Gobi Partners, Asia’s leading venture capital firm, has announced a strategic investment in ArmourZero Holdings Pte Ltd, a cloud-based cybersecurity platform offering AI-powered Application Security and Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS).
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This investment, made through the Gobi Dana Impak Ventures (GDIV) fund backed by Khazanah Nasional Berhad, aligns with Khazanah’s Dana Impak mandate. The investment underscores Gobi Partners’s commitment to fostering groundbreaking 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 (SMEs)—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 (MDR), and a hassle-free experience. Partnering with industry leaders such as CrowdStrike, Checkpoint (Avanan), Bitdefender, BitSight and more, 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 provide powerful, AI-driven security solutions that simplify cybersecurity and eliminate complexity.”
Addressing the Growing Demand for Cybersecurity in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia’s cybersecurity market is expected to grow from US$35 billion in 2023 to US$84 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. 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 (US$490 million) 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 business 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 Partners’s vision of supporting startups that deliver meaningful impact.”
Dana Impak is a key pillar of Khazanah’s Advancing Malaysia strategy anchored by ‘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 as well as large companies, with the objective of improving the livelihood of communities.
Strengthening Cybersecurity: Exclusive 50% Off ScoutTwo for SMEs and Developers
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.
About ArmourZero
At ArmourZero, we redefine cybersecurity by simplifying protection for businesses of all sizes. From ITSecOps to Application Security and Security Services, we provide seamless, AI-powered protection with 24/7 elite Security Analysts—so businesses can grow with confidence, knowing their security is always in check.
About Gobi Partners
Gobi Partners is an Asia-focused venture capital firm with US$1.6 billion in Assets Under Management (AUM). Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, the firm supports entrepreneurs from the early to growth stages and focuses on emerging and underserved markets.
Founded in 2002, Gobi Partners has raised 21 funds and invested in over 400 startups with 62 operating in the Circular Economy. Gobi Partners has grown to 15 locations across key markets in Bangkok, Beijing, Dhaka, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Karachi, Kuala Lumpur, Lahore, Manila, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore and Tianjin.
