Elis Kwek, CA

Cross Capital Invested in Gobi Partners ’ Flagship Fund, Establishing a Strategic Partnership ■About the partnership We are thrilled to announce our LP investment in Gobi Partners’ “MERANTI ASEAN GROWTH FUND II” through Cross Capital I Limited Partnership (CC1). This marks the establishment of a strategic partnership aimed at fostering cross-border innovation and collaboration. Through this partnership, Cross Capital aims to leverage Gobi Partners’ extensive network and expertise to bridge the growth opportunities in Asia with the business collaboration and investment needs of its Japanese corporate LPs. This alliance will further strengthen Gobi Partners’ mission to drive cross-border innovation while fostering deeper connections between Japanese enterprises and Southeast Asia’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. ■About Cross Capital Cross Capital is dedicated to “unlocking Japan’s potential through the power of cross-border innovation.” It operates a Japan-focused open innovation infrastructure leveraging a fund-of-funds structure. Corporate LPs participating in Cross Capital’s initiatives gain access to over 1,800 startups backed by top-tier VCs, while receiving end-to-end support, including: ・Defining collaboration themes ・Identifying and selecting partners ・Business planning ・Engaging startups ・PoC execution and business launch Additionally, Cross Capital facilitates capability-building through personnel exchange programs. Refer to our press release (https://lnkd.in/g_FsXvyS) and website for further details! Takaki Nakamura | Fumito Takashima | Thomas G. Tsao | Jamaludin Bujang | Suryono Darnor #CrossCapital #OpenInnovation #Japan #FoF

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Kairous Capital Doubles Down on Vietnam with New Investments & a Local Office 📢 In a recent interview with DealStreetAsia, Kairous Capital’s Managing Partner Joseph Lee, CFA shared why we are strategically deepening our investments in Vietnam, pointing to key opportunities in this dynamic market. This month alone, we invested in two innovative Vietnamese companies: - Coolmate: Joined a $6 million funding round for this standout men’s apparel e-commerce brand. - PangoCDP: Led a $1.5 million round for this B2B platform that enhances business connections via social chat apps. "Despite a challenging economic environment, resilient companies in Vietnam are gaining market shares as weaker competitors exit. Kairous sees this as a prime time to invest, with attractive valuations, better margins and motivated founders." Joseph Lee, Managing Partner of Kairous Capital. To further strengthen its presence, Kairous will open an office in Vietnam next year, ensuring closer support for its expanding portfolio. These investments are part of Kairous Capital’s newly launched $30 million Southeast Asia-focused fund, which is on track to grow to $50 million by next year’s final close. The firm is directing 80% of this fund toward key markets like Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. With a focus on Series A investments and follow-up funding for cross-border growth, Kairous is poised to accelerate its impact in the region. Read more from the interview here: https://lnkd.in/gqzwPDzY #KairousCapital #DealStreetAsia #Vietnam #Coolmate #PangoCDP #D2C #B2B #VentureCapital #CrossBorder #InvestingInVietnam

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Reku, a leading crypto exchange in Indonesia, is broadening its financial services by introducing access to over 600 US stocks through its platform. Building on its success in the crypto sector in recent years, Reku’s expansion into US stocks addresses a growing demand for accessible global investment opportunities in Southeast Asia’s largest emerging market. Reku’s platform, in partnership with Pasar FX Futures and Alpaca Securities LLC, ensures legal compliance and security for transactions, processed directly on major US stock exchanges like the NYSE and Nasdaq. Jesse Choi of Reku, said, “After successfully providing crypto assets since 2018 with 1 million investors, Reku is committed to answering the investment needs of the public through US stocks.” Check out the full story below! 💡 Subscribe to AC Insights: https://lnkd.in/g8qbFykV 🎙 Join our signature podcast: https://lnkd.in/g_K9U_2y #crypto #stocks #fintech #Indonesia

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Kelvin Tan, CEO of audax, described Fintech as a phenomenal force driving multiple players of the ecosystem. He was particularly impressed by the dynamic discussions at Fintech Surge that are not just informing the businesses of what the future holds but also bringing the players together. The legacy of these amazing innovations will continue — see you at Fintech Surge 2025!  📅12- 15 October - Future Blockchain Summit - GITEX Impact - GITEX GLOBAL Largest Tech & Startup Show in the World - Expand North Star #FintechSurge #FTS2024 #FBSummit2024 #FutureBlockchainSummit #Fintech #Dubai #StartupsDubai #GITEXGlobal #ExpandNorthStarDubai #GITEXImpact

