A Founders-First Initiative
FirstWave fuels post-acceleration Cambodian startups, helping founders tackle local problems and scale globally.
A national AI innovation challenge — idea to MVP to investment — in partnership with MPTC. Build faster. Think sharper. Scale stronger.
Our programs
Each program runs the same journey — apply, build, get backed. Pick the one that fits where you are.
Build faster. Think sharper. Scale stronger.
A national AI innovation challenge — idea to MVP to investment, in partnership with MPTC.
The journey
Build it in a weekend.
A build sprint: form a team, ship one workflow MVP, validate with users, pitch to win.
The journey
Why FirstWave?
Most support ends at the accelerator. FirstWave picks up where it stops — with tailored guidance for Cambodia's most promising founders.
Tailored mentorship programs matched to where your startup actually is.
Access to seasoned founders who have navigated the journey themselves.
Connections to investors, partners, and regional opportunities.
Tailored support that addresses Cambodia's unique challenges and opportunities.
Our Approach
FirstWave works through a structured approach to empower startups — from selection to scale.
We identify promising post-acceleration startups with high potential.
We offer tailored workshops, 1:1 mentoring, and peer learning sessions.
We provide guidance on product-market fit, investor readiness, and team growth.
We collaborate with accelerators, investors, and industry partners to strengthen the ecosystem.
Accelerated startup growth trajectories
Enhanced founder capabilities and confidence
Strengthened investor networks and funding access
Excel locally and expand globally
Our mission and vision
Provide founders with the tools to execute and solve real local problems.
Position startups to excel locally and expand globally — strengthening the whole ecosystem as they grow.
Our Team
FirstWave is driven by a strong local team, passionate about enabling Cambodian founders to strive and grow.
Partner, Capital & Investment Strategy
Drives capital deployment, investor matchmaking, and financial modeling for founders.
Partner, Community & Ecosystem Development
Leads brand, community engagement, and founder programming across all FirstWave touchpoints.
Partner, Fintech & Digital Infrastructure
Provides subject-matter expertise and mentorship to startups in finance and core systems.
Partner, Fundraising & Visibility
Focuses on investment relations, capital campaigns, and storytelling across the region.
Partner, Growth & Digital Strategy
Supports startups on growth marketing, go-to-market execution, and digital campaigns.
Partner, Legal & Governance Affairs
Provides legal structuring, compliance frameworks, and corporate governance advisory.
Partner, Public Sector & Strategic Initiatives
Leads government engagement, cross-sector program design, and institutional alliances.
Partner, Technology & Product Innovation
Advises on tech stack, scalability, and emerging technologies (Web3, AI, SaaS).
Whether you're a founder ready to scale or a partner ready to back the next wave — let's talk.