Southeast Asia’s (SEA) insurtech market has faced a challenging funding landscape, experiencing notable fluctuations over the past couple of years.

After a record high of US$495 million raised in 2023, 2024 saw a significant 61 percent drop to US$193 million. According to data intelligence platform Tracxn, this decline mirrors a global funding downturn influenced by macroeconomic uncertainties, elevated inflation, and increased interest rates, resulting in a more cautious investment environment.

Despite these financial headwinds and geopolitical complexities, the region has showcased resilience and economic adaptability.

Also Read: Why now is the right time for disruption in the insurance industry?

A closer look at the funding stages reveals a mixed bag. Seed-stage funding experienced a 16 per cent decrease, falling to US$7.7 million in 2024 from US$9.2 million in 2023. Early-stage investments suffered a sharp drop of over 80 per cent, plummeting to US$38.5 million in 2024 from US$353 million in the previous year.

Late-stage funding, however, saw an 11 per cent increase, reaching US$147 million in 2024 compared to US$133 million in 2023.

Interestingly, Q4 2024 emerged as the most active quarter, securing US$105 million, which accounts for nearly half of the year’s total funding. The second half of 2024 proved more fruitful than the first, with US$111 million raised, marking a 35 per cent increase from H1 2024 (US$82 million) but still a 50 per cent decrease from H2 2023 (US$231 million).

In terms of investment focus, Insurance IT companies attracted the most funding, securing US$135 million in 2024. While this figure represents a 47 per cent decrease from 2023’s US$256 million, it shows an 8 per cent increase from 2022’s US$125 million.

Internet-first insurance platforms received US$51.7 million in funding in 2024, a 78 per cent decrease from US$236 million in 2023. The employer insurance segment raised US$6.5 million in 2024, a 65 per cent drop from US$18.5 million in 2023.

The SEA insurtech sector witnessed only one acquisition in 2024, Roojai’s acquisition of Lifepal. No new unicorns emerged in this space in 2024.

Bolttech, an insurance-as-a-service provider, raised US$100 million in its Series C funding round, representing the largest round of the year.

Singapore continues to be a leading hub for insurtech investments, ranking fourth globally in 2024, behind the US, UK, and India. The country attracted US$135 million in insurtech funding in 2024, followed by Jakarta (US$50.5 million) and Kuala Lumpur (US$1.2 million).

Also Read: AI’s transformative role: Making insurance accessible and affordable globally

Key investors active in the SEA InsurTech sector include Wavemaker Partners, East Ventures and Openspace Ventures.

Despite the funding downturn, Southeast Asia’s growing economy and increasing government support offer optimism for the insurtech sector. The region’s ability to attract global corporations and maintain its status as a tech hub highlights its potential to drive future growth.

The post From boom to bust: SEA’s insurtech market faces funding slump in 2024 appeared first on e27.

At e27, we love celebrating the innovation and progress of startups across Southeast Asia and beyond. Our Startup Milestones feature has become a go-to platform for founders to share key updates—from product launches to funding successes and strategic partnerships.

Why sharing your milestones matters

Startups thrive on momentum, and each milestone represents a significant step forward. Whether it’s securing funding, expanding into new markets, or launching a groundbreaking product, these achievements shape the startup landscape and inspire others in the ecosystem.

By showcasing these moments, startups not only build credibility but also attract potential investors, partners, and customers.

Also Read: e27 Startup Milestones: 6 inspiring milestones you need to know this week

This week, we’re thrilled to highlight ten startups that have shared their latest milestones.