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🌏 Southeast Asia’s Venture Capital Scene is Poised for Transformation 🌟 The region is ready for its next wave of growth, driven by a new breed of smaller, agile funds—what we could call the “Capital Mavericks.” These funds are uniquely positioned to reshape the landscape and succeed in SEA dynamic yet fragmented markets. Here’s why this approach makes sense for the region: 📌 Fund Size is Strategy: Right-sized funds are better equipped to deliver meaningful returns to LPs, especially in SEA’s nascent and diverse markets. 📌 Disciplined Allocation: Smaller funds with focused criteria ensure that every dollar works harder, leading to more DPI-positive outcomes and attracting more LP capital to the ecosystem. Why is this transformation critical? For years, SEA’s venture capital scene has borrowed heavily from Western models, especially the US. While this has led to some success stories, too many funds have struggled to meet expectations. The solution? A more tailored, measured approach. Smaller funds that align with the region’s unique opportunities and challenges can unlock greater potential—but they need the right support to thrive. The Role of Support: 🔸 Government Initiatives: Programs to encourage and fund local Capital Mavericks can attract LP capital to first-time fund managers. 🔸 Investor Education: Many local investors lack awareness or confidence in venture capital. Bridging this gap will open new avenues of funding. 🔸 Attracting LP Interest: SEA must compete with mature markets like the US to secure institutional capital. Highlighting the region’s potential is key. The Ripple Effect: 🌱 For LPs: Better returns through focused, agile investments. 🌱 For Managers: Sustainability, sharper strategies, and alignment with regional dynamics. 🌱 For SEA: A stronger, healthier capital foundation to fuel venture-backed growth. Southeast Asia is ready for this transformation. The rise of Capital Mavericks isn’t just an evolution—it’s the key to unlocking the region’s true potential. #capitalstrategy #startup #SEA Amanda Cua BackScoop NUS Alumni Ventures (NAV) Garnet Ventures Entropia Capital 500 Startups Vietnam Plug and Play APAC

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Catch Derrick Leong on the HHQ Podcast! 🎙️ Our Head of Legal & Compliance, Derrick Leong, was featured on Episode 9 of the HHQ Legal Insight Podcast by Halim Hong & Quek, a member firm of Andersen Global! Derrick explores the nuances of real-world asset tokenization, fractional ownership, and the shifting dynamics of crypto regulations—essential insights into the future of finance and tokenization. Tune in:🔗https://lnkd.in/gXFpYSVA

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Navigating the new VC universe - Our CEO Kee Lock Chua sat down with The Edge Singapore as they discussed VC investing in the post-pandemic world and amidst the slow-down in VC investing. Key Takeaways 🤯 We're in a period of "indigestion" with valuation resets - Both founders and investors are confronted with a painful decision: "Do they want to raise money at a lower price? Or do they want to write down their valuations?" 💡Innovation will always be present and founders are now more grounded - "A good entrepreneur will always be there regardless of good or bad times. At present, most entrepreneurs have become more practical and more sensible in their valuations, so now is a better time to invest.” 🚀 Cutting-edge tech might be appealing but have a lengthy wait for returns - Instead, the Vertex family of funds prioritise technology which is readily applicable across industries to enhance productivity and foster competitive advantages. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gR-mR3Xm #venturecapital #outlook #investments #entrepreneurship

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💰 Dive into Green Finance at AlterCOP on Day 4! 🌱 Join us as we explore major trends in sustainable finance across Southeast Asia, unlocking insights on the region's regulatory landscape, investment trends, and innovative fintech solutions for impactful funding. Here's a quick rundown of what to expect: 1️⃣ Green Finance Outlook by Terence Nunis, covering trends and regulations in sustainable investments across Singapore and Asia. 2️⃣ Panel on Low-Carbon Transition with experts from SAP, S&P Global Ratings, and Double Delta, tackling the opportunities and challenges in financing decarbonization. 3️⃣ Insights from Singapore Fintech Festival – Hear from Lakshmi Kripa Meiyappan on the intersection of tech and sustainable finance. 4️⃣ FinTech for Social Impact – Panel discussion on how fintech bridges funding gaps, enabling inclusion and sustainable investments. 5️⃣ Corporate Testimonies from leaders like Schneider Electric, exploring impactful financing solutions and partnerships in Asia. 🔗 Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with the minds shaping green finance! Book your pass and join us at AlterCOP for a day of actionable insights! Register now for your Afternoon & Evening Pass here https://lnkd.in/gNQDECqU Venue: Singapore Sustainability Academy is located at Level 6 of City Square Mall, right next to Farrer Park MRT Station. Please note City Square Mall is under renovation, to find the Sustainability Academy, please take the lifts. Do not take the elevators. Thanks to our speakers: Terence Nunis, Sreekumar Sivaramakrishnan, Joost Bilkes, Bertrand Jabouley, Lakshmi Kripa Meiyappan,  David Pardo, Lekha Sree Patmanathan, Tamara Singh, Kristina Anguelova, Holly Smith, Paul Ark, Stephanie Dickson, Leslie Zambelli, Max Nelen, #AlterCOP2024 #GreenFinance #SustainableInvestments #FinTechForGood #GlobalFinance #SustainableFinance #Fintech #Fintechforgood

