Southeast Asia’s investors are up against the very founders they invest in

Founders and operators in Southeast Asia aren’t just running startups, they’re investing in them, too. Investment rounds are increasingly including these angel investors—for the value they bring—and that’s already challenging regular venture capital firms

Founders running growing companies are picking up dozens of investments in early-stage companies, working alongside or replacing VC firms

These angels open doors with unique insight and access to potential customers, hires, knowledge or even just relatable support for fellow founders

Some angels have even formed funds which compete more directly with VC firms

VCs are tapping angels too as they learn to live with these new unlikely rivals

Did you hear about the addictive craze that’s taken over startup founders in Southeast Asia? It’s taking up their time in the evenings and weekends. It’s taking money out of their bank accounts. And it’s an addiction that some admit they may need to slow down on.

We’re not talking parties, fast cars, cryptocurrencies or illicit activities. This is angel investing.

Increasingly, startup founders themselves are picking up scores of early-stage investor deals by backing their peers with cheques in the range of US$10,000 and US$50,000. A number of notable funding rounds have included significant money from angel investors, including accounting startup BukuKas and US$1 billion-valued payment startup Nium.

AUTHOR

Jon Russell

Jon Russell is Southeast Asia editor for The Ken based in Bangkok. Originally from the UK, Jon moved to Thailand in 2008. He’s passionate about telling thoughtful business stories, and tracking the impact of the internet in his adopted home of Southeast Asia.

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