Vertex Ventures SE Asia & India
Overview
Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India is a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments, primarily in the high-growth markets of Southeast Asia and India. Established in 2010, it is part of the broader Vertex Ventures network, a global group of venture capital funds sponsored by Vertex Holdings, which itself is a subsidiary of Temasek Holdings. The firm has raised multiple funds, with the most recent Fund V closing at USD 541 million in 2023, significantly exceeding its target. Vertex Ventures is headquartered in Singapore and focuses on sectors such as fintech, consumer internet, and enterprise technology. The firm's leadership includes key figures such as managing partners Joo Hock Chua and Ben Mathias.
Recent Developments
- August 2025: Vertex Ventures led a Rs 87 crore Series B funding round for ELIVAAS, a luxury vacation rental platform. This investment is part of Vertex’s strategy to back innovative startups with potential for substantial market impact.
- April 2025: Vertex Ventures announced an increased focus on AI and fintech startups in India. The firm participated in a high-profile Series B funding round for the AI-based startup, Quantified Energy, spearheading efforts in solar technology innovations.
- March 2025: The company made headlines with its commitment to maintain disciplined investment strategies in Southeast Asia's emerging tech ecosystem, focusing on scalable solutions that drive financial inclusion.
- October 2024: Vertex Ventures led a $6 million funding round for Coolmate, Vietnam's top D2C men's apparel brand, supporting their expansion across Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
- September 2024: The firm completed the closure of its fifth funding round with a substantial $541 million, highlighting its robust portfolio growth and successful exits from investments like Grab and FirstCry.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2010 |
| Headquarters | Singapore |
| Founders | Vertex Holdings (backed by Temasek) |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Temasek Holdings, Japan Investment Corporation (JIC), International Finance Corporation (IFC), DEG |
| Industry | Venture Capital |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 200 employees |
Early History
Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India originated as part of the Vertex Holdings network, which was initially set up as a corporate venture capital firm under Singapore Technologies in 1988. This entity transitioned to a full subsidiary of Temasek Holdings in 2004 after the dot-com bubble, pivoting to focus on strategic early-stage investment opportunities. By 2010, Vertex Ventures was formally established in Southeast Asia and India, capitalizing on the region's rapid tech ecosystem growth.
Company Profile and Achievements
Vertex Ventures has evolved into a significant player within the venture capital landscape. Initially focusing on technology and healthcare investments, it now supports a diverse array of sectors, including fintech, consumer internet, and enterprise technology. The firm's strategy includes investing in startups poised for regional and global scale. It has successfully nurtured multiple unicorns, including Grab, FirstCry, XPressBees, and Licious. Each investment is characterized by Vertex’s deep operational support and global network access, aiding startups in overcoming complex scaling challenges.
Current Operations and Market Position
Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India continues to strengthen its position within the Southeast Asian and Indian ecosystems by focusing on capital-efficient startups with strong growth trajectories. Its strategic alignment with emerging tech trends, such as AI and clean energy, reflects a broader commitment to solving significant societal challenges through tech-enabled solutions. The firm’s approach combines disciplined deployment of capital with the fostering of capable founders aimed at scaling innovative businesses globally.
Conclusion
Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India stands as a cornerstone in the venture capital industry, particularly within the seismic tech ecosystems of Southeast Asia and India. Its consistent focus on bridging opportunities across these regions with global investor interests highlights its importance as a catalyst for innovation and economic transformation. Looking ahead, Vertex Ventures is poised to further leverage market trends and its robust network to foster the next generation of startup champions capable of competing on a global stage.