Here’s a look at their incredible progress:

1. SkilledIn Green (Product: Recognised as a Top 50 edutech in SEA by HolonIQ): SkilledIn Green has been named among the 2024 Southeast Asia Top 50 edutech startups by HolonIQ! As one of only four startups recognised in the Workforce and Skills category, this milestone underscores the startup’s impact on the future of education and skill development.
2. xcube.co (Expansion: Launched xcube.academy): xcube.co has introduced xcube.academy, a corporate university designed to equip leaders in Southeast Asia and the Middle East with the knowledge and skills needed for venture building and strategic innovation.
3. Defy (Customer: Secured a strategic customer partnership): Defy has entered into a strategic partnership with Shamsaha to provide underserved women with financial tools. This expansion marks their first step beyond the GCC region into Indonesia, reinforcing their mission to close financial gaps globally.
4. Mela Platforms (Customer: Shoppable content for Flipkart & Housing.com): Mela now powers shoppable content for Flipkart and Housing.com, transforming passive browsing into interactive shopping. This development is a major leap forward in video commerce and seamless purchasing experiences.
5. The Iterative Collective (Funding: Raised US$1.2M in seed round): The Iterative Collective, an indie game publisher, has successfully secured US$1.2 million in seed funding. This funding will support its mission to empower independent game developers and bring innovative games to the market.
6. AutoKon (Partnerships: Strategic collaboration with DGT): AutoKon has forged a strategic partnership with PT Duta Graha Teknika (DGT), leveraging 40-plus years of construction expertise from NKE. This collaboration strengthens its capabilities in the construction and engineering sectors.
7. AutoKon (Team: Assembled a mission-driven founding team): AutoKon has built a strong, execution-focused founding team with the right mix of expertise and leadership, setting the stage for long-term venture success.
8. VFlowTech (Funding: Secured first SEA venture debt financing by CCIS): VFlowTech has secured non-dilutive venture debt financing from CCIS, a subsidiary of Hokkoku Bank Group. As the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, this milestone paves the way for further innovation and expansion.
9. EDGE Tutor International (Funding: Raised US$1M in pre-Series A round): EDGE Tutor has closed a US$1 million pre-Series A round to fuel its global expansion. With ambitious plans to scale its tutor capacity to 5,000 by 2026, this funding also strengthens its AI-driven training and quality assurance.
10. ChatterBooth (Expansion: Now available in multiple countries): ChatterBooth has expanded its availability, allowing users across Australia, Austria, Brunei, Canada, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and the US to download the app.

Be part of the Startup Milestone movement!

These remarkable milestones highlight the resilience and creativity of the startup community. If your startup has a major achievement to share, don’t miss out on the opportunity to gain visibility and connect with investors and partners.

Log in to your e27 user account, update your startup profile, and start sharing your milestones today!

Alternatively, you may share your milestones through this form: https://tally.so/r/mRvYyp.

—

Image Credit: Cien Nguyen 

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Dear reader,

The Southeast Asian insurtech landscape in 2024 tells a story of resilience amid challenges, presenting both concerns and opportunities for the sector’s future. While the headline numbers – a 61% year-on-year decline in funding to US$193 million – might raise eyebrows, a deeper analysis reveals a more nuanced picture of market maturation and strategic shifts.

The contrasting trajectories across funding stages are particularly telling. While early-stage funding saw a dramatic 80% decrease, late-stage investments bucked the trend with an 11% uptick, suggesting investors are becoming more selective and focusing on proven business models. The strong finish to 2024, with Q4 securing over half the year’s total funding, hints at returning investor confidence.

Singapore’s position as the fourth-largest global hub for insurtech investments, behind only the US, UK, and India, underscores Southeast Asia’s enduring appeal in the global insurtech ecosystem. Bolttech’s impressive US$100 million Series C round demonstrates that quality companies can still attract substantial capital even in a challenging environment.

Looking ahead, while the funding winter has undoubtedly impacted the sector, the fundamentals driving insurtech innovation in Southeast Asia – including digital transformation, rising middle class, and supportive regulatory environment – remain strong. The current market conditions may well be setting the stage for a more sustainable and focused growth phase.

Sainul,
Editor.
—

NEWS & VIEWS

From boom to bust: SEA’s insurtech market faces funding slump in 2024
Early-stage insurtech investments suffered a sharp drop of over 80%, plummeting to US$38.5M in 2024 from US$353M in the previous year.