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We had the privilege of hearing valuable insights from Ivan Nikkhoo, Managing Director of N3 Capital, during our exclusive closed-door session on Best Practices in Investing in Private Capital. Ivan shared the latest trends in private capital, explored key risks, and highlighted best practices for direct investing, co-investing, and manager selection. #OpalGroup #PrivateCapital #FamilyOffices #InvestingStrategies #GAISummit #finance

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Validus, a portfolio company of Vertex Ventures SEA and India, has secured $50 million in debt financing from HSBC under the ASEAN Growth Fund strategy. This funding will be used to support the financial inclusion of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia through Validus' subsidiary, Batumbu. As one of Validus' earliest investors, we are excited to see them drive growth and innovation in the digital lending space. With 64.2 million MSMEs contributing 61% of Indonesia's GDP, the potential for impact is immense. Validus aims to empower these businesses by providing more accessible financing options, enabling them to thrive and contribute to economic development. "By leveraging Batumbu's unique position as the largest and only profitable digital SME financing platform in the country, we are committed to unlocking new opportunities for businesses, driving economic growth, and enhancing financial inclusion," said Nikhilesh Goel, CEO of Validus. We look forward to supporting Validus as they continue to expand across Southeast Asia and make a meaningful difference in the lives of MSMEs. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gNeUbiNb #VertexVentures #Investment #Validus #Growth #FinancialInclusion #MSMEs

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Investment interest in APAC markets is rising, making it essential for fund managers to keep up with the latest trends in fundraising and exits. At a recent EY Wavespace Singapore event ‘Forward Momentum: Emerging trends for Asian managed funds on fund raising and exits', experts gathered to discuss the growing importance of private capital trends and key legal, tax, and commercial factors. Thank you to the valued clients and speakers who joined us in conversation. Please contact us should you wish to learn about how EY teams can support your firm’s growth ambitions: [email protected]

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In an era marked by rapid financial innovation, our CEO Kelvin Lee shares insights with Tatler Asia on how Alta is driving change in the industry by democratizing access to #privatemarkets. At #Alta, we believe everyone should have the chance to grow their wealth through access to diverse and high-quality investments. That's why we're using transformative technologies like #blockchain to break down the barriers that have traditionally kept private market #investments out of reach for most. In his interview, Kelvin discusses how #financialinnovation is at the heart of our mission. By making private investments more transparent, accessible, and affordable, we're not just opening doors—we're leveling the playing field. Whether it’s enabling fractional ownership of high-value assets or simplifying the process of investing, we're committed to fostering greater financial inclusion and creating opportunities for everyone to participate in the future of finance. Dive into the full conversation to learn how we're turning bold ideas into action and driving a new wave of financial empowerment across the globe.🚀 Valerie Lim | Tatler Gen.T | Khai Lin Sng | Kelvin Lee | Benjamin Twoon | Willie Chang | Muzahir Degani | Terence Chew | Adrian Koh | Jamie Yee | Edrea Tan | AX Lim | Alona Dolyna | I. Radith Soeriadinata #PrivateCapitalMarkets #AlternativeAssets #singapore #technology #capitalmarkets #blockchain

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𝗠&𝗔 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗲 𝗜𝗣𝗢 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 As we head into the final stretch of 2024, it's a timely moment to reflect on the evolving Southeast Asian #startup landscape. While #IPO markets remain subdued, M&A activity continues to surge, offering a compelling alternative for startups seeking growth and liquidity. Here are the key takeaways from our House View this quarter: ❄️𝗜𝗣𝗢𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹: VCs demand both growth potential and a solid financial foundation, making IPOs challenging for many startups. 🤝𝗠&𝗔 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝘆: Mergers and acquisitions offer startups a way to secure resources, technology, and market access for accelerated growth. 🎯 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗴𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗹: Established tech companies are actively acquiring smaller startups to solidify their positions and expand into new sectors. 📏 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: Regardless of funding route, startups need to manage their finances strategically for long-term success. 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱: The Federal Reserve's interest rate cut sparks optimism for a more vibrant funding environment in 2025. However, securing capital is just one piece of the puzzle. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲. Read the full article for a deeper dive into Southeast Asia's evolving startup landscape here 👉 : https://lnkd.in/g9mQ4nVT

