NUS Ventures Fuels Tech Startups with $150M Initiative

Asia’s First University-Led VC Programme Aims to Accelerate Innovation

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is making a significant investment in the future of technology, launching a $150 million venture capital (VC) program designed to bolster NUS-affiliated startups. This pioneering initiative in Asia aims to bridge critical funding and mentorship gaps for early-stage tech ventures.

Strategic Capital Allocation

The newly established NUS Venture Capital Programme will distribute its substantial funding in two key ways. Approximately $50 million will be allocated to selected venture capital firms, providing crucial support for NUS technology startups. The initial partners for this segment are Granite Asia, an investment platform, and 4Bio Capital, a specialist in life sciences and advanced therapeutics.

The remaining $100 million will form an autonomous investment fund. This fund will focus directly on NUS-linked startups and has the flexibility to co-invest alongside the chosen VC partners, creating a powerful synergy for growth.

Bridging the Innovation Gap

NUS describes this program as the first of its kind in Asia, specifically designed to enhance support for nascent technology innovation. The focus is on high-potential ventures emerging from the university’s extensive ecosystem, including those nurtured by the National Graduate Research Innovation Programme (Grip).

Launched in January, Grip is a collaborative incubator program between NUS and Nanyang Technological University. It cultivates startups originating from Singapore’s autonomous universities and research institutions. NUS Enterprise’s VC program complements Grip by addressing the need for sustained, strategic development beyond the initial incubation phase.

Accelerating Post-Seed Growth

While Grip currently offers up to $250,000 in seed funding per startup, the NUS VC programme targets the acceleration of post-seed growth. This strategic move aims to prepare these promising ventures for subsequent rounds of external capital, filling a vital niche in the startup funding landscape.

This initiative is set apart by its direct engagement with leading VC firms. These partners were chosen not only for their proven track records but also for their market access within global innovation hubs, promising a broader reach for NUS startups.

The program offers comprehensive support, including mentorship, investor feedback, market entry strategies, access to fundraising networks, and operational guidance. This integrated approach combines capital with deep venture expertise, providing a holistic pathway for commercial success.

Expert Endorsement

“National Grip is an important first step in helping deep tech startups take root. As such, the VC programme builds on this by pairing promising ventures with globally connected investors, enabling a more complete pathway to scale and commercial success.”

—Dr Tan Sian Wee, NUS Senior Vice-President (Innovation and Enterprise)

This strategic infusion of capital comes at a time when early-stage funding has seen a slight downturn globally. In 2024, early-stage funding has totaled less than $38 billion, representing a 5 percent decrease from the previous year, according to industry reports.

The program’s comprehensive support structure is poised to help NUS startups navigate these challenging market conditions and achieve significant milestones, reinforcing Singapore’s position as a leading innovation hub.