Singapore’s Top 35 Venture Capital Leaders Powering Asia’s Startup Future

Singapore has rapidly emerged as a vibrant hub for venture capital and startup innovation, bridging Asia with global markets. At the forefront of this dynamic ecosystem are visionary venture capitalists who not only provide critical funding but also strategic mentorship and global networks to fuel the growth of startups across sectors like fintech, deep tech, healthtech, and consumer internet. This article profiles 35 of the most influential VCs in Singapore—seasoned investors and ecosystem builders whose foresight and expertise are shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia and beyond. From founders of pioneering funds to corporate VC leaders and global investors, these individuals exemplify the spirit of innovation driving the region’s startup success stories.

Magnus Grimeland (Founder & CEO, Antler): Magnus Grimeland, Founder & CEO of Antler, is redefining early-stage venture capital with a presence across 30+ global locations. Under his leadership, Antler has backed over 1,400 startups, building the world’s largest early-stage investment platform. A Harvard alumnus and former McKinsey Junior Partner, Magnus brings deep global expertise from his days at Zalora and Global Fashion Group.

Scott Krivokopich (Managing Partner, 1982 Ventures): Scott Krivokopich, Managing Partner at 1982 Ventures, is a leading force in Southeast Asia’s early-stage fintech investment landscape. With a sharp eye for scalable innovation, Scott has backed over 40 startups across the region. He brings deep experience from both venture capital and entrepreneurship, driving impactful capital deployment in emerging markets.

Teruhide Sato (Founder & CEO, BEENEXT): Teruhide Sato, Founder & CEO of BEENEXT, is a pioneering Japanese entrepreneur and investor shaping the global startup ecosystem from Singapore. After co-founding Cybercash Japan and taking BEENOS public, he turned to venture capital with a sharp eye for high-growth tech ventures. A World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Sato has backed breakout startups like Tokopedia, BharatPe, Shiprocket, and NoBroker. Today, he continues to empower founders across Asia and emerging markets with capital and deep cross-border expertise.

Will Klippgen (Partner & Co-Founder, Cocoon Capital): Will Klippgen, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Cocoon Capital, is a seasoned VC with over 27 years of experience backing early-stage startups across Southeast Asia. A serial entrepreneur himself, he co-founded Kelkoo, which was acquired by Yahoo in one of Europe’s largest internet deals. At Cocoon Capital, he supports B2B tech founders with hands-on mentorship and strategic guidance. Klippgen also shares his expertise as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at INSEAD, shaping the next generation of innovators.

Yinwei Liang (Partner, East Ventures): Yinwei Liang, Partner at East Ventures, spearheads investments from the firm’s Singapore office, bringing over 7 years of VC experience. Prior to this, he was with Tiger Global, backing startups across India, Latin America, and Africa. He also contributed to tech ecosystem building at Singapore’s Infocomm Development Authority.

Vinnie Lauria (Founding Partner, Golden Gate Ventures): Vinnie Lauria, Founding Partner at Golden Gate Ventures, is a trailblazing VC who has helped shape Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem. With over US$250M AUM, his firm backs early-stage ventures across three continents, including 9 unicorns and 2 IPOs. A former Silicon Valley entrepreneur, he previously built and exited two startups. Vinnie’s passion for innovation began in high school and continues to drive his global impact.

Amit Anand (Founding Partner & Managing Director, Jungle Ventures): Amit Anand, Founding Partner and Managing Director of Jungle Ventures, has played a pivotal role in shaping Southeast Asia’s venture capital landscape. Under his leadership, Jungle grew from a seed-stage firm to managing over $1 billion in assets. With 25 years of experience, he has backed category-leading startups across India, Indonesia, and Vietnam. A Kauffman Fellow and Aspen FLI, Amit is known for spotting unicorns early and shaping ethical tech discourse.

