Rei Murakami Frenzel, the second daughter of Yoshiaki Murakami, founder of Japan’s Murakami Family Foundation, recently teamed up with Felix Frenzel (former Investment Manager at Antler) to launch Kadan Capital.

Based in Singapore, Kadan Capital looks to invest in fintech, SaaS, and Artificial Intelligence across Southeast Asia (mainly Singapore and Indonesia) and Japan with an average ticket size of US$500,000 to US$1 million.

e27 recently spoke with Rei Murakami to learn more about Kadan Capital and its goals in the region.

Edited excerpts:

Could you share your personal journey leading to the creation of Kadan Capital?

When I took over my family foundation and led it in a new direction, I experienced firsthand the challenges of building something from the ground up—the pressure of making the right decisions, hiring the right team, and the resilience required to push forward.

This journey gave me a deep appreciation for what founders go through and strengthened my passion for supporting those who dare to bring bold ideas to life.

At our family office, we have always believed in investing during times of uncertainty—when others pull back, we see opportunity. This principle has strongly shaped our approach at Kadan Capital.

“Kadan” (果断) is Japanese and translates to “decisive” and “determined.” Today, Southeast Asia is navigating a period of turbulence. Still, we believe this is precisely the time to step in, back exceptional founders, and lay the foundation for the next wave of innovation.

Several early-stage VCs in the region focus on AI, SaaS, and fintech. How does Kadan Capital differentiate itself from these VC firms?

While many VCs in SEA take a sector-agnostic approach, we believe that having a focused investment strategy provides unique advantages. Specialisation allows us to develop deeper, thesis-driven insights and build stronger networks within our core sectors, enabling us to support founders more effectively beyond just capital.

Also Read: Yoshiaki Murakami’s daughter launches early-stage VC firm Kadan Capital in Singapore

As the venture landscape evolves, more substantial funds have naturally shifted toward later-stage investments and broader industry coverage. In contrast, our relatively smaller fund size gives us agility—we are not constrained by rigid mandates that might drive valuations and round sizes up beyond realistic expectations. We can move quickly and adapt to market shifts while remaining disciplined in our investment decisions.

Our approach is shaped by an owner’s mindset, which differs from the typical GP model. We’re purely incentivised to find the most extraordinary founders and make our portfolio companies succeed—not on fundraising and marketing.

This aligns our goals with those of the founders. We’re taking a patient, conviction-driven approach, supporting the founders through different market conditions with a long-term perspective.

Why did you choose to target fintech, SaaS, and AI as your primary verticals?

Our decision to focus on these sectors is driven by both our experience and a strong conviction in their long-term potential in SEA.

• Fintech has consistently been the most robust sector in SEA, attracting steady funding and generating unicorns and successful exits. As financial infrastructure in the region continues to evolve, we see immense opportunities for companies driving financial inclusion and efficiency.
• B2B SaaS has seen strong talent in Singapore building globally competitive products, and we expect this trend to continue. While some argue that SaaS is still too early for emerging markets in SEA, we believe adoption will accelerate faster than expected as businesses increasingly seek to enhance productivity. Moreover, new technologies—particularly AI—will play a crucial role in reducing reliance on labour, making SaaS solutions even more compelling.
• AI is not a standalone sector but a transformative layer across fintech and SaaS. It has the potential to enhance and rapidly accelerate value creation in both industries, improving efficiency, scalability, and competitiveness.

Are there any specific trends within fintech, SaaS, or AI that excite you most and align with Kadan’s long-term goals?

Sectoral trends and themes are evolving fast, but there are a few that we are especially focused on:

• AI-powered vertical SaaS: Traditional vertical software often involves repetitive, time-consuming tasks susceptible to human error. We’re looking for AI-powered SaaS designed for specific industries—such as medical coding or compliance tasks in regulated sectors—with clear ROI and fast time-to-value.
• Cross-border payments for emerging markets: Payments in these geographies remain expensive, slow, and inefficient. For many individuals and SMEs, this creates significant limitations. We’re targeting startups that leverage innovative technology to enable seamless, low-cost, and efficient transfers built on trust and transparency.
• Asset-backed financing in emerging markets: Access to affordable financing for essential assets like homes and vehicles remains out of reach for a significant portion of the population in emerging markets. We’re looking for innovative financing models that leverage tech, alternative data, and proprietary underwriting methods to make capital-intensive necessities more accessible.

