The deep dives of Q1 2023

Just to give you a glimpse of what you have missed, here’s a look at some of our top analytical pieces from Jan-Mar this year that our subscribers got exclusive access to. From TikTok’s meteoric rise to the impact of Sino-US tensions on the PE-VC industry in Singapore to how startups across sectors are pivoting to survive in a post-pandemic world, our in-depth coverage of trending issues is a bang for your buck.

How cash fuelled TikTok’s meteoric rise in Asia Pacific
By Andi Haswidi, Tabita Diela
Stuck in regulatory crosshairs in the US and elsewhere, TikTok has unwittingly achieved a level of notoriety that would make some influencers on its platform envious. Its legal troubles have done little, if any, damage to its position as the social media app of choice for millions of users, not least in the Asia Pacific.
Old economy firms shore up Indonesia’s IPO market as tech giants retreat
By Gita Rossiana
Indonesia’s IPO scene may remain buzzing this year, thanks to a slew of ‘old economy’ stocks preparing to debut on the IDX.
As valuations temper, what’s in store for Asia’s foodtech startups this year?
By Eudora Wang
Valuations of foodtech companies have fallen from the peaks witnessed in the pre-COVID era. But some entrepreneurs, still excited by the fundraising frenzy of the past, are having a hard time adjusting to this new normal.
Indonesian digital banking sector to see competition heat up in 2023
By Khamila Mulia, Gita Rossiana
Indonesia’s digital banking space, which saw significant investments and buildout plans last year, is expected to see competition intensify further in 2023 as operators execute on their plans to tap the underserved market in SE Asia.
SG investors, startups walk a fine line as Sino-US tensions spill into PE-VC world
By Kristie Neo
Sino-US geopolitical tensions have long been a key risk for global tech investors. But in Singapore, geopolitical risk is creeping into boardroom conversations, with startup founders sometimes finding themselves caught between China and the US.
Temasek expects digitisation and sustainable living to emerge as megatrends
By Paramita Chatterjee
Singapore state investor Temasek continues to follow a ‘bottom-up’ approach as it scouts for new investments in India amidst global macro headwinds.
How the denominator effect is clouding PE fundraising in SE Asia
By Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc
PE fundraising may continue to be tardy this year as the so-called ‘denominator effect’ makes several LPs rethink their allocations. And, Southeast Asia will be no exception.
Semiconductors and New Energy sectors are China’s new unicorn breeding grounds
By Eudora Wang
The next batch of entrants to China’s unicorn club will likely come from technology sectors such as semiconductors and green technology displacing e-commerce and finance.
EWA startups gain traction, funding in SE Asia but model raises some concerns
By Khamila Mulia
Earned wage access platforms continue to attract investor interest and venture money in SE Asia even as the model is beginning to face questions around bad loan risks and sustainability.
India’s kiranatech startups pivot to lending as demand wanes, but will it sell?
By Vibhuti Sharma, Rachel Chitra
With demand falling as the pandemic waned, India’s kiranatech startups have seen investments crash from $222 million in 2021 to $38 million in 2022, with some companies shutting divisions or even laying off employees.
Indonesian P2P lending at the crossroads as bad loans continue to surge
By Khamila Mulia
Indonesia’s P2P lending industry is facing testing times as non-performing loans continue to rise amid uncertain macroeconomic conditions, raising questions about its sustainability.

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