Koichi Saito (Founder & General Partner, KK Fund): Koichi Saito, Founder and General Partner of KK Fund, is a seasoned venture capitalist shaping Southeast Asia’s early-stage startup landscape. Before founding KK Fund, he led regional investments at IMJ Investment Partners (now Spiral Ventures). His diverse background spans private equity under George Soros and roles at Mitsubishi Morgan Stanley and Orix.

Kuo-Yi Lim (Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Monk’s Hill Ventures): Kuo-Yi Lim, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Monk’s Hill Ventures, is a pivotal figure in Southeast Asia’s venture capital landscape. A former CEO of Infocomm Investments and a seasoned tech operator, he brings a unique blend of government and startup expertise to early-stage investing. With a PhD from MIT, Lim is deeply committed to backing bold founders building for Asia. His portfolio includes transformative startups across edtech, SaaS, and AI.

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Shane Chesson (Founding Partner, Openspace): Shane Chesson, Founding Partner at Openspace, is a leading force in Southeast Asia’s VC landscape, having backed over 70 tech companies through six funds totaling US$800M+. A former Citigroup and Merrill Lynch executive, Shane blends deep financial expertise with a passion for scaling regional innovators like Gojek, Biofourmis, and FinAccel. He also champions entrepreneurial inclusion as Vice-Chairman of SVCA and Chair of Aidha Accelerator’s Investment Committee.

Wan Kum Tho (Managing Director, Singtel Innov8): Wan Kum Tho, Managing Director at Singtel Innov8, leads investment activities across APAC, drawing from over 25 years in venture capital and private equity. With prior stints at Heliconia Capital, UOB Venture, and Vertex, he has backed and exited numerous high-impact startups across Asia and the U.S. A seasoned board member and strategic advisor, KT also shares his expertise as an Adjunct Associate Professor at NUS.

Kee Lock Chua (Managing Partner, Vertex Ventures): Kee Lock Chua is the Managing Partner of Vertex Ventures SEA & India and Chairman of Vertex Growth Fund, overseeing a global VC network managing over US$6 billion in assets. With a rich background spanning venture capital, medical devices, and industrial sectors, he has played pivotal roles at Biosensors International and Walden International.

B. Paul Santos (Managing Partner, Wavemaker Partners): B. Paul Santos is Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Wavemaker Partners, a leading Southeast Asia VC firm headquartered in Singapore. Since 2012, he has spearheaded investments in over 200 early-stage enterprise, deep tech, and sustainability startups. With more than US$300 million under management and multiple successful exits, Paul is a key driver in SEA’s venture ecosystem. His portfolio includes notable names like Growsari, Silent Eight, and eFishery.

Philip Yeo (Chairman, iGlobe Partners): Philip Yeo, Chairman of iGlobe Partners, is a visionary leader in Singapore’s venture capital ecosystem. With a distinguished career spanning public service and private sector innovation, he has been instrumental in shaping Singapore’s tech and startup landscape. Yeo’s strategic insight and deep industry knowledge drive iGlobe’s investments in transformative technologies.

Dr Lim Jui (Chief Executive Officer, SGInnovate): Dr Lim Jui, CEO of SGInnovate, is a pivotal figure in Singapore’s Deep Tech investment landscape, championing research-driven startups with global impact. With a unique blend of medical training and innovation leadership, he has held key roles across venture capital, academia, and medtech. At SGInnovate, he spearheads equity investments and ecosystem-building for entrepreneurial scientists.

Jeff Chi (Vice Chairman & Founding Partner, Vickers Venture Partners): Jeff Chi, Vice Chairman and Founding Partner at Vickers Venture Partners, is a seasoned investor known for his sharp eye for high-growth opportunities across Asia. With a background in engineering and corporate finance, he brings a rare blend of technical depth and strategic insight to venture capital. At Vickers, he has played a key role in scaling deeptech and biotech investments globally.

Charles Wong (Founding Partner, TNB Aura): Charles Wong, Founding Partner at TNB Aura, is a prominent figure in Southeast Asia’s venture capital ecosystem. With a keen eye for high-growth technology ventures, he has been instrumental in backing startups that drive regional innovation. His cross-border investment expertise bridges Singapore, Indonesia, and beyond.

