2024 has been a difficult year for both venture capital firms and startups in Southeast Asia, as global market uncertainty and investors shift focus to later-stage ventures, causing early-stage founders to struggle to secure funding.
Fortunately, the dark cloud is starting to lift as investors and startups focus on what they can control. Founders are no longer limited to seeking funding within their own countries; many are expanding across the region to attract investors. At the same time, global investment and acquisition capital increasingly target promising opportunities in Southeast Asia.
In this article, you’ll find a curated list of the top 10 most active VCs in Southeast Asia for 2025, detailing their investment focus, areas of interest, and actionable insights on how your startup can align with their priorities.
Southeast Asian Startup Fundraising Trends in 2025
In Q4 2024, regional startups closed only 116 equity funding rounds and raised a modest $1.2 billion, marking a historic low for the year. Despite this, with Southeast Asia showing resilience through its expanding consumer base, rapid digital transformation, and cost-effective operating environment, fundraising is expected to pick up pace in 2025.
Investors are likely to target high-growth markets with clear paths to profitability, leading to a stronger focus on startups in the region that have proven market traction and prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term trends.
At the same time, the rise of smart cities and rapid digitalization has driven explosive demand for emerging technologies in Southeast Asia. This has further fueled investor interest in tech startups within the region, drawn to their innovative solutions that address local market needs while holding the potential to scale globally.
Key Trends From Venture Capital Firms in Southeast Asia for 2025
VCs’ investment preferences are likely to emphasize capital efficiency, prioritizing startups with clear paths to profitability over those chasing aggressive growth. Larger funds may also choose to allocate more capital toward supporting existing portfolio companies, rather than pursuing new investments.
Strong Investment In FinTech and AI
As we head into 2025, the demand for real-time and personalized customer experiences continues to grow, with transparency and sustainability at the forefront of people’s expectations. In response, investors are focusing on tech startups that offer innovative AI and FinTech solutions or are thriving within these industries.
FinTech Startups
Fintech is expected to remain the top sector for startup funding in Southeast Asia, continuing its strong performance from last year. The resurgence of decentralized finance (DeFi) projects has fueled this growth, reflecting strong investor confidence in blockchain technology within the fintech space.
Beyond fintech, blockchain’s impact is spreading fast. Enterprise software and IT startups are rapidly adopting the technology, driving significant growth. In 2024, the software and IT sector closed 66 deals, up 40.4% from the previous year, with 82.8% of these ventures making blockchain a key part of their innovation.
AI Startups
AI startups are catching the attention of venture capital firms, with funding expected to grow as market demand continues to rise exponentially. Yet, the era of “just another AI tool” is over, as investors now hold startups to higher standards. They are prioritizing companies that use AI to tackle complex, real-world challenges and deliver measurable impact.
Experts from venture capital firms advise founders to focus on practical, high-impact AI applications/solutions. The key lies in identifying specific pain points within their niche and using AI to address them. Startups that enhance efficiency while delivering clear, tangible value to both investors and customers stand out in today’s competitive landscape.
Prioritizing Profitability with a Focus on Sustainability
The startup landscape has endured a challenging period, often called a “tech winter,” marked by a tougher fundraising climate and ongoing inflation pressures. The philosophy of “growth at all costs” has given way to a more measured approach in today’s venture capital mindset.
Investors are now prioritizing startups with sustainable revenue models that ensure long-term stability and success. The focus has shifted to viability and tangible value creation, making adaptability and fiscal discipline essential for securing funding from venture capitalists.
The Rise of Impact Investing Driven by ESG Factors
Investor interest in ESG-led and climate tech initiatives continues to grow as businesses and industries prioritize sustainable practices, governments push for supportive regulations, and demand for better climate solutions increases.
Additionally, ESG startups with tangible assets, healthy cash flows, and sustainability-focused strategies present lower risks, making them attractive to investors. Recently, major venture capital firms, including Wavemaker Partners, Omnivore Capital, AC Ventures, and Avaana Capital, have raised substantial funds dedicated to climate tech, driving further innovation and positioning the sector for long-term growth.
Top 10 Southeast Asia’s Most Active Venture Capital Firms In 2025
500 Global (formerly 500 Startups)
- Investment Stage: Early-stage startups (Pre-seed to Series A)
- Industry Focus: Agnostic, including technology, healthcare, fintech, and sustainability
- Prominent Portfolio: Canva, Grab, and Udemy
- Website: http://500.co/
500 Global is a venture capital firm that combines expertise in early-stage investing with a unique accelerator program and an extensive international network.
