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投资越南｜求索创投：期待看到更多越南初创企业走出国门：近年来，越南科技生态取得了显著发展，并以此不断吸引全球投资者的关注。
体现在具体方面，仅在去年期间，越南初创企业的总投资规模就已达到5.29亿美元。同时，截至当前，越南独角兽俱乐部已经迎来了VNG、MoMo、VNLife、Sky Mavis、Axie Infinity、VNPay、Tiki以及VNG Cloud八位成员。这在巩固了越南位于东南亚科技生态中的地位的同时，也让外界日益向这片新兴区域投向更多目光。
《投资越南》是一档聚焦越南科技创业进程的系列专栏。在这里，我们将通过那些正在推动越南成为全球科技中心的企业家、创新者和思想领袖的视野，深入探讨越南充满活力且快速发展的科创生态景象。
近年来，越南科技生态取得了显著发展，并以此不断吸引全球投资者的关注。
体现在具体方面，仅在去年期间，越南初创企业的总投资规模就已达到5.29亿美元。同时，截至当前，越南独角兽俱乐部已经迎来了VNG、MoMo、VNLife、Sky Mavis、Axie Infinity、VNPay、Tiki以及VNG Cloud八位成员。这在巩固了越南位于东南亚科技生态中的地位的同时，也让外界日益向这片新兴区域投向更多目光。
新加坡风投机构求索创投 （Quest Ventures）驻越南高级分析师Linh Ha在接受TNGlobal采访时表示，越南人口众多、经济增长迅速且政府稳定，是该公司将其视为关键市场的主要原因。
她指出，越南有9740万人口——其中37%居住在城市地区，这为其提供了庞大消费群体。此外，越南也拥有相对有利的人口结构——当地劳动力年轻且熟练，这对于寻求扩张的公司来说是一笔巨大的财富。
从经济角度来看，当前，越南是东南亚地区经济增长最快的国家之一。尽管全球经济放缓，过去的两年内（22年和23年），越南GDP增速依然达到了8%和5.05%。并且Linh也补充道，越南拥有相对稳定的营商环境，这让投资者和企业对在当地的长期规划充满信心。
她进一步补充道，越南的外国直接投资（FDI）也在变多——仅在22年的承诺投资超过277亿美元，“这体现出了出国际社会对越南市场的强烈信心···而这些也都是越南之所以能够吸引到我们这样的非本土的区域投资机构的主要因素···”
在行业表现方面，Linh认为，电商仍是当地的一大主要驱动力——预计该行业的年增长率将达到29%，是该地区增长最快的行业之一。不过她也表示，Quest Ventures在越南也注意到了一些其他的高潜力行业，如智能制造、跨境电商、人工智能、SaaS等。此外，“（越南）政府也从国家战略角度上强调了绿色经济对当地未来发展的重要性，从而顺应全球数字化转型和自动化潮流的趋势。”
不过，尽管取得了以上进展，Linh表示，某种层面上来看，越南的科技生态系统也仍旧是“聚焦国内”，其部分原因是，“在进入区域或全球市场之前，早期阶段初创企业往往优先考虑的是本地市场的渗透。”
她向记者指出，“到2025年，越南数字经济预计将占该国GDP的20%，使之成为东南亚增长最快的国家。这表明，虽然越南的基础仍然是本地的，但存在着向区域扩张的巨大潜力和可能···市场格局正在演变，我们期待看到更多的越南初创企业在未来几年中走出越南国门。”
在本次访谈中，Linh分享了她对越南科技生态的一些观察，并就如何改善这一生态提出了相关建议。以下为本次访谈内容：
如何看待越南科技生态的现状？有观点认为，越南的科技生态仍处于相对封闭的状态，越南的科技初创企业仍更多地在国内运营，并没有真正向外部扩张。您对此有何看法？
近年来，越南的科技生态系统取得了重大进展。2023年，越南初创企业所获得的投资总额达5.29亿美元。
同时，截至2024年，越南共有八家独角兽企业，使其成为东南亚发展最快的科技生态之一。这些独角兽企业包括 VNG、MoMo、VNLife、Sky Mavis、Axie Infinity、VNPay、Tiki、VNG Cloud等知名企业。
尽管出现了一些成功迹象，但在某种程度上，仍可以说这个生态是以越南国内为主——部分原因在于，考虑到越南数字消费市场的快速增长，处于早期阶段的初创企业在进军其他地区或全球市场之前，会优先考虑本地市场的渗透情况。
到2025年，越南的数字经济预计将占当地GDP的20%，以此成为东南亚增长最快的国家。于此，不难发现，虽然越南的基础仍在于本地，但这里也有很大的潜力和可能性向外部区域扩展。未来几年，期待看到更多的越南初创企业走出国门。
从VC的角度来看，您认为越南的机遇会在哪里？有哪些您看好的热门行业？又有哪个/些行业需要更多的颠覆或创新？
对求索创投来说，我们认为越南是一个关键市场，这其中有一系列因素——其中最为主要的三个是：人口众多、经济增长迅速、政府稳定。
越南有9740万人口，其中37%生活在城市地区，这为越南提供了一个庞大的消费群体。此外，越南的人口结构也相当有利：当地劳动力年轻且熟练，这对于寻求扩张的公司来说是一笔巨大的财富。
在经济层面，越南是该地区增长最快的国家之一，即使在全球经济放缓的情况下，越南在22年和23年的GDP增长率也分别达到了8%和5.05%。此外，在政治上，越南拥有稳定的经商环境，这让投资者和企业对长期规划充满信心。
此外，越南所获得的FDI也有所增加，仅 22年的承诺投资额就超过了277亿美元。这表明国际社会对越南市场充满信心。当然，要考虑的因素还有很多，但这些也都是越南之所以能够吸引到求索创投这样的非本土的区域投资机构的主要体现。
至于高增长行业，在越南，电商仍然是当地的主要驱动力。预计该行业的年增长率将达到29%，是该地区增长最快的行业之一。其他高潜力行业会包括智能制造、跨境电商、人工智能和SaaS解决方案···
你们会重点关注哪些特定领域？为什么？
求索创投是一家不局限于某个行业的风险投资机构。我们会密切关注新兴趋势，并致力于在有增长潜力的行业中率先支持最有前途的初创企业选手。
越南的科技生态如何才能更有活力？在你看来，该生态系统有哪些优势？
除了上面提到的推动越南科技生态发展的宏观因素外，另一点优势会在于政府对促进当地科创生态发展的坚定承诺和战略支持。
越南政府一直在加大对初创企业的支持力度，希望把越南打造成东南亚领先的科创中心。其中一项重要举措便是“844项目”（创新型初创企业生态支持国家计划）。该项目于2016年启动，计划在2025年前把预算拨款提升至超8800万美元，旨在通过提供资金和非资金支持、建立健全的法律框架，促进本地创新并吸引全球投资。
此外，每年，越南还会举办各种地方和全国性的初创企业赛事活动，如越南科技节（Techfest Vietnam）和越南初创企业基金会（Startup Vietnam Foundation）。这些活动不仅可以提供奖金，还能够将初创企业与投资者、加速器和全球网络联系起来。
胡志明市、河内和岘港等城市也都有各自的专属创新活动或计划。例如，在河内，越南创新挑战赛（VIC）是越南计划投资部和国家创新中心（NIC）组织的一项主打活动，旨在在2030年培育500家先锋企业，并将越南打造成为全球科创投资沃土。同时，该活动也致力于发掘和支持半导体和人工智能等关键领域的突破性解决方案，使河内成为先进技术创新的领导者。
而把目光转向岘港，岘港“第328号决议拨款”也计划在2025年前将该市建成国家创新中心。同时，岘港还建立了科技园区和孵化器，从而为高科技初创企业提供针对支持。
不过，尽管有了这些坚实的基础，对于在越南筹集资金的初创企业来说，法规不明确却也会是另一个难点所在。现阶段，在当地设立风投基金或者促进资本流动方面，越南的法律框架相对匮乏。而这种监管上的不确定性往往促使本地初创企业到法律环境更透明、对投资者更友好的新加坡驻足。
然而，通过在越南海外建立实体，这些初创企业也可以简化融资流程，接触到更广泛的全球投资者，从而大大提高其获得资本的能力。
对初创企业/企业家、本地和外国投资者、企业和政府机构有什么建议？
在任何国家做生意都需要人脉。在越南，能否拥有人脉更是如此。他们就像一位本地向导，能够帮你驾驭复杂市场并快速抓住机遇。找到一位“超级人脉”或值得信赖的当地合作伙伴显然会有着重大益处，他们甚至可以帮你打开一扇此前你并不知悉的大门。
了解如何与政府合作是另一个重点。如果你没有正确的认知，越南的监管环境可能会很难驾驭。如果你的团队中有一位了解当地动态、会说当地“语言”（无论是字面意思还是深层意义）、知道如何与政府官员打交道的人，那么一切都会变得不同。
因此，对于希望进军越南市场的初创企业来说，我们的建议是优先深入了解目标市场。不要只是简单翻译你的内容，而是要真正投入精力去了解当地的文化、消费者行为和独特痛点，然后定制你的产品或服务以满足这些特定需求。
这将帮助你与当地客户建立信任，让你的产品与众不同。在我看来，超本地化是企业脱颖而出和蓬勃发展的关键所在。
在求索创投，我们正在通过旗下的Vietnam Global Innovation项目（该项目与新加坡企业发展局和新加坡经济发展局合作）传递这样的见解，帮助新加坡初创企业进入越南市场。
求索创投如何发现和支持越南的新兴科技人才？
我们通过与政府、企业、高等教育机构、风险资本提供方、以及初创企业这五大支柱密切合作，采取全面的生态系统建设方法。我们的参与范围包括支持创业中心和参与全国范围内的学生活动。
我们的非营利机构“Social Impact Catalyst”致力于在整个东盟倡导社会影响倡议、培育社会驱动型项目、催生想要为当地社区带来积极变化的青年领袖。我们在富布赖特大学有设立了一个“旗舰分部”，在促进这些倡议方面发挥着重要作用。
我们的另一个主打项目是“ Venture Capital Accelerated”（VC加速计划）。这是一门快速课程，能够为有抱负的企业家和投资者打下坚实的风险投资基础。
我们与当地合作伙伴合作，为包括学生、企业家、投资者、以及企业高级管理人员在内的各方利益相关者提供这些培训。目前，在全球范围内，已有超500名学员接受了培训。
在与越南初创企业合作时，你们遇到的主要挑战是什么？
胡志明市和河内是越南两大创业和创新中心，而越南第三大城市岘港也正在奋起直追。因此，我们与岘港等新兴中心城市的地方政府、高校和创业中心建立了合作关系，帮助缩小这些地区之间的差距。
我们还看到，新一代的创始人带着国际教育和经验回到越南，为当地市场带来了新的视角和创新方法，这很令人振奋。
然而，在战略和业务领导力方面，越南的初创企业中仍存在着一定差距。领导者不仅要见识卓越，还要具备将初创企业从1扩展到100的能力和远见。
虽然许多创始人都有能力让自己的企业从0到1，但能够有效驾驭复杂成长阶段、在区域或全球范围内打造出有竞争力的公司的经验丰富人才仍然短缺。我们的教育计划和生态建设活动有助于解决这些问题，从而在越南培养下一代人才铺平道路。
求索创投的早期基金部署情况如何？
我们已经投资了100多家公司，足迹遍布东南亚和中亚的150多个城市。我们的基金（如Super Angel Fund）表现优于同类基金。
关于求索创投（Quest Ventures）
求索创投（Quest Ventures）是亚洲顶级的风险投资公司。在新加坡主权财富基金的支持下，求索创投的投资者包括主权财富基金、机构投资者、家族办公室以及亚洲知名的高级管理人员和企业家。
自2011年开始，求索创投就专注于遍及整个亚洲的全方位“数字商务”策略，同时也是以下领域的最大的早期投资方之一：人工智能、电子商务和交易市场、娱乐、金融、食品、保险、物流、多媒体、房地产、体育运动和伊斯兰数字经济。投资的项目包括行业巨头 99.co、Carousell、Carro、Glife、Hepmil、Oddle、Shopback、VulcanPost、Xfers 和 Yummy Corporation。
Vietnam’s tech ecosystem has witnessed significant growth in recent years, capturing the attention of global investors. In 2023 alone, the total investment in Vietnamese startups has amounted to $529 million.
