Bahrain-based software development company Rsquare Technologies and Singapore-based venture accelerator Startup Accelerator have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote cooperation in FinTech and other emerging technologies while fostering innovation and startup growth.

The agreement aims to develop a collaborative startup ecosystem between Bahrain, Singapore and India, where Startup Accelerator also has a presence. As well as seeing Rsquare become Startup Accelerator’s non-exclusive partner in Bahrain, and Startup Accelerator promoting Rsquare’s products and services to its partners and clients in Singapore and India, the agreement includes building startup incubators in Singapore and Bahrain.

Bahraini startups in Singapore will benefit from Startup Accelerator’s active mentoring model as well as a world-class ecosystem, government support and access to Asian markets. Likewise, Singaporean startups in Bahrain will enjoy the Kingdom’s ever-strengthening ecosystem, which boasts operating costs up to 40% lower than its neighbours as well as one of the region’s most highly skilled labour forces and some of the most advanced soft infrastructure in MENA. Sitting at the nexus of the Middle East, the Kingdom also offers a convenient springboard into the wider region, including its largest market opportunity – Saudi Arabia.

The agreement builds upon strong 30-year diplomatic ties between Bahrain and Singapore, and follows closely on from the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) – the Kingdom’s investment promotion agency – announcing a fast-track setup process for Singaporean businesses and startups earlier this year. Both nations and their regulators – the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) and the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) – are already close collaborators in the fields of innovative technologies and their regulation – particularly FinTech. The CBB and the MAS are both members of the Global Financial Innovation Network, where they are specifically collaborating on digital shares and security trading.

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In 2018, the CBB and the MAS signed an MoU to support the sharing of information on emerging FinTech trends and developments and to facilitate co-operation on innovation projects. It also set out a common framework to help FinTech companies prepare for regulatory requirements in both countries. Bahrain FinTech Bay, the leading FinTech hub in MENA is part of the global FinTech Consortium – as is Singapore FinTech Bay.

Ms. Shanthini Rahamathullah, Founder, Chairperson & CEO, Rsquare Technologies said: “This new partnership is an incredible opportunity for Bahraini and Singaporean startups. Both ecosystems have so much to offer, and through mutual cooperation and the sharing of best practices we’ll be able to support innovative businesses to attract investment, grow and scale across our respective regions and beyond.”

Dr Anand Govindaluri, Founder & Director, Startup Accelerator said: “Singapore has one of the most supportive and established startup ecosystems in the world. We are always looking for new markets with a focus on internationalisation and digitalisation in new economies. With our focus on Emerging Technologies, IoT, Blockchain, Bahrain was an obvious choice for accessing the hugely exciting MENA region, and within that Rsquare is a natural partner for this journey. The signing of this MoU was just the first of many steps to come.”

SOURCE Startup Accelerator and Rsquare Technologies

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