Over 100 investors and entrepreneurs from around the region converged in Singapore for the launch of Angel's Gate, Asia's first business-focused reality programme.

Backed by Asia's leading venture funds, Angel's Gate is a 360-degree platform spanning the TV, Web and Mobile that gives entrepreneurs the opportunity of a lifetime to pitch their dream business ideas to some of Asia's most successful investors.

Produced by Interactive SG, a digital media company and supported by Singapore's Media Development Authority (MDA), Angel's Gate targets enterprising individuals who believe they have the next big business idea and want a shot at securing public support and funding. People from all walks of life will have the chance to make their dreams come true.

Angel's Gate will be delivered to audiences globally, targeting a combined viewership of 100 million. Available on mobile platforms, Angel's Gate also lets users view videos, participate and connect with a network of entrepreneurs on the move.

According to Ash Singh, Founder and CEO of Interactive SG, "Entrepreneurs involved in Angel's Gate will receive more exposure than they could by any other means, empowering them through the use of technology and the media. Over and above delivering unparalleled reach and visibility, the vision behind Angel's Gate is to create a level playing field for the aspiring entrepreneurs of this generation. We might just see the rise of the next Mark Zuckerberg, Donald Trump or Richard Branson from Asia," he says.

Simon Mouyal, Chief Marketing Officer, Microsoft summarizes: "The Angel's Gate project brings to life three key drivers for entrepreneurship: aspiration with successful entrepreneurs, cash with support from the best business angels in Asia and innovation with access to the latest technology for a fast, smooth start-up."

The AngelsGate.com website went live on October 14; and more than a hundred business ideas have already been submitted. The most compelling and well received ideas will advance to Angel's Gate TV, which is set to start airing in the coming months on a regional broadcast partner.

Entrepreneurs who believe they have what it takes can submit their business ideas to AngelsGate.com. There, they can leverage their social graph (through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn) to crowd-source support for their ideas. They can even raise financial support through AngelsGate.com.

The Angel's Gate TV panel of judges include Dr. Finian Tan, Founder of Vickers Financial Group; Karan Singh Thakral, Executive Director of the Thakral Group of Companies; Ken Mandel, Founder of Jam Ventures; Patrick Grove, Co-founder and CEO of Catcha Group; and William Klippgen, Founder and Managing Director of Tigris Capital.

Apart from business funding, entrepreneurs will also be offered an opportunity to think about how they can make a meaningful contribution to society through philanthropy and corporate citizenship. Angel's Gate has partnered CapitaLand Hope Foundation as the programme's charity sponsor. Through the partnership, underprivileged children will benefit when entrepreneurs garner support for their business ideas. CapitaLand Hope Foundation will donate S$1 to selected children's charities for every 'Facebook Like' gathered by entrepreneurs for their respective business ideas on AngelsGate.com, and winning entrepreneurs on Angel's Gate TV will get to earn bonus donations from the Foundation to benefit even more underprivileged children. For more information, visit www.angelsgate.com

By MediaBUZZ