- Over 100 applications have come in from sectors such as fintech, biotech, and sustainability
- For the first time, PACE Bootcamp welcomes aspiring founders with just an idea from any industry
Following the success of last year’s ten-week programme in Kuala Lumpur, Artem Ventures, through its subsidiary Artem PACE, has announced the launch of PACE Bootcamp 2025 — a three-day intensive bootcamp that will travel across Penang, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, and Selangor.
The nationwide expansion ensures that entrepreneurs outside the Klang Valley gain equal access to resources, mentors, and industry opportunities.
Since its launch in 2024, PACE Bootcamp has been designed to address the real gaps and challenges founders face — from pitching and storytelling to product development and go-to-market strategies. The 2025 edition evolves the programme to be sharper, faster, and more focused, ensuring startups leave equipped and ready to scale.
For the first time, PACE Bootcamp is opening its doors to aspiring founders with just an idea, welcoming talent from any industry or vertical. The programme is designed to uncover high-potential founders and bold new ideas, regardless of sector.
Across three days, each bootcamp will guide participants through key business fundamentals, including business model canvas, storytelling, product development, and go-to-market strategies — culminating in a pitching session on the final day.
In strategic partnership with Payment Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet), fintech will be a key focus area, alongside other emerging industries. To date, more than 100 applications have been received from diverse sectors, including fintech, biotech, sustainability, edtech, medtech, agritech, and others. The 2025 programme decentralises opportunities beyond the Klang Valley, targeting 30 startups per state.
“For too long, entrepreneurial programmes have been concentrated in the Klang Valley, but Malaysia’s hidden gems are everywhere. PACE Bootcamp 2025 is our commitment to changing that — giving every aspiring founder, regardless of location, the platform they need to kickstart their journey,” said Tunku Omar Asraf, director of Artem PACE.
This year, PayNet joins as the main partner of PACE Bootcamp 2025, introducing its Fintech Hub programme to participating startups. Selected founders will have the opportunity to apply for the programme, which provides access to a peer-learning community, over 450 hours of mentorship, connections with corporates in banking and technology, and potential funding opportunities from fintech-focused investors.
“As Malaysia’s national payments network and the driving force behind the country’s first fintech-focused community and accelerator, the PayNet Fintech Hub, this collaboration with Artem PACE reflects our commitment to nurturing and strengthening Malaysia’s startup ecosystem,” said Gary Yeoh (pic), chief marketing officer at PayNet.
Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB), Grab, and GX Bank have also come on board as strategic partners, backing PACE Bootcamp’s mission to uncover and empower the next wave of startup builders across Malaysia. Returning partners such as Google and WORQ continue to support the programme with credits, mentorship, and co-working benefits.
“Iskandar Investment Berhad remains steadfast in its commitment to ecosystem-building initiatives that expand market access, drive innovation, and create opportunities for startups in the region. Our collaboration with Artem PACE through PACE Bootcamp 2025 reflects this dedication, supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs while aligning with Johor’s vision to become a regional leader in the digital and creative economy,” said Mydiana Madzlan, head of Ecosystem Building, Iskandar Investment Berhad.
“Collaborations like PACE Bootcamp are vital to our mission of supporting local tech talent while driving digital inclusion,” said Hassan Alsagoff (pic), regional head of Loyalty and Marketing at Grab. “Together with GXBank, we are proud to support PACE Bootcamp 2025 — a nationwide initiative that empowers founders and uncovers entrepreneurial talent across six states.”
Proven alumni success stories underscore Artem PACE’s impact:
- Rosary Labs grew from three to over ten members and secured multiple grants.
- Cynco joined just two months after founding, later securing Tenity backing and onboarding enterprise clients.
- Nexacore joined as a one-month-old startup and has since expanded operations to Thailand while working with Maxis.
- Beyond the bootcamp, participants become part of Artem Ventures’ ‘shadow portfolio’, gaining ongoing mentoring and connections with partners, mentors, and investors.
The finale of PACE Bootcamp 2025 will showcase the Top 12 startups as they pitch their ideas before an audience of strategic partners, ecosystem leaders, investors, and venture capital firms — marking a prestigious highlight of the programme.
PACE Bootcamp 2025 remains no-fee and equity-free, designed to bridge the gaps faced by aspiring founders by equipping them with the right tools, resources, and guidance — extending its reach beyond Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
The first bootcamp kicks off in Johor from 10–12 October 2025, before continuing across other states to uncover Malaysia’s next generation of founders.
For more information visit Artem PACE.
