Cambodia Investment Review
Global startup accelerator Seedstars has officially returned to Cambodia by launching the Cambodia Startup Accelerator in collaboration with Khmer Enterprise (KE), selecting 15 promising startups for its inaugural cohort. The six-month post-acceleration program aims to help local ventures scale their operations, refine business strategies, and prepare for Series A fundraising.
The initiative marks Seedstars’ first partnership with a national agency in Cambodia and signals growing momentum in the country’s startup ecosystem.
Practical Solutions to Real Market Needs
“What struck me most was how practical these founders are,” said Tom Sebastian, Regional Director of Partnerships for Asia and APAC at Seedstars. “They’ve built their businesses around genuine market needs in Cambodia. And now, through the program, we’ll get to help them develop the frameworks and strategies to grow beyond their current reach.”
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Sebastian added, “Each founder brings different challenges and goals, which makes the program dynamic. We’ll be tailoring our approach to help them overcome the specific obstacles they’re facing as they scale.”
While KE does not directly invest in startups, it plays a critical role by offering grant facilitation, mentoring networks, and exposure to regional and global investors. The organization’s focus is on ventures in the growth and expansion stage that are ready to transition to private sector financing.
Cambodia’s Startup Scene Gains Ground
The launch of the program comes as Cambodia’s innovation ecosystem shows signs of maturing. Over the past four years, more than 450 startup-support programs have been introduced, supported by public-private collaboration and increased investor interest in the Kingdom.
“This partnership with KE signals our long-term commitment to Cambodia,” said Sebastian. “We want to help build the foundation for high-growth ventures and potentially identify the country’s future unicorns.”
Seedstars also plans to work closely with existing local accelerators and ecosystem partners, promoting cooperation rather than competition.
Meet the 15 Startups Selected for the First Cohort
The first cohort features a diverse mix of startups across sectors such as agri-tech, fintech, healthtech, logistics, and digital platforms:
- Karpia – Providing digital insurance solutions.
- AgroNature – Promoting natural agricultural growth through eco-friendly farming practices.
- Atelier – Supporting creative entrepreneurs and design professionals.
- ខ្មែរកម្មវិធី (Khmer Creators) – Promoting Khmer-language content creation and education.
- CSL (Cambodia School of Life) – Offering holistic education and training programs.
- FMP Capital Plc. – Providing financial solutions tailored to underserved markets.
- LX Labs – A tech firm specializing in digital transformation and software development.
- The Boxes – A platform for smart storage and on-demand logistics.
- CheckinMe – Automating HR and workplace management systems.
- SMART Safety and Training – Delivering safety training and compliance services.
- Blue Night – A digital health solution provider focusing on women’s health.
- Mad2Go Agri – Creating innovative supply chain tools for agricultural distribution.
- Beone Platform – A SaaS platform for business process management and analytics.
- We World – Empowering personal development through digital tools.
- Mekongverse – Building emotional connections through storytelling and immersive content.
These startups will receive targeted mentorship, access to investment networks, and tailored support to navigate scaling challenges and growth barriers.
Building a Pipeline of Investable Startups
A key objective of the Cambodia Startup Accelerator is to shift perceptions of Cambodia from a frontier market to a destination for innovation-driven investment. The program is designed to strengthen investor confidence by spotlighting ventures that are building solutions for real-world problems.
Though this partnership with Khmer Enterprise is currently set for one year, Seedstars has indicated its intention to remain engaged in Cambodia for the long term, working to support the next generation of high-growth startups and strengthen the country’s place in the regional innovation map.