Southeast Asia and Japan are diverse markets. How do you adapt your investment strategies to the unique challenges and opportunities in each region?

Kadan Capital’s core focus remains on SEA, while Japan and other regions are more opportunistic markets for us. Even within SEA, we take a nuanced approach, tailoring our investment thesis to each country’s economic landscape, demographics, culture, and unique market dynamics.

However, we also recognise the value of cross-market learning and apply insights from other regions where relevant.

While software innovation has lagged in Japan in past decades, we see a structural shift on the horizon. With a declining population, increasing pressure exists to drive efficiency, creating opportunities for SaaS and AI-driven automation. As businesses look for ways to optimise operations and fill labour gaps, we expect strong adoption of productivity-enhancing technologies.

What are your thoughts on the startup ecosystem in Indonesia and the UAE? How do they compare to Singapore or Japan in terms of growth potential?

Each market has a distinct startup ecosystem shaped by its economic landscape, talent pool, and investor dynamics.

Indonesia’s rapidly maturing ecosystem is fuelled by talent emerging from tech giants. These experienced operators bring strong networks and execution capabilities, driving the next wave of startups.

Also Read: A decade of Japan’s mandatory stress checks: Why work-related mental health is still declining?

Singapore remains SEA’s regional hub, attracting top-tier tech talent while benefiting from trusted financial institutions and strong regulatory frameworks. Its role as a launchpad for scaling across SEA makes it a key market for both startups and investors.

Japan has traditionally had a more closed startup ecosystem with a smaller talent pool. However, we see a shift underway—an increasing risk appetite is driving top talent from corporates into the startup space, fuelled by growing interest from foreign investors. This momentum is expected to create more opportunities.

With AI’s growing importance, what role do you see it playing in shaping startups and their industries in the next 5-10 years?

AI will reshape industries by reducing headcount, capital intensity, and increasing efficiencies across sectors like healthcare and education. We expect AI-enabled vertical software and AI-native business services to lead value creation, with a new wave of billion-dollar companies emerging from these innovations.

Does Kadan Capital plan to be a bridge between Japan and Southeast Asia? How will this fund mutually benefit Japanese and SEA startups?

Yes, we see a strong opportunity to bridge the ecosystems of Japan and SEA. One of the biggest challenges for SEA’s venture ecosystem is the lack of exit opportunities. Japan’s capital market is significantly larger and deeper than any in SEA, providing potential IPO avenues for startups from the region.

Additionally, Japanese corporations, facing a stagnant domestic economy, are increasingly seeking strategic partnerships and acquisitions abroad. This presents opportunities for funding (both equity and debt) and exits for SEA startups, particularly in sectors like fintech. Our network and positioning allow us to facilitate these connections, benefiting both Japanese and SEA founders.

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Key highlights:

• Easing geopolitical tensions and regulatory shifts boost market sentiment, with the MSCI US index rising 0.7 per cent
• Weak US job data leads to a drop in Treasury yields and a 0.9 per cent decline in the US Dollar Index
• Fed official signals economic stability, reducing the likelihood of policy changes
• Brent crude edges up 0.3 per cent, while gold hits all-time highs amid uncertainty
• Japan’s wage growth surges, boosting Asian markets
• U.S. scales back crypto enforcement, while China’s tech crackdown triggers a US$2.5B AI-driven crypto sell-off
• Trump’s Solana meme coin crashes 37 per cent, highlighting crypto volatility

On February 5, 2025, the landscape of global finance has been reshaped by a mix of easing geopolitical tensions and shifts in regulatory focus, leading to a nuanced risk sentiment among investors. This change in perception comes at a time when market participants are increasingly viewing China’s approach as more measured and cautious, particularly in contrast to previous years. This perception has contributed to a positive movement in stock indices, with the MSCI US index showing a commendable 0.7 per cent increase. Sectors like Energy, Consumer Discretionary, and Information Technology have been at the forefront of this rally, each gaining over 1.5 per cent in recent trading sessions.

