Global Founders Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Berlin, Germany, with a focus on empowering entrepreneurs globally. The firm is stage agnostic, investing in companies across various sectors, including internet, software, fintech, e-commerce, and telecommunications. Global Founders Capital typically invests in the equity of young technology companies, with a preference for startups located in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Vietnam, Colombia, Europe, the United States, and China. Investment amounts range from €0.01 million to €10 million, with specific allocations varying by stage: seed investments typically between €0.1 million and €1 million, early-stage investments between €1 million and €3 million, and growth-stage investments between €3 million and €8 million. The firm often seeks to be the lead investor and aims to secure board representation in its portfolio companies.
East Ventures is an early-stage, sector-agnostic venture capital firm founded in 2009, with offices in Tokyo, Singapore, and Jakarta. The firm has invested in over 170 companies across Southeast Asia, with a strong emphasis on Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is recognized as a pioneer in the Indonesian startup ecosystem, being the first investor in notable unicorns such as Tokopedia and Traveloka. East Ventures' diverse portfolio includes prominent companies like Mercari, Ruangguru, and Fore Coffee. In 2018, the firm established a growth-stage fund called EV Growth to provide further support to startups in the region. East Ventures has garnered accolades for its consistent performance, being named the most active investor in Southeast Asia and Indonesia, as well as a top-performing VC fund globally by various industry observers. The firm primarily targets investments in technology, consumer web, fintech, and mobile sectors, typically investing between $0.1 million and $0.5 million in early-stage ventures.
WI Harper Group, founded in 1993, is a venture capital firm with a focus on early and early expansion investments in Mainland China, Taiwan, and Silicon Valley. Managing over $1B in capital through 9 funds and 19 dedicated investment professionals, the firm specializes in technology, clean technology, and healthcare sectors. With a track record that includes successful investments in companies like DivX, Focus Media, Vizio, SiRF, and Commerce One, WI Harper Group is known for its strategic investments in start-up companies. Operating from offices in Beijing, Taipei, and San Francisco, the firm continues to play a significant role in fostering innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem.
Techstars is a global startup accelerator founded in 2006, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. It provides a supportive environment for entrepreneurs through various programs, including mentorship-driven accelerators, startup programs, and corporate innovation partnerships. Techstars connects founders with a vast network of mentors, investors, and industry experts to foster company growth. The organization operates multiple accelerator programs worldwide, focusing on diverse sectors such as mobility, retail, and social impact. It also manages a venture capital fund that invests in innovative technology companies at early stages. With over 1,000 companies in its accelerator portfolio, Techstars has developed a reputation for nurturing successful startups across various markets, helping them scale and achieve significant valuations.
SOSV is a venture capital firm headquartered in New Jersey, focused on seed-to-growth stage investments in sectors such as biotechnology, hardware, robotics, and cross-border software, particularly in Asia. Established in 1995, SOSV operates several global accelerator programs, including HAX for hardware, IndieBio and RebelBio for life sciences, Chinaccelerator and MOX for cross-border internet, Food-X for disruptive food technologies, and dlab for blockchain innovations. The firm invests in approximately 150 companies annually and emphasizes a strategy that combines early-stage funding with extensive support, facilitating product development, customer acquisition, and scaling. SOSV's commitment to nurturing revolutionary deep technologies and its proven track record position it among the top 10% of venture capital funds worldwide.
Rockstart is an accelerator and venture capital firm founded in 2011 and headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with additional offices in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Bogotá, Colombia. The firm specializes in supporting early-stage startups across four primary sectors: Energy, Health, AgriFood, and Emerging Technologies. Rockstart offers intensive programs that provide startups with access to capital, office space, and a network of mentors, partners, and investors. Its initiatives include customized programs that foster collaboration between startups and established companies, driving opportunities for co-creation and investment. Since its inception, Rockstart has invested in over 230 startups, helping them raise more than €90 million and create over 700 jobs. The firm emphasizes a structured six-month program that includes workshops on various business topics, culminating in a Demo Day where entrepreneurs present their ventures to potential investors and partners. Additionally, Rockstart has developed specialized programs such as Rockstart AI and Rockstart Impact Nepal to cater to specific markets and entrepreneurial needs.
Speedinvest is a European venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. It focuses on early-stage investments in technology-related companies, targeting sectors such as fintech, insurtech, deep tech, and consumer tech. The firm typically invests between €250,000 and €3 million, aiming for minority stakes of up to 20% in its portfolio companies. Speedinvest emphasizes operational support and seeks to collaborate closely with entrepreneurs, often taking on operational roles for six months to a year. With a network that extends to Silicon Valley, Speedinvest positions itself as a pivotal investment and development hub within Europe’s start-up ecosystem, actively investing in Central and Eastern European markets including Austria, Germany, and the UK.
SoftBank is a multinational telecommunications and internet corporation based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 1981 by Masayoshi Son. It offers a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line communication, broadband, digital television, and internet services. The company operates through several segments, encompassing mobile communications, fixed-line telecommunications, and internet services, including the operation of the Yahoo! JAPAN portal and e-commerce platforms. SoftBank has also expanded into robotics, artificial intelligence, and clean energy technology, with notable acquisitions like Arm Holdings. Its investment arm, the SoftBank Vision Fund, focuses on growth-stage technology companies across various sectors such as IoT, fintech, and cloud computing, aiming to drive innovation and technological advancement. Additionally, SoftBank is involved in renewable energy, payment processing, and media distribution, maintaining a diverse portfolio that supports its overarching goal of fostering the Information Revolution and enhancing global connectivity.
AppWorks, based in Taipei, is the largest startup accelerator in Greater Southeast Asia, having launched its program in 2010. It focuses on supporting Internet startups across the region, particularly those in AI, blockchain, and other emerging sectors. The AppWorks Accelerator invites 30-40 promising startups every six months, fostering a community that has grown to include 395 startups and 1,331 founders in its alumni network. Collectively, these startups generate approximately US$ 8.05 billion in annual revenues, create over 17,000 jobs, and have a combined valuation of around US$ 11.07 billion. In addition to its accelerator program, AppWorks manages US$ 170 million in venture capital funds, investing primarily in seed to Series C companies across various industries, including technology, financial services, and consumer goods.