As of 2024, Vietnam has eight unicorns, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing tech ecosystems in Southeast Asia. These unicorns include well-known names like VNG, MoMo, VNLife, Sky Mavis, Axie Infinity, VNPay, Tiki, and VNG Cloud. Some experts also lauded Vietnam as a rising star in the Southeast Asian tech landscape.
The country’s large population, rapid economic growth, and its stable government are the reasons why Singapore-based venture capital firm Quest Ventures sees it as a key market, the firm’s Vietnam-based senior analyst Linh Ha told TNGlobal in an interview.
“With 97.4 million people, 37 percent of whom live in urban areas, it offers a massive consumer base. Vietnam’s demographics are quite favorable; there’s a young and skilled workforce, which is a big asset for companies looking to expand,” she said.
Economically, it is one of the fastest-growing countries in the region, boasting an 8 percent GDP growth in 2022 and 5.05 percent in 2023, even with the global slowdown. Politically, Vietnam stands out as a stable environment for doing business, which gives investors and businesses confidence in long-term planning, she noted.
According to her, foreign direct investment has also increased, with over $27.7 billion pledged in 2022 alone, showing strong international confidence in its market.
“..these are the standout factors that make Vietnam so attractive for us as a regional VC,” she added.
When asked about which are the high-growth sectors in Vietnam, Ha said e-commerce remains a major driver, with the sector projected to grow at a 29 percent annual rate, making it one of the fastest in the region.
“Some other high-potential sectors we’ve seen in the country are Smart Manufacturing, Cross-Border E-commerce, AI, and SaaS Solutions,” she noted. “The government also has a strategic emphasis on the Green Economy for Vietnam’s future development, aligning with global trends of digital transformation and automation.”
Despite the progress, Ha also said it is fair to say that the tech ecosystem in Vietnam remains “somewhat domestically focused”.
“This is partly due to early-stage startups prioritizing local market penetration first before going regional or global, given the country’s fast-growing digital consumption,” she said.
“Vietnam’s digital economy is expected to contribute 20 percent of GDP by 2025 and has been the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia. This suggests that while the base remains local, there is substantial potential and intent to expand regionally. The landscape is evolving, and we are hopeful to see more Vietnamese startups to venture beyond borders in the coming years,” she added.
In the interview, Ha shared the strengths and weaknesses she observed in the tech ecosystem and gave suggestions to all stakeholders on how the ecosystem can be improved. She also shared how Quest Ventures identifies and supports emerging tech talent in Vietnam, among others.
Below are the edited excerpts:
How do you see the current state of Vietnam’s tech ecosystem? Some observers opined that it is still quite closed, the tech startups in the country still operate more within the country and not really expanding regionally. What’s your thoughts on this?
Vietnam has witnessed major progress in their tech ecosystem in recent years. The total investment in Vietnamese startups for 2023 amounted to $529 million.
As of 2024, Vietnam has eight unicorns, making it one of the fastest-growing tech ecosystems in Southeast Asia. These unicorns include well-known names like VNG, MoMo, VNLife, Sky Mavis, Axie Infinity, VNPay, Tiki, and VNG Cloud.
Despite some signs of success, it is fair to say that the ecosystem remains somewhat domestically-focused. This is partly due to early-stage startups prioritizing local market penetration first before going regional or global, given the country’s fast-growing digital consumption.
Vietnam’s digital economy is expected to contribute 20 percent of GDP by 2025 and has been the fastest-growing in Southeast Asia. This suggests that while the base remains local, there is substantial potential and intent to expand regionally. The landscape is evolving, and we are hopeful to see more Vietnamese startups to venture beyond borders in the coming years.
From a VC’s perspective, where are the opportunities you see in Vietnam? Are there any hot sectors? Is there any sector(s) that should see more disruption or innovation?
For Quest Ventures, we consider Vietnam a key market for several reasons. Three main ones are: its large population, rapid economic growth, and its stable government.
With 97.4 million people, 37 percent of whom live in urban areas, it offers a massive consumer base. Plus, Vietnam’s demographics are quite favorable; there’s a young and skilled workforce, which is a big asset for companies looking to expand.
Economically, it is one of the fastest-growing countries in the region, boasting an 8 percent GDP growth in 2022 and 5.05 percent in 2023, even with the global slowdown. Politically, Vietnam stands out as a stable environment for doing business, which gives investors and businesses confidence in long-term planning.
Foreign direct investment has also increased, with over $27.7 billion pledged in 2022 alone, showing strong international confidence in its market. Of course, there is much more to consider, but these are the standout factors that make Vietnam so attractive for us as a regional VC.
As for high-growth sectors, e-commerce remains a major driver, with the sector projected to grow at a 29 percent annual rate, making it one of the fastest in the region.
Other high-potential sectors are Smart Manufacturing, Cross-Border E-commerce, AI, and SaaS Solutions. The government also has a strategic emphasis on the Green Economy for Vietnam’s future development, aligning with global trends of digital transformation and automation.
Is there any particular sector(s) Quest Ventures focuses on? and why?
We are an industry-agnostic venture capital firm. We keep an eye on emerging trends and position ourselves to be the first to back the most promising startups in sectors that are poised for growth.
How can Vietnam’s tech ecosystem be more vibrant? Based on your observations, what are the strengths the ecosystem has? and what are the areas that need to be improved?
Beyond the macro factors driving the strength of Vietnam’s tech ecosystem that I mentioned above, a significant advantage lies in the strong commitment and strategic support from the government to foster its development.
The Vietnamese government has been ramping up support for startups, aiming to transform the country into a leading tech and innovation hub in Southeast Asia.
One major initiative is “Project 844”, also known as the National Program to Support the Innovative Startup Ecosystem, which was launched in 2016. With a budget of over $88 million allocated until 2025, this program aims to create a robust legal framework, promote local innovation, and attract global investment by offering both financial and non-financial support.
Furthermore, various local and national startup competitions are organized annually, such as the Techfest Vietnam and the Startup Vietnam Foundation initiatives, which not only provide prize funding but also connect startups with investors, accelerators, and global networks.
Cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang have their own dedicated innovation programs. For example, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Innovation Challenge (VIC) is a flagship initiative organized by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the National Innovation Center (NIC).
The challenge seeks to identify and support breakthrough solutions in key sectors such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence, positioning Hanoi as a leader in advanced technology innovation. The program aims to cultivate 500 pioneering enterprises by 2030 and establish Vietnam as a global destination for tech and innovation investments.
The NIC also collaborates closely with public and private stakeholders to build a comprehensive innovation ecosystem in Hanoi. In Da Nang, Da Nang’s Resolution No. 328 allocates funds to establish the city as a national innovation center by 2025, while also setting up tech parks and incubators that offer specialized support for high-tech startups.
These strong foundations notwithstanding, a major challenge for startups raising funds in Vietnam is the lack of clarity in regulations, as the country lacks a clear legal framework for setting up venture capital funds or facilitating capital flow.
This regulatory uncertainty often drives local startups to register in Singapore, where the legal environment is more transparent and investor-friendly.
By establishing entities abroad, these startups can streamline the fundraising process and access a broader pool of global investors, significantly enhancing their ability to secure capital.
Any suggestions for startups/entrepreneurs, local and foreign investors, corporations and government?
Doing business in any country requires connections, but in Vietnam, it is crucial to have the right people on your side. Let’s think of it as having a local guide who can help you navigate the complexities of the market and fast-track opportunities. I cannot emphasize enough the value of finding a “super-connector” or a trusted local partner – someone who knows the ins and outs of the ecosystem and has relationships that can help open doors you would not have even known existed.
Equally important is understanding how to work with the government. Vietnam’s regulatory environment can be tricky to navigate if you do not have the right insights. Having someone on your team who understands local dynamics, who speaks the language (literally and figuratively), and knows how to engage with government officials can make all the difference.
For startups looking to expand into Vietnam, our advice is to prioritize understanding your target market at a deeper level. Don’t just translate your content – really invest in learning about the local culture, consumer behaviors, and unique pain points then tailor your product or service to meet these specific needs!
This will help you build trust with local customers and differentiate your offerings. Hyper-localization is key to standing out and thriving.
We conduct much of this understanding through our Vietnam Global Innovation program, a partnership with Enterprise Singapore and Economic Development Board of Singapore to help Singapore startups access the Vietnamese market.
How does Quest Ventures identify and support emerging tech talent in Vietnam?
We take a holistic approach to ecosystem building by collaborating closely with five key pillars: government, corporates, higher education institutions, risk capital providers, and startups. Our involvement spans across supporting entrepreneurship hubs and engaging with student initiatives nationwide.
One of our non-profit arms, Social Impact Catalyst, is dedicated to championing social impact initiatives across ASEAN, nurturing socially driven projects and building a pipeline of young leaders committed to creating positive change in their local communities. We have a flagship chapter based at Fulbright University that plays a crucial role in fostering these initiatives.
Among our core programs is the Venture Capital Accelerated program, a fast-track course designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs and investors with a solid foundation in venture capital.
We collaborate with local partners to offer this training to a diverse range of stakeholders, including students, entrepreneurs, aspiring investors, and senior corporate executives. Past partnerships have included leading universities such as FPT University, and the Department of Science and Technology in Ho Chi Minh City. More than 500 participants worldwide have been trained to-date.
What are the main challenges you’ve encountered when working with Vietnamese startups, and how do you overcome them?
The two main startup and innovation hubs are Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi while Da Nang, the third largest city in the country, is catching up. For this reason, we have established partnerships with local governments, universities, and entrepreneurship hubs in emerging centers such as Da Nang to help bridge the gap between these regions.
We are also seeing an exciting new wave of founders returning to Vietnam equipped with international education and experience, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the local market.
However, there remains a gap when it comes to strategic and business leadership, specifically leaders who do not only think big but also have the skills and vision to scale startups from 1 to 100.
While many founders are capable of getting their ventures from 0 to 1, there is still a shortage of seasoned talent who can effectively navigate complex growth stages and build companies that compete on a regional or global scale. Our educational programs and ecosystem building activities help address these issues, laying bricks to build up the next generations of talent in Vietnam.
How is the deployment of Quest Ventures’ earlier funds?
We have invested in more than 100 companies with footprints in more than 150 cities across Southeast Asia and Central Asia. Our funds such as the Super Angel Fund have outperformed funds of similar vintage.
Two organisations recognised as Companies of Good share how, even with limited resources, SMEs in Singapore can make a tangible difference to society.
Quest Ventures
VENTURE capital (VC) firm, Quest Ventures, is committed to driving positive change and fostering sustainable development across Asia. To realise its objectives, it supports the efforts of non-profit organisations and charities to address pressing social issues. Areas it focuses on include empowering youth, supporting the elderly, and fostering entrepreneurship.
This year, Quest was named a Champion of Good in the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre’s (NVPC) Company of Good (COG) Recognition System, which recognises companies for their commitment to corporate purpose and contributions in the five impact areas of People, Society, Governance, Environment and Economic. It was among 290 companies recognised at the Company of Good Conferment in July this year.
The COG recognition has enabled Quest to communicate its impact goals within the investor community and among its portfolio companies, as well as with its team, says James Tan, its managing partner.
