Dear reader,
Southeast Asia’s fintech sector is navigating a sobering moment. A staggering 66% year-on-year funding decline in Q1 2025 underscores growing investor caution, shaped by global headwinds and regional market saturation. Yet, beneath the surface of shrinking capital inflows, a more nuanced story emerges—one of resilience and recalibration.
Singapore’s dominance remains undisputed, drawing nearly three-quarters of all funding and reaffirming its role as the region’s fintech nucleus. The rise of Sygnum as 2025’s only fintech unicorn globally is a bright spot, highlighting investor appetite for innovation in digital asset banking even amid a downturn. Sector-wise, cryptocurrencies held their lead, while investment tech showed quarter-on-quarter recovery, hinting at selective investor confidence in long-term plays.
The sharp fall in late-stage funding and seed capital paints a concerning picture for pipeline growth and exits, especially with IPO activity stalled for over a year. However, the uptick in early-stage funding and strategic acquisitions signals continued belief in Southeast Asia’s fintech potential—albeit more cautious and targeted.
In a fragmented, increasingly protectionist world, SEA’s fintech ecosystem is recalibrating toward quality over quantity. Those building region-specific, scalable solutions stand the best chance of weathering this funding winter and thriving in the cycles to come.
Sainul,
Editor.
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REGIONAL NEWS
SEA fintech faces funding slump in Q1 2025, Singapore and crypto buck the trend
Singapore continues to be the epicentre of fintech funding, attracting a substantial 74 per cent of the total investment in Q1 2025.
Monk’s Hill leads US$28.8M round in Cinch to power device-as-a-service expansion
Cinch offers a subscription model that provides flexible, affordable, and sustainable access to various devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets.
Hoopi raises funding to expand collectibles platform across Southeast Asia
Creative Gorilla Capital is the lead investor | Hoopi provides a consumer-to-consumer marketplace, an auction-based card trading system, local card grading services, and gamified experiences for rare, high-value collectibles.
Singapore anchors inaugural ClimAccelerator for agritech startups in APAC
Powered by Better Earth Ventures, ClimAccelerator aims to support startups in innovating, catalysing, and scaling their climate solutions.
Kopi Kenangan opens its first store in India
India is now the fifth Asian market for Kopi Kenangan, which already has locations in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines | The company plans to open over 10 outlets in India by the end of 2025 while aiming for a long-term goal of 50 stores.
FEATURES & INTERVIEWS
VC in a fragmented world: How trade wars are redrawing SEA’s startup map
Venture capitalists are recalibrating strategies amid global trade wars, prioritising regionalisation, resilience, and geopolitical awareness in investments.
Turbulence and tenacity: How SEA’s startups are turning trade wars into opportunity
Startups are navigating trade wars with resilience, viewing disruptions as catalysts for innovation, growth, and strategic adaptation.
Can Singapore stay on top of the Web3 world? All signs say yes
Singapore cements its status as Asia’s on-chain leader, balancing strict regulation with innovation, ecosystem growth, and real-world crypto adoption.
A thriving Web3 ecosystem is defined by ability to deliver long-term value: Forest Bai of Foresight Ventures
According to the Foresight Ventures Co-Founder, VCs play a critical role in the Web3 ecosystem by providing more than just capital.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
ShopUp and Sary merge to form SILQ, raise US$110M funding
The investors include Sanabil Investments and Peter Thiel’s Valar Ventures | The newly formed group will establish SILQ Financial, a dedicated financing arm focused on driving innovation in SME financing
US stocks sink as tariffs on China rise to 145%
The markets were giving back large portions of the gains they had made in Wednesday’s historic rally when Trump backed down on his most punishing tariffs on nations he called the “worst offenders” by postponing them for 90 days.
US-China trade war escalates: Markets and Bitcoin plummet
The US-China trade war escalates as markets, currencies, and Bitcoin react to looming tariff hikes and global tension.
Indian AI startup unveils tool to run AI without costly chips
Developed with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Kompact AI by Ziroh Labs works on standard CPUs found in regular devices, reducing the need for expensive and scarce GPUs | It has been tested by Intel and AMD.