Grab’s revenue grows 19% y-o-y to US$2.8B in 2024
The steady revenue was attributable to robust on-demand GMV growth and increasing contributions from our financial services segment and advertising business.

Parkwise lands US$250M to modernise parking in Philippines
Parkwise plans to construct state-of-the-art parking facilities near healthcare institutions, educational establishments, and transport hubs.

Kiren Tanna departs Una Brands CEO role to explore AI and consumer ventures
CFO Cho Weihao has assumed the chief’s role as Una Brands will focus on maintaining profitability with targeted investments in sustainable growth.

25% US tariff poses challenge for Malaysia – Foreign Minister
Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said this is because 60% of Malaysia’s total trade with the US comprised electrical and electronics exports | “This is a huge blow if we can’t get this resolved soon”.

Sonar acquires NUS spin-off AutoCodeRover to automate code reviews and debugging
AutoCodeRover automates key tasks in the software development life cycle (SDLC), such as debugging, issue remediation, and code refactoring.

Pokémon Go maker Niantic is reportedly selling its games division
The company is reportedly exploring a deal with mobile game developer Scopely, which is owned by Saudi Arabia-based Savvy Games Group, to sell the unit for about US$3.5M.

Ant Group launches humanoid robot subsidiary in AI push
The Chinese fintech giant aims to develop a “self-controlled technology system” in robotics, potentially reducing dependency on external technologies.

EDGE Tutor nets US$1M to connect Filipino teachers with global learners
The investors include M Venture Partners, Kaya Founders, and Orvel Ventures; EDGE is a B2B model startup providing global education companies with skilled tutors and end-to-end management.

Malaysia’s Segi Fresh invests in Mandalay Venture Partners
Segi Fresh is investing in the Australia-based early-stage agrifood tech VC firm to embed cutting-edge Aussie agritech in fresh food supply chains.

East Ventures unveils platform for AI innovators in Indonesia
This initiative brings together AI talents and tech ecosystem players to explore new untapped opportunities and accelerate AI adoption in Indonesia.

X in talks to raise money at a US$44B valuation
The news comes as Fidelity Investments marked down its Twitter stake back in December by around 70% from the 2022 sale price as the social network struggled to retain advertisers.

Mark Zuckerberg’s charity U-turns, ends DEI efforts
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative will end internal DEI programmes and no longer provide “social advocacy funding,” which provided grants for racial equity and immigration reforms.

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

From classrooms to code: Meet the edutech startups driving SEA’s learning boom
Founders across Southeast Asia use technology to tackle education gaps, from remote learning access to upskilling in digital economies.

Cloud, community, and cost-Savings: GCS’s triple play for startup success
Cloud provider GCS reveals its startup-focused strategy, international expansion plans, and upcoming IPO in an interview with leaders.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Why AI needs context and curiosity, not toxic positivity
Savvy data practitioners now realise that governance, while never sexy, has taken on a new and heightened importance in the age of AI.

AI: Boon or bane? Workers fear job loss despite productivity gains
Most business leaders see AI as a tool to boost employee productivity rather than cut jobs, suggesting it will replace tasks, not entire roles.

Angel investors vs Venture Capitalists for startup funding: Which is right for you?
Choosing the right investors, whether angels, VCs, or a mix, is crucial for providing both financial support and invaluable guidance to ensure startup success.

Don’t drink the Kool-Aid: Remembering why we build
Startup culture often leads founders to focus on pitching and personal branding over building their business and realistic team expectations.

What if drawing just 6 pictures is all it takes to take your business to the next level?
When faced with a problem, our brains naturally perceive it from six angles: why, who/what, how much, where, when, and how.

The great breakup: Why women are leaving tech leadership & what we can do
Women in leadership are making strides, but many are leaving the tech industry due to challenges and a lack of support.

The power of belief: How a positive mindset can transform your life
Whether we are trying to fix a bug, pitching to a new client, or building new software – we have to believe that we can do it.

