Gobi Partners backs ArmourZero to revolutionise cybersecurity for SMEs across Southeast Asia

• Solutions enable SMEs to mitigate risks, bolster their digital defences 
• Investment made through Gobi Dana Impact Ventures, backed by Khazanah National

Gobi Partners, Asia’s leading venture capital firm, has announced an undisclosed investment in ArmourZero Holdings Pte Ltd, a cloud-based cybersecurity platform offering AI-powered Application Security and Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS).

This investment, made through the Gobi Dana Impak Ventures fund backed by Khazanah Nasional Berhad, aligns with Khazanah’s Dana Impak mandate. The investment underscores Gobi’s commitment to fostering startups and advancing cybersecurity across Southeast Asia.

Founded in 2022, ArmourZero commenced operations in January 2023 and operates through wholly owned subsidiaries in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, with its core business activities centred in Malaysia. The company was co-founded by cybersecurity expert Tho Kit Hoong and tech innovator Chong Wai Lun, focusing on addressing the cybersecurity needs of software developers and small and medium enterprises—a vital yet underserved segment of the digital economy.

ArmourZero’s platform tackles high cyber threat incidence, inadequate threat containment, prohibitive costs, and limited access to integrated security systems. Its key solutions include:

• ShieldOne - Unified Threat Monitoring, Management, and Response: ShieldOne streamlines cybersecurity operations by integrating endpoint security, email protection, patch management, and more into a single platform. It provides real-time threat protection, 24/7 Managed Detection and Response, and a hassle-free experience. Partnering with industry leaders such as CrowdStrike, Checkpoint (Avanan), Bitdefender, and BitSight, ShieldOne helps businesses reduce complexity and strengthen their security posture.
• Managed Detection and Response (MDR): A core feature of ShieldOne, MDR offers real-time threat detection, proactive incident management, and rapid response. Delivered by a dedicated team of cybersecurity analysts, it ensures enterprise-grade protection at a cost-effective price.
• ScoutTwo - AI-powered Application Security: ScoutTwo secures web and mobile applications from development to deployment. It provides instant vulnerability detection, risk prioritisation, and AI-powered remediation recommendations. By enhancing application security at every stage, ScoutTwo helps prevent cyberattacks and ensures business continuity.

“Our goal is to redefine cybersecurity by making it simpler and more accessible for businesses of all sizes to defend against cyber threats,” said Tho Kit Hoong, CEO and Co-founder of ArmourZero.

“This investment accelerates our innovation and strengthens our commitment to providing powerful, AI-driven security solutions that simplify cybersecurity and eliminate complexity,” he added.

Addressing the Growing Demand for Cybersecurity in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia’s cybersecurity market is expected to grow from US$35billion(RM156billion) in2023 to US$35billion (RM156billion)in2023to US$84 billion (RM375 billion) by 2028, driven by escalating cyber threats and digital transformation. SMEs, comprising 99% of Malaysian businesses, face disproportionate vulnerability due to limited resources and awareness.

[RM1 = US$0.22]

ArmourZero’s solutions bridge this gap, enabling SMEs to mitigate risks, reduce costs, and bolster their digital defences. Malaysia recorded over 28,000 cyberattacks in 2022, with cyber incidents between 2017 and 2021 resulting in RM2.23 billion in financial losses. Research indicates that organisations resolving breaches within 200 days significantly reduce costs. ArmourZero’s rapid breach detection and response capabilities help businesses contain threats, minimise losses, and reinforce their cybersecurity posture.

Future Plans and Regional Impact

ArmourZero is set to introduce more innovative, game-changing products to simplify cybersecurity for businesses while expanding its footprint across Southeast Asia. This aligns with Gobi Partners’ mission to support startups that deliver tangible value and drive sustainable growth.

“ArmourZero is tackling a critical issue by making cybersecurity accessible for businesses and digital applications, as well as SMEs—a vital segment that drives economic growth yet remains underserved in digital protection,” said Jamaludin Bujang, Managing Partner of Gobi Partners.

“Their innovative platform and leadership team embody Gobi’s vision of supporting startups that deliver meaningful impact,” he added.

Dana Impak is a key pillar of Khazanah’s Advancing Malaysia strategy, anchored by the ‘A Nation That Creates’ framework, which aims to boost national productivity and competitiveness. Dana Impak initiatives aim to empower Malaysian businesses of all sizes and across different life cycles, including startups, small to mid-tier companies, as well as large companies, with the objective of improving the livelihood of communities.

As part of its commitment to strengthening cybersecurity for businesses and SMEs, ArmourZero is offering an exclusive 50% discount on ScoutTwo, its AI-powered DevSecOps platform. ScoutTwo enhances web and mobile application security by providing real-time vulnerability detection, automated risk prioritisation, and AI-driven remediation. It ensures compliance with OWASP Top 10, CWE, and CVE standards, helping developers secure applications from development to deployment.

This limited-time offer is available until 31 March 2025. Sign up now to safeguard your applications: https://www.armourzero.com/azgobiceleb/