Business Angel Network of Southeast Asia: A Guide to Investment and Partnership

The Business Angel Network of Southeast Asia is a hub for entrepreneurs and investors to connect and collaborate. With a growing number of start-ups in the region, it's an exciting time for investors to get involved.

The network has a presence in several Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. These countries offer a favorable business environment and a large talent pool.

Entrepreneurs can benefit from the network's investment opportunities, mentorship, and access to resources. By joining the network, they can gain valuable connections and insights to help their businesses grow.

Investors can also benefit from the network's deal flow, research, and due diligence support. This can help them make informed investment decisions and maximize their returns.

BANSEA has entered into a partnership with Infocomm Investments (IIPL) to co-invest in startup ventures and accelerate their growth.

The partnership will see BANSEA ONE make seed investments in the range of S$50,000 (US$37,156) per startup venture.

BANSEA ONE was created on June 6, 2016, as a syndicated investment initiative open to BANSEA executive members.

The partnership aims to provide startups with leverage on the knowledge, skills, and broad networks of BANSEA members.

IIPL's Head, Dr Alex Lin, said the partnership will provide seed investment into some of these young companies, supporting their growth financially and through combined resources in networks and mentorship.

Singapore-based startups face issues with talent scarcity, despite a surplus of talent from the region and a relatively efficient immigration system.

BANSEA ONE will invest across industries into scalable, high-potential startups with a minimum viable product (MVP) and preferably incorporated or intend to incorporate in Singapore.

Business Angel Network of Southeast Asia has made 6 investments, with their latest investment being in KalPay as part of their Seed VC on May 13, 2024.

They have a strong track record of supporting startups in the region, and their investment strategy is focused on helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life.

As Ramesh Raghavan, the Chairman of BANSEA, notes, the angel investment scene in ASEAN has evolved significantly over the last 20 years, with a growing number of investors and startups emerging in the region.

Business Angel Network Southeast Asia (BANSEA) has invested in several startups, including Paktor, Bambu, Tokenize.exchange, Burpple, Carousell, 99.co, Carro, and Shopback.

BANSEA has made seed funding and series A funding investments in these startups.

The network has also made 6 investments, with its latest investment being in KalPay as part of their Seed VC on May 13, 2024.

Angel investors can be organized into different types of networks, including public, private, angel funds, and online networks.

Public angel networks are open to any angel investor without a subscription fee, while private angel networks require a subscription fee or minimum investment requirements.

Angel funds involve a voting process among members to make investment decisions, and members can also make personal investments in addition to fund investments.

Business Angel Network Southeast Asia has one fund, BANSEA ONE, which is a type of angel fund.

Angel investors are individuals who invest their own money in early-stage startups, taking high risks for high rewards.

Organized angel investors make better investment decisions, leading to the formation of investment groups and networks.

Business Angel Network of Southeast Asia was established in 2001 as the leading angel investment network in Southeast Asia.

Here are some notable investments made by BANSEA:

Business Angel Network Southeast Asia has a notable track record of successful portfolio exits.

Their latest portfolio exit was Affable, acquired by Bazaarvoice on October 10, 2023, for a valuation of $XXM.

Affable's acquisition is a testament to the network's ability to nurture and support innovative startups.

The network's portfolio exits are a valuable resource for investors looking to diversify their portfolios.

Here are the details of Business Angel Network Southeast Asia's portfolio exits:

These exits demonstrate the network's commitment to supporting innovative startups and creating value for its investors.

BANSEA has invested in some exciting startups, including Paktor, Bambu, Tokenize.exchange, Burpple, Carousell, 99.co, Carro, and Shopback. These investments have received seed funding and Series A funding.

Angel investors play a crucial role in supporting early-stage startups, often providing capital when other options like loans or venture capital aren't available. They're individuals who invest their own money and time into very early-stage startups, taking on high risk in hopes of high reward.

BANSEA's members have seen the benefits of organizing into angel investment groups or networks, which can lead to better investment decisions and higher returns on capital. This approach allows angel investors to share experiences, pool resources, and contribute more to startups.

As the leading angel investment network in Southeast Asia, BANSEA has been promoting the development of the angel investment community since 2001. Its Chairman, Ramesh Raghavan, has shared insights on the evolution of the angel investment scene in ASEAN over the past 20 years.

BANSEA's members look for specific profiles in companies they invest in, and the ticket size and time lines can vary. Ramesh Raghavan also shares his personal insights as an investor, highlighting what he looks out for in companies and some of the mistakes he's made in the past.

Here are some of the notable startups that BANSEA and its members have invested in: