Dear reader,
Despite ongoing challenges, ASEAN angel investors remain optimistic about the region’s startup ecosystem, as revealed in AngelCentral’s annual survey.
The report highlights how investors recognize the inherent risks of the landscape, such as high failure rates and liquidity concerns, but maintain faith in long-term growth prospects over the next five to ten years. This optimism is demonstrated by a focus on diversification, with nearly three-quarters of investors spreading their capital across multiple asset classes to mitigate risks.
Interestingly, while funding for technology startups has dwindled in recent years, many angel investors have scaled down their investment sizes rather than retreating. A notable shift in ticket sizes—most now between US$10,000 and US$20,000—reflects caution amid the economic uncertainty.
Despite the high-risk nature of angel investing, many investors are driven by non-financial motivations, with 70% lacking a defined investment strategy.
While the overall performance varies, with only 11.1% achieving returns above 3x their investment, the continued optimism among these angels signals a long-term belief in the region’s innovation potential.
As new investors enter the market, the startup ecosystem in ASEAN is likely to see sustained support and evolution, even in turbulent times.
Sainul,
Editor.
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NEWS & VIEWS
ASEAN angel investors optimistic despite startup failures: survey
Nearly three-quarters of angel investors (74%) surveyed by AngelCentral indicated that they spread their capital across three to four asset classes to reduce risk; The survey polled more than 70 angel investors in ASEAN.
Gojek to exit Vietnam market
The Indonesian ride-hailing and delivery company will stop operating in Vietnam starting Sept 16 after 6 years in the market; The decision aims to strengthen business operations and aligns with the Gojek’s long-term growth strategy.
Singapore’s Smartkarma acquires commodities alternative data platform Helixtap
Integrating Helixtap’s specialised insights and analytics will enable Smartkarma to deliver enriched data offerings and enhanced market intelligence into commodities, as well as the related and fast-growing global EV market.
Filipino consumer finance app BillEase raises Series C funding
The investors are The Rise Fund and Burda Principal Investment; BillEase offers personal loans, e-wallet top-ups, prepaid load, gaming credits, bill payment, a BNPL service and deals from 10K+ merchants.
Bateriku lands US$7.4M investment to provide connected roadside assistance in Malaysia
The investors are KWAP, Gobi Partners, SBI Capital, and VentureTECH; Bateriku’s network includes nearly 200 Pitstop outlets across Malaysia and its first international outpost in South Jakarta, Indonesia.
Telegram quietly enables users to report private chats to moderators after founder’s arrest
The messaging app, which serves nearly 1B monthly active users, has long maintained a reputation for minimal supervision of user interactions; It’s unclear how, and whether, this change impacts Telegram’s ability to respond to requests from law enforcement agencies.
Malaysia’s Kenanga picks 8% stake in Singapore’s alternative lender Helicap
The collaboration will integrate Helicap’s strengths in private credit with Kenanga’s operational capabilities; Helicap has raised SGD20M in paid-up capital and deployed almost SGD500M worth of capital with its in-house data analytics expertise.
Malaysia’s Cradle, Invest India partner to boost startup ecosystem of both countries
This alliance seeks to strengthen the collaboration between tech startups in both nations, leveraging India’s flagship Startup India program to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.
TailorTech bags funding for its off-grid power management solution
Antler is the investor; TailorTech has developed an integrated smart power management solution designed to optimise the use of generator sets.
Lokatani secures funding to empower hydroponic farmers in Indonesia
The investors are AsiaPay Capital and Jakarta Ventura; Lokatani utilises IoT technology, an inventory management system, and hydroponic methods to produce premium vegetables.
FEATURES & INTERVIEWS
Navigating global markets: Inside SleekFlow’s strategy for scaling conversational AI
This interview with SleekFlow CEO Henson Tsai explores their global expansion strategy, AI-driven innovations, and the impact of recent funding.
Unlocking growth: How Zed aims to shape the future of digital banking in the Philippines
Zed offers a next-generation credit card specifically tailored for young, high-income individuals with limited credit histories.
Lawdify revolutionises legal workflows with AI-driven tools to alleviate lawyer workload
Lawdify is making significant strides in the legal tech industry, focusing on high-profile and reputable dispute teams across major legal hubs.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
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.
How SkorLife uses Gen AI to reduce customer service costs by 50 per cent
Skor aims to enhance the financial well-being of millions across Indonesia by continuing to collaborate with regulatory bodies and financial institutions.
The transformation of chatbots: From rule-based robots to conversational companions
The evolution of chatbots into AI-powered agents using LLMs is transforming customer experience and driving industry benefits.
Prevenotics: Pioneering a cancer-free future through AI-powered early detection
Prevenotics is pioneering a future where technology enables early detection, effective treatment, and prevention of pre-cancer.
What led to UAE becoming a major tech hub?
The UAE’s tech initiatives have fueled the success of startups, solidifying the country’s reputation as a leading tech hub.
The timeless wisdom of patience in investing: A conversation with Mohnish Pabrai
Patience and gradual growth in expertise are essential for long-term investment success, as exemplified by Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Climate tech startups can play a role in helping SMEs bridge sustainability, digital transformation: Paessler
The major issue lies in the fact that businesses view sustainability and digital transformation in silos and not as intertwined.
How Flexxon aims to solve AI’s cybersecurity problem through hardware-focused approach
Flexxon has developed what it refers to as the world’s first AI-embedded solid-state drive (SSD) for data protection–X-PHY.
Startup pointers: Essentials for aspiring millennial entrepreneurs
The six things millennial entrepreneurs need to know before they step up into the big game in their entrepreneurial journey.
A better way to work: independent doers lead the way
No matter how you’re employed, embracing change is the best way to stay relevant; and independent doers are leading the way, let’s keep up.
How to tackle employee mental health to build a resilient workforce
World Mental Health Day is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how organisations have supported their workforce.
Throwaway gold: How data can tap into the unrealised potential in plastic waste
From data to discarded goods, the plastic waste crisis provides plenty of fuel for an entrepreneur looking to innovate.
How companies can manage data privacy in hybrid and multi-cloud work environments
To tackle data privacy risks in a landscape where workflow automation and cloud environments are intertwined, businesses need to do this.
The state of European tech startup industry –and what Asia can learn from it
The strength of the European tech startup industry lies in its availability of talents and its ability to attract these talents.
US Navy Chief Digital Transformation Officer reveals why most transformations fail
When it comes to digital transformation, Dr Patrick O’Connel highlights the importance of having a steady, strong budget.
4 ways to eliminate pointless tasks from your daily work
Try this process for boosting productivity by reorganizing and reinvigorating how you spend your time with your tasks.
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Image Credit: 123RF.
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