BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  P&L  >  Not VC-Backable? How To Unlock Capital for SMEs & MTCs

Not VC-Backable? How To Unlock Capital for SMEs & MTCs

Amelia Ong, CEO , OSK Ventures International | Bikesh Lakhmichand, CEO and Founding Partner, 1337 Ventures

10-Mar-25 11:00

Not VC-Backable? How To Unlock Capital for SMEs & MTCs

If venture capital isn’t the answer for traditional SMEs and Mid-Tier Companies (MTCs), where should they turn for growth capital? In this episode of P&L, we explore how conventional, non-tech, and non-high-growth Malaysian businesses can unlock growth capital with insights from Amelia Ong, CEO of OSK Ventures International, and Bikesh Lakhmichand, CEO and Founding Partner of 1337 Ventures.

With the Malaysian government launching a new co-investment fund to support SMEs and MTCs, this conversation goes beyond the headlines to uncover broader funding opportunities. From debt and equity to alternative financing, we discuss the strategies businesses can adopt to attract the right investors and grow sustainably.

Our guests share insights into how traditional businesses, those outside the high-growth tech space. can make themselves more investable, avoid common funding mistakes, and align with partners who understand their unique needs.

Whether you're a business owner looking for capital or an investor seeking opportunities, this episode offers valuable guidance on navigating Malaysia's evolving funding landscape.

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  marketseconomySMEentrepreneursinvestmentsCorporates

Tags:  SME fundingMTC growthtraditional SME challengesinvestor alignmentnon-tech funding opportunitiesMalaysian co-investment fundbusiness expansion





Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Tim Mulholland, President, TJM Limited, Chicago tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

We break down the day’s top news with expert insights.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

We break down the day’s top news with expert insights.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, discusses the government’s initiatives on gender equality, child protection reforms, and key political developments in Sarawak.

8:30 AM

The Breakfast Grille (EXTENDED)

Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, discusses the government’s initiatives on gender equality, child protection reforms, and key political developments in Sarawak.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Amit Ranjan of the Institute of South Asian Studies discusses Nepal’s political future following the elections.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Tim Mulholland, President, TJM Limited, Chicago tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) We take a look at the FBM KLCI as well as regional capital markets.

9:35 AM

What's The Focus

We wrap up the week’s biggest conversations to keep you in the know.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Advanced diagnostics are often confined to centralised laboratories, making them technically impressive but difficult to access for many who need them. We speak with Zainiharyati Mohd Zain, Founder of Ablesen, a Malaysian deep-tech startup building sensor-based diagnostic platforms designed for use beyond traditional lab environments. Selected as a top startup in the 2025 PACE Bootcamp by ARTEM Ventures, Ablesen is currently moving from prototype to early commercialisation.

11:00 AM

Mattsplained

Matt Armitage, Founder, Kulturpop

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Rajen Devadason, CEO, RD WealthCreation

1:00 PM

Breakfast Grille (REPEAT)

Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, discusses the government’s initiatives on gender equality, child protection reforms, and key political developments in Sarawak.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Front Row

Two monumental works by Johannes Brahms take centre stage in an upcoming chamber music performance. We find out what’s in store from cellist Ivan Torres.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Doctor in the House

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of the day, to catch you up on all you need to know!

6:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

Bar None

9:00 PM

The Selector