India investigates quick commerce on market fairness grounds
A complaint filed by the All India Consumer Products Distributors Federation (AICPDF) accuses quick commerce platforms, including Blinkit, Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart, of monopolistic behaviour and selling below cost.
Gold jumps 3.3 per cent, Nasdaq soars 12.1 per cent, Bitcoin increases 7 per cent: Inside Trump’s tariff rollback effects
Markets surge after Trump announces 90-day global tariff pause, but hikes China tariffs to 125 per cent, stoking trade tensions.
Trump tariffs shake markets: Why gold soars as Bitcoin stumbles in 2025
Market wrap shows shifting risk sentiment, trade tensions, and diverging gold-bitcoin trends amid Trump’s tariffs.
Apple’s iPhone cost could rise 90% if it is made in US, BofA says
“iPhone cost can increase 25 per cent purely on higher labour cost in the US,” BofA analysts led by Wamsi Mohan wrote in a note to clients on Wednesday.
Apple shifts 1.5M India-made iPhones to US
This move is part of Apple’s strategy to increase production in India and reduce the impact of high tariffs on imports from China | The flights began in March as Apple responds to US tariffs on Chinese goods, which have reached 125%.
SEMICONDUCTOR
Việt Nam, Singapore seek cooperation chances in semiconductor industry
Vietnam has set a target of becoming a global hub for semiconductor talent and establishing fundamental capabilities in research, design, manufacturing, packaging, and testing by 2030.
India’s semiconductor push with US$8.8B
The government provides 51 per cent fiscal support for projects related to chip fabrication, display fabs, compound semiconductors, and semiconductor assembly (ATMP/OSAT). Product Design Linked Incentives further support chip design.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
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AI Agents are transforming businesses by automating tasks and enhancing efficiency — learn how to integrate them strategically.
The evolution of healthcare delivery: AI as a partner in collaborative care
AI can refine health information, reduce misinformation, and enhance doctor-patient trust — reshaping healthcare for better outcomes.
Will AI spark a green energy revolution or deepen the global energy crisis? — Part 2
AI’s energy demands are rising, but smart solutions in cooling, grids, and renewables can help balance efficiency and sustainability.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
Africa’s green dilemma: Financing the future without selling the soil
Africa’s shift from aid to economic self-assertion unfolds with youth-led markets and green tech, shaping its green growth and sovereignty.
Trust me, PR is with you day and night!
Expertise, creativity, and emotional understanding remain three key advantages for PR professionals in this ever-changing landscape.
Why traditional marketers must embrace digital marketing: Top 3 skills to learn
To stay relevant, it’s crucial that traditional marketers continually learn and adapt to the digital marketing ecosystem.
Diversity and inclusion marketing campaigns: Everyone, everyday, forever
It not throwing in a simple image in the mix anymore but understanding the consumer’s psyche and building products that fulfil their needs.
Building brand visibility: Timeless content marketing principles for startups
Content marketing isn’t just about producing material—it’s about creating meaningful, valuable experiences that connect with people.
Why startups should prioritise brand reputation from day one
Startups need a strong communications strategy to build brand reputation, ensuring credibility with investors and long-term success.
What angel investors should know before using Y Combinator’s SAFE agreement
SAFE agreements streamline startup funding, but the risk for angels needs legal expertise to handle complexities.
Building communities and navigating the future of Web3: Insights from Anndy Lian at Hong Kong Consensus 2025
Hong Kong Consensus 2025 explored Web3’s future, with insights on community building, exchanges, and security from industry leaders.
Exit thinking: One key mindset change to gear up and scale
Having the exit in mind means that you now have a way to define what you want to achieve and to anticipate whatever strategic steps will need to be taken along the way.
From behind a women’s lens: Establishing a footing in the male-dominated VC industry
Women have different life experiences than men, which translates into unique perspectives on business and decision-making processes.
How to embrace a product mindset for digital success
Digital products require continuous iteration, adaptation, and improvement to remain competitive and meet evolving user needs.
Empowering women entrepreneurs: Breaking stereotypes, building success
By challenging stereotypes and providing tailored financial support, we can foster an inclusive environment where women entrepreneurs can flourish.
The post Ecosystem Roundup: SEA fintech funding slumps in Q1 2025 | Trade wars redrawing SEA’s startup map | Cinch raises US$28.8M appeared first on e27.