KUALA LUMPUR (July 13): Capital Markets Malaysia (CMM), an affiliate of the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), has launched a comprehensive 12-month programme tailored for companies within the mid-tier segment.

The Elevate programme, which will be funded in part by the Capital Market Development Fund, will provide guidance on business redesign strategies, fundraising models and access to financing through the capital market.

"The aim of the Elevate programme is to support mid-tier companies that have the potential to grow their businesses to the next level," CMM chairman Datuk Zainal Izlan Zainal Abidin said in a statement today.

"Recognising that funding is a key element in a company's growth strategy, the programme prepares these enterprises for fundraising through the capital market, an objective which is aligned with the SC's own market development initiatives," he added.

Mid-tier companies are defined by Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) as manufacturing sector enterprises with annual revenue of RM50 million to RM500 million, and service sector enterprises with annual revenue of RM20 million to RM200 million.

CMM general manager Zalina Shamsudin said some 300 mid-tier companies are expected to be trained under the programme over the next three years.

"We are pleased to have received the commitment of partners such as Matrade, Malaysia Digital Economy Corp and Endeavor Malaysia to support the selection of qualified participating companies from their respective networks," she added.

CMM has appointed 1337 Ventures Sdn Bhd to deliver the programme, which will be carried out in phases.

The programme will start with reinforcing business and financial management fundamentals, before moving on to design thinking and finally, the introduction of strategic funding options, CMM said.

"A differentiating element of the programme is the provision of tailor-made coaching and mentoring by business leaders and senior practitioners from the capital market.

"The Elevate programme will also provide participants with a platform to pitch to sophisticated investors, as well as private equity and venture capital firms that are registered in Malaysia," it added.