Saemin Ahn (Managing Partner, Rakuten Capital): Saemin Ahn, Managing Partner at Rakuten Capital and Executive Officer at Rakuten Group, leads the firm’s international investment strategy from Singapore. As the founding partner of Rakuten Ventures, he has spearheaded global investments across AI, new energy, robotics, and aerospace. With a sharp eye for transformative technologies, Saemin plays a pivotal role in shaping Rakuten’s global innovation agenda.

Jinesh Patel (Managing Partner, Integra Partners): Jinesh Patel, Managing Partner at Integra Partners, is a prominent force in Southeast Asia’s venture capital landscape, with a sharp focus on fintech, healthtech, and insurtech. A former strategy consultant and investment banker, he brings over 15 years of experience in scaling early-stage startups across emerging markets. At Integra, he leads investments that drive financial inclusion and digital innovation.

Chow Boon Tan (General Partner, Altara Ventures): Chow Boon Tan, General Partner at Altara Ventures, is a seasoned venture capitalist with deep roots in Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem. With a strong background in private equity and investment banking, he brings decades of financial acumen to early-stage investments. At Altara, he champions innovation in fintech, enterprise tech, and digital consumer sectors.

Qin En Looi (Partner, Saison Capital): Qin En Looi, Partner at Saison Capital, is a founder-turned-investor backing startups from 0 to 1 across fintech, B2B platforms, and web3. As the co-founder of Glints (Series D), he scaled Southeast Asia’s leading talent platform and brings deep operational expertise to early-stage founders. A Stanford graduate and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Qin En is known for hands-on support—from hiring to hustle.

Jonathan Hodson (Partner, January Capital): Jonathan Hodson, Partner at January Capital, plays a pivotal role in driving the firm’s fintech and Australia-focused investments, with standout deals in Go1, Marqo, and Tazapay. As a member of the investment committee, he also oversees day-to-day operations. His foundation in corporate finance at EY sharpened his expertise across IPOs and cross-sector transactions.

Aditya Pendyala (Partner, FEBE Ventures): Aditya Pendyala, Partner at FEBE Ventures, is a tech entrepreneur-turned-investor with a track record of global startup exits. He focuses on B2B software, AI/ML, SaaS, IoT, and blockchain, bringing deep expertise in fundraising, GTM, and product strategy. An LP in several international VC funds, Aditya champions globally diverse tech innovation.

Yan Cui (Partner, Teja Ventures): Yan Cui, Partner at Teja Ventures, is a seasoned cross-border VC investor with over a decade of experience spanning the US and China. Formerly Vice President at Lebox Capital, he has backed data-driven ventures rooted in machine learning and AI. With a foundation in computer engineering, Yan has also spearheaded tech ecosystem initiatives at Peking University’s BiMBA. His strategic focus now lies in impact-driven investments across Asia from his base in Singapore.

Usman Khan Lodhi (Venture Partner, FutureLabs Ventures): Usman Khan Lodhi, Venture Partner at FutureLabs Ventures, is a globally seasoned entrepreneur and operator with 17+ years of leadership across Asia and Europe. From scaling FoodPanda and EasyTaxi in Indonesia to launching corporate ventures like PayPro and Eureka.ai, his track record spans both startup and enterprise innovation. As an ex-Rocket Internet and ex-Indosat SVP, he blends strategic vision with hands-on execution.

Douglas Abrams (CEO, Expara Group): Douglas Abrams, Founder & CEO of Expara Group, is a trailblazer in Singapore’s venture capital landscape with over two decades of experience. A former J.P. Morgan investment banking tech leader, he has launched multiple VC funds across Southeast Asia. Douglas also actively shapes future entrepreneurs as a professor at NUS and Sasin.