“We firmly believe that responsible investment goes beyond financial returns, encompassing broader objectives such as environmental sustainability and social responsibility.”
The firm has the unique opportunity and responsibility to influence the next generation of entrepreneurs and businesses that create job growth in the region to do so in a holistic fashion, he adds.
Quest and its portfolio companies run initiatives to create positive social or environmental impact. For instance, through its Questions With podcast, Quest invites startup founders to share stories of positive impact, such as community-based care solutions by SG Assist and veterinary telehealth by ZumVet.
The firm also recently worked with social enterprise Social Collider to support the Wellbeing Champion Charity Walk by Over the Rainbow, a one-stop hub for youth mental wellness.
To promote responsible and impact investing, Quest collaborated with the Singapore Centre for Social Enterprise (raiSE), Asia’s first VC-backed accelerator for socially impactful enterprises, for its Sustainable Impact Accelerator programme.
Under this programme, entrepreneurs get funding, as well as access to training and networking to develop business opportunities. “These initiatives benefit both investors and startups in tackling important social issues, environmental challenges and development gaps,” Tan says.
For example, food sustainability startup treatsure connects hotels and grocers with surplus food to everyday consumers in Singapore, while software company Tictag provides artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to engage community organisations to train and employ beneficiaries, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Tan believes that businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), should embrace social responsibility. Contributing to community development such as “raising awareness on social causes and environmental protection and conservation”, he adds, will also foster long-term success.
Tan says businesses should recognise the role of technology and digitalisation in sustainable development and improving lives. Technology can accelerate the distribution of goods and services in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, finance and education, while digitalisation has become an enabler for social services and development work.
For SMEs that are hoping to be purpose-driven, Tan advises them to work towards building something, whether for the community or for-profit, that can scale, replicate, and target large communities. “Businesses have a substantial influence over society and the environment,” he notes.
He acknowledges that “promoting responsible investment and ESG (environmental, social and governance) principles will require time and transition for our team as well as our stakeholders”.
“While the interest and intention to integrate policies is present among entrepreneurs, there is still a need for knowledge transfer, support and capacity-building. But, this ongoing effort reflects the dynamic nature of sustainability practices, underscoring both the progress made and the potential for further development.”
By April Ong Vano, Head, Environmental, Social & Governance; Linh Ha, Senior Analyst; Amanda Chan, Summer Analyst; and edited by Jazlynn Quek, Summer Analyst
In the current business environment, startups are increasingly expected to incorporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their operations. The growing awareness around sustainability and social responsibility means that startups are not only evaluated by their financial performance but also by their impact on society and the environment.
As emerging companies with the potential to disrupt industries, startups have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to set new standards for responsible business practices. This shift is not merely a trend but a necessary adaptation to a world facing significant environmental and social challenges.
The example of Quest Ventures, a venture capital firm that has integrated ESG principles into its operations, offers insights into how startups can effectively engage with these important issues and the importance of doing so.
The imperative of corporate purpose and social responsibility
At the heart of any successful startup is a well-defined and compelling corporate purpose. In today’s business landscape, startups must go beyond the pursuit of profit to define a purpose that encompasses social responsibility. This commitment to a broader mission can be a powerful catalyst for long-term success. While financial returns remain essential, startups that align their business models with societal goals often find themselves better positioned for sustainable growth.
For instance, Quest Ventures has placed a strong emphasis on initiatives that promote financial inclusion, gender equality, and access to healthcare and education. This focus on social impact extends beyond altruism—it reflects a broader understanding that businesses are part of the societies in which they operate. Startups that adopt a similar approach can reap significant benefits. First, they can attract socially conscious investors who value long-term impact over short-term gains.
Second, a strong commitment to social responsibility enhances brand reputation, making the startup more attractive to customers, employees, and partners. Finally, a well-defined social purpose can serve as a guiding principle, helping startups navigate challenges and capitalise on opportunities in a rapidly changing world.
Building a sustainable business model
Incorporating ESG principles into the business model from the outset can provide startups with a competitive advantage. Quest Ventures, for example, manages a diverse portfolio that includes companies operating in e-commerce, software/AI, and fintech. By integrating ESG considerations into their investment strategy, the firm has ensured that sustainability is a core aspect of the companies they support.
For startups, this implies that focusing on ESG can lead to better risk management and resilience. Through prioritising ESG from the outset, startups can build resilient business models that are better equipped to withstand market fluctuations and regulatory changes. In addition, startups that prioritise ESG are likely to attract investment from funds that value not just financial returns but also the broader impact of their investments. This can lead to a more stable and supportive investor base, which is crucial for long-term growth.
Responsible investment and long-term value creation
Startups can benefit from adopting responsible investment practices early on. Quest Ventures’ commitment to responsible investment, as demonstrated by their adherence to the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), highlights the importance of considering ESG factors in decision-making processes. For startups, this approach can lead to more sustainable and long-term value creation.
Aside from avoiding harm, responsible investment is about actively seeking opportunities that contribute to positive societal and environmental outcomes. Startups that align with responsible investment principles are more likely to build businesses that are both profitable and resilient to future challenges.
Quest Ventures’ pragmatic approach to ESG—focusing on better risk-adjusted returns while integrating ESG factors into its operations—is a testament to how startups can achieve both financial success and positive impact. This approach can help startups build trust with investors, customers, and employees, which is essential for sustainable growth.
Environmental stewardship as a strategic priority
In an era where environmental concerns are increasingly at the forefront of public consciousness, startups must recognise the importance of environmental stewardship. Quest Ventures has developed robust criteria for evaluating the environmental impact of potential investments, ensuring that its portfolio companies align with its sustainability goals. This proactive approach to environmental stewardship is particularly relevant for startups, which often have the agility and innovation to pioneer new sustainable practices.
Adopting environmentally sustainable practices is a strategic advantage for startups. Companies that prioritise environmental sustainability are better positioned to meet evolving consumer demands, navigate regulatory changes, and mitigate risks associated with climate change.
Quest Ventures’ ongoing engagement with its portfolio companies to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices highlights the importance of continuous improvement and adaptability in this area. Additionally, startups that prioritise environmental stewardship can contribute to the broader effort to combat climate change, which is increasingly becoming a factor in investment decisions.
Social responsibility as a cornerstone of success
Social responsibility is another critical component of a successful ESG strategy. This encompasses the commitment to uphold human rights, promote fair labor practices, and foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Quest Ventures’ dedication to these areas reflects a broader trend in the business world where social responsibility is increasingly seen as essential to long-term success. These principles extend beyond ethical considerations—they are fundamental to building a strong, cohesive, and motivated team capable of propelling a startup forward.
For startups, this means that investing in social responsibility can lead to a more engaged and productive workforce, stronger relationships with customers, and a more supportive community. Startups that prioritise social responsibility also have an edge in attracting and retaining top talent, as employees increasingly seek out companies that align with their values. Furthermore, social responsibility can enhance a startup’s reputation, leading to stronger brand loyalty and customer trust.
The role of strong governance in sustainable growth
Good governance is essential for startups, particularly as they grow and scale. Quest Ventures has established governance principles that promote accountability, transparency, and ethical behaviour across all levels of their organisation. Startups can learn from this approach by implementing strong governance practices early on, which can help them navigate the complexities of growth and scaling.
Apart from compliance, strong governance also entails creating a framework that supports sustainable business practices. Startups that prioritise governance are better equipped to build trust with investors, customers, and employees. Consequently, good governance can help startups avoid potential pitfalls and make more informed decisions, which is crucial for long-term success.
Journey forward: The role of startups in shaping the future
Startups have a pivotal role in shaping the future of business and society by integrating ESG principles into their operations. By embracing ESG, startups can achieve financial success while contributing meaningfully to a more sustainable and equitable future. As the business landscape continues to evolve, startups that prioritise ESG will be better prepared to navigate challenges, seize new opportunities, and create a lasting impact.
Quest Ventures’ commitment to driving positive change and fostering sustainable development serves as a beacon for startups aspiring to lead with purpose and responsibility. This approach sets the stage for the emergence of responsible and forward-thinking businesses that will define the future.
Read more about Quest Ventures’ ESG Progress in here.
This post first appeared on e27.
Within the framework of the opening ceremony of the Da Nang Innovation Startup Festival – SURF 2024 on Friday morning, the municipal Department of Science and Technology in collaboration with Quest Ventures, a Singapore-based investment fund, launched the “Da Nang – Singapore Innovation Space”.
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Hoang Minh (left) and Da Nang People’s Committee Vice Chairman Tran Chi Cuong (right) presenting flowers to congratulate the launch of the Da Nang – Singapore Innovation Space.
Accordingly, the Da Nang – Singapore Innovation Space is located at the building Block 71 in Singapore. This place is expected to create new ideas, explore smart solutions and promote sustainable development for both sides. At the same time, it is the place where researchers, entrepreneurs and startups/projects can interact, learn and cooperate, and seek sustainable development orientations.
Previously, as part of the Da Nang Venture and Angel Summit (DAVAS) 2024 in early June 2024, the municipal Department of Science and Technology coordinated with Quest Venture to launch Quest Ventures’ innovation collaboration space in Da Nang. The space is positioned in the Viet Nam Innovation Hub building at 179 Tran Hung Dao Street, An Hai Bac Ward, Son Tra District.
… national sprinter Xander Ho knows the importance of a strong start.
As an intern analyst at venture capital firm Quest Ventures, he works flexible hours and has an unlimited leave structure to achieve his sporting goals.
For example, the final-year Nanyang Technological University Singapore business, finance and banking undergrad has been allowed time off to go for training camps and competitions in Japan.
The 24-year-old said: “It’s important for me to pursue both concurrently as I’m graduating soon and I wish to find a direction for my working career and not be at a disadvantage after I graduate. I want to give it my all while I’m at my peak age for sports and I don’t want to have regrets not pursuing it.”
Quest Ventures managing partner James Tan shared that Ho’s work arrangement is “a pretty normal setup for technology companies like us and it is relatively easy to adopt”.
Kuala Lumpur, with its vibrant and dynamic environment, stands at the forefront of this transformation, attracting both local and international investors.
A team from Quest Ventures visited the city to meet with partners and get the latest updates on the Malaysian ecosystem.
Together, MAVCAP, Artem Ventures, and ERTH exemplify the multifaceted approach Malaysia is taking to enhance its technology and innovation ecosystem while prioritising sustainability. Their combined efforts not only foster economic growth and innovation but also ensure that ESG considerations are integral to the development of Malaysia’s burgeoning startup landscape.
Tax incentives for investments in technology, grants for digitalisation projects, and support for digital startups are just some of the measures in place to foster a robust digital economy. Together these initiatives drive profound changes across the economy, fostering innovation and growth while creating new opportunities for businesses and investors. Efforts by pitchIN and APW contribute to a dynamic and forward-thinking entrepreneurial ecosystem, which bode well for Malaysia to become a leading digital economy in the region.