However, not all economic indicators have been glowing. The US JOLTS job openings data, which came in below expectations, has led to a recalibration in market expectations. This has directly influenced the US Treasury yields, with both the 2-year and 10-year yields experiencing a decline. The 2-year yield dropped to 4.214 per cent, while the 10-year yield fell to 4.511 per cent. This movement in treasury yields often signals investor uncertainty about future economic growth or inflation rates, further reflected by a significant tumble in the US Dollar Index, which saw a 0.9 per cent decrease, ending a three-session rally.

Comments from San Francisco Fed President Daly have added to the narrative, suggesting that the US economy is in a stable position, which might not necessitate preemptive policy adjustments by the Federal Reserve in response to the current administration’s actions. This cautious optimism from a key Fed official underscores a belief in the resilience of the US economy amidst ongoing global negotiations and policy shifts.

Shifting focus to commodities, Brent crude oil prices edged up slightly by 0.3 per cent, as investors continue to weigh the implications of US-China trade relations and the reinforcement of sanctions on Iran. Meanwhile, gold has soared to new all-time highs, driven by safe-haven buying amid global uncertainties, illustrating the market’s jittery mood when it comes to geopolitical risks.

Also Read: Markets in flux: Navigating economic uncertainty

In Asia, the economic news was not all cautionary; Japanese nominal wages have seen an increase at the fastest pace in nearly thirty years, providing a solid backdrop for the Bank of Japan’s recent decision to hike rates. This wage growth could signal a strengthening consumer base in Japan, potentially impacting consumer spending and economic recovery. Asian equity indices responded positively to these developments, with many markets showing gains in early trading sessions.

On the other side of the globe, the cryptocurrency market has been experiencing its own set of challenges. The current administration’s move to scale back on crypto enforcement has seen the SEC reassigning lawyers from its crypto enforcement unit, marking one of the first concrete steps in a more relaxed regulatory approach towards cryptocurrencies. This could be interpreted as either a boon for innovation in the crypto space or a red flag for potential future volatility due to less oversight.

The crypto market, however, took a significant hit with the news of China investigating tech giants like NVIDIA and Google, amidst an escalating trade war. This led to a massive US$2.5 billion dump by Crypto AI traders, with the sector plunging by 8.5 per cent. The ripple effects of these investigations are not just confined to tech stocks but have a profound impact on AI-driven crypto trading algorithms, which are sensitive to regulatory news and trade policies.

Adding to the crypto market’s woes, President Trump’s Solana meme coin experienced a dramatic 37 per cent plunge, becoming the day’s biggest loser among the top 100 coins. This sharp decline underscores the volatile nature of meme coins and highlights how quickly market sentiment can shift in the cryptocurrency world, especially under the shadow of broader trade conflicts.

From my perspective, while the easing of global tensions has provided a brief respite and a boost to certain sectors, the underlying currents of geopolitical manoeuvres, regulatory shifts in cryptocurrency, and technological developments continue to create an unpredictable environment. Investors need to remain vigilant, balancing optimism with a keen eye on policy developments, especially in technology and trade sectors. The interplay between traditional markets and the burgeoning digital asset space is becoming increasingly complex, necessitating a nuanced approach to investment strategies in this new financial terrain.

As we navigate through these choppy waters, the key will be adaptability, informed decision-making, and perhaps, a cautious embrace of innovation in financial technologies, all while keeping an eye on the broader economic and political context that shapes our global markets.

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The Southeast Asian (SEA) blockchain technology sector is demonstrating significant signs of recovery, experiencing a 45 per cent increase in funding in 2024, reaching US$592 million.

This marks a substantial rebound from the previous year when funding totalled US$408 million, though it still remains 74 per cent lower than the record US$2.27 billion raised in 2022.

