Singapore-based telecommunications company SingTel is launching a new business mentoring service called Innov8 Sparks that will support Asia Pacific startups that want to break into new markets.
SingTel Innov8, the $200m corporate venturing subsidiary of the SingTel Group, is backing the programme, while other founding members include AIS The Startup, which acts as the digital product development arm of mobile operator AIS, the Globe Telecom-owned Kickstart Ventures, Optus-Innov8 Seed, a joint venture between Singtel Innov8 and Australia-based telecom company Optus, and Indonesia-based developer support initiative Telkomsel.
SingTel will give eligible startups advice to help them expand into new markets, and the programme will extend to businesses in Australia, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
Innov8 Sparks will give startups access to working space, make introductions to local partners, provide them with resources and local market intelligence, with the intention of . helping to increase their chances of success.