AU Strengthens SME Ecosystem Through Strategic Partnership to Advance Fundraising and Sustainable Growth

Assumption University of Thailand (AU), through the ABLE Incubator Center, MSME Business School, has joined forces with ShareInvestor (Thailand) and White Unicorn to establish a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the fundraising capabilities and long-term sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand. The partnership was launched in Bangkok on July 2, 2025, with the shared goal of creating greater opportunities for Thai SMEs to access knowledge, capital, investor networks, and strategic business support.

Under this collaboration, participating SMEs will gain access to capacity-building opportunities covering fundraising, capital investment, business development, and strategic growth, together with opportunities to connect with potential investors and relevant business networks. A key component is the DIPO (Drive up for Funding to IPO) Training Program, which is designed to help SMEs strengthen their business readiness, develop appropriate fundraising strategies, and build the capabilities required to scale their businesses in a sustainable manner.

The partnership represents an important connection between higher education, business incubation, investment networks, and the private sector, creating an ecosystem in which academic knowledge and practical business expertise can be translated into opportunities for entrepreneurs. Through the collaboration, AU seeks to support SMEs not only in accessing funding but also in developing stronger business structures, strategic capabilities, and long-term competitiveness.

The initiative reflects AU’s commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, knowledge transfer, and sustainable economic development. By connecting entrepreneurs with investors, mentors, academic institutions, and business networks, the partnership aims to contribute to a more resilient and inclusive SME ecosystem in Thailand and support businesses in creating sustainable value and employment.

SDGs Alignment

• SDG 4: Quality Education – Provides SMEs and entrepreneurs with training, knowledge, and capacity-building opportunities in fundraising, investment, business strategy, and sustainable business development.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Supports SME growth, entrepreneurship, access to finance, productivity, and the creation of sustainable economic opportunities and employment.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – Strengthens the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem by connecting SMEs with investment, business networks, knowledge, and strategic support.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Helps broaden SMEs’ access to knowledge, investor networks, and fundraising opportunities, particularly for businesses seeking to overcome barriers to capital and growth.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Demonstrates collaboration among AU, business incubators, investment-related organizations, and private-sector partners to strengthen Thailand’s SME ecosystem and advance sustainable economic development.