Global Founder Programme

EDB’s Global Founder Programme (GFP) is a targeted initiative for experienced founders to launch and scale their next venture from Singapore. It is designed for founders from around the world, including Singapore, to establish businesses with the potential to be global industry leaders.

The programme comprises a holistic suite of resources and tools to help founders accelerate their venture growth as well as expand into new markets. This includes exclusive connections, dedicated facilitation for streamlined business setup and hiring, and expert support for growth.

GFP is meant for experienced founders, builders and innovators with strong 0-to-1 experience, where they have successfully built and scaled a product or digital infrastructure from scratch, and who intend to build a new venture.       

GFP focuses on ventures with the potential to become global champions. While the programme is open to founders and ventures from a wide range of sectors, we are particularly interested in high growth sectors such as the Digital Economy, AI, Sustainability and Deep Tech. These areas have strong potential to drive innovation, economic impact, and positive societal outcomes.  

EDB assesses GFP founders based on proven entrepreneurial expertise. Our focus is on identifying founders with a strong execution track record and the potential to build high-impact ventures from Singapore. 

Yes, you may submit an application. The same eligibility criteria will apply. EDB will assess your application before confirming your eligibility for programme.

Meeting the eligibility criteria is an important first step, but does not guarantee automatic qualification for GFP. We seek understanding that this is a targeted programme with a limited cohort size.

All applications are carefully reviewed to ensure alignment with the programme’s objectives, and as part of the process, eligible applicants may be invited to meet with an EDB officer for further assessment. Only successful applicants will be contacted by EDB and we will work with them on how we can support their plans.

EDB aims to review applications within 14 business days. We will reach out to applicants who meet the programme’s objectives and eligibility criteria. As part of the process, eligible applicants will also be invited to meet with an EDB officer for further assessment.

We appreciate the effort put into every application. As the programme is targeted in its objectives, we carefully review each submission to ensure strong alignment in mutual goals. All decisions are final. However, applicants are encouraged to explore other government-backed initiatives and ecosystem support that may be a fit for their goals.

Over the past two years, EDB has facilitated the launch of more than 30 new ventures by over 50 founders in Singapore. With the launch of GFP, we aim to build on this momentum and attract even more top-tier founders committed to building and scaling their companies from Singapore.

Our focus is not on a fixed number but on backing founders who can drive innovation, create jobs, and anchor their businesses in Singapore for long-term growth.

GFP is designed to provide sustained support for ventures to scale, and we will continue to evaluate the success of the programme and tailor offerings. Additionally, founders and ventures will continue to have access to Singapore’s broader ecosystem, including government-backed initiatives and industry partnerships, to support their ongoing growth and scaling efforts.

Not all programme benefits are automatically granted to GFP founders. Support is tailored based on the venture’s growth potential from Singapore and specific needs and different stages. Some benefits have additional qualifying criteria, which we’ll discuss with each founder to ensure the right fit and timing.

Our evaluation considers key business fundamentals such as revenue, fundraising activity and valuation, alongside the founder’s commitment to establishing a global venture headquartered in Singapore.

EDB will invite founders who qualify for GFP to apply for ONE Pass, and provide facilitation where needed. However, ONE Pass applications are further subject to review and final approvals are made by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).

Both initiatives are part of EDB’s efforts to strengthen Singapore’s status as key Asian node for high growth technology companies and investment activities, grow existing and new industries, and create good jobs for Singaporeans.

The Global Investor Programme (GIP) accords Singapore Permanent Resident Status to eligible global business owners, entrepreneurs and investors who intend to drive their businesses and investment growth from Singapore.

On the other hand, GFP is designed for experienced founders at the early stages of company-building, offering hands-on support, access to Singapore’s ecosystem, and resources to accelerate venture growth.

No, GFP does not support the set-up of an investment vehicle or family office. GFP supports founders to establish and grow a business venture. Founders under GFP can continue to seek other forms of support for their investment vehicle or family office should they also choose to establish those entities in Singapore.

Yes, you may continue to seek other forms of government support and will be subject to the requirements of those support schemes.

EDB offers a range of resources for those exploring business opportunities in Singapore. You can learn more about industry trends and opportunities, setting up a business, or relocating through our guides:  

Business Guides | Investing in Singapore and SEA | Singapore EDB 

Setting Up a Business in Singapore | Singapore EDB  

Working & Living in Singapore | Singapore EDB  

You are also welcome to contact us or join our mailing list so we can better support your business needs.

If you are still considering whether Singapore is the right base for your venture, we encourage you to explore our Living and Working in Singapore guides to get a sense of what life and business here could look like. You can also contact EDB and we will be happy to support your exploration.

Alternatively, you may also choose to apply to GFP. If eligible, we will reach out to have a conversation about how Singapore can support your goals and what the right next steps could look like in new business building areas.