8月19日媒体报道，新加坡风险投资公司Quest Ventures与Deluv Labs宣布消息称，双方联合启动Web 3孵化平台JD Labs项目，该项目将专注于塑造web 3初创企业生态体系，争取为wab 3团队提供更多的资金支持，专家指导与策略合作的行业资源，据悉，Quest Ventures 是新加坡知名的风险投资机构，该拥有着较育分为丰富的投资经验，Deluv Labs则是专注web 3范围的孵化器平台，该平台致力于web 3技术的进步与革新，双方之间的合作一定会给Web 3初创企业带来更多支持。
此次推出的JD Labs项目作为web 3孵化平台，将会专注于建设web 3初创企业生态体系，给早期web 3团队提供更多的行业指导资源，这种明确的平台定位已经明确了平台所拥有的核心价值与使命，依据公开的信息来看，该事件的发生节点正值web 3技术飞速发展和市场需要不断增长的阶段，这也给JD Labs的将来进步打下了更为坚实的基础。
JD Labs后续会整理Quest Ventures的投资经验与Deluv Labs的孵化能力，这将会给更多Web 3初创企业带来一站式的孵化服务，可以提供的资源不只包含资金支持和技术指导，而且还提供更多有关市场拓展和法律咨询方面的服务，这种服务的推广可以大大降低初创企业的创业风险和本钱，还能够帮助企业更好的获得资金，技术和市场方面的资源，帮助企业加速进步与成长。
通过提供专业的指导服务和支持力度，可以大大降低Web 3初创企业的创业门槛，促进更多具备潜力的项目可以落地和孵化，JD Labs的成立会激起出更多Web 3技术革新和应用探索的能力，这也会推进整个web 3行业的进步与进步，对于Web 3生态系统的构建也能起到较好有哪些用途，这种建设模式可以构建出更为健全的生态体系，会促进不同范围之间的合作与交流，推进整个行业的协同向上进步。
金色財經報道，新加坡風投Quest Ventures和Web3孵化器Deluv Labs聯合啓動Web3孵化平臺JD Labs，JD Labs將專注於建設Web3初創企業生態系統，爲早期Web3團隊提供專家指導、行業資源、資金支持和戰略合作。
According to Foresight News, Singapore-based venture capital firm Quest Ventures and Web3 incubator Deluv Labs have jointly launched a new Web3 incubation platform named JD Labs. The initiative aims to build a robust ecosystem for Web3 startups by offering expert guidance, industry resources, financial support, and strategic partnerships to early-stage Web3 teams.
JD Labs is set to focus on nurturing the growth and development of Web3 startups, providing them with the necessary tools and support to succeed in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. By leveraging the combined expertise and resources of Quest Ventures and Deluv Labs, JD Labs seeks to create a thriving environment for innovation and collaboration within the Web3 space.
The platform will offer a range of services designed to help early-stage Web3 teams navigate the challenges of building and scaling their projects. These services include access to industry experts, mentorship programs, funding opportunities, and strategic collaborations with key players in the Web3 ecosystem. JD Labs aims to foster a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and innovators who are passionate about advancing the Web3 industry.
With the launch of JD Labs, Quest Ventures and Deluv Labs are positioning themselves at the forefront of the Web3 revolution, supporting the next generation of startups that are poised to transform the digital economy. The collaboration between the two organizations underscores their commitment to driving innovation and growth in the Web3 sector, providing a solid foundation for the future of decentralized technologies.
nVentures Pte Ltd has partnered with the inaugural DigiEcon Global Investment Summit in 2024, organized by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Technology. This initiative is part of the country’s far-reaching DigiEcon Sri Lanka 2030 economic strategy.
The VCs that will attend the DigiEcon Global Investment Summit are Quest Ventures, Accelerating Asia, Tenity, Striders Corporation and Orvel. In addition, James Tanfrom Quest Ventures, Craig Dixon from Accelerating Asia and Jonas Thürig from Tenity willserve as guest speakers at the Summit.
In May 2024, I had the privilege of speaking at Beyond EXPO Macau, an event that gathers thought leaders, innovators, and industry experts from around the globe.
As the CEO of Vietcetera, I was excited to engage in discussions shaping various industries’ futures. I moderated two panels: one on Impact Investing and Sustainability, and another on Corporate Venture Capital (CVC): Navigating Innovation and Strategic Partnerships in the Digital Era.
Panel on Impact Investing and Sustainability
The first panel I moderated focused on impact investing and sustainability. I was joined by April Ong Vaño, Head of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) at Quest Ventures, and Tan Shyue Wern, Director of Strategic Development at Malaysia Venture Capital Management Berhad.
Our discussion delved into how investing can drive positive social and environmental changes while generating financial returns.
April Ong Vaño shared Quest Ventures’ approach to integrating ESG criteria into their investment decisions. She highlighted the importance of sustainability metrics and how they influence investor confidence and long-term value creation. Her insights emphasized that businesses must align their operations with global sustainability goals to attract conscientious investors.
The panel concluded with a robust Q&A session where audience members posed questions about measuring impact, balancing profit with purpose, and the future of sustainable investments. The dialogue underscored a collective commitment to integrating sustainability into core business strategies.
Ignoring Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors is not just a missed opportunity in today’s business world—it’s a risk.
ESG is a framework used when assessing an organisation’s practices and performances regarding sustainability and ethical issues.
With Malaysia’s ambitious goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the urgency for companies to adopt sustainable practices is clear.
Speakers from BEYOND Expo 2024 at Macao shed light on why ESG is now a critical driver for startups in Malaysia and beyond.
Impact investing is about more than just green startups
April Ong Vano, head of ESG from Quest Ventures, clarified a common misconception: impact investing isn’t limited to just “green” startups. It’s about identifying companies across all sectors that create a positive social and environmental impact, alongside financial returns.
This opens doors for a wider range of Malaysian startups to contribute to a sustainable future.
Whether it’s a social enterprise empowering local communities or a tech startup developing innovative solutions for renewable energy, companies that weave positive impact into their core business models become attractive investment opportunities.
Both venture capitalists (VCs) agree that strong ESG practices provide a significant competitive edge.
Companies with a demonstrably positive ESG performance attract more investors and gain access to international markets.
“Quest Ventures, for instance, leverages its involvement in early-stage investments to help founders build a culture of good governance from the ground up.”
“This integrates ESG seamlessly into the startup’s DNA, making it a natural part of their business model rather than an afterthought,” she said.
DAVAS 2024 (Da Nang Venture and Angel Summit), an event of investors and businesses, took place on May 31 in the city. Of the 10 large funds attending the event, there were well known names such as Quest Ventures, Do Ventures, TheVentures, Trive Singapore and Thinkzone.
Of the 30 projects calling for investment, one was from Singapore, one from Canada, seven from Hanoi and HCM City, and 19 from Da Nang.
Sáng 31/5, Sở Khoa học và Công nghệ thành phố Đà Nẵng phối hợp với quỹ Quest Ventures tổ chức Hội thảo quốc tế đầu tư mạo hiểm và thiên thần Đà Nẵng năm 2024 – “Danang Venture and Angel Summit 2024” (DAVAS 2024) với chủ đề “Vươn tầm sáng tạo – Kết nối toàn cầu” và thông điệp “Đà Nẵng – Thành phố đổi mới sáng tạo”.
Đây là sự kiện lần đầu tiên tổ chức tại Đà Nẵng, hội tụ hơn 10 quỹ đầu tư lớn trong và ngoài nước như: Quest Ventures, Do Ventures, TheVentures, TRIVE Singapore,…; Khoảng 20 đơn vị hỗ trợ khởi nghiệp như: Swiss EP, Kilsa Global, Kisstartup,…; Khoảng 30 dự án/doanh nghiệp KNĐMST trong và ngoài nước có nhu cầu gọi vốn, trong đó có 03 dự án đến từ Singapore, 01 dự án đến từ Canada, 07 dự án đến từ Hà Nội/thành phố Hồ Chí Minh và 19 dự án đến từ Đà Nẵng. Bên cạnh đó, sự kiện còn nhận được sự đồng hành của các trường đại học, cơ sở giáo dục và cộng đồng startup, doanh nghiệp KNĐMST.
Ông James Tan – Quản lý đối tác Quỹ đầu tư mạo hiểm Quest Ventures chia sẻ tại chương trình
Chia sẻ tại chương trình, ông James Tan – Quản lý đối tác Quỹ đầu tư mạo hiểm Quest Ventures cho biết quỹ sẽ đẩy mạnh đầu tư vào các dự án, doanh nghiệp khởi nghiệp tại Đà Nẵng trong thời gian tới.
DAVAS 2024 diễn ra trong 2 ngày 31-5 và 1-6, gồm các nội dung chính như tổ chức Lễ ký kết hợp tác giữa KILSA Global và Sở Khoa học và Công nghệ thành phố Đà Nẵng; Tổ chức gọi vốn cho khoảng 30 dự án, doanh nghiệp KNĐMST trước các quỹ đầu tư, nhà đầu tư thiên thần; Kết nối theo hình thức 1:1 giữa các nhà đầu tư và doanh nghiệp, dự án KNĐMST; Ký kết hợp tác đổi mới sáng tạo; 03 diễn đàn đầu tư về KNĐMST; Ra mắt không gian hợp tác đổi mới sáng tạo của quỹ đầu tư Quest Ventures tại Đà Nẵng; Tham quan một số đối tác đổi mới sáng tạo tại thành phố Đà Nẵng.
The innovation collaboration space of Quest Ventures, a Singaporean investment fund, made its debut in Da Nang on June 1. The activity was as part of the Da Nang Venture and Angel Investment (DAVAS) 2024.
On May 31, the Center for Innovative Startup Support (Department of Science and Technology of Da Nang City) organized an international conference on Venture Capital and Angel Investment in Da Nang City in 5 (DAVAS 2024) with the theme ” Reaching creativity – Global connection” and the message “Da Nang – City of innovation”.
Accordingly, the event brings together more than 10 large domestic and foreign investment funds such as: Quest Ventures, Do Ventures, TheVentures, Weangels, Flying Fish; about 20 startup support units such as: Swiss EP, Kilsa Global, Draper House Vietnam; About 30 domestic and foreign innovative start-up projects/enterprises need to call for capital. During 2 days, the program organizes capital raising for innovative projects and startups; one-to-one connection between investors and businesses, innovative startup projects; signed a cooperation agreement between the Department of Science and Technology of Da Nang City and KILSA Global; Launching the innovation collaboration space of Quest Ventures investment fund in Da Nang City; 1 investment forums on innovative startups.
Đây là sự kiện lần đầu tiên tổ chức tại Đà Nẵng, có sự tham gia của hơn 10 quỹ đầu tư lớn trong và ngoài nước (Quest Ventures, Do Ventures, The Ventures, TRIVE Singapore, BK Fund, FundGo…) và hơn 30 dự án, doanh nghiệp khởi nghiệp đổi mới sáng tạo tại Đà Nẵng.
Chia sẻ kinh nghiệm trong phát triển hệ sinh thái khởi nghiệp, ông James Tan, đại diện Quỹ đầu tư mạo hiểm Quest Ventures, để phát triển hệ sinh thái khởi nghiệp hiệu quả, chính quyền địa phương cần tích cực quan sát, tìm giải pháp hỗ trợ cho các doanh nghiệp. TP Đà Nẵng là một trong những địa phương làm tốt việc kết nối, hỗ trợ vốn cho doanh nghiệp khởi nghiệp. Đơn cử như tại sự kiện này, nhiều tập đoàn lớn tham gia và sẵn sàng trả tiền để mua dịch vụ, sản phẩm của các công ty khởi nghiệp.
“Đà Nẵng có nhiều trường đại học, học viện chuyên đào tạo, tìm kiếm tài năng trong lĩnh nghiên cứu, sáng tạo. Đây cũng là nguồn tài nguyên lớn để thành phố phát triển trong khởi nghiệp đổi mới sáng tạo. Hy vọng trong tương lai, TP Đà Nẵng tiếp tục kêu gọi thành công nhiều tập đoàn lớn tham gia hỗ trợ mạng lưới khởi nghiệp đổi mới sáng tạo”, ông James Tan chia sẻ.
The Da Nang Venture and Angel Summit (DAVAS) 2024 opened in the central city on May 31 with the aim of connecting startups with domestic and foreign investment funds, the Government News has reported.
Themed ‘Reaching Creativity – Global Connection’, the two-day event gathered about 10 large domestic and foreign investment funds, including Quest Ventures, Do Ventures, TheVentures, TRIVE Singapore, BK Fund, and FundGo, and 30 startup projects and businesses.
