FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

General

What is the Virtual GLOBAL ACCELERATOR PROGRAMME 2021 (“Virtual GAP 2021”)?
An online programme to accelerate local & international startups from all over the world, with an interest to expand their business in the ASEAN region, to be investment-ready in 3 months. GAP online also aims to build a strong ASEAN startup community by cultivating ASEAN relationships.
What type of startups are you looking for?
We are looking for startups that have established product-market-fit with target market/ have launched a product with some traction, and highly scalable with growth potential business model which is an innovative idea better than the existing best solution in the market. Ideal startups would be less than 3 years old and focusing on the ASEAN market.
What type of teams are you looking for?
We are looking for strong teams with diverse skill sets. Each team in the accelerator shall consist of two, between (2) co-founders or one (1) co-founder and one (1) team members. All participants must be aged 18 years old and above.
What are the objectives of the programme?
Virtual Global Accelerator Programme 2021 (Virtual GAP 2021) is Malaysia’s leading mid-to-late stage startup growth programme that is tailored for startups with an ambition to expand in the ASEAN market. Recognized for its strong regional focus with industry-specific partners and mentors, dedicated mentorship platform and exclusive network access to MaGIC’s regional entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Virtual GAP stands as a great platform in bringing together innovative startups from around the world to build a powerful network and be market-ready for ASEAN expansion within a 3 months programme delivered digitally.
Why should I join the programme?
The online programme will prepare you with the knowledge and relationships to expand in the ASEAN region. Startups will learn from inspiring mentors with weekly themes and gain access to regional investors and route-to-market partners.
What is the commitment required from startups?
Startups are required to commit to the online programme on a full-time basis for the entire 3 months. Classes and workshops will be conducted four days a week digitally while startups will have the rest of the week free to work on their business as needed. The core focus of the programme is for you to build your network, grow your business and achieve your milestones.
What do you mean by full-time?
Virtual GAP is a programme designed for dedicated teams who are fully focused on their startups and not for part-time founders or freelancers. The team must be fully committed for 3 months. The online programme works on the basis of a strong cohort community. In order to fully accelerate, teams are required to attend and participate in all core classes, workshops, events and discussions using the digital platform provided.
Does the Virtual Global Accelerator Programme 2021 have a Social Enterprise Track?
No. Social enterprises can direct themselves to the SIM grant totalling RM10 million, a PENJANA initiative, that was introduced to support impact-driven organisations and social innovation in Malaysia. For every ringgit earned through crowdfunding, SIM Grant will match that amount, in a 1:1 ratio. For more information please visit:https://www.mymagic.my/penjana-sim-grant/en Furthermore, if you are a social enterprise please do join the #BUYFORIMPACT movement, where MaGIC promotes social enterprises to the public encouraging impact driven purchases. Find out more at buyforimpact.co
How is the programme different from other startup expansion programmes?
The Virtual Global Accelerator Programme (Virtual GAP) is a government-funded initiative to create a critical mass of up to 30 high-growth startups in Malaysia for the ASEAN market, once a year.
How long does the programme last?
The programme is approximately three (3) months.
Do we need to move to be based in Malaysia to join the accelerator?
No, the program is based online and participants are able to attend the session digitally from where they are located.
Does MaGIC invest in startups?
MaGIC does not invest or take any equity in the startups during the accelerator programme.
Do we have to incorporate a company in Malaysia?
No, you are not required to set up a company in Malaysia before and during the programme.
Does MaGIC assign mentors to startups and how often do we meet mentors?
Mentor engagement will run organically and depend on the mentor’s availability. Different mentors will give talks according to their availability — this is your chance to hustle and approach the ones you feel are relevant for your startup. Mentors will also allocate a set number of hours per week to meet startups online.
Does MaGIC provide cash funding/investment?
No, MaGIC did not fund any startup during the accelerator programme.
Will I retain the rights associated with my idea or prototype?
You will retain any IP rights associated with your startup and your prototype.
Will there be a Demo Day?
Yes, the programme will wrap up with a Demo Day where you will pitch to investors via online.
Will MaGIC help with PR/media?
There is no direct PR support. However, startups may potentially get highlighted in local/regional press.
How does the Virtual Global Accelerator Programme measure success?
Our focus is to grow the startup ecosystem by accelerating startup growth to be investment-ready for both the local and ASEAN market. Our key measure of success is to increase the number of quality startups that we can grow.
May I have the agenda for the programme?
The agenda is not available publicly but you will receive it during orientation.
Please explain more about the level of commitment required during the programme -- do I need to be there online each day?
All participants are required to have an 80% check-in attendance throughout this programme through our Account Managers to update your progress. Pre-recorded talks and workshops are mostly on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Can I make changes (add/replace) to my team members, even after being accepted into the programme?
If you notify us before the deadline, you will be able to fill up the request form to add/replace the team members. Once that has been submitted to us, we will review it and will notify you once the decision is made.
What happens after a new team member has been accepted?
We will send you a new offer letter and agreement. Fill those up and attach it under its respective fields on Accelerator Tracking & Application System (“ATAS”). The agreement will be stamped and signed.
I'm at a ver early stage of building my product and business, should I join Virtual GAP?
Virtual GAP might be too extensive for you. Why not join our Bootcamps to solidify your business plan and strategy? Visit MaGIC Bootcamp
Do you only give funds to startup who only write software?
MaGIC does not provide funding.
Will I be told my team's rank in the competition?
No.

