As part of our series of market access support, IDA is organising the iSTART@China Programme to help Singapore-based Infocomm start-ups expand their business into the China market. IDA will be working with a China-based incubator with good networks and a proven track record, to put together this customised programme for start-ups. They would be tasked to help participating companies understand the market dynamics, build market entry strategies, and connect with key individuals. Through a variety of targeted meetings, events and workshops, participating companies will get to meet with potential partners, customers, investors, and media.

The programme is built around a two-trip delegation mission. The first delegation trip is scheduled to take place from 24th March - 4th Apr 2014, and a second follow-up trip will be made in June 2014.

IDA is seeking infocomm companies that are keen on market expansion to China, to join us for the programme. Your company should have a working product, and have the necessary resources (finance & manpower) for international expansion. Your product should preferably be in these verticals: Web Apps, Digital Media, Finance, eCommerce, Big Data, Cloud Computing and Gaming.

Participating companies will need to commit to making two trips to China, in the following phases:

Phase 1

• Companies will attend workshops to learn the basics of market entry, legal, finance & tax, fine-tuning of biz model for the market, market dynamics of various IT verticals etc.
• Companies will be matched and assigned to in-market mentors and incubators that will provide advice on crafting an appropriate go-to-market strategy for China and arrange meetings with potential partners, customers, and investors.

Phase 2 (Approx 2 months later)

• Companies would return to China for further customer engagement, after spending about 2 months back in Singapore, refining their product, business model, and pitch.
• Follow-up meetings with potential partners, customers, and investors.
• Possibly attend other networking events.

Cost:

• IDA will cover the fees charged by the accelerator / mentors for organising such a programme.
• Companies need to cover their own return airfare, accommodation, cost of living, and additional entry fees for optional events, etc.

Eligibility and Screening:

• Open to companies incorporated & physically present in Singapore.
• Your product should preferably be in these verticals: Web Apps, Digital Media, Finance, eCommerce, Big Data, Cloud Computing and Gaming.
• Company's group annual sales turnover should not be more than $100 million or group employment size more than 200 workers.
• Companies should have a working product, and have the necessary resources (finance and manpower) for international expansion.
• Screening will also be conducted by the Chinese incubator /mentors which will choose companies that they can best help.

Next Steps:

1. To find out more please attend our Programme Briefing. Please register for the briefing via this link :
   
   Date : Date: 16th January 2014 (Thursday)
   Time : 12.30pm - 2pm
   Venue : IDA Singapore, 10 Pasir Panjang Road, #10-01 Mapletree Business City, Singapore 117438.
2. To Apply for the iSTART@China Programme, please fill in the application form by 24th January 2014 .

If you would like further clarifications, please email us at: [email protected] .

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