Startup SG Equity
Startup SG Equity (SSGE) is a co-investment programme where the Singapore Government co-invests alongside qualified third-party investors (venture capital firms, angel investors, corporates) into Singapore-based technology startups. The programme reduces risk for private investors by providing matching government capital and is administered through appointed fund managers, with SEEDS Capital being one of the primary fund managers. This is equity financing, not a grant — the government takes an equity stake alongside private investors. The programme covers startups at early and growth stages with different investment caps and co-investment ratios depending on whether the startup is classified as general tech or deep tech. Deep tech startups benefit from more favorable initial co-investment ratios due to their longer commercialization periods and higher barriers to entry.
Eligibility Criteria
- 01
Incorporated in Singapore as private limited company
- 02
Incorporated less than 5 years from time of application
- 03
Must have clear internationally-scalable business model
- 04
Must have substantial intellectual property content
- 05
All core activities to be carried out in Singapore
- 06
Must not be a subsidiary or joint venture
- 07
Must have paid-up capital of at least S$50,000
- 08
Must have ready, independent third-party investor(s) willing to invest minimum S$50,000 each
How to Apply
1. Secure an independent third-party investor willing to invest at least S$50,000 2. Submit documents for first-level assessment to SEEDS Capital or another appointed fund manager 3. Provide two-page executive summary, business plan, financial statements, ACRA profile, and co-investor background 4. Undergo assessment based on innovation, market potential, scalability, and IP content 5. Co-investor undergoes due diligence by the fund manager 6. Upon approval, SEEDS co-invests alongside the third-party investor under agreed terms
Claims and Disbursement
This is equity financing, not a grant. Upon approval, SEEDS Capital co-invests alongside the third-party investor according to structured parameters. For General Tech: 7:3 ratio (SEEDS:Co-investor) up to first S$250K, then 1:1 up to S$2M. For Deep Tech: 2:1 ratio up to first S$1M (for 1st institutional round), then progressive ratios up to S$12M.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is equity investment — the government takes an equity stake in the startup, not a grant.
No. You must have a ready, independent third-party investor prepared to invest at least S$50,000 before applying.
Deep Tech startups have products built around differentiated, protected technological/scientific advances with high barriers to entry and typically >3 years to commercialize. General Tech covers other technology startups.
No. The co-investor must be an independent third party with no controlling relationship to the startup.
Broad technology sectors including software, hardware, biomedical, AI, quantum technologies, advanced manufacturing, clean tech, and more.
SEEDS Capital is the primary fund manager. See the StartupSG Equity Partners page for the full list.
Related Grants
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A government co-investment scheme that stimulates private sector investments into innovative, Singapore-based technology startups with intellectual property and global market potential. The government co-invests with independent, qualified third-party investors on the same terms, with enhanced support for deep-tech startups. Administered through SPRING SEEDS Capital (SSC) and appointed investing partners.
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