They focus on investing early in founders who are building fast-growing technology companies with the potential to unlock long-term value and drive economic growth.
To date, they have supported over 5,000 founders across more than 2,600 companies operating in 80 countries. Notably, their portfolio features 51 companies valued at over $1 billion and 140 companies valued at over $100 million.
Interested in securing funds from 500 Global? Connect with them directly through the support of Capital JDI!
East Ventures 
- Investment Stage: Early to growth-stage investments (Seed to Series B)
- Industry Focus: Sector-agnostic with a strong emphasis on technology, digital transformation, and emerging markets
- Prominent Portfolio: Tokopedia, Traveloka, and Ruangguru
- Website: http://east.vc/
East Ventures is one of the pioneer venture capital firms in Southeast Asia, renowned for its deep market expertise and strategic guidance in fostering innovation and scaling transformative businesses.
Since its founding in 2009, East Ventures has transformed into a holistic platform, offering multi-stage investments—from Seed to Growth—for over 300 tech companies across the region.
The firm’s investment philosophy centers on “2P”—People and Potential Market—streamlining its evaluation process for rapid execution. Investment deals can be completed within 24-48 hours.
Interested in securing funds from East Ventures? Connect with them directly through the support of Capital JDI!
Wavemaker Partners
- Investment Stage: Early-stage startups (Pre-seed to Series A)
- Industry Focus: B2B technology, deep tech, and enterprise solutions
- Prominent Portfolio: Gojek, TradeGecko, and Wavecell
- Website: https://wavemakerpartners.com/
Wavemaker Partners is a leading venture capital firm in Southeast Asia, focusing on investments in Enterprise, Deep Tech, and Sustainability.
Since 2012, the firm has supported over 200 companies in the region and manages more than US$600 million in assets across its funds, including Wavemaker Impact, Wavemaker Ventures, and Wavemaker Growth.
Committed to fostering trusted partnerships and advancing sustainability, Wavemaker Partners empowers ambitious entrepreneurs to tackle meaningful challenges, drive innovation, and deliver industry-leading, scalable solutions.
Interested in securing funds from Wavemaker Partners? Connect with them directly through the support of Capital JDI!
Insignia Ventures Partners
- Investment Stage: Growth-stage startups (Series A and above)
- Industry Focus: Agnostic like fintech, e-commerce, healthcare, and SaaS
- Prominent Portfolio: Carro, Ajaib, and Payfazz
- Website: https://www.insignia.vc/
Insignia Ventures Partners is one of the leading Southeast Asian venture capital firms specializing in early-to-growth stage technology investments. Since 2017, the firm has invested in over 90 companies spanning diverse industries and geographies.
With a founder-first approach, Insignia Ventures Partners partners early with entrepreneurs, providing support from seed to growth stages as they create meaningful impacts for millions of people across Southeast Asia and beyond.
The firm manages capital on behalf of premier institutional investors, including sovereign wealth funds, foundations, university endowments, and renowned family offices from Asia, Europe, and North America.
Interested in securing funds from Insignia Ventures Partners? Connect with them directly through the support of Capital JDI!
Openspace Ventures
- Investment Stage: Growth-stage startups (Pre-Series A to Series B)
- Industry Focus: Industry-agnostic, with a preference for Finance, Healthcare, and SaaS
- Prominent Portfolio: Gojek, Biofourmis, and FinAccel
- Website: https://www.openspace.vc
Openspace Ventures is a leading venture capital firm in Southeast Asia that leverages deep operational expertise and regional insights to identify and support companies driving transformative impacts at the intersection of technology and life.
With a strong focus on business fundamentals and the support of a large-scale operations team, the firm actively partners with over 45 portfolio companies to build sustainable and responsible B2B and B2C businesses.
Interested in securing funds from Openspace Ventures? Connect with them directly through the support of Capital JDI!
Golden Gate Ventures 
- Investment Stage: Early-stage startups (Pre-seed to Series A)
- Industry Focus: Sector-agnostic, with a preference for technology-driven industries such as e-commerce, fintech, digital health, and consumer internet
- Prominent Portfolio: Carousell, Ninja Van, and Alodokter
- Website: https://www.goldengate.vc/
Golden Gate Ventures is a global venture capital firm driving technology and innovation in Southeast Asia, combining expertise, passion, and ambition to empower bold, visionary founders.
For over a decade, the firm has gone beyond funding founders, actively nurturing vibrant startup ecosystems and driving sustained growth.
