Specialties

Startups, contracts, regulatory compliance

About Izwan zakaria

Izwan Zakaria is the founder and managing partner of Izwan & Partners, a technology and startup focused law firm.

Izwan has over a decade of legal experience in corporate and commercial laws. He has direct experience in acting for online and digital businesses like equity crowdfunding, peer to peer lending, ecommerce, and robo advisory platforms and other disruptive technologies.

His involvement in the technology sector also extends to advising fintech clients on compliance matters relating to regulatory developments in the industry as set out by the Central Bank and the Securities Commission.

Izwan has experience in venture capital fundraising having acted for startups and investors across sectors such as technology, media, e-commerce, fintech, fashion and agritech.

Izwan is a member of the Fintech Association of Malaysia and active in the Malaysian startup ecosystem, where he regularly mentors early stage entrepreneurs and speaks at events on compliance and fundraising matters. He is currently a mentor and adviser at Founders Institute (a pre-seed start-up accelerator with a presence in over 180 cities worldwide).

Work experience (highlights)

Regulatory compliance

Advised a leading technology accelerator 1337 Ventures in their licensing application to be registered as an equity crowfunding platform in Malaysia
Advised a Singapore based crowdfunding platform Fundnel Pte Ltd on their licensing application to be registered as an equity crowdfunding platform in Malaysia
Advised Wahed Inc, a robot advisory firm based in United States to be licensed as a robo advisory platform in Malaysia
Advised an e-commerce platform 11street on their online terms of use and seller agreement

Fundraising

Advised a sovereign wealth fund venture fund FirstFloor Capital on their series A USD2 mil lead investments in SupplyCart
Advised a government funding agency Cradle Fund on their seed and commercialisation funding grants to investee companies
Advised an equity crowdfunding platform Crowdplus.Asia on their legal due diligence exercises on crowdfunding campaigns hosted on its platform
Acted for a private equity fund manager Widuri Capital Management on their fund formation and licensing requirements by the Securities Commission

What people say about Izwan

"Izwan has been, and still is, an invaluable partner as our legal counsel and friend, through out our journey as an agritech startup in Malaysia and Singapore. He has helped us with our fund raising, business connections, legal contracts and shared us on potential grants landscape and social impact that we can make!"

Kelveen Soh CEO, Fefifo

"Izwan Zakaria, the only name that pops up each time my tech startup friends ask me to recommend them a future-proof lawyer. He has the skills, the knowledge and experience. His advice is sound and practical too."

Azleen Abdul Rahim Cofounder, Marketing In Asia

"Izwan supported my ambition to build my own social enterprise and opened doors to his connections and networks, allowing me to grow my social enterprise to where it is today. His genuine intention in helping startup entrepreneurs is portrayed through his constant support and advice."

Raudhah Nazran CEO, Accelerate Global

"One thing that struck me about Izwan is that he really wants the best for everyone! He is resourceful and honest, and also empathetic. Izwan also has an eye for tech and startup related stuff, so do talk to him!"

Dina Zaman Director, Iman Research

Izwan is well versed in helping start ups with legal advice.

Jashida Kamal Cofounder, EAT Launchpad

If you're a startup and curious about building a ready commercial presence and where to head for investments, you'll search in vain for anyone with more extensive insights than Izwan.

Yunus Zakariah Founder, Bahas Bola

Read our latest posts

Izwan & Partners Contributes to VC and PE Industry Growth with New Malaysia’s Guide

Izwan & Partners is proud to announce that it has contributed to the Securities Commission Malaysia’s (“SC”) ‘Practical Guide on Venture Capital and Private Equity in Malaysia’ (“Guide”). “We are

Equity Crowdfunding in Malaysia: A Step by Step Guide

Considering Equity Crowdfunding (ECF) for your Malaysian company or startup? Our guide explores the steps to a successful and compliant capital raise through an ECF platform.