Securities Commission Malaysia has hosted the second cohort of its GROWMatch initiative for 50 entrepreneurs, aimed at connecting agri and bio-based businesses with alternative financing through the capital market. The programme gives participants opportunities to showcase projects, build investment readiness, and pitch to investors including SC-registered equity crowdfunding and peer-to-peer financing platforms, as well as venture capital and private equity firms. Launched in August 2024, the 2025 edition focused on tackling industry challenges to strengthen Malaysia’s food security and drew over 70 applications, with finalists expanded to 50 from 20 in the first cohort to broaden geographic reach. Among the shortlisted entrepreneurs, 54% presented climate-resilient farming solutions, 34% addressed soil degradation, and 12% focused on sustainable feed and livestock health. The initiative has broadened from a mentorship-focused format to include pitching workshops, capacity building and alternative financing awareness sessions, and it is supported by partners including the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation and Invest Sabah Berhad. The SC also cited market-wide fundraising of more than MYR 10 billion via equity crowdfunding and peer-to-peer financing as of end-June 2025, and noted that MyCIF has crowded in more than MYR 6 billion into startups, MSMEs and MTCs through the same channels.

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