The event featured many activities, including raising capital for startup projects and companies, connecting investors and startups and holding investment forums on startup and innovation.
Held for the first time in the city, it gathers about 10 large domestic and foreign investment funds, including Quest Ventures, Do Ventures, TheVentures, TRIVE Singapore, BK Fund, and FundGo, along with about 30 startup projects and businesses.
James Tan, a representative of Quest Ventures, considered Da Nang one of the localities with good performance in connecting and helping startups raise capital, citing many big enterprises’ presence at DAVAS 2024 and readiness to buy services and products of startups.
He expressed his hope that the city will continue to successfully attract many large firms to the local startup and innovation network.
Da Nang is home to many universities and institutions specialised in training and seeking research and innovation talents, which is also a considerable resource for it to develop startups and innovation, according to Tan.
Activities at DAVAS 2024 include raising capital for startup projects and companies, connecting investors and startups, holding three investment forums on startup and innovation, signing a cooperation deal between the municipal Department of Science and Technology and KILSA Global, and launching an innovation cooperation space of Quest Ventures in Da Nang.
With the message “Da Nang – City of Innovation”, DAVAS 2024, the first of its kind in the city, aims to connect elements in the ecosystem, facilitate projects and startups to approach investors and investment funds, gradually position Da Nang as an attractive destination for capital appeal and investment, and form a community of angel investors and venture capital funds in the city.
Some highlights of DAVAS 2024 include the capital raising for startup projects, 1:1 connection between investors and startups, three investment forums on innovative startups, the signing ceremony between Kilsa Global and the Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, and the launch of the innovation collaboration space of Quest Ventures, a Singaporean investment fund, in Da Nang.
The event brings together more than 10 large domestic and foreign investment funds such as Quest Ventures, Do Ventures, TheVentures, Weangels and Flying Fish, along with about 20 startup support units such as Swiss EP, Kilsa Global and Draper House Vietnam.
Với chủ đề “Vươn tầm sáng tạo – Kết nối toàn cầu” và thông điệp “Đà Nẵng – Thành phố đổi mới sáng tạo”, DAVAS 2024 được tổ chức với chuỗi các sự kiện diễn ra trong 2 ngày ( hôm nay và ngày mai 01/6), bao gồm các nội dung: tổ chức lễ ký kết hợp tác giữa Sở Khoa học và Công nghệ thành phố Đà Nẵng và KILSA Global- Tổ chức thúc đẩy kinh doanh và đầu tư khu vực Châu Á, hỗ trợ thúc đẩy tăng tốc cho Startup; tổ chức gọi vốn cho các dự án, doanh nghiệp khởi nghiệp đổi mới sáng tạo; kết nối giữa các nhà đầu tư và doanh nghiệp, dự án khởi nghiệp đổi mới sáng tạo theo hình thức 1:1 ; ra mắt không gian hợp tác đổi mới sáng tạo của quỹ đầu tư Quest Ventures tại Đà Nẵng. Trong khuôn khổ sự kiện, còn có 3 diễn đàn đầu tư về khởi nghiệp đổi mới sáng tạo, và chương trình tham quan một số đối tác đổi mới sáng tạo tại thành phố Đà Nẵng. Hội thảo nhằm kết nối các thành tố trong hệ sinh thái, tạo cơ hội cho các dự án, startup tiếp cận các nhà đầu tư, quỹ đầu tư. Thông qua sự kiện, thành phố Đà Nẵng mong muốn từng bước xây dựng, hình thành cộng đồng các nhà đầu tư thiên thần, quỹ đầu tư mạo hiểm trên địa bàn thành phố Đà Nẵng; hỗ trợ các dự án, doanh nghiệp khởi nghiệp đổi mới sáng tạo tiếp cận được với các nhà đầu tư, quỹ đầu tư, chuyên gia đầu ngành lĩnh vực khởi nghiệp đổi mới sáng tạo trong và ngoài nước.
The Da Nang Venture and Angel Summit (DAVAS) 2024 kicked off in the central city on May 31, aiming to create a chance for startup projects to access investors and investment funds.
The two-day event also aims to connect elements of the local startup ecosystem and help form a community of angel investors and venture funds in Da Nang.
Held for the first time in the city, it gathers about 10 large domestic and foreign investment funds, including Quest Ventures, Do Ventures, TheVentures, TRIVE Singapore, BK Fund, and FundGo, along with about 30 startup projects and businesses.
Duong Hoang Van Ban, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Science and Technology, said Da Nang has been working hard over the past years to develop the local startup and innovation ecosystem. It is coordinating with the Ministry of Science and Technology to establish a national startup support centre in the city.
The startup and innovation system of Da Nang is growing, and some local startups have succeeded in raising millions of US dollars in capital, he noted, adding that the city hopes more major enterprises, investment funds, angel investors, experts, and scientists will come to support startups.
James Tan, a representative of Quest Ventures, considered Da Nang one of the localities with good performance in connecting and helping startups raise capital, citing many big enterprises’ presence at DAVAS 2024 and readiness to buy services and products of startups.
He expressed his hope that the city will continue to successfully attract many large firms to the local startup and innovation network.
Da Nang is home to many universities and institutions specialised in training and seeking research and innovation talents, which is also a considerable resource for it to develop startups and innovation, according to Tan.
Activities at DAVAS 2024 include raising capital for startup projects and companies, connecting investors and startups, holding three investment forums on startup and innovation, signing a cooperation deal between the municipal Department of Science and Technology and KILSA Global, and launching an innovation cooperation space of Quest Ventures in Da Nang.
Da Nang has been honoured three times as an Attractive City for Innovative Startups in 2020, 2022, and 2023 by the Vietnam Software and Information Technology Services Association (Vinasa).
Innovative projects and startups are expected to contribute to transforming growth models and creating more added value, said Ban, adding that the city hopes to attract further large businesses, investment funds, angel investors, and scientists to accompany innovative startups moving forward.
For his part, James Tan, representative of Quest Ventures Venture Capital Fund, suggested that to develop an effective startup ecosystem, local authorities should actively seek solutions to support businesses.
Da Nang is one of the localities that has succeeded in strengthening linkages to find support in terms of capital sources for start-up businesses, noted Tan.
He pointed out that during the event a number of large corporations have participated and are willing to purchase services and products from startups.
He expressed hope that the city would continue to successfully call on many large corporations to participate in supporting the innovative startup network moving forward.
In addition, the event will also see the debut of the innovation collaboration space of Quest Ventures investment fund in Da Nang.
Quest Ventures tiếp tục đẩy mạnh các hoạt động đầu tư mạo hiểm tại Đà Nẵng trong sự kiện DAVAS 2024. Đây là hành động minh chứng cho sự hợp tác giữa Sở Khoa học và Công nghệ thành phố Đà Nẵng và Quest Ventures được ký kết vào tháng 11 năm 2023, hướng tới xây dựng, phát triển hệ sinh thái khởi nghiệp tại Đà Nẵng và trong khu vực.
Theo thông tin của Ban tổ chức, DAVAS đã nhận được sự quan tâm và tham gia của gần 30 Doanh nghiệp, Startup, dự án cùng hơn 10 quỹ đầu tư trong nước và quốc tế cũng đến tham dự. Trong đó Quest Ventures được xem là một trong những quỹ đầu tư lớn trong sự kiện lần này.
Quest Ventures là quỹ đầu tư mạo hiểm hàng đầu châu Á, có trụ sở chính tại Singapore. Kể từ năm 2011, Quest Ventures đã tập trung vào chiến lược ‘nền kinh tế kỹ thuật số’ tổng thể trên khắp châu Á và là công ty đầu tư mạo hiểm hàng đầu về trí tuệ nhân tạo, thương mại điện tử và thị trường, giải trí, tài chính, thực phẩm, bảo hiểm, hậu cần, truyền thông, tài sản, thể thao và nền kinh tế kỹ thuật số Hồi giáo. Các công ty danh mục đầu tư bao gồm các công ty dẫn đầu ngành như 99.co, Carousell, Carro, Glife, Hepmil, Oddle, Shopback, VulcanPost, Xfers và Yummy Corporation. Quest Ventures có mạng lưới rộng khắp châu Á, với các văn phòng tại Singapore, Indonesia, Việt Nam, Philippines và Ấn Độ. Quỹ hợp tác chặt chẽ với các đối tác địa phương để hỗ trợ các công ty khởi nghiệp trong khu vực.
Đặc biệt, trên cơ sở kết quả chuyến thăm và làm việc tại Singapore từ ngày 23/10/2023 đến ngày 27/10/2023, Sở Khoa học và Công nghệ thành phố Đà Nẵng và Quỹ đầu tư Quest Ventures, Singapore tiến hành ký Bản Ghi nhớ hợp tác trong lĩnh vực khởi nghiệp đổi mới sáng tạo trong khuôn khổ sự kiện Techfest-Whise 2023. Các hoạt động hợp tác sẽ bao gồm đào tạo và huấn luyện mạng lưới quỹ đầu tư thiên thần, khóa ươm tạo tăng tốc khởi nghiệp, xúc tiến và kết nối trong lĩnh vực hệ sinh thái khởi nghiệp đổi mới sáng tạo. Ngoài ra, Sở Khoa học và Công nghệ thành phố Đà Nẵng sẽ hỗ trợ không gian làm việc cho Quest Ventures tại Đà Nẵng tại Việt Nam Innovation Hub.
Ngày 09/5/2024, Quỹ đầu tư Quest Ventures Singapore đã phối với Bộ Công thương Singapore tổ chức “Sự kiện kết nối hệ sinh thái khởi nghiệp đổi mới sáng tạo Đà Nẵng – Singapore” là một trong những chương trình mở đầu cho sự hợp tác giữa Sở Khoa học và Công nghệ thành phố Đà Nẵng và Quỹ đầu tư Quest Ventures Singapore. Đồng thời tạo cơ hội giao lưu, kết nối hợp tác và xúc tiến đầu tư đổi mới sáng tạo giữa 02 hệ sinh thái khởi nghiệp đổi mới sáng tạo (KNĐMST) Singapore và thành phố Đà Nẵng. Sự kiện kết nối diễn ra thành công tốt đẹp với sự tham gia của 09 doanh nghiệp đến từ Singapore và thu hút được hơn 20 doanh nghiệp KNĐMST của Đà Nẵng. Sở Khoa học và Công nghệ Đà Nẵng cùng quỹ Quest Ventures đã bố trí cho các doanh nghiệp đến từ hai quốc gia đã có cơ hội trao đổi 1:1, tìm hiểu sâu hơn về thị trường Việt Nam cũng như Singapore.
Đánh giá thị trường Châu Á là rất tiềm năng, quỹ đầu tư mạo hiểm Quest Ventures đã hỗ trợ hơn 100 công ty đang hoạt động tại hơn 150 thành phố trên khắp châu Á, tạo cơ hội việc làm và thăng tiến cho hơn 4.400 nhân viên, chiến lược phát triển và đầu tư của Quest Ventures cũng đã tác động trực tiếp đến hàng nghìn người khác. Quest Ventures đã và đang có những định hướng, chiến lược riêng cho thị trường Đông Nam Á và Việt Nam. Quỹ Quest Ventures khẳng định có thể đầu tư cho các doanh nghiệp với quy mô đầu tư từ 50.000 USD đến 100.000 USD và thậm chí lên tới 3.000.000 USD tùy thuộc vào chất lượng của các doanh nghiệp tại Việt Nam. DAVAS 2024, Quest Ventures hy vọng có thể tìm kiếm cơ hội, lựa chọn các dự án chất lượng và phù hợp với tiêu chí của mình để đồng hành cùng Startup, góp phần củng cố hệ sinh thái khởi nghiệp tại Đà Nẵng nói riêng và Việt Nam nói chung.