On Application

How can  I apply?
Kindly submit your applications at http://atasbe.mymagic.my/
When can I apply?
Applications for the Virtual GAP 2021 intake are open from 1st March – 1st April 2021.
Instead of uploading my documents on ATAS, can I just submit it through email?
No, participants are required to submit all documents on ATAS. Note: Unless there are issues uploading the documents.
Do we need to have a Malaysian founder to apply for this programme?
No, this online programme is open to local and international startups. The programme is open to all nationalities.
Can we apply even though we already received funding for our startup?
Yes, of course.
When will we find out if we got accepted into the programme?
MaGIC aims to notify all applicants on the status of their applications by May 2021.
Can we apply if we are a current or past recipient of another MaGIC programme; e.g. Stanford Go2Market, Web Development Bootcamp, etc.?
Yes, unless you have participated in GAP and MAP (ASEAN track).
Can we apply if we have previously participated in other expansion programmes outside of MaGIC?
Yes
Our group has tow ideas. Can we submit two applications?
Yes
My team outsources software development. Are we still qualified to apply?
Yes
Will I get notified if my application gets rejected? What can I do after?
Yes, we can assure you that you will be notified. Please do not lose hope as there are many other MaGIC programmes you can attend based on your startup stage growth by checking our MaGIC website.
What do I need to apply for GAP? Recommendation letter? Pitch video?
Please refer to the online application form on our website. The application will require information about your startup and your team, along with a pitch deck and application video.
We were scheduled to receive a call from the judges, however, we did not receive any. Did we miss the call?
If you did not receive any calls from us, that would mean that the judges did not have any questions for you after watching your pitch video and going through your pitch deck.
We don't have a video pitch, can we submit just a pdf pitch?
No, it is a requirement to record a pitch video not more than 120 seconds to be uploaded on Youtube and share the link on ATAS as part of the application. Your video must be in English, with English caption, video resolution more than 480 and the presenter has to be an applicant.

The content should contain problem statements, solutions, your Unique Selling Proposition (USP), traction and an introduction to your team. Your pitch video has to be appropriate; eg: no vulgar content, no pornographic content, no abusive content, no violence content, and no animation or sketch
How would I know if my pre-arrival form has been submitted after clicking 'submit'
On the general main page on ATAS, there is a section on your pre-arrival form. If there is a time-stamp, you have successfully submitted it.
Will MaGIC provide working space?
No this programme is online, which means you are able to stream it from anywhere you are located.
Do I need to apply for a visa to participate in this programme?
No. Since this is an online course, you will not be required to fly to Malaysia.
Will MaGIC provide any insurance cover during the programme?
Insurance will not be provided.
Where do I go if I have more questions?
Thank you for your interest. Kindly email gap.team@mymagic.my and our team will get back to you.
I’m only interested in being a mentor or going in as a programme partner. Who can I contact?
Kindly email gap.team@mymagic.my and our team will get back to you.