and mentorship through an Accredited Mentor Partner. 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, taking an equity stake to catalyse private capital into deep-tech and other startups. Together they cover the journey from idea to scaling.

Who each track is for

Founder suits first-time founders who need seed capital and structured mentorship. Tech suits ventures with differentiated, IP-backed technology ready to move from lab to market. Equity suits startups raising a round where government co-investment can crowd in private investors. Founders weighing structure and tax should read our guide to tax incentives and the BIPS partnership scheme, talent-hungry deep-tech teams should review the Tech.Pass renewal criteria, and anyone combining schemes should consult our companion piece on the track timelines and benchmarks.

Eligibility and requirements checklist

Each track has its own conditions, but common threads apply.

  • Startup SG Founder: a Singapore-incorporated company no more than six months old at application, a first-time founder holding at least 51% equity, and a viable business plan; the grant is paired with mentorship and a founder co-funding contribution
  • Startup SG Tech: a Singapore-incorporated company commercialising proprietary technology, with a clear proof-of-concept or proof-of-value project
  • Startup SG Equity: a Singapore-based company with strong IP and scalable business, raising alongside a qualified co-investor who leads the round

Parameters are periodically updated, so confirm current thresholds with Enterprise Singapore or the appointed partner before applying.

Funding on offer

Under Startup SG Founder, the start-up capital grant has historically been provided on a matching basis, with the founder contributing a co-funding portion, alongside mentorship. Startup SG Tech provides proof-of-concept grants and larger proof-of-value grants to fund technical de-risking and commercialisation, with the proof-of-value tranche being the more substantial of the two. Startup SG Equity co-invests government capital alongside private investors up to defined caps that step up as the company raises larger rounds, with the government taking equity on the same terms as the co-investor. Exact quantums are published by Enterprise Singapore and adjusted from time to time.

Application process and timeline

Founder applications go through an Accredited Mentor Partner rather than directly to Enterprise Singapore; the partner assesses the business and administers the grant. Tech applications are submitted to Enterprise Singapore with a technical and commercialisation proposal. Equity is accessed by having a qualified third-party investor apply for co-investment as the deal is structured. Timelines vary: Founder decisions can take 4 to 8 weeks through a partner, Tech proposals often take 2 to 4 months given technical review, and Equity aligns with the fundraising round’s own timetable.

Common mistakes and gotchas

Founders often apply to Startup SG Founder after the company is more than six months old and no longer eligible, or misjudge the first-time-founder requirement. Tech applicants underestimate the depth of technical evidence required. Equity applicants forget that the government co-invests through a qualified investor and does not lead rounds. Grant income is generally taxable under the Income Tax Act 1947, and equity co-investment carries the usual dilution and governance implications. Confirm current caps and conditions with Enterprise Singapore before committing.

Official references

Primary sources for this topic include Enterprise Singapore, the Singapore Economic Development Board and the Infocomm Media Development Authority. Always confirm current figures and rules against these official sources.

FAQs

Can I apply to Startup SG Founder directly?
No. Startup SG Founder is administered through an Accredited Mentor Partner, which assesses your business, provides mentorship and administers the start-up capital grant.

What is the difference between Startup SG Tech and Equity?
Tech funds the commercialisation of proprietary technology through proof-of-concept and proof-of-value grants. Equity is a co-investment scheme where the government takes an equity stake alongside a qualified private investor.

Is there an age limit on the company for Founder?
Yes. The company generally must be incorporated for no more than six months at the point of application, and the applicant must be a first-time founder holding a majority stake.

Does the government lead investment rounds under Equity?
No. Under Startup SG Equity the government co-invests alongside a qualified third-party investor who leads the round, matching the commercial terms up to defined caps.

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.