In collaboration with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center Singapore, Brainsparks, Inc., and Quest Ventures, the Startup Pilipinas showcase at ECHELON X features the winners of the SLINGSHOT x Venture Pilipinas Pitch Competition from the Philippine Startup Week 2023.
These innovative companies include: (1) Betterteem, a predictive analytics platform designed to proactively address employee turnover, enhance engagement, and improve retention; (2) Solx Technologies Inc., an energy solutions multiplier platform that utilizes an industry-driven data ecosystem to enhance sustainability, energy efficiency, and energy savings; and (3) Xeleqt AI, an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven workforce management system that improves productivity, safety, and operational efficiency across various industries.
This showcase is part of the DTI’s business mission to connect Philippine startups with international investors through facilitating strategic business matching and securing actionable investment deals and partnerships in Singapore and beyond. The mission also builds structured networking and learning opportunities with accelerators, founders, and other players in the regional startup ecosystem.
Garderob, Central Asia’s fastest-growing fashion marketplace, has secured $350,000 in new capital.
The funding round was led by Tumar VC, with support from Activat VC and angel investors, including Quest Ventures.
Garderob specialises in offering second-hand fashion items across various categories such as apparel, footwear, and accessories. Utilising advanced technology, the online platform aims to revolutionise how consumers manage and engage with their wardrobes.
With this funding, the company aims to enhance its software, optimise platform performance, and expand its customer base in Central Asia.
“We envision Garderob to be the biggest fashion resale platform in Central Asia, with a great portion of our revenue coming from the European Market through partnerships with brands via a Resale-as-a-Service business model,” said Dias Nurlanov, founder and CEO of Garderob.
On the afternoon of May 09, 2024, at Swinburne University – Da Nang Campus, Da Nang Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with Enterprise Singapore and Quest Ventures, organized an event to promote the cooperation of innnovation and start-ups ecosystem between Da Nang and Singapore.
Addressing the event, Mr. Nguyen Viet Toan, Director of Da Nang Start-ups and Innovation Support Center highlighted the objective of the event was to create a platform for establishing partnership and promoting investment attraction for the start-ups and innovation ecosystems of Da Nang and Singapore. To build favourable conditions for innovation development, Da Nang city has issued more than 20 official documents regulating mechanisms, policies supporting start-ups and innovation enterprises. The city has also formed a network of 09 incubators, 04 venture capital funds, 02 innovation spaces, 10 working spaces, 10 start-ups clubs, 03 start-ups and innovation support centers while directly funding 18 projects and providing financial support to incubators with total value of 4.5 billion dong. He expected the event would lay a foundation for further comprehensive collaboration between Singaporean start-ups and innovation ecosystem with that of Central Viet Nam in general and Da Nang in particular.
At the event, representative from Da Nang Investment Promotion Agency gave a brief presentation on the investment environment and investment opportunities of Da Nang City. Da Nang has identified FDI was one of the vital elements driving the socio-economic growth of the city. Currently, Singapore is the second largest investor out of 45 countries and territories pouring investment into the city with regard to registered investment capital. There are 38 projects from Singapore investors with a total value of more than 01 billion USD. For its breakthrough development in the coming time, the city will focus on the development of semiconductor and AI sectors.
Within the framework of the event, representatives of start-ups from Singapore and Da Nang introduced to the audience their products and services as well as specified their cooperation demands.
Kamereo, a Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam-based provider of a B2B food-sourcing platform, raised $2.1M in funding.
The round was led by Reazon Holdings and Thoru Yamamoto, with participation form Quest Ventures.
Led by CEO and Founder Taku Tanaka, Kamereo is an online marketplace for farmers and food and beverage businesses to trade and source fresh supplies, enabing users to optimize the purchasing & sourcing processes.
The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach across the country and abroad, first in Cambodia.
Vietnam-based B2B food-sourcing platform Kamereo has secured $2.1 million in a pre-Series B round led by Reazon Holdings and Thoru Yamamoto, CEO of Tokyo-listed B2B firm Foodison. Quest Ventures also participated in the funding round.
Founded in 2019, Kamereo facilitates online marketplace transactions between farmers and food and beverage businesses, focusing on fresh supplies.
With the new funding, the company plans to expand its presence within Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi and aims to enter the Cambodian market. Additionally, Kamereo will use part of the funds to develop its consumer retail business, selling ready-to-eat salads through supermarkets and convenience stores.
Vietnam-based business to business (B2B) food sourcing platform KAMEREO announced Wednesday that it has raised $2.1 million in Pre Series B funding.
The firm said in a statement that the round is co-led by Reazon Holdings, Inc., Quest Ventures, and Thoru Yamamoto, Chief Executive Officer of FOODISON, B2B seafood supply chain company listed in Japan.
KAMEREO is a platform owns vegetable and fruit collection centers in the upstream of supply chain to directly work with its partner and contract farmers.
The platform serves over 3,000 businesses in Vietnam.
It is noted that the firm successfully overcame the nationwide lockdown in Vietnam until the 3rd quarter of 2021 and since then has been able to significantly grow its business and improve profitability.
Its customer base extends beyond restaurants to include supermarkets, convenience stores, factories, schools, hospitals, and more.
The firm continues to expand its product offerings to establish a system capable of meeting customers’ needs comprehensively.
While in developed countries such as Japan or the United States, major wholesale companies and agricultural cooperatives dominate the food supply chain, in Vietnam, such players are absent, and the market is primarily composed of many individual dealers.
With a market of $100 billion with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over 5 percent and no clear market leaders or winners, there is room for KAMEREO to become a major player in the industry.
James Tan, Managing Partner of Quest Ventures, said that KAMEREO is well-positioned to tap into the large wholesale and cooperatives potential in Vietnam.
“The food supply chain in Vietnam is highly inefficient due to its complex structure and the small scale of operators. KAMEREO has built an impressive infrastructure to provide customers with an affordable and reliable supply of vegetables and fruits,” he added.
Kamereo intends to use the funding to strengthen its sales team, increase the range of products and private brands, and expand its warehouse network.
Kamereo, a food supply B2B e-commerce business based in Vietnam, has raised US$2.1 million in a funding round co-led by Reazon Holdings, Quest Ventures, and Thoru Yamamoto (CEO of Japanese B2B seafood supply chain compny FOODISON).
KAMEREO, Vietnam’s pioneering B2B food sourcing platform, is set to transform the country’s culinary landscape following a substantial investment of $2.1 million in pre-Series B funding.
Since its inception in 2019, KAMEREO has experienced a remarkable average annual sales growth rate of over 300%, solidifying its position as a key player in Vietnam’s food supply B2B e-commerce sector.
The recent funding round, co-led by Reazon Holdings, Inc., Quest Ventures, and Thoru Yamamoto, CEO of FOODISON, marks a significant milestone for the company, bringing its total funding to $7.2 million.
KAMEREO plans to use the new funds to strengthen its sales team, expand its product variety and in-house brands, and grow its warehouse network. This will help it better serve its growing customer base with a wider range of options.
In a market valued at $100 billion with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) exceeding 5%, Vietnam presents immense opportunities for KAMEREO to emerge as a dominant force. Unlike developed countries, where major wholesale companies and agricultural cooperatives dominate the food supply chain, Vietnam’s market landscape comprises numerous individual dealers, leaving ample room for disruption and innovation.
James Tan, Managing Partner of Quest Ventures, highlighted KAMEREO’s ability to address inefficiencies in Vietnam’s food supply chain, underscoring its position to tap into untapped wholesale and cooperative markets. “KAMEREO has built an impressive infrastructure to provide customers with an affordable and reliable supply of vegetables and fruits,” James said.
Vietnam-based foodtech startup Kamereo has raised $2.1 million in a pre-Series B funding round anchored by Japan-based Reazon Holdings and B2B firm Foodison CEO Thoru Yamamoto, according to an announcement.
The funding round, which was also backed by China-based venture capital investor Quest Ventures, will be used to further expand the Ho Chi Minh-based B2B food-sourcing platform in Vietnam.
Kamereo was founded in 2018 by Japanese expatriate Taku Tanaka, who was the COO at PE firm Mekong Capital-backed restaurant chain Pizza 4Ps.
The firm had earlier raised $4.6 million in its Series A round led by Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand’s CPF Group, Quest Ventures, and Genesia Ventures. In 2019, the startup raised a $500,000 seed round led by Genesia Ventures, with participation from Velocity Ventures Vietnam.
The startup claims it was the country’s first B2B food platform to use technology to optimise sourcing and purchasing between buyers and farmers.
Kamereo, a B2B food-sourcing platform, has raised US$2.1 million as it aims to secure market leadership in its home country of Vietnam.
The fresh funds were raised in a pre-series B round, led by Japan-based Reazon Holdings and Thoru Yamamoto, who is the CEO of Tokyo-listed B2B firm Foodison. China-based VC firm Quest Ventures also participated in the funding round.
Since its inception in July 2019, Kamereo has aimed for profitability. It achieved the feat in early 2023, its CEO and founder Taku Tanaka told Tech in Asia.
“This improvement stems from various kaizens, or continuous improvements in Japanese, undertaken daily by our team,” he added. These include doubling down on direct purchases from producers and enhancing the firm’s operational capacity.
Anqi Liu, a prominent Partner at the Metaverse Fund of Quest Ventures, has carved a niche for herself in the venture capital realm, specializing in metaverse and blockchain technology. Her journey, marked by impactful roles showcases her versatility and leadership. Anqi’s unique position as the only management associate seconded from Beijing to Singapore highlights her ability to manage stakeholder engagements across levels.
We had the privilege of speaking with Anqi about her journey, her approach to venture capital, and her insights on leadership and the future of technology. Here’s what she shared with us:
Can you share your journey from being in your entrepreneurship days to becoming a Partner for the Metaverse Fund at Quest Ventures?
“During my time at university, I was not just focused on academics; I was deeply involved in entrepreneurial activities. I founded a startup. Managing this startup, overcoming challenges, and eventually leading it to a successful exit, were my initial steps into the business world. This experience was instrumental in shaping my understanding of business dynamics, team management, and the importance of creating value for customers.
After university, I went to Europe to do investments. This was a significant shift as it allowed me to deepen my understanding of global markets, especially in emerging sectors like cryptocurrency and blockchain. It wasn’t just about managing funds; it was about foreseeing future trends, understanding technological advancements, and making informed decisions. This period was crucial in shaping my investment philosophy and understanding the broader impact of technology on traditional industries.
Joining Quest Ventures as a Partner was a natural culmination of my past experiences and my deep-rooted passion for emergent technologies, particularly within the Web3 domain. My role at Quest Ventures is multifaceted but centers around identifying and empowering entrepreneurs who are pioneering the Web3 space. At Quest Ventures, I am not just investing in companies; I am investing in the future of the internet, ensuring it remains a dynamic, inclusive, and transformative force in our lives.”
How did your experiences shape your approach to venture capital investment?
“I have a very multinational background. I was born in China, raised in Singapore, received my bachelor’s degree in Australia and worked in Europe.
Returning to Singapore, I brought with me a tapestry of global experiences, which now inform my approach to venture capital investment at Quest Ventures. I leverage my multicultural background and international experiences to connect with entrepreneurs from diverse origins, understand their unique challenges, and evaluate their global market potential.
In venture capital, understanding the entrepreneur’s vision and the startup’s cultural context is as crucial as evaluating its financial metrics and business model. My journey, spanning continents and cultures, has shaped me into a venture capitalist who values diversity, embraces global perspectives, and champions innovative solutions that have the potential to make a worldwide impact.”
What were some of the key leadership lessons you learned that you apply in your current role?
