After the sale of his online research company Says.com for RM105 million, Khailee Ng realised the power of technology to “...help others unlock generational wealth, and in a shorter span of time.” He said to Tatler: “Knowing that this power exists, I had two options: either I start building more companies or do something more meaningful with my life. If I build more companies, I only create wealth for myself, but I felt that journey would be a lot less fun if you’re not enriching those around you.” Ng travelled to Silicon Valley, where he connected with 500 Global, the venture capital firm that invests in founders focused on fast-growing technology companies. Now, the financial leader helps manage the company’s funds (over US$2.7 billion in assets under management), which has powered the success of companies such as Grab, Carousell, Carsome and more.

In an essay penned for 500 Global, Ng noted how the spectacular growth of tech giant Grab parallels Southeast Asia’s journey in the VC sector: “Grab reminds investors like us of what’s possible—and we’re excited to see all that they will do and achieve for Southeast Asia.” Today, 500 Global’s Southeast Asia funds have backed over 270 companies such as co-working firm Worq, which has launched its largest outlet in Kuala Lumpur, drone solutions company Aerodyne, which expands its global reach with a new deal with an Italian drone provider, and e-commerce aggregator Una Brands, which has raised US$30 million in funding.

Read Khailee Ng’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Minette Navarrete nurtures opportunities by investing in “...emerging market technologies, where the problems are often greatest, and the creative solutions can be more surprising.” As the co-founder and president of Kickstart Ventures, she guides the firm’s three funds, including Active Fund, which holds a sizeable store of US$180 million in capital dedicated to innovations in digital access, automation, smart living and resource allocation. While Navarrete’s company invests in companies all over the world, it remains bullish about Southeast Asia, pointing out how the region’s digital economy will continue to grow, from US$194 billion in 2022 to an estimated US$330 billion by 2025.

Today, Kickstart’s portfolio boasts 61 investments that have helped startups develop into viable businesses such as the video sharing social networking service Kumu, online learning community Skillshare and financial services platform Nextpay. Notably, the firm also supports companies dedicated to the protection of the planet like Clarity, which responds to air pollution via air sensing technology, and Tree Dots, which eliminates wastage by improving the food supply chain.

Read Minette Navarrete’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Neil Shen, founding partner of Sequoia China, ranked third in The Midas List 2022, Forbes' ranking of the best venture capitalists in the world. Sequoia China, which was founded in 2005, has invested in over 900 companies in the consumer and service, healthcare, industrial technology and new technology sectors, including Bytedance, the parent company of social media platform TikTok. The company, which is part of Silicon Valley’s Sequoia Capital, has also nurtured a large number of startups to unicorn status.

Shen’s Sequoia China has seen a lot of activity in 2022: It led a Series A funding round of US$148.2 million for auto startup SiEngine Technology and a Series B round of US$160 million for biotech startup Frontera, unveiled a virtual employee named Hóng, and most notably raised a staggering US$9 billion, which will be invested in technology and healthcare. 

Read Neil Shen’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

Anurag Srivastava co-founded venture capital firm Jungle Ventures to help build lasting businesses dreamed up by founders in Southeast Asia and India. The Singapore-based company started with an initial fund of US$10 million. With the addition of US$600 million from a 2022 funding round, it boasts over US$1 billion in total assets under management and a US$12.5 billion combined portfolio value. 

The billion-dollar achievement dovetailed with Jungle’s tenth anniversary. In a note published on its website, Srivastava—along with partners Amit Anand and David Gowdey—recounted the company’s journey, highlighting its mission “to stand apart [and] to stand for something” and recommitting itself to its Build to Last philosophy. 

Jungle's portfolio spans fintech, e-commerce, e-vehicles, and more. Its most notable investments include unicorns, consumer lending app Kredivo, home décor and furnishings platform Livspace and procurement provider Moglix.

Read Anurag Srivastava’s full profile on Asia’s Most Influential

RHL Ventures, co-founded by Rachel Lau and Raja Hamzah Abidin, was reported to be on track to close its Hibiscus Fund at RM300 million (US$71.4 million) by the middle of 2022. The fund, which is part of the Malaysian government's Dana Penjana Nasional Programme and is co-managed by South Korea’s KB Investment, will focus on tech startups to support the country’s economic recovery.

Established in 2016, the multi-family private investment firm champions SMEs not only in Malaysia but across ASEAN countries. “Malaysia has a great stock of homegrown entrepreneurs behind multi-billion companies such as Nirvana and Top Glove. Our connections with them will help new startups achieve a win-win situation, aside from financial backing,” said Hamzah to Tatler. RHL’s portfolio includes social e-commerce firm RPG Commerce, digital healthcare provider Naluri and K-beauty hub Althea, among others.

Lau’s investment experience includes roles at Heitman Investment in Hong Kong and Australia and NN Investment Management in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, Hamzah was previously at mechanical and electrical engineering firm Rasma Corporation in Malaysia and Guoco Management Company in Hong Kong.

Read Rachel Lau’s and Raja Hamzah Abidin’s profiles on Asia’s Most Influential

Tatler Asia's Most Influential is the definitive list of people shaping our world today. Asia's Most Influential brings together the region's most innovative changemakers, industry titans and thought leaders who are driving positive impact in Asia and beyond. View the full list here.

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