Singapore

20 October - 9 November 2024
Singapore
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Objectives of the mission
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This was a pilot programme, designed to test a more structured format in a location where a more formal approach to meetings and introductions aligns well with local practice. The mission aimed to expose founders to the Singapore ecosystem through a mix of formal business visits and networking, while also leaving space for participants to arrange their own meetings or explore other APAC markets; not as a limitation, but as a deliberate feature of the programme design.

‍Agenda
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21 October: 
- Welcome Session at Block 71 
- Panel on the State of AI in the UK & Networking
- Scottish Alumni & Connections Reception (invite only)

22 October: 
- Global Scots Networking Breakfast
- Ministerial Visit to Block71

28 October:
DBT Trade Mission event, including morning sessions and afternoon corporate visits

28 - 30 October:
SWITCH Conference

29 October:
UK SWITCH 2024 Event Reception


Invitation, Application and Eligibility Process
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Invitation Process:
- Existing Techscaler members at early stage, growth stage or scaling stage were invited by email to fill out an application form, as were new Techscaler members at growth and scaling stage. This was done based on information held in our CRM on company stage. We promoted this opportunity by email to our existing members, on social media, to our partners, and also directly reached out to some candidates to encourage them to apply.
- A total of 1,060 contacts were invited to apply, 59 applications were received.

Eligibility and Criteria
Essential criteria
‍- Techscaler membership
- Being a founder / co-founder
- No permanent office or team in Singapore

Assessment and Review
Applicants who match all essential criteria were reviewed by the CodeBase team. They were assessed based on a combination of their application answers and wider information held by Techscaler in their curation/mentorship notes.

Attending Businesses
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- Architextures
- BioLiberty 
- CCU International 
- iCreateWords 
- Bank Statement Check
- Konversable 
- Lovat 
- Pasabi 
- TechGrowthSeeker
- Tracker.Health 
- TRIGAN 
- eCERTO

In numbers:
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- Participants attending: 12
- CodeBase colleagues attending: 2
- 64 NPS, based on 11 responses completed within 2 weeks of the trip ending
- Average costs per flight: £1,274.23
- Average cost per hotel room per night: £94.10

Testimonials

Feedback survey completed by 11 participants within 2 weeks of the trip ending, all providing testimonials.

‍"I would highly recommend the Techscaler Singapore programme to other Scotland-based founders.There are tangible business benefits to be gleaned from this programme in the form of revenue generating business and partner opportunities, not to mention giving founders a first-hand understanding of the APAC market." - Wes Beard, Konversable

"The programme is a great to explore opportunities in the APAC region for potential clients, partners and investors, but also an opportunity to understanding the culture in the region and what setting up in Singapore could look like to support scaling into the region." - Beena Shame, CCU International

The Techscaler Singapore programme was invaluable for Tech Growth Seeker. It provided direct access to key networks, investors, and industry leaders, helping us refine our strategy and accelerate our expansion into the APAC market. The insights and connections we gained have already opened new doors for growth. I highly recommend it to Scotland-based founders looking to scale globally." - Klaudia Kleczkowska, TechGrowthSeeker 

The Techscaler Singapore programme provided iCreateWords with invaluable insights into scaling a tech-driven business in the APAC region. It connected us with a supportive network of founders, investors, and industry experts, helping us refine our strategy and identify new growth opportunities. Beyond Singapore, the programme has been essential in shaping our approach to expanding into high-growth markets globally. For any Scotland-based founder aiming to scale internationally, this programme offers not just connections, but the knowledge and resources needed to succeed on the global scale." - Nathan Clarke, iCreateWords

"The Techscaler programme was extremely useful for Biooliberty, we made many key connections. Although not currently selling the the APAC region it is important to build relationships early so that we have a network of people to help us when the time is right." - Ross O'Hanlon, BioLiberty

"Participating in the Techscaler Singapore programme was a transformative experience that significantly expanded our international network and provided invaluable insights into the dynamic APAC market. The structured learning sessions, networking opportunities, and exposure to Singapore's vibrant tech ecosystem have been instrumental in accelerating our startup's growth. I highly recommend this programme to fellow Scotland-based founders aiming to scale their ventures globally." - Aakanksha Sadekar, Tracker.Health

"Techscaler Singapore offers a unique lens into a market that operates on an entirely different rhythm compared to Europe or America. The ecosystem here reveals not just a new level of competition but also untapped opportunities you might never encounter elsewhere. It's a place where you can quickly assess whether your segment is crowded or ripe for innovation. Yes, navigating the political, cultural, and legal nuances can be challenging, but these hurdles are far from insurmountable. What truly stood out to me is the emphasis on partnerships—this market thrives on collaboration, and leveraging that insight has reshaped my go-to-market strategy. For any Scotland-based founder looking to expand globally, Singapore is an eye-opener." - Olga Maksimova, Lovat

"Visiting Singapore with Techscaler gave us a deeper understanding of the APAC region beyond what is possible online with our growing community there. Being immersed in the region was invaluable and I'd fully recommend it to other founders." - Ryan Canning, Architextures

"Techscaler Singapore was a fantastic experience to explore an exciting and vibrant city which is a gateway to a region full of opportunity. Dedicating three full weeks allowed me to really expand my network and surface important new opportunities for Pasabi. I highly recommend others to take the opportunity to get involved if they are given the chance." Chris Downie, PasabiScottish companies have great opportunities to expand and internationalisation of business is critical to growth and venturing into new markets like Singapore is an opportunity that one should take on head first." - Jamie Hastings, Bank Statement Check

"Unlike most of the other founders on the programme, I had never been to anywhere in Asia before! I've found that new experiences and seeing how things are in different places is valuable in ways its impossible to quantify or qualify. The Techscaler Singapore Programme has put us on a powerful path to greater success and we are enjoying the journey! Thanks team Techscaler!" - Aaron Sarginson, TRIGAN

Lessons Learned‍

‍Face to face culture and conferences were invaluable: Singapore’s emphasis on formal meetings and events like SWITCH created strong opportunities for connections, with founders noting that in person follow ups and repeat meetings built trust and opened doors.

Structured and unstructured time both added value: the mix of official visits (GlobalScot, Eden Hall, ministerial events) and space for founders to run their own meetings across APAC worked well, reinforcing the programme’s pilot aim to test a more structured format while allowing independence.Cohort briefing and prep should go deeper: some founders were unsure how best to frame their businesses for the Singapore market. A stronger pre-departure workshop covering cultural context, pitching styles, and sector-specific nuances would increase effectiveness.

Balance of company stages needs refining: early-stage companies without significant traction struggled to make as much progress, underlining the importance of aligning selection criteria with Singapore’s preference for market-ready solutions.SWITCH ticketing and logistics need tighter planning: several issues arose around ticket access and on-the-ground coordination at the conference. Earlier confirmation of passes and clearer comms with founders would reduce stress and improve value capture. In the future, paid tickets to access some stages may not be necessary.

‍Programme timing reduced access to key stakeholders: running the trip during Diwali and alongside major international events meant some contacts were unavailable, which limited visibility and required extra effort to secure meetings. 

Coordination with partners could be strengthened: useful connections provided by Techscaler partner organisations in the region; for future trips more lead time for this engagement will ensure best outcomes for all participants and support partner organisations.