In a recent TechBurst Asia podcast, we delved deep into Singapore’s startup and venture capital ecosystems. Not surprisingly, they are both evolving well. But what I wanted to do as a follow up is look at the wider Southeast Asia startup and venture capital ecosystems to see how countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and the others are progressing. 

To help me with this, I am joined by my good friend Chris Tran, who has been supporting start-ups in those countries for the past 12 years. This makes him ideally suited to discuss how the markets are developing, identify what works and what needs improvement. And I’m also keen to learn more about the launch of his new Boutique Investment Bank that supports Southeast Asian Technology Entrepreneurs and Investors, Cap Connect. 

Show notes:

00:00 Intro to Cap Connect and what led Chris to launch his own boutique investment firm

05:15 How does Chris source deal flow across the many countries in SE Asia

08:00 How is the startup ecosystem evolving across SE Asia, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines

16:00 How does the VC industry support SE Asia? Is it all Singapore-based or has each country developed its own funding ecosystem?

19:30 What’s the good, the bad and the ugly about Singapore innovation and VC industries?

21:30 What industries are driving innovation across SE Asia 

26:30 How has the pandemic impacted startups across the region - and what has been the impact on valuations?

32:00 How Chris got into venture capital and what brought him to Singapore 12 years ago

33:00 What Chris looks for in a founder or startup - and what are the red flags

34:30 What advice do you have for aspiring venture capitalists?

37:45 Tell us something about yourself that will surprise us (note: I recommend listening to this, it is the funniest segment of any podcast I have ever recorded)