“Starting a tech business in Cambodia is not easy—you know the drill: big ideas, limited funding, and banks treating early-stage founders like a risk they can’t afford to take.” This is a problem Chhun Phalanady, Quanta’s Research & Growth Lead knows too well, and Quanta sets out to tackle this challenge. Their fintech crowdfunding platform connects tech startups and small businesses with lenders, offering transparent, tailored financing while helping businesses build credibility for the future.
“We started Quanta because we wanted to give startups a real chance to grow,” says Phalanady. “It’s not just about funding, it’s about trust, credibility, and helping entrepreneurs take their ideas to the next level.”
Quanta was founded by a team of six driven innovators: Chhun Phalanady (Research & Growth Lead), Chor Sosureta (Brand & Marketing Lead), Chun Sovannara (Finance & Compliance Lead), Kheng Pitou (Product Developer), Khen Pheakdey (Full-stack Developer), and Sak Sovannpanharith (Backend Developer).
Their journey began in 2022 during SmartEdu University Student Development Program (USDP), where they worked together on a digital onboarding challenge for Maybank. They didn’t win, but the experience taught them the value of collaboration, resilience, and trust; lessons that became the foundation of Quanta.
The team quickly realized that peer-to-peer lending was complex in Cambodia, due to regulatory challenges and trust issues. So, they pivoted to crowdfunding, creating a platform that connects startups with investors while banks handle the funds securely. This structure allows entrepreneurs to focus on growth, build a credible financial history, and gain the confidence of future lenders. It’s a stepping stone for startups that often have no other way to access capital.
Being part of the ACTSmart Incubation Program has accelerated their journey. Over the three months, the team is focused on introducing their brand and product to the market, refining their approach, and building visibility. ACTSmart provides mentorship, industry connections, and practical guidance, helping Quanta navigate challenges and strengthen their platform.
Quanta has already made its mark. They were recognized as a Top Finalist in a national innovation competition, a milestone that wasn’t about the prize, but about belief. Judges and mentors acknowledged that their idea had potential, giving the team confidence that their platform could truly make a difference for startups.
Through their journey, the team has learned that startups demand speed, adaptability, and resilience. “You start fast, you do it fast, and you fail fast. You must adapt faster than you think,” said Phalanady. “Mentors always tell us, ‘Don’t fall in love with your solution; fall in love with the problem.’ That mindset keeps us flexible and focused,” she added. Her advice to other founders is simple: build a team you trust, know your purpose, embrace failure, and seek guidance from those who’ve been there.
Quanta is more than a platform; it's a lifeline for startups that need a chance to grow. By connecting businesses with investors, building credibility, and fostering financial inclusion, Quanta empowers entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas with confidence.
“Qualify your business future with Quanta.” For this team, it’s not just a slogan. It’s a promise to startups, to investors, and to the next generation of tech-driven businesses in Cambodia.
Smart Startup Space is Smart Axiata’s initiative to propel the entrepreneurial landscape of Cambodia. It’s a dynamic, purpose-driven space designed to nurture the next generation of digital innovators in Cambodia.
We believe in startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs at all levels across Cambodia. Their ideas, beliefs, and bold actions inspire us.
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