Headquartered in Singapore and with offices in Indonesia and Vietnam, Golden Gate Ventures has launched 4 funds, invested in over 70+ companies, and supported 9 unicorns across their portfolio.
Interested in securing funds from Golden Gate Ventures? Connect with them directly through the support of Capital JDI!
Jungle Ventures
- Investment Stage: Early to growth-stage investments (Pre-seed to Series B)
- Industry Focus: Industry-agnostic, with a preference for consumer brands, fintech, SaaS, and digital transformation.
- Prominent Portfolio: Kredivo, Moglix, and Livspace
- Website: https://www.jungle.vc/
Jungle Ventures is one of Singapore’s largest independent venture capital firms, investing in regional and global technology category leaders from Asia.
With over 100 years of collective operating experience, an extensive regional network, and a strong commitment to innovation, the firm focuses on partnering with a select group of entrepreneurs each year.
The firm focuses its investments on 3 macro themes: digital brands serving Asia’s young consumers, technology platforms driving SME tech adoption, and disruptive technologies with global potential.
Interested in securing funds from Jungle Ventures? Connect with them directly through the support of Capital JDI!
Monk’s Hill Ventures
- Investment Stage: Early to growth-stage investments (pre-seed to Series A)
- Industry Focus: Sector-agnostic, with a preference for education, fintech, healthtech, and enterprise solutions
- Prominent Portfolio: Ninja Van, Horangi, and C88
- Website: https://www.monkshill.com/
Monk’s Hill Ventures is one of the most active venture capital firms focusing on early-stage tech investments, primarily at the pre-Series A and Series A stages, in Southeast Asia.
Since launching its first fund in 2014, the firm has supported over 50 fast-growing startups spanning diverse business models and industries, driven by a vision to leverage technology to improve the lives of millions across the region.
Backed by institutional investors and family offices worldwide, Monk’s Hill Ventures takes a first-principles approach to decision-making and works closely with founders during the early stages of their business development.
Interested in securing funds from Monk’s Hill Ventures? Connect with them directly through the support of Capital JDI!
Vertex Ventures SEA & India
- Investment Stage: Early to growth-stage investments (Seed to Series B)
- Industry Focus: Sector-agnostic, with a preference for fintech, enterprise solutions, consumer internet, and healthtech.
- Prominent Portfolio: Grab, Nium, and FirstCry
- Website: https://www.vertexventures.sg/
Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India (VVSEAI) is one of the region’s leading venture capital firms, offering unmatched operational expertise and access to capital, talent, partners, and customers to help build global businesses.
Committed to addressing humanity’s most significant challenges, VVSEAI invests in companies that transform underserved markets with technology, driving Asia’s growth and innovation.
As one of 7 major funds within the Vertex Global Network, VVSEAI leverages regional specialization and global collaboration through the Vertex Platform to get a broad view of innovation and share learning experiences across the world.
Interested in securing funds from Vertex Ventures SEA & India? Connect with them directly through the support of Capital JDI!!
Cocoon Capital
- Investment Stage: Early-stage investments (Pre-seed to Series A)
- Industry Focus: Sector-agnostic, including B2B SaaS, fintech, health tech, and deep tech
- Prominent Portfolio: Augmentus, Overdrive, and SensorFlow
- Website: https://cocooncap.com/
Cocoon Capital is a Singapore-based venture capital firm investing in early-stage enterprise tech companies across Southeast Asia.
With a deep tech and enterprise tech approach, the firm invests in up to six companies annually, ensuring substantial post-investment resources for founders.
Primarily targeting B2B enterprise and deep tech startups, Cocoon Capital supports companies from Seed to Series A, leveraging a global network of investors and advisors backed by 34 years of combined experience.
Interested in securing funds from Cocoon Capital? Connect with them directly through the support of Capital JDI!!
How Capital JDI Helps Startups Secure Funding From VCs
The 10 most active VCs in Southeast Asia highlighted above are just the tip of the iceberg. The region is teeming with venture capital firms, but finding the right fit takes more than just research—you need the right connections and strategy.
At Capital JDI, we help visionary founders and innovative startups navigate their fundraising journey, turning bold ideas into reality.
No matter your funding stage, Capital JDI provides expert advisory, strategic investor connections, and hands-on support to help you raise capital with confidence.
Still feeling unsure about your startup journey? Check out our Next Wave Capital Program – Launchpad Q2 2025, a highly exclusive 2-month initiative designed to empower visionary founders with expert mentorship and funding support.
