| Startup Thailand | TH |
NIA Empowers Thai Startups Through Startup Fundraising Training in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
Strengthening Thai Startups for Real-World Success
The National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), or NIA, is building a stronger foundation for Thai startups through its Startup Fundraising Training 2025 program. Held in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai, the training focuses on critical fundraising skills, including professional pitching, business planning, and investment negotiation. The program’s core objective is to help entrepreneurs thoroughly analyze their businesses and themselves before entering the real-world investment arena.
The event featured prominent experts from the startup and investment communities who shared their invaluable real-world experience and strategic insights. Their guidance aimed to establish a solid groundwork for new startups to achieve sustainable growth on a global scale.
Key Takeaways from the Training Here are some actionable insights from the training sessions:
Team is the Heart: Investors prioritize the people over the product. A strong team is the true driving force of any business.
Understand the Pain Point: A successful business model starts with a deep understanding of the customer’s problems.
Timing is an Art: Enter the market too early and it may not be ready; enter too late and you’ll miss the opportunity. Startups must master their timing.
Scalability is Essential: A viable business must be able to grow, not just succeed on a small scale.
Revenue, Not Just Profit: Investors don’t always expect immediate profit, but they must see a clear path to revenue.
Market Size Matters: A large market or one with high growth potential is a key point of interest for investors.
Hard-to-Replicate Innovation: A unique, defensible competitive advantage is necessary for long-term success.
Fundraising: More Than Just “Finding Money”
A key lesson from the speakers was that fundraising isn’t just about finding money—it’s about finding partners who are ready to grow with you. Startups should clearly define what they need from an investor besides capital, whether it’s a network, knowledge, or strategic advice.
Most importantly, startups must have a deep understanding of their own finances, especially their cash flow, which is a primary decision-making factor for many investors.
