Asean moving up the startup menu for global investors

Observers expect a near-term hit to deal flow from the Covid-19 outbreak, but overall interest remains robust

Sharanya Pillai

Published Thu, Feb 27, 2020 · 09:50 PM

Singapore

SOUTH-EAST Asia may have long been overshadowed by China and India on the global Venture Capital (VC) stage, but more investors are now looking to deploy their dry powder in the region - drawn by valuations that have yet to peak.

South-east Asia drew 315 VC deals that raised US$5.8 billion from investors outside of the region last year, according to data from market intelligence firm Preqin. The figures take into account deals where at least one investor is based outside of South-east Asia.

The capital raised peaked in 2018, with non-South-east Asian investors participating in US$9…