The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has successfully hosted the second cohort of GROWMatch 2025, connecting 50 agriculture and bio-based entrepreneurs to alternative financing through the capital market.
Launched in 2024, GROWMatch helps businesses across the agriculture value chain — from foodtech and agtech to biotech and bio-based ventures — explore innovative funding options such as equity crowdfunding (ECF), peer-to-peer (P2P) financing, venture capital (VC), and private equity (PE).
As of June 2025, more than RM10 billion has been raised via ECF and P2P platforms, benefitting over 23,000 businesses across Malaysia.
Expanding Reach and Impact
This year, GROWMatch broadened its finalist pool from 20 to 50 entrepreneurs, reflecting stronger participation and wider geographical diversity. Of these:
- 54% focused on climate-resilient farming solutions,
- 34% addressed soil degradation, and
- 12% worked on sustainable feed and livestock health.
The expanded cohort underlines the programme’s role in advancing food security and sustainability, aligning with Malaysia’s national priorities.
From Funding to Real-World Impact
Past participants have gone on to achieve significant milestones. For instance:
- Entomal Biotech secured funding from Sarawak’s AgriFoodTech Sustainability Impact Fund.
- Pacton Technologies gained access to business opportunities with 50 farms.
Such success stories highlight GROWMatch’s role in opening doors not just to financing, but also to new partnerships and markets.
Backed by Strong Partnerships
The initiative is supported by key partners including the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), and Invest Sabah Berhad.
SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi emphasised that the programme’s impact goes beyond awareness:
“GROWMatch bridges the awareness gap and creates real opportunities for underserved segments to leverage alternative financing. Together with our partners, we are enabling agri-entrepreneurs to scale their solutions for food security and sustainability.”
Capacity Building for the Future
GROWMatch 2025 has evolved into a comprehensive initiative offering pitching workshops, capacity-building sessions, and investment-readiness training to help early-stage MSMEs prepare for growth.
For the full list of 50 shortlisted companies, visit GROWMatch – Pitch & Match | SCxSC.