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Singapore-based fintech Partior announced the first close of a US$60M+ Series B round led by Peak XV Partners and supported by Valor Capital Group and Jump Trading Group as new investors. Existing investors, such as J.P. Morgan, Standard Chartered, and Temasek, joined the funds. This new funding round will enable new capabilities like Intraday FX swaps, Cross-currency repos, Programmable Enterprise Liquidity Management, and Just-in-Time multi-bank payments. The investment will significantly support Partior’s international network growth and the integration of additional currencies, including AED, AUD, BRL, CAD, CNH, GBP, JPY, MYR, QAR, and SAR, into its network. Partior is currently live with USD, EUR, and SGD. Read more at https://buff.ly/46cyZA3 #news #LatestNews #fintech #Partior #heaptalk #fundraising

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💵 Funding News: Surfin Raises $12.5M to Expand Financial Inclusion for the Middle Class! 🌐 Singapore-based Surfin has secured US$12.5M in funding, led by Insignia Ventures Partners, to scale its financial technology platform and extend its suite of inclusive services! 💳📈 What Surfin Offers: 🔸Comprehensive Financial Services 🌍: From consumer lending to payments, remittance, credit cards, and wealth management—built for the underserved middle class. 🔸Global Presence 🗺️: Operating in Indonesia, Mexico, Philippines, Nigeria, Kenya, India, Uganda, and Australia. 🔸New Credit Card Venture in Mexico 💳: Launched “Sufinc” with Visa, offering flexible payment terms and no annual fees to strengthen consumer finance in Central America. What’s Next: Surfin, led by Founder and CEO Dr. Yanan Wu, plans to leverage its AI-driven risk management platform to expand operations, enhance service development, and drive financial inclusion in emerging markets. 🗣️ "Surfin’s vision has always been to build a financial ecosystem on top of our scalable and sustainable risk management system. With insights from 60 million users across three continents, we are dedicated to deepening financial inclusion in the markets we serve." – Dr. Yanan Wu 🌟 Exciting times for Surfin as it shapes the future of accessible finance! 📢 Stay tuned to Future Techly for the latest updates on this groundbreaking initiative and the latest in tech and business! 💥 Source: FinSMEs ♻️ Repost if you think this insight is worth sharing!

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🔗 🇸🇬🤝🇹🇭 Singapore-Thailand: Deepening Ties, Driving Progress 📍 Singapore's PM Lawrence Wong met Thailand's PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra in Bangkok, paving the way for collaboration in: 🌱 Green economy 🥗 Food & energy security 💻 Digital connectivity 💡 Key highlights: 1️⃣ ♻️ Carbon Credits: Talks are underway for a formal agreement enabling carbon credit trading. Thailand’s hydrogen and biofuel advancements offer exciting sustainability opportunities for Singaporean companies. 2️⃣ 🥢 Food Security: With Singapore importing most of its food, stronger ties with Thailand could boost resilience in our supply chains. 3️⃣ 📱 Digital Innovation: Following the success of PayNow-PromptPay, ASEAN’s digital integration could make cross-border transactions even easier and faster. 🌏 Regional impact: These initiatives go beyond bilateral gains—they reinforce ASEAN’s potential as a global growth hub. From expanding the ASEAN power grid to deepening the Digital Economy Framework, regional collaboration is critical for addressing shared challenges. 👀 What excites me most: the alignment of 🌿 sustainability, 💡 innovation, and 🧠 human capital development. Singapore’s new scholarship program for Thai officials reflects our commitment to fostering regional knowledge-sharing. As 🇸🇬 and 🇹🇭 prepare to mark 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2025, today’s discussions are a powerful step toward closer partnerships and mutual growth. ✨ Your thoughts: How can ASEAN innovate while balancing its diverse priorities? Share below! --- 🌟 I believe that navigating today’s complexities—alongside emerging forces like AI, deep tech, ESG, impact, and political polarization—requires a multidisciplinary approach. If you’re interested in these insights or just want to connect, don’t hesitate to reach out. 🌞 Let’s connect!

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‘Financing Leaders Panel: Accessing Capital in Digital Infrastructure’ is the final session of the day. Moderator Jake Robson is joined by Sam Lawn, Chih-Yao Alex Teo, Johan Batubara, Kok-Chye Ong and Kevork Sahagian to assess challenges such as rising interest rates, shifting valuations and high multiples, and opportunities in the current environment. #TMTForumAPAC #Financing #Leaders #Digitalinfrastructure #DealStructures

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