FAQ

Assessment Stage

What are the key business attributes that SEEDS looks for in assessing the startup before it can be considered for potential funding?

The startup would be considered for investment if it possesses the following key business attributes:

• Has substantial innovative and/or intellectual property content developed or owned in-house

• Able to demonstrate a commercially viable business model from its products and/or services – this includes being able to secure some pilot/paying customers

• Able to articulate clearly its value proposition and potential for scalability in the target customer segment(s) and across international markets

• Has a committed and capable management team, with the relevant experience and business acumen skills (e.g. business, industry, technical capability) and receptive to guidance from co-investors

Does SEEDS co-invest in startups in certain sectors only?

While there are some nascent sectors that SEEDS focuses on, such as Health and Biomedical Sciences, Urban Solutions and Sustainability, and Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, SEEDS can also invest in other sectors. What is important is the startup should be able to demonstrate and evidence in the key business attributes.

However, firms with the following business activities (but not limited to activities in the listing) will not be considered for investment:

• Real estate development

• Consultancy

• Gambling

• HR Recruitment

• Tobacco related products

• Finance companies specialising in provision of loans and leases

• Other activities which are in violation of law, or against public interest

Does SEEDS take shares in the startup? How much shares will it take?

As SEEDS operates on a co-investment equity financing model, it will take shares in the startup. The amount of shareholding taken by SEEDS is dependent on the valuation of the company.

On what terms would the co-investment be made with the Co-investor Partner into the startup?

SEEDS and the Co-investment Partner must invest on pari passu terms - on the principle of equal risk and reward.

Is there a limit to the investment quantum by SEEDS at first or subsequent rounds?

The maximum investment amount that could be raised from SEEDS is S$2 million (for General tech) or S$12 million (for Deep tech) per company, typically over several investment rounds. Follow-on investments, up to SEEDS’ investment caps would be subject to company’s continued progress and business performance, as well as deal terms in subsequent rounds.

Who is involved in the final decision to support or reject an investment case?

For investments with appointed partners of SEEDS, SEEDS Investment Team will seek approval for the investment internally within SEEDS.

For co-investors who are not appointed partners of SEEDS, the Investment Panel in consultation with the investment team are involved. If your investment proposal passes through due diligence, our team will advise the startup on the schedule of the next Investment Panel meeting. This is where the startup and potential co-investor will surface and pitch their case to the Investment Panel.

Who are involved as the investment panel members?

The members of the investment panel are largely made up of private-sector individuals from diverse professional background and experience (i.e. venture capital/finance/investment, entrepreneurial, corporate expertise, legal, & senior management skills), including several executive personnel from SEEDS/Singapore.

What other information regarding the investment procedure should the startup be aware of?

The startup does not need to submit official/confidential documents and application form unless otherwise advised by the team.

Third-Party Co-Investor (excludes SEEDS appointed partners)

How do I become one of SEEDS’ co-investment partners?

SEEDS appoints its partners through open calls for co-investment partner applications. We do not have an open call now.

Investors will be assessed based on their alignment to the Startup SG Equity co-investment scheme objectives and their ability to value-add to startups. This would include:

• Ability to contribute to the startup’s growth strategies

• Management experience, relevant business contacts and/or technical expertise that can value-add to the startup.

• Access to good deal flow and availability of investment funds for immediate deployment.

• Investment decision making, governance and fund management process

Is it necessary for my startup to bring forth a third-party co-investor when considering raising investment from SEEDS?

Yes. SEEDS operates on a co-investment equity financing model. The investment principle is based on a matching commitment from an independent co-investor. The depth of assessment by the potential co-investor and his/her professional background and ability to value-add will be taken into consideration.

Can third-party co-investors be foreign?

Yes, SEEDS can consider foreign third-party co-investors. The same eligibility criteria will apply. Please see the webpage on Startup SG Equity for details on the eligibility criteria.

How does application process differ if the intended co-investor is an appointed partner of SEEDS?

Where the intended co-investor is an appointed partner of SEEDS, startups are encouraged to approach the appointed partners directly.

As with independent third-party co-investors, the appointed partners will also have their own criteria, carry out due diligence with regards to the startup in order to decide if they will proceed with the investment and surface to SEEDS for SEEDS’ decision on co-investment.

The final stage of assessment varies and will be conducted by:

• Our Investment Committee (for co-investments with our appointed partners) or

• Our Investment Panel (for co-investments with non-appointed partners)

Post-Investment Stage

What role will SEEDS assume after its investment?

SEEDS typically retains a Board observer seat post-investment, which beyond governance also allows for a deeper understanding of portfolio company’s challenges and growth plans following which relevant support could be provided in tandem with other teams from within Enterprise Singapore. This may include leveraging Enterprise Singapore’s Industry Cluster and Global Markets teams for business facilitation, market expansion, manpower facilitation and capability development projects.

How long does it take and what modes of exit will SEEDS seek after investing?

SEEDS is looking at a holding period of about seven years for deep tech startups invested, although as a government fund we retain flexibility on when we need to exit companies. Exit options include (but are not limited to) trade sales, merger & acquisitions, secondary sales of shares and initial public offerings at fair market value.