The high performer’s toolkit: Key thought patterns for success and growth
Embracing a high-performance mindset is about adopting the right thought patterns and consistently applying them in your life.

Rewriting the narrative about motherhood and career: Insights from a female tech leader
Navigating the tech industry as a female minority leader presents unique challenges, often requiring me to prove myself twice as much.

Real estate sales development: Unlock the power of partnership and collaboration
Collaborative partnerships and technology can help businesses optimise transactions and enable salespeople to close successful deals.

The secret sauce of de-risking early-stage venture capital
The conventional venture capital model is fraught with risks, but in order to be successful, it is crucial that de-risking remains at the heart of investment decisions.

Do you need to rethink your startup fundraising strategy?
Consider how much of your startup’s 2024 fundraising objectives you’ve reached; if you’re not ahead, there’s still time to catch up.

Boost your business: How delegation and empowerment lead to success
Delegation and empowerment can be daunting if you’re used to control, but failing to do so holds back your business’s potential.

One-size-fits-none: Redefining corporate communication with personalisation
In today’s digital world, personalisation in communication has shifted from a luxury to a necessity for meaningful connections.

Cultivating an honest culture: Why leaders should be transparent
Transparent leadership is the key to creating a culture of trust; here’s how we’re seeing future-forward leaders put money where their mouth is.

How a 10-day silent retreat made me a better investor
Vipassana taught me to focus on my breath and little by little I noticed myself redeveloping a sharp focus I hadn’t experienced in years.

How to scale talent in Southeast Asia during unprecedented times
Even with the challenges in the market, the predicted ICT market growth rate of 1.4x – 1.8x will increase the demand for digital talent.

Employee burnout is real and why it needs to be taken seriously
As we navigate the new normal, we are constantly faced with burnout and mental health roadblocks, but how do we navigate them?

From classroom to boardroom: How Singapore’s universities nurture future investment leaders
Singapore’s universities actively foster entrepreneurship and innovation skills among students, enabling them to thrive in dynamic business landscapes.

Interpreneurs: The key to successful global growth
interpreneurs are an evolution of agile innovators who operate within a distributed workplace that is becoming increasingly global.

Avoiding costly mistakes: How cognitive biases can affect entrepreneurs
How exactly do cognitive biases and noise affect entrepreneurs, and how can we reduce decision-making errors within the business landscape?

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Asia’s payment evolution: 5 trends shaping the 2025 landscape
Asia is driving the digital payments shift with QR payments, embedded finance, and AI-driven optimisation reshaping transactions.

The dawn of a crypto renaissance: A golden age beckons
The golden age of crypto is within reach, but it will require a delicate balance of innovation, regulation, and responsibility.

Market wrap: US equities muted amid tariff news, gold hits near record high, digital assets is the future
These developments show a world where traditional market structures face challenges from new policies and technological advances.

From treasuries to Bitcoin: The Fed’s ripple effect
The January FOMC minutes provide insight into the Fed’s stance, shedding light on its policy direction and triggering a mixed reaction across markets.

5 workout tips for better founder health
It is essential to find out what health goal you should set as the target for your workouts | Without an informed goal, you will likely spend mindless effort improving your fitness instead of your health.

Navigating the AI shift in telecommunications: From promise to practical connection
AI unlocks untapped data, driving new services, enhancing existing ones, improving customer experiences, and streamlining operations.

The future of visual content in the startup ecosystem
Analysing current trends in visual marketing and content creation, particularly how these changes can help startups bolster their brands.

The post Ecosystem Roundup: SEA’s insurtech funding drops 61% in 2024 | Grab’s revenue grows 19% to US$2.8B | Kiren Tanna steps down as Una Brands CEO appeared first on e27.

Key highlights:

The recent retreat in global risk sentiment, sparked by a cascade of events that began with a disappointing outlook from retail titan Walmart. This development, coupled with a slew of economic data and policy commentary, has painted a multifaceted picture of where markets might be headed.