A Tracxn study reveals that the sector witnessed improvements across various funding stages. Seed-stage funding saw a modest 3 per cent increase, reaching US$161 million. Early-stage funding experienced a more robust growth of 61 per cent, rising to US$393 million. Late-stage funding saw the most dramatic surge, skyrocketing by 344 per cent to US$37.7 million, although these figures are considerably lower than those seen in 2022.

Several companies secured notable funding rounds. SDAX led the pack, raising US$50 million in its Series B round, followed by Sygnum with US$40 million and WadzpPay with US$37 million. Polyhedra Network also became the sole new unicorn in the space after raising US$20 million in a Series B round.

Also Read: Report: APAC demonstrates stronger cryptocurrency resilience, growth in 2024

Cryptocurrencies, blockchain infrastructure, and smart contracts emerged as the top-funded segments. The cryptocurrencies segment attracted US$325 million, a 20 per cent increase from the previous year. Blockchain infrastructure experienced a remarkable 152 per cent surge, reaching US$287 million. The smart contracts segment grew nearly tenfold, raising US$19.6 million.

The year also saw increased activity in exits, with seven acquisitions recorded compared to four in 2023. Propine was acquired by Komainu, and SolanaFM was acquired by Jupiter. Tridentity became the only company in the space to go public in 2024.

Singapore led the region in blockchain funding, with startups raising US$483 million. Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur followed, raising US$18 million and US$12 million, respectively.

Key investors in the SEA blockchain sector included NGC, Animoca Brands, and OKX. Spartan Group, Hashkey Capital, and Alliance DAO were the most active in seed-stage investments, while early-stage funding was largely driven by UOB, Taisu, and IDG Capital.

The sector has benefited from government initiatives promoting blockchain adoption, particularly in Thailand and Vietnam. Thailand is exploring blockchain for cross-border payments and supply chain financing, while Vietnam aims to become a global blockchain hub.

The Southeast Asian blockchain sector is poised for further growth, driven by increasing adoption and favourable conditions.

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The Asia Pacific (APAC) region is emerging as a major player in the cryptocurrency market, with retail investor activity surging at a faster pace than other regions.

Following a downturn in 2022, digital asset prices have seen a notable recovery in 2024. Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana have experienced substantial capital inflows, with Solana outperforming Bitcoin and Ethereum on several trading days since November 2022.

According to the latest Crypto Trends report released by global cryptocurrency exchange Gemini, in collaboration with on-chain analytics firm Glassnode, APAC is demonstrating significant growth in digital asset adoption, marking a shift in global market dynamics.

One of the key takeaways from Gemini’s report is the strong onchain activity growth in APAC. When excluding institutional flows from exchanges and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the region exhibits faster retail growth compared to other parts of the world.

This trend underscores the increasing participation of individual investors in digital asset markets across APAC, contrasting with the institutional-dominated trading landscape seen in other regions.

Also Read: The essentials of mapping a customer journey across digital assets

Comparative market trends: APAC, US and EU

Since the market downturn in December 2022, the APAC region has recorded a 6.4 per cent year-over-year (YoY) supply growth in digital assets.

In contrast, the US has seen a -5.7 per cent decline, while the European market has remained relatively stable, experiencing only a -0.7 per cent drop.

This disparity highlights how investor sentiment and capital flows differ based on geographical factors, with APAC demonstrating stronger resilience and growth in the digital asset sector.

The report attributes these regional differences to various factors, including regulatory frameworks, economic conditions and investor sentiment. APAC’s relatively open and evolving regulatory landscape, coupled with high digital adoption rates, has fostered a conducive environment for crypto investment and innovation.

Despite regional variations in growth and adoption, the report emphasises the inherently global nature of digital assets.

Cryptocurrency markets operate across borders, with transaction flows influenced by policies and regulations in different jurisdictions. The ability to move capital seamlessly across regions means that investor behaviour is often shaped by regulatory clarity and economic incentives in specific markets.

Also Read: Animoca Brands backs Singapore’s digital asset exchange Tokenize

To analyse geographical trends, Gemini and Glassnode use transaction timestamping, a methodology that associates transaction times with specific regions. This approach allows the report to estimate the probability of digital asset activity occurring in the US, Europe or APAC, providing valuable insights into the shifting trends of retail and institutional participation.

