​You may already be exploring regional or global expansion — engaging overseas customers, building partnerships, or entering new markets beyond Singapore. But many founders quickly realise that scaling internationally is not just about having a strong product. Every market operates differently, with unfamiliar networks, business environments, operational hurdles, and entirely different ways of building trust. The startups that scale successfully are often the ones backed by the right ecosystem support, market access, strategic connections, and operational foundations.

​Join us for Startup Launchpad: Funding, Operations & Cross-Border Growth, a practical founder-focused session designed for Singapore-based startups exploring their next stage of growth.

​This session brings together ecosystem partners, startup enablers, and industry practitioners to share insights on how startups can better prepare for growth — from strengthening business operations and exploring financing considerations, to accessing global innovation networks and cross-border opportunities.

​Participants will hear from YIT, one of Asia’s leading international innovation ecosystem partners, with extensive networks across universities, incubators, investors, and startup ecosystems spanning 20+ cities globally. YIT has been supporting global startups in technology commercialisation, overseas market access, cross-border collaboration, and ecosystem matchmaking. YIT is also a partner of the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition’s YIT Global Exploration Prize, which supports promising startups in exploring international growth opportunities.

​Eligible startups may also gain access to founder immersion and overseas market exploration opportunities, including curated international exposure trips designed to help founders better understand target markets, customers, local ecosystems, and strategic partners — with selected programmes fully supported.

​The session will also feature sharing from UOB, covering practical considerations for startups such as digital tools solutioning, account setup advisory, and loan-related advisory. These themes may also inform future founder-focused programming, including access to relevant mentors, partners, and speakers who can provide targeted support as startups scale.

​Whether you are preparing for fundraising, expanding regionally, improving your startup’s operational setup, or looking to connect with global innovation networks, this session offers a practical entry point into the resources and relationships that can support your growth journey.

​What Participants Can Expect

• ​Practical insights on startup operations, digital tools, and financial readiness

• ​Sharing from UOB on account setup, digital tools solutioning, and financing considerations

• ​Exposure to global innovation resources and cross-border startup networks

• ​Insights into international startup expansion pathways and success stories

• ​Networking with ecosystem partners and fellow founders

​Event Details

​Venue: CyberSG TIG Collaboration Centre (formerly ICE71)
71 Ayer Rajah Cres., #02-18, Singapore 139951

​Date: Tuesday, 19 May

12:45
Registration Opens
13:00 - 13:40
Introduction of YIT Global Innovation Resource Network & Case Sharing
13:40 - 13:50
Q&A with YIT
13:50 - 14:10
UOB presentation
14:10 onward
Networking & refreshments

​About YIT

​YIT is an international innovation and startup ecosystem partner supporting technology commercialisation, startup incubation, project matchmaking, and cross-border innovation collaboration. Through its global network, YIT connects startups with universities, research institutions, industry partners, investors, and local innovation ecosystems across multiple regions.

​YIT is the Yangtze Delta Region Institute of Tsinghua University, Zhejiang, jointly established by Tsinghua University and the Zhejiang Provincial Government in 2003. It operates innovation centres, offshore incubators, and liaison offices across multiple countries, supporting global startup and technology commercialization activities.

​About UOB

​UOB is a leading bank in Asia with a strong regional presence across Southeast Asia and Greater China. Through its banking, financing, and digital solutions, UOB supports businesses at different stages of growth, including startups and emerging companies looking to build stronger financial and operational foundations.

​For startups, UOB provides practical support across areas such as business account setup, financing advisory, digital tools solutioning, payments, and cash management. By working with founders and ecosystem partners, UOB aims to help startups better manage their operations, access relevant financial solutions, and prepare for sustainable growth across markets.