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MDA Builds Crunchbase for Singapore IDM Companies

October 21, 2009 by Gwendolyn Regina T  
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US-centric Crunchbase has been often cited as a great resource for web startups. And while the Media Development Authority (MDA) has previously tried to come up with a Digg-like site for Interactive Digital Media (IDM) ideas, it did not take off. Community engagement was abysmal. This time, their new iteration (not yet publicly launched) looks very promising.

The previous effort by MDA was under the domain iJam.sg, but the system has since been taken down and now redirects to IDM.sg – a more comprehensive site with much information on government initiatives and funding schemes for the IDM industry. Check out the old system here.

Out with the old:

This time, it seems as if MDA has been working behind closed doors on a completely new site, modeled much after Crunchbase. A good thing because the latter has proved to be a very good resource for many entrepreneurs. Be it searching for team information, founding date or simply descriptions of companies. Crunchbase may not be the most comprehensive thing out there, but it is one of the better ones, especially for US-based startups.

Whereas in Asia and Singapore, such a platform is lacking. And big kudos must go to the team at the IDM Programme Office (IDMPO) and MDA for taking on this initiative. You can check out the new platform here.

In with the new:

IDM Crunchbase screenshot

We for one can’t wait for this to be launched!

[hat tip: e27]

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Comments

  • Disappointed
    Dont even bother.. MDA does not even know how to evaluate proposals.. All they are interested is funding large companies.. or companies that suck up their asses.
  • great!
  • Are the companies that can be added only restricted to IDM-funded companies? I ask because there's a radio button with only the funding schemes, nothing for someone not yet funded by those schemes.

    It would be more likely to get wider community participation if it were a more open concept. The format looks better than in the previous screenshot but right now it does seem more like a "look at what we have" than a "take this and run with it".

    The forms also have KPIs and IDM funding details. Seems to me like its purpose is a public report card rather than a crunchbase type application.

    I mean, I really admire the effort to explore web 2.0 type applications and I like the stuff that MDA/IDM does, but there also needs to be a less restrictive, open mindset to these applications or leave it to the private sector.

    Wouldn't it be much better to have almost all of the companies in singapore or even the region (funded by MDA or not) actively using the application and connecting?

    That said... Let me go try to get my company on there.. :)
  • Do I need to register before I can add a company? I tried to add an entry and upon clicking "Add", I am directed back to the main page. No indication if my entry was added successfully or not. User interface needs a bit of work
  • Think the platform still needs some work. For example, the edit only allows the upload of pictures. Good effort but will be far from becoming a CrunchBase.
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