“Throughout my leadership journey, from being a student leader back in the days at Raffles, to being the Chairman for NCC’s Cadet Officer Council then to my leadership roles in work, I’ve distilled invaluable leadership lessons that are pivotal in my current role. Adaptable leadership has been fundamental; understanding that each team and project may require a different approach has allowed me to tailor my leadership style to meet diverse needs effectively. This flexibility enhances team dynamics and project outcomes.
Simultaneously, I’ve embraced a visionary yet pragmatic approach, balancing big-picture thinking with grounded execution. This balance ensures that our investments are not only innovative but also viable and sustainable. Communication has been another cornerstone; fostering transparency and understanding within teams and with our entrepreneurs ensures that we are aligned and can navigate challenges more efficiently.
Continuous learning and humility have guided my professional development; acknowledging that there is always more to learn has kept me open to new perspectives and has fostered an environment of growth and innovation within our team. Lastly, resilience and perseverance have been my anchors. The venture capital landscape is fraught with uncertainties and challenges; maintaining resilience has been crucial in navigating these, ensuring we remain committed to our goals despite setbacks.
These leadership lessons, cultivated from a tapestry of global experiences, are integral to my approach at Quest Ventures, guiding our strategies, interactions, and investments towards fostering a culture of innovation, respect, and success.”
How has your background in commerce influenced your investment strategies in the tech and metaverse (Web 3) sectors?
“My commerce background has deeply influenced my investment approach in the tech and web 3.0 sectors. It’s equipped me with essential tools for financial assessment and understanding market dynamics, crucial for identifying viable and potentially successful startups. Risk management principles guide my decisions in these volatile areas, while a global perspective aids in recognizing opportunities beyond local markets. Essentially, this educational foundation supports strategic, informed investment choices, balancing innovation with market readiness and financial health.”
How do you think discipline and competitiveness in sports translate to the business world?
“My time on the Raffles Junior College canoeing team profoundly impacted my professional approach, teaching me valuable lessons in discipline, teamwork, and competitiveness that are directly applicable to the business world.
Discipline learned from rigorous training schedules has translated into meticulous planning and execution in the tech and venture capital sectors. Teamwork, a necessity in canoeing, parallels the collaborative nature of successful business ventures, where synergy and shared goals drive success. Competitiveness from sports has fostered a drive for excellence and innovation in my career, pushing me to stay ahead in the fast-evolving market.
Moreover, the resilience and strategic thinking required in canoeing have been essential in overcoming business challenges and making informed investment decisions. Together, these sports-derived qualities have shaped my approach to navigating the complexities of the tech and venture capital landscape.”
How do you see the importance of community in the tech and venture capital ecosystem?
“In the tech and venture capital ecosystem, community is not just important; it’s indispensable. It fosters collaboration, innovation, and support among entrepreneurs, investors, and other stakeholders.
Collaboration: The tech community thrives on collaboration. Ideas are shared, refined, and evolved through interaction. A strong community facilitates partnerships that combine different strengths and perspectives, leading to innovative solutions and successful ventures.
Support and Mentorship: The journey of entrepreneurship and investment is fraught with challenges. A supportive community offers a safety net, providing guidance, mentorship, and resources. For investors and startups alike, having a network to lean on can be the difference between failure and success.
Knowledge Sharing: In the rapidly evolving tech sector, staying informed is crucial. Communities act as hubs for knowledge exchange, keeping members up to date on trends, technologies, and best practices. This shared learning is vital for maintaining competitiveness and fostering industry growth.
Access to Opportunities: A vibrant community opens doors. For startups, it can mean access to funding, partnerships, and talent. For investors, it’s a source of promising ventures and collaborations. The community acts as a marketplace for opportunities, where relationships built on trust can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes.
In essence, the community in the tech and venture capital ecosystem is the backbone of innovation and growth. It’s where connections are made, support systems are built, and the groundwork for future success is laid.”
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal passions?
“Balancing professional responsibilities with personal passions like photography, traveling, and diving involves intentional planning and boundary setting. I schedule dedicated time for these activities, similar to how I schedule work meetings, ensuring they’re a non-negotiable part of my life. Integrating these passions with my professional life, such as utilizing travel opportunities for networking, allows me to blend both worlds seamlessly.
My work, involving meeting new people and engaging conversations, also fuels my passion, making professional and personal satisfaction intertwined. Establishing clear boundaries ensures my downtime is respected, allowing me to fully engage in my hobbies and return to work recharged.
In essence, deliberate scheduling, respecting personal time, and finding joy in work enable me to maintain a healthy, fulfilling balance between my professional responsibilities and personal passions.”
What are some emerging trends in the metaverse (Web 3.0) and tech space that you are excited about?
“The intersection of AI and Web 3.0 is particularly fascinating and holds transformative potential for our digital future. AI can enhance Web 3.0 technologies by improving the efficiency and security of blockchain networks, enabling smarter, more adaptive smart contracts, and providing advanced analytics for decentralized applications (dApps). This synergy between AI and Web 3.0 can lead to more intelligent, autonomous, and personalized web experiences, marking a significant evolution in how we interact with the internet.
Furthermore, the integration of cryptocurrency into our daily lives is a trend I am closely monitoring and enthusiastically supporting. Cryptocurrencies are moving beyond investment vehicles to become fundamental elements of digital commerce and finance. We’re seeing an increasing number of businesses, from small local cafes to multinational corporations, accepting cryptocurrencies as payment methods. This trend is facilitated by improvements in transaction speed, security, and user-friendliness, making cryptocurrencies a more viable option for everyday transactions.
In addition, cryptocurrency is playing a crucial role in enabling financial inclusion. By providing access to financial services without the need for traditional banking infrastructure, cryptocurrencies can empower millions worldwide, especially in underbanked or unstable economies. This aligns with the decentralized ethos of Web 3.0, promoting a more accessible, equitable digital economy.
The convergence of AI, Web 3.0, and cryptocurrency is not just reshaping our online interactions but is also paving the way for a more integrated, efficient, and inclusive digital world. I am excited to be part of this journey, exploring and contributing to the development of these technologies as they become increasingly woven into the fabric of our daily lives.”
What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to make a mark in the venture capital and tech industries?
“For those aspiring to make a mark in the venture capital and tech industries, start by building a strong knowledge base in business, finance, and technology. Continuously stay informed about the latest trends and innovations, as the landscape evolves rapidly. Contribute and give back to the community to build meaningful relationships. Value diversity, as different perspectives foster innovation and growth. Lastly, cultivate resilience; the journey is filled with challenges, and the ability to bounce back and learn from setbacks is invaluable.”
Considering your journey, what advice would you offer individuals aspiring to build successful careers in challenging industries?
“Reflecting on my journey, the path to success in any challenging industry is both diverse and personal. Here’s what I’ve learned: Firstly, don’t hesitate to try new things. The unfamiliar can be daunting, but it’s also where growth happens. Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to unexpected opportunities and insights.
Stay open to new ideas, perspectives, and challenges. This openness will not only enhance your adaptability but also enrich your professional and personal life. It allows you to embrace change, an inevitable part of any industry, and to innovate and improve continuously.
It’s important not to let stress overshadow your ambitions. While some pressure is inevitable, finding effective ways to manage stress will keep you focused and productive. Remember, well-being is crucial to sustaining long-term success.
Find joy in what you do. Passion is a significant motivator and can make even the most challenging tasks more bearable and fulfilling. When you enjoy your work, it reflects in your performance and relationships with others.”
What’s your advise for female entrepreneurs and leaders taking on leadership positions?
“To my fellow female entrepreneurs and leaders stepping into leadership positions, my journey has taught me valuable lessons that I hope can guide and empower you in your endeavors:
Embrace Your Unique Perspective: As women, we bring unique insights and approaches to the table. Value your perspective and use it to shape your leadership style and decision-making. Diversity in thought leads to innovation and more comprehensive solutions.
Build a Supportive Network: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and teams who support and challenge you. A strong network can provide guidance, feedback, and encouragement, which are crucial for navigating the complexities of leadership and entrepreneurship.
Assert Your Presence: Be confident in your abilities and decisions. It’s important to assert yourself in meetings, negotiations, and decision-making processes. Your voice is valuable – ensure it’s heard.
Stay True to Your Values: Integrity and authenticity resonate with people. Stay true to your core values and let them guide your actions and decisions. Authentic leadership fosters trust, respect, and loyalty among your team and stakeholders.
Balance Assertiveness with Empathy: Effective leadership requires a balance between assertiveness and empathy. While it’s important to be decisive and direct, also strive to understand and address the needs and concerns of your team and clients.
Prioritize Self-Care: Leadership can be demanding. Remember to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. A healthy work-life balance not only improves your well-being but also enhances your effectiveness as a leader.
Challenge Stereotypes: As female leaders, we often face stereotypes and biases. Use your position to challenge these misconceptions by demonstrating competence, resilience, and leadership. Moreover, support other women by providing opportunities and advocating for their growth and recognition.
Remember, leadership is a journey, not a destination. Continue to learn, adapt, and grow.”
How do you think HER Entrepreneur can help unite and inspire more women entrepreneurs and leaders to grow and lead, while referring businesses to each other?
“HER Entrepreneur plays a critical role in uniting and inspiring women entrepreneurs and leaders by fostering a supportive community that encourages growth, leadership, and mutual support. This platform can serve as a catalyst for women to empower each other, share insights, and foster collaboration. By creating a strong, interconnected community, HER Entrepreneur enables women to network effectively, share experiences, and learn from each other. This network becomes a powerful resource for personal and professional development, helping women to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and leadership. The platform can highlight successful female entrepreneurs and leaders, providing role models and inspiring more women to pursue their entrepreneurial and leadership ambitions. By showcasing their stories, HER Entrepreneur helps to break stereotypes and encourage a more inclusive business environment. HER Entrepreneur can promote a culture of collaboration and mutual support, encouraging members to refer business to each other. This not only helps in growing individual businesses but also strengthens the overall ecosystem, creating more opportunities for women-led ventures. By providing resources, support, and a platform for expression, HER Entrepreneur empowers women to take bold steps in their business and leadership journeys. This empowerment fosters confidence, which is crucial for successful entrepreneurship and effective leadership.
In conclusion, HER Entrepreneur has the potential to be more than just a platform; it can be a movement that unites, inspires, and propels women entrepreneurs and leaders forward. By fostering a community of support, learning, and collaboration, HER Entrepreneur can help women not only to grow their businesses but also to become trailblazers in their industries, creating a ripple effect that encourages more women to lead and innovate.”
Anqi Liu’s insights shed light on her journey from an entrepreneurial student to a Partner at Quest Ventures, her multicultural approach to venture capital, and her invaluable leadership lessons. Her perspective on the importance of community, balancing professional and personal life, and her advice for aspiring professionals and female entrepreneurs offer a rich narrative for those navigating the complexities of the venture capital and tech industries.
Singapore-based venture capital firm Quest Ventures collaborates with the National Development Company to bring its Venture Capital Accelerated (VCA) program back to Manila. Scheduled for the 12th of April from 9am to 5pm at the Philippine Innovation Hub in Makati City, the VCA program is a fast-track 1-day in-person flagship program that introduces aspiring venture capitalists, angel investors, entrepreneurs, and investment managers to the fundamentals of venture capital.
Drawing from their network and years of experience in venture capital, Quest Ventures’ VCA program will use interactive sessions and detailed modules to simplify the complexities of venture capital deals and startup financing. Topics will include the basic economics of venture capital, the functioning of the venture capital industry, the fundraising process for startups, and the development of an investment thesis consistent with one’s investment goals and strategy.
Lead Instructor James Tan, Managing Partner at Quest Ventures, co-founded 55tuan, a NASDAQ-listed e-commerce group in China, and serves as advisor and board member for organizations like the Applied Innovation Institute, Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE), and Business Angel Network of Southeast Asia (BANSEA). Course Curator Paris de l’Etraz, with 20 years in investment banking and venture capital at UBS Bank and ABN AMRO, currently directs the Venture Lab at IE Business School and chairs the Applied Innovation Institute.
