Navigating the Funding Challenges of SEA Startups

Our M&A experts share the latest updates and analyze emerging trends in Southeast Asia’s startup landscape.

May 2024 , by Gary Murakami , Anil Rai , Alex Charles Vila
sea startups strategy Download


Southeast Asia's startup ecosystem is adapting to new realities. The COVID-19 pandemic and macroeconomic uncertainties have sparked a shift, with startups facing funding constraints and a renewed focus on profitability. From heightened competition for resources to VC struggles in divesting older investments, the landscape is evolving. 


Startups must prioritize profitability, leading to increased competition and pressure for sustainable models. VCs struggle to exit older investments, while new investors see opportunities to acquire startups at discounted valuations with caution due to crowded cap tables.


Balancing rapid growth with profitability proves challenging for emerging startups. The reduced availability of private funding in the region is expected to decrease investments, intensifying competition among startups and prompting investors to seek higher returns.

Our latest white paper explores the current funding landscape in Southeast Asia, exploring the challenges and opportunities that startups are facing. The report examines how these factors have prompted a strategic pivot towards profitability in the startup landscape.

Learn more about the latest developments in Southeast Asia’s startup funding landscape and how startups can succeed in this new funding environment by downloading our latest white paper.

Download White Paper

Read other insights
See All Insights

Stay ahead in the rapidly changing Asia. Subscribe to our latest insights.