The future of cryptocurrency in APAC

As the digital asset market continues to evolve, APAC’s increasing role in global crypto adoption signals a broader decentralisation of market influence. The region’s robust onchain activity growth, coupled with positive supply growth trends, suggests that APAC is becoming a crucial hub for retail crypto investment.

With regulatory frameworks still developing across APAC markets, the trajectory of crypto adoption in the region will likely be shaped by policy decisions in key economies such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.

As the market matures, continued retail engagement and the potential entry of more institutional players could further solidify APAC’s position as a leading force in the global digital asset ecosystem.

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Image Credit: Jievani Weerasinghe on Unsplash

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Recruitment goes beyond filling roles, and it shapes your company’s DNA. Top entrepreneurs understand that who you hire defines what your company will become, so they make recruitment a top priority.

Culture is built on a solid recruitment and talent strategy

If you’re a leader thinking that recruitment is best left to a department, it’s time to reconsider. Jeff Bezos built Amazon’s culture around principles like customer obsession and delivery results, and he infused these values directly into his hiring practices. Bezos didn’t just talk about culture—he made it actionable, saying:

I’d rather interview 50 people and not hire anyone than hire the wrong person.

Why? Because the wrong hire can weaken your culture. Amazon’s Leadership Principles aren’t just words; they’re tools used to evaluate every new hire, ensuring they’re customer-focused and results-driven from day one. This hands-on approach is how Bezos built a team that embodied his vision, and it’s a lesson every leader should take to heart.

Steve Jobs: Obsess over talent that shares your vision

Steve Jobs didn’t just want skilled people; he wanted people who could think differently. At Apple, he personally interviewed early hires to ensure they weren’t just technically capable but aligned with the company’s mission to push boundaries. Jobs understood that great people can shape a company far more than any single product. He famously said:

Jobs didn’t outsource culture-building; he owned it. By taking control of the hiring process, he could build a team that understood Apple’s goals at a fundamental level, which made Apple one of the most innovative companies in the world.

Why today’s leaders should take recruitment personally

You might feel too busy to dedicate time to recruiting. But recruitment isn’t just filling roles; it’s defining the future of your company. Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, spent a significant amount of time in the early days personally interviewing every candidate. He knew that culture was more than just an abstract idea—it was the shared passion that connected people to Airbnb’s mission. Chesky has said:

Culture is simply a shared way of doing something with passion.

By involving himself in recruitment, Chesky ensured that every hire wasn’t just there to work—they were there to belong. This dedication to building a cohesive culture helped Airbnb grow from a small startup to a global phenomenon, and it’s something today’s leaders can learn from.

Also Read: Are you a human resource?

Surround yourself with people who push you

Hiring is about building a team that pushes you to be better. Mark Zuckerberg only hires people he would want to work for himself. He’s said:

I will only hire someone to work directly for me if I would work for that person.

By taking this approach, Zuckerberg surrounds himself with individuals he respects and trusts, ensuring his team reflects Facebook’s values. For him, recruitment isn’t just about filling positions—it’s about enhancing leadership and fostering an environment of innovation.

Recruitment is key to achieving big goals

If you’re still unsure whether recruitment deserves your attention, consider Elon Musk’s perspective. Musk, who is often known for his ambitious goals, personally conducts interviews to find people who can handle Tesla and SpaceX’s relentless challenges. He’s said:

Talent is extremely important. It’s like a sports team—the team that wins is the one that has the best players overall.

For Musk, recruiting the best isn’t a task he can hand off. He knows that to make his ambitious visions a reality, he needs a team that shares his resilience and passion for solving big problems. By staying involved in the hiring process, Musk builds teams capable of tackling the seemingly impossible.

Taking the time to recruit right isn’t just a task; it’s a strategic advantage. Every hire has the potential to shape your company’s future. Follow the lead of the most successful entrepreneurs: invest in building a team that embodies your values, shares your vision, and is equipped to drive your company forward.

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