Prior to coming to Manila, Quest Ventures will also bring the VCA program to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on March 29.
A limited number of scholarships are available for outstanding young professionals to participate in the program this year. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply before April 1, 2024, 23:59 GMT +8.
Studies have shown significant wait times of one to five years for treatment for individuals with developmental disabilities such as autism, who might be struggling with a high-level of anxiety and sensory challenges. This underscores a critical challenge in the field: a heavy reliance on human resources, which can limit access to timely care for those who need it most.
A South Korean social venture aims to address this challenge with a unique product. Dolbomdream has developed the HUGgy vest, designed to improve the quality of life. The vest utilises Deep Touch Pressure (DTP) to provide the calming effect of a hug for individuals with developmental disabilities. This aims to alleviate stress and anxiety, potentially contributing to a new paradigm in mental healthcare.
Dolbomdream specialises in mental healthcare solutions, offering the HUGgy smart care vest to address sensory challenges. Utilising DTP technology, the vest mimics the calming effects of a hug, fostering psychological stability. Equipped with inflatable technology and biometric sensors, the vest can monitor the user’s psychological state.
The HUGgy vest provides a lightweight alternative to traditional weighted vests, enhancing comfort and mobility. It benefits autistic individuals and has potential applications in supporting seniors and sleep disorder patients.
The vest features non-contact biometric sensors for heart rate monitoring, relaying data to caregivers through a dedicated app for real-time analysis.
In February 2024, Dolbomdream received undisclosed seed funding from Quest Ventures, advancing its goal to become the top mental healthcare provider by 2030. To achieve this, it is focused on developing an integrated management system that harnesses biometric data to enhance treatment outcomes for disabled individuals.
South Korean startup Dolbomdream, which develops IoT-powered hugging vests, has secured undisclosed seed funding from Quest Ventures.
The company will use the funds for Southeast Asia expansion.
Kim Jihun, CEO of Dolbomdream, said, “Our collaboration with Quest Ventures is crucial in solidifying our expansion plans in Southeast Asia, which include building our network with local partners and conducting pilot tests to ensure the successful integration of their products in the regional market.”
DolbomDream develops smart HUGgy vests that incorporate research-backed Deep Touch Pressure technology to simulate the effect of hugs on wearers to provide psychological comfort to its wearers. The vests analyse wearers’ biometric data to give caregivers real-time analysis of their psychological status through an app, which can also activate the vest.
The target customers include special needs individuals, seniors, sleep disorder patients, and anyone who might benefit from the therapeutic power of a hug.
The product is particularly beneficial for special needs individuals with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who frequently grapple with heightened stress levels in their daily lives.
The vest also features non-contact biometric sensors that measure the wearer’s heart rate and other biometric data. The data is relayed to caregivers through a dedicated app, who obtain a real-time analysis of the wearer’s psychological condition. The app can also be used to activate the vest remotely.
Quest Ventures has provided undisclosed seed funding to South Korean startup Dolbomdream, which specializes in developing IoT-powered hugging vests. The investment aims to support Dolbomdream’s expansion into Southeast Asia. According to Kim Jihun, CEO of Dolbomdream, the collaboration with Quest Ventures is pivotal for the company’s expansion plans in Southeast Asia. He emphasized the importance of building networks with local partners and conducting pilot tests to ensure successful integration of their products in the regional market.
Dolbomdream’s flagship product is the smart HUGgy vest, designed to incorporate research-backed Deep Touch Pressure technology. This technology simulates the effect of hugs on wearers, offering psychological comfort. The vests analyze wearers’ biometric data to provide real-time analysis of their psychological status through a dedicated app. Additionally, caregivers can activate the vest through the app.
The target customer base for Dolbomdream’s hugging vests includes special needs individuals, seniors, sleep disorder patients, and anyone who might benefit from the therapeutic power of a hug. Specifically, the product is beneficial for individuals with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), helping them cope with heightened stress levels.
The hugging vest features non-contact biometric sensors to measure the wearer’s heart rate and other biometric data. This data is transmitted to caregivers through the dedicated app, enabling them to monitor the wearer’s psychological condition in real-time. Moreover, caregivers can remotely activate the vest using the app.
Dolbomdream, a South Korean company specializing in the production of a compression garment supporting individuals with special needs, has secured an undisclosed amount of seed funding from Quest Ventures.
Known as Huggy (stylized as “HUGgy”) vests, Dolbomdream’s product is aimed at providing benefits to individuals with special needs, particularly those with conditions like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It utilizes a “Deep Touch Pressure” technology to replicate the comforting sensation of hugs, thereby stimulating the wearer’s parasympathetic nervous system to alleviate heightened stress levels. Each Huggy vest is equipped with non-contact biometric sensors to continuously monitor the wearer’s heart rate and other biometric data, enabling caregivers to stay informed in real-time about the wearer’s psychological state. Additionally, the vests can be remotely activated using a complementary app.
“Our collaboration with Quest Ventures is crucial in solidifying our expansion plans in Southeast Asia, which include building our network with local partners and conducting pilot tests to ensure the successful integration of their products in the regional market,” said Kim Jihun, CEO of Dolbomdream.
“[Dolbomdream’s] high-performance vests elevate the standard of care for special needs individuals and provide peace of mind to their caregivers,” said James Tan, managing partner of Quest Ventures.
In this guide, we’ll highlight the top venture capital firms in Singapore that aren’t just the finance powerhouses of the region but also have a proven track record of backing the brightest and most innovative startups.
In the next section, we’ll walk through a list of some of the best Singaporean VC firms, picked based on their investment portfolio, successful startups they’ve helped fund, industry focus, and overall reputation.
With an investment focus on the flourishing digital economy across Asia, Quest Ventures stands at the cutting edge of technological innovation. From artificial intelligence to ecommerce, their portfolio shows a diverse range of startups making waves in their respective markets.
Backed by a commitment to social initiatives and industry transformation, Quest Ventures gives startups not just funding but also a platform for creating meaningful impact.
The cat’s out of the bag: Venture capitalists and savvy investors have uncovered the next booming market — the business of pampering pets.
According to a Bloomberg Intelligence report, the global pet industry is expected to grow to US$500 billion ($670.43 billion) by 2030, from US$320 billion as of March 2023. The growth is attributed to a growing global pet population and the premiumisation of food and services from the humanisation of pets. The US will likely remain the largest pet market in the world, with sales approaching US$200 billion by the end of the decade.
Another report by Morgan Stanley, dated March 3, 2021, notes that the pet sector could become a long-term trend, with the industry expected to reach US$275 billion by 2030 from US$100 billion in 2021.
James Tan, managing partner at Quest Ventures, notes that the demand for pet-related products and services will rise as more people in Southeast Asia see their pets as family members. One of the companies backed by the Asian venture capital firm is ZumVet Singapore, which provides a one-stop service for pets — from veterinary (vet) teleconsultations to test kits and over-the-counter (OTC) medication and accessories.
“The pet industry as a whole has grown. It grew during the Covid-19 pandemic, and by all estimates, did not shrink back to pre-pandemic levels after we emerged from it,” says Tan on the industry’s growth potential.
In his view, all aspects of the pet sector are “interesting”.
“Compelling sub-sectors emerge from time to time, and, depending on factors such as the readiness of technology, prerequisites and adoptions, [there will be] a rapid or slow emergence of these sub-sectors,” he adds.
The venture capital ecosystem in Kuala Lumpur has undergone major growth over the last decade.
In this article, you will find some of the top venture capital firms in Kuala Lumpur investing across various sectors and industries.
Quest Ventures joins 500 Startups, Gobi Partners, Cradle Fund, NEXEA Venture Capital, and Acadian Ventures as the “top 6 venture capital firms in Kuala Lumpur”.
年轻创业者彭匡和（23岁）两年前获得新加坡创业行动社群的协助，从一心只知道开发软件产品，到后来学习如何与投资者沟通和介绍产品等商业模式，终于开创自己的事业。
彭匡和创业已经三年，正开发一款名为Bumpp的软件，该软件帮助用户整理电子名片，并以此建立专业的人际关系网络。
但创业之初，他只懂得研发软件。后来，他得到新加坡创业行动社群（Action Community for Entrepreneurship，简称ACE.SG）的帮助，通过指导计划获得支持，逐渐学会与投资者沟通和推销自己的产品，并组建团队。
未来，更多年轻人将能像彭匡和一样，在ACE.SG的一项新计划下，得到专业导师的帮助，让他们在创业路上走得更自信。
ACE.SG星期四（9月28日）启动为本地创业社群提供专业培训的机构，并与新跃社科大学、义安理工学院、淡马锡理工学院和工艺教育学院签署四份谅解备忘录，为年轻创业者提供高质量和相关的学习机会。
ACE.SG加强与这些高等教育机构的合作，为初创公司提供咨询服务、交流机会、实习机会，为初创业者提供培训计划等，让他们做好充足的准备。
教育部兼人力部政务部长颜晓芳担任活动主宾。她对这一合作表示支持，认为应该赋予年轻和年长的学习者必要的技能和思维方式，创新与创业发展对于学生应对未来的挑战也至关重要。
新加坡创业行动社群主席兼求索创投合伙人陈中在会上提起新加坡今年在起步公司生态系统排名全球第八，但不能视之为理所当然，必须继续创新，探索新的路径，为本地的初创企业者提供更多机会。
淡马锡理工学院副校长胡传棋说，学校致力于通过创新和初创企业项目、指导计划等资源支持和促进学生和教职员的成长。这次能够扩大与ACE.SG合作，通过新的项目强化初创企业生态系统是一种荣誉。
另一名创业者是理财平台Seedly的执行董事叶明锋（33岁），他说自己创业七年，自去年开始加入帮助ACE.SG的指导计划，为年轻的创业者提供咨询和支持。
他说，早在疫情期间，他就曾经帮助一家手机公司提供咨询服务，该公司的实体店因疫情而关闭，他提供了关于如何转向在线业务的建议，帮助公司扩大业务规模。
他认为与教育机构合作，能提升现有指导计划的咨询服务，帮助更多的初创业者。他说，创业的道路是越走越孤独的，他鼓励创业者不管是年长者还是年轻人，都要不断学习，唯有学习才能让自己和事业不断进步和成长。
有关教育课程和培训的更多细节，ACE.SG 和合作伙伴将于日后公布。
直播预告｜对话求索创投陈中：谁是东南亚的下一个增长引擎？：从现在往前看去，在疫情的推动下，近年来东南亚的数字化进程为外界带来了无限遐想。从突破新高的独角兽数量到如雨后春笋般涌现的初创企业，从印尼和新加坡这样的“老牌”市场的进一步成熟再到如马来西亚、菲律宾、泰国、越南这样的新兴市场的不断崭露头角，这片地区中的年轻群体、互联网爱好者、高技能&受教育分子在向数字公民转型时所蕴含的巨大的未开发潜能也在一直吸引着大大小小的东南亚海内外投资者对这里投以关注。
但同样的，也不难发现，在东南亚同世界科创版图不断接轨、不断受到重视的同时，自去年二季度以来，国际市场及经济状况的急剧变动也为这里带来了同样不可忽视的影响。随着“融资寒冬”的到来，东南亚科创领域所呈现出的这种热火朝天的景象也在某种程度上进入了一段相对放缓的时刻。这时，回到文章开头处的这个问题，可以看到，它所承载的含义中也就包含了更加急迫且复杂的期待——人们会希望看到东南亚的创投热潮将会在何时再度重现，以及，这股浪潮还会为哪些行业领域或者从哪些国家开始为外界带来震撼。