Challenging year ahead for startups

According to a survey more than 45% feel the funding environment for startups will likely be more challenging in the current calendar year. Only a little over a third of the founders surveyed rated the government’s efforts to improve the startup ecosystem as good or excellent, with respondents stating that tax policies should improve and a stable regulatory environment must be established. The latest survey showed that buyouts and mergers & acquisitions are seen as the most realistic exit options for investors in the country’s startups. The 2019 Startup Outlook Report, an annual survey administered to startup founders and business leaders, is published by the venture debt fund that’s backed by government of Singapore owned investment firm Temasek and United Overseas Bank.