Tanuja Rajah (Partner, M Venture Partners): Tanuja Rajah, Partner at M Venture Partners, brings a unique blend of scientific rigor and venture expertise to early-stage investing. With a PhD in Immunology and a keen focus on deep tech, SaaS, and healthtech, she supports bold founders shaping Asia’s innovation landscape. Tanuja’s journey spans academia, startups, and investing—making her a versatile force in Singapore’s VC ecosystem.

Zi En Lim (Managing Partner, Protégé Ventures): Zi En Lim, Managing Partner at Protégé Ventures, is at the forefront of nurturing Southeast Asia’s next-generation venture capitalists. With a strong foundation in early-stage investments and youth-led innovation, she champions emerging founders through education and capital.

Dr. Jeremy Loh (Co-founder & Managing Partner, Genesis Alternative Ventures): Dr. Jeremy Loh, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Genesis Alternative Ventures, is a seasoned venture capitalist with a strong background in deep tech and growth-stage investments. With a Ph.D. in Engineering and experience across Temasek, Macquarie, and Red Dot Ventures, he bridges scientific insight with financial acumen. At Genesis, he champions venture debt as a strategic tool for scaling startups across Southeast Asia.

Soo Wei Shaw (Partner, Gobi Partners): Shaw Soo Wei is a Partner at Gobi Partners and Chairperson of its ESG Committee, spearheading sustainable investment strategies across Southeast Asia. With over 20 years in media and technology, she drives impact investments in education, healthcare, and gender-lens funds. A passionate advocate for arts and sustainability, Shaw also plays a key role in philanthropy and cultural initiatives in Singapore and Hong Kong.

Pinn Lawjindakul (Partner, Lightspeed Venture Partners): Pinn Lawjindakul is a Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, based in Singapore, where she focuses on early-stage investments across Southeast Asia. With deep expertise in consumer internet and technology sectors, she actively supports founders in scaling their ventures. Pinn’s keen eye for innovation and market trends has made her a key player in the region’s vibrant startup ecosystem.

Eduardo Saverin (Co-Founder and Co-CEO, B Capital Group): Eduardo Saverin, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of B Capital Group, is a prominent venture capitalist based in Singapore. As a Facebook co-founder and first investor, he has a proven track record in scaling global tech ventures. Under his leadership, B Capital manages over $7 billion in assets across eight locations worldwide. Eduardo focuses on backing innovative, people-centric startups with global ambitions.

Vishal Harnal (Managing Partner, 500 Global): Vishal Harnal is Managing Partner at 500 Global, a leading Silicon Valley VC firm with $3.2 billion AUM and investments in over 3,000 startups worldwide. With a decade of experience backing 300+ companies, he focuses on AI, human healthspan, and deep tech. A Kauffman Fellow and mentor, Vishal also teaches at Stanford and INSEAD and frequently shares insights on top media platforms.

Melvin Teo (Managing Director & CFO, JAFCO Asia): Melvin Teo is Managing Director and CFO at JAFCO Asia, contributing deep expertise in investment strategy, financial structuring, and governance. Since joining in 2002, he has played a key role on both the investment and listed portfolio committees. A CFA charterholder and CPA, Melvin’s early career included critical financial restructuring work during the Asian Economic Crisis.

Conclusion

As Singapore continues to solidify its position as a global innovation and investment hub, the role of these top venture capitalists remains pivotal. Their diverse expertise, strategic vision, and unwavering support are empowering startups to scale new heights and transform industries across Asia and the world. Together, they are not only fueling economic growth but also nurturing the next generation of disruptive ideas and technologies. The future of Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem looks brighter than ever, thanks to the leadership and commitment of these outstanding investors.

–Authored and edited by Sandhya Bharti, Deputy Editor, Indian Startup Times.

Disclaimer

The selection process involves rigorous evaluation but is based on subjective criteria, which may lead to variations. Parameters include industry influence, reputation, experience, contributions, education, accolades, and followership. While comprehensive assessments may not capture every aspect of a candidate’s profile. Selection does not imply endorsement or guarantee future performance. Feedback is welcome for improvement.