Let me walk you through what’s happening, why it matters, and what it could mean for investors, consumers, and the broader economic landscape.

The news broke earlier this week when Walmart, a bellwether for the US consumer economy, issued guidance that fell short of Wall Street’s expectations. The retail giant projected net sales growth of just three per cent for the current year, a figure that rattled investors who had grown accustomed to more robust forecasts from the world’s largest retailer. Walmart cited an “uncertain geopolitical landscape” as a key factor, pointing to ongoing tariff jitters and broader economic headwinds.

Shares of the company dropped over six per cent in response, dragging down the Dow Jones Industrials and sending ripples through the Consumer Discretionary sector, which shed 1.2 per cent according to the MSCI US index. Financials weren’t spared either, declining 1.6 per cent, as the broader MSCI US index slipped 0.4 per cent. This wasn’t just a Walmart story—it was a signal that investors were starting to question the resilience of the US consumer and the economy at large.

Adding fuel to these concerns, the latest US jobless claims data didn’t offer much reassurance. Both initial and continuing claims rose week-over-week, coming in slightly above what analysts had anticipated. While the uptick was modest—described by some economists as “trivial” or “just noise”—it nonetheless chipped away at the narrative of a rock-solid labor market.

For months, the US economy has been buoyed by a tight jobs picture, with unemployment hovering near historic lows. But even small cracks in that foundation can amplify worries, especially when paired with Walmart’s cautious outlook. After all, if the labor market starts to wobble, consumer spending—the engine of the US economy—could follow suit, hitting retailers like Walmart hardest.

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve’s voice has added another layer of nuance to this unfolding story. St. Louis Fed President Raphael Musalem weighed in with a sobering take, arguing that monetary policy should remain “modestly restrictive” until inflation is firmly on track to hit the central bank’s two per cent target. Despite recent data showing inflation cooling somewhat and the labor market holding steady, Musalem isn’t convinced the battle is won.

He warned that the risks of inflation stalling above two per cent—or even climbing higher—are “skewed to the upside.” This hawkish stance suggests the Fed isn’t ready to pivot to rate cuts anytime soon, a prospect that’s kept markets on edge. Investors had been hoping for a more dovish signal, especially after a string of solid economic reports, but Musalem’s comments underscore the Fed’s laser focus on price stability, even if it means squeezing the economy a bit longer.

Also Read: The future of job market: Dramatic changes and cultural shifts

The bond market reflected this tension. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note slipped 3 basis points overnight to 4.50 per cent, a subtle but telling move. Over the past week, yields have declined in four out of five sessions, pulling back from the upper end of their recent range.

This shift hints at a market that’s recalibrating—moving away from fears of runaway inflation and toward a more neutral outlook. With tariff details still murky and the US data calendar looking light until the January PCE inflation report drops on February 28, yields might stay anchored around 4.50 per cent for now. That stability could offer a breather for equity markets, but it’s hardly a green light for a sustained rally.

On the currency front, the Japanese yen stole the spotlight, surging to its strongest level against the dollar since December. Speculation is rife that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) might hike rates sooner than expected, a move that would mark a significant shift from its long-standing ultra-loose policy.

The yen’s strength weighed on the US Dollar Index, which slid 0.8 per cent to 106.4. Gold, meanwhile, edged up 0.2per cent, inching closer to the US$3,000 mark as safe-haven demand ticked higher amid the uncertainty. Brent crude also nudged up 0.5 per cent to US$77 per barrel, buoyed by a mix of supply concerns and cautious optimism about global demand. Asian equity indices, however, were a mixed bag in early trading, reflecting the uneven sentiment rippling across markets.

Now, let’s pivot to an intriguing subplot in the financial world: the SEC’s approval of a yield-bearing stablecoin from Figure Certificate Co., dubbed YLDs. Unlike traditional stablecoins like Tether’s USDT, which generate billions in reserve income for issuers but offer no yield to holders, YLDs promise to share the wealth. By investing reserves in US Treasuries and commercial paper, Figure aims to deliver returns to investors while maintaining the stablecoin’s peg to the dollar.

