In conjunction with Seed Forum and the visit by the Norwegian School of Entrepreneurship’s 2013 program, the Norwegian Embassy invited investors and start-ups alike to promote the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Singapore.
In its increasing focus on the small and medium-sized enterprises, the Norwegian Embassy invited all interested parties to a Start-up night of presentations and networking. As initially noted by Chargé d’affaires a.i. Ms Thea Ottmann, during her welcoming speech:
“Many of the larger Norwegian companies have already been present in Singapore for a long time. The new trend we see is that smaller companies and start-ups are increasingly trying their luck in Singapore – and are literally born globally. The Embassy wants to support this very welcoming development.”
The Seed Forum, a separate morning event held the same day, is an originally Norwegian concept grown global. Here entrepreneurs are coached and mentored to pitch their ideas for experienced investors and all participants were invited for the Embassy’s evening reception. Also the Norwegian School of Entrepreneurship’s recently arrived students were present. As part of a summer program, these handpicked students will undertake internships in newly incorporated businesses, in addition to modules at the NUS Business School.
The first hour was dedicated to a series of short talks and Q&A-sessions, further introducing the differing and enticing attributes in starting a business in Singapore. Norwegian entrepreneur-turned-investor William Klippgen spoke on Asian opportunities, Rosalind Tan from incubator Expara elaborated Singapore’s favorable business climate, whilst American Autumn Radtke told the story of being a foreigner directing a tech-company in Singapore.
These stimulating presentations were then followed by dinner, drinks and a mix of hearty conversation and valuable networking for the over 130 attendants.
