Zoho forges strategic partnership with Cradle to empower Malaysia’s startup ecosystem

• Zoho is offering US$10 million in credits to support 4,400 Malaysian startups.
• Partnership aims to support startup founders at various stages of their journey

Zoho Corporation, a global technology company, has announced a strategic partnership with Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd (Cradle), Malaysia’s focal agency for early-stage startups.

In a joint statement, the companies noted that, under this collaboration, Zoho will extend its Zoho for Startups programme via Cradle’s MYStartup Single Window platform—an integrated hub supporting startup founders at various stages of their journey.

They added that Malaysia is the second Asean country to gain access to this programme. The initiative aligns with Zoho’s global mission to equip startups with the resources needed to launch and scale their ventures.

The strategic partnership was announced at MYStartup NXT—a micro-conference in Cyberjaya—witnessed by Chang Lih Kang, minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI).

As part of the partnership, Zoho has committed over US$10 million (RM44 million) in Zoho Wallet credits to empower 4,400 Malaysian startups with access to its comprehensive suite of business applications. Each participating startup will receive credits valid for one year, providing flexibility to explore and adopt tools tailored to their operational and growth needs.

Since its inception in 2017, the Zoho for Startups programme claims to have engaged with over 18,000 startups globally through partnerships with more than 200 incubators, accelerators, and startup-enabling organisations.

In Malaysia, this opportunity will be extended to startups within Cradle’s expansive ecosystem, which includes companies from early stage to Series B. The programme will be promoted through various touchpoints, including WhatsApp groups, emails, events, and social media, to ensure wide visibility and engagement. Startups may apply via the MYStartup Single Window platform (www.mystartup.gov.my) to join the programme and leverage Zoho’s solutions for their next phase of growth.

“At Cradle, we believe startups grow faster when they’re equipped with the right tools and surrounded by the right ecosystem. Our collaboration with Zoho is all about making that happen—giving founders easy access to world-class software solutions that can power their next big leap. Through the MYStartup Single Window platform, we are not just connecting startups to tools and resources—we are opening doors to global opportunities and helping them build with confidence,” said Norman Matthieu Vanhaecke, Group CEO of Cradle.

Meanwhile, Kuppulakshmi Krishnamoorthy, Global Head – Zoho for Startups, said, “The Zoho for Startups programme operates like a pull model, responding to the ecosystem’s proactiveness, while aligning with Zoho’s growth strategy for the region. Malaysia is steadily building its innovation landscape, backed by government support and progressive policies. With our global experience running the programme in over 10 locations, including India, we aim to make this collaboration one of the most impactful for Malaysia.”

Gibu Mathew, VP & GM, Zoho APAC, added: “Malaysia’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem presents an exciting opportunity to engage with a dynamic, tech-savvy community. With strong government support and innovative founders, this is the ideal time to launch Zoho for Startups. Our solutions—Zoho CRM, Zoho Workplace, Zoho Books, Zoho Creator, Zoho Desk and Zoho One—are already popular among startups, and we look forward to seeing how Malaysia’s vibrant ecosystem embraces them.”

In addition to providing wallet credits, Zoho is exploring opportunities to support other government-led startup initiatives by participating as an expert or speaker at relevant cohort events. This reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to fostering a sustainable startup ecosystem in Malaysia and equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to succeed.

This partnership marks a significant step in strengthening the Malaysian startup landscape, fostering innovation, and supporting the growth of the next generation of successful tech companies.

For more information on Zoho for Startups and how your company can benefit from this program, please visit Zoho for Startups.