The SEC’s decision to classify YLDs as “certificates” under securities regulations sets a new precedent, distinguishing them from the unregulated wild west of other crypto assets. This move could shake up the stablecoin market, offering a model that balances stability with profitability—a rare combo in the crypto space.

Speaking of crypto, the broader market is grappling with its own demons. Nearly a quarter of the top 200 cryptocurrencies have hit their lowest levels in over a year, with 24 per cent tumbling to 365-day lows after a sharp decline on February 7. Analysts are split on what this means.

Some, like Juan Pellicer from IntoTheBlock, see it as a temporary correction—a healthy shakeout after a period of exuberance. Others aren’t so sure, warning that this could signal a deeper capitulation, reminiscent of past bear markets. The debate over whether crypto is in a bull or bear cycle rages on, but one thing’s clear: sentiment is fragile, and these price drops are testing the resolve of even the most ardent believers.

Also Read: Market wrap: US equities muted amid tariff news, gold hits near record high, digital assets is the future

So, what’s my take on all this? I see a world in flux, where optimism and caution are locked in a tug-of-war. Walmart’s warning is a red flag, no doubt—it’s hard to ignore when a company that touches millions of consumers signals trouble ahead. Pair that with rising jobless claims, and you’ve got a recipe for unease.

But I’m not ready to call it a full-blown crisis just yet. The labour market still has muscle, and the Fed’s steady hand—while frustrating for growth-hungry investors—shows a commitment to avoiding the inflationary spirals of the past. The pullback in Treasury yields and the yen’s strength suggest markets are finding a new equilibrium, not plunging into chaos.

The YLDs stablecoin experiment fascinates me—it’s a glimpse of how crypto might evolve beyond speculative mania into something more practical and regulated. As for the broader crypto downturn, I lean toward the correction camp. Markets need to breathe, and this could be a reset before the next leg up—or down.

Ultimately, we’re in a holding pattern, waiting for clearer signals on tariffs, inflation, and Fed policy. Until then, expect volatility, but don’t bet on a collapse just yet. The data’s too mixed, and the world’s too resilient, for that.

—

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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The post Wall Street’s volatility spills into crypto: TradFi’s domino effect appeared first on e27.

The United States’ decision to levy a 25 per cent tariff on automotive, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical imports presents a significant challenge for Malaysia.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan highlighted that 60 per cent of Malaysia’s trade with the US comprises electrical and electronics (E&E) exports, making this a critical issue, according to a news report by The Sun Malaysia.

“This is a huge blow if we can’t get this resolved soon,” he said.

During a parliamentary session in the Dewan Rakyat, Mohamad Hasan stressed the urgency of addressing this matter. He mentioned that ASEAN is planning an immediate special ASEAN-US summit to present its concerns to the new US administration, aiming to mitigate the tariff’s impact on ASEAN countries.

Also Read: ‘The future of semiconductor manufacturing is regional’: Global TechSolutions CEO

The minister characterised the US policy as “reshoring,” designed to incentivise large companies operating outside the US to return and establish domestic operations through high taxes.

In response to a question from Manndzri Nasib (BN-Teggara) of Malaysia about leveraging the 2nd ASEAN – Gulf Cooperation Council (ASEAN-GCC) Summit and the ASEAN – GCC – China Summit to enhance economic cooperation, trade, and investment, Mohamad suggested a collaborative approach. He advocated for discussions between ASEAN, GCC, and China to address the situation.

Mohamad noted that China has one of the largest markets, the GCC possesses substantial capital, and ASEAN is rich in natural resources. He posited that negotiations between these three blocs could foster intra-ASEAN economic development, potentially positioning ASEAN as the fourth-largest economy globally by 2030.

The post US tariffs on semiconductors and autos put Malaysia’s trade at risk appeared first on e27.