Asian start-ups flock to Singapore to seek funding – and fame

A total of 14,000 people are expected to attend the Innovfest Unbound conference in Singapore this week, billed as the biggest gathering dedicated to innovation in Southeast Asia. Held at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre that overlooks the mouth of the historic Singapore River, the conference also featured dozens of start-ups in various stages of development. They came not just from Singapore but from the region, a reflection of the country’s ambition to become an innovation hub for its neighbouring region.

Here are a few start-ups that were showcasing their products and services at the conference. Many are start-ups in the purest sense of the word – still in the self-funding stage and hoping to attract investment and financing:

1. Halmos

Founders: Yuca Yu Yue and Jin Zhuoyan, both 28

What they do: The two new Singaporeans – they became naturalised citizens this year – have started a social network aimed at break-up survivors. With a diary that can be shared and a tombstone design that changes with each passing day, the two designers hope to be able to help those who have gone through a nasty end to a relationship to get through it, millennial-style, by sharing it all online. A mapping feature means one can see other heartbreak survivors and where they are located. They plan to work with dating apps, travel apps and fitness centres in future to provide services and help their members get over their heartbreak. Inspiration? Both said: “Personal experience”