Venture Capital

Hyperlocalizing Asia-first mental health at scale: What Southeast Asia startups bring to the global stage of innovation

Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem has historically been formed by learnings from more mature markets. But the growth of the region’s digital economy has uncovered uniquely emerging market challenges that have given rise to new species of venture-backed startups.

Better Bite Ventures launches $15M fund for alternative protein startups in Asia Pacific

Better Bite Ventures launches Tuesday with a $15 million fund, including an initial portfolio of 10 Asia Pacific (APAC) startups, harnessing plant-based and cellular agriculture technologies to create climate-friendly meat, dairy, egg and seafood alternatives that are better for people, animals and planet. The fund, first of its kind dedicated entirely to…

Singapore’s Aera VC raises $30M for climate breakthroughs

Aera VC announced Monday a $30 million first close of its new fund investing in startups accelerating the planet toward a sustainable future. The new climate-focused fund is launching with a portfolio of global climate stars including Houston-based chemical decarbonisation firm Solugen, as well as Shiok Meats (Singapore), Carbon Chain (London), Noya and…

Malaysia’s drone tech hub ambition: Opportunities & Challenges [Part 1]

In this first part, we briefly look into the opportunities awaiting Malaysia drone tech startups.

Indonesia’s AC Ventures appoints venture capital veteran Helen Wong as Senior Advisor and Venture Partner

Indonesian venture capital firm AC Ventures announced Monday that venture capital veteran Helen Wong has joined as the fund Senior Advisor and Full-Time Venture Partner.

Singaporean venture capital firm Altara Ventures closes $130M inaugural fund to invest in next generation tech founders

Altara Ventures announced Thursday the successful final closing of its inaugural fund, reaching a total of $130 million, with support from institutional funds, sovereign wealth funds, financial services institutions, publicly listed corporations and prominent family offices. The firm has made seven investments to date and will continue to actively deploy…

Japan’s Mizuho Bank leads neobank Tonik’s $131M Series B

Mizuho Bank, one of Japan's largest banking groups, is the latest big backer of Philippine digital bank Tonik, leading its $131 million Series B round of funding.

Japanese VC firm Genesia Ventures raises $90M in first close of third fund to invest in Japan, SE Asia

Genesia Ventures announced the first close of its new fund, Genesia Venture Fund 3 Investment Limited Partnership, with a total amount of approximately $90 million. Similar to the first and second funds, the third fund is focused on investments in pre-seed and seed stage startups in Japan and Southeast Asia (SEA),

Resilience, adaptability & speed to scale are essential in navigating today’s business challenges, says Quest Ventures’ James Tan [ORIGIN Innovation Awards Q&A]

"More VCs in the medium and long-term with bigger war chests. This would mean more funds to deploy and the ability to grow the startup ecosystem more rapidly."