The 40 Most Influential VC Partners Shaping Southeast Asia’s Fintech Boom

Southeast Asia has emerged as a global fintech hotspot, with rapid digital adoption, a growing middle class, and increasing financial inclusion. Venture capitalists play a crucial role in this transformation, backing innovative startups across payments, lending, wealth management, blockchain, and digital banking.

This list highlights 40 leading VC partners who are shaping the fintech ecosystem in the region. These investors are not only providing capital but also offering strategic guidance, fostering innovation, and driving financial inclusion. Their contributions are helping startups scale, navigate regulatory landscapes, and redefine the future of finance in Southeast Asia.

• Yinglan Tan (Founding Managing Partner, Insignia Ventures Partners): Founded in 2017 by Yinglan Tan, Insignia Ventures Partners is a leading early-stage VC firm managing S$1B+ in assets. The firm has played a crucial role in scaling fintech disruptors like Aspire, Fazz, Tonik, Flip, and Finhay, fueling financial inclusion across Southeast Asia. Tan, a Forbes China 100 Most Influential Chinese (2023) and WEF Young Global Leader, has a strong background in venture capital and innovation.

• Jennifer Ho (Partner, Integra Partners): Jennifer Ho is a key player at Integra Partners, a VC firm that backs early-stage startups revolutionizing financial services and healthcare in Southeast and South Asia. With a passion for access and affordability, she actively collaborates with founders tackling some of the region’s most pressing challenges. At Integra, Jennifer helps shape investment strategies, guiding fintech startups toward scalable impact. 

• Rishab Malik (Partner, Jungle Ventures): As a Partner at Jungle Ventures, Rishab Malik plays a key role in driving fintech investments across Southeast Asia. With expertise in M&A, startup financing, and strategic partnerships, he brings a wealth of experience to the firm. A serial entrepreneur, he co-founded Droom.in, one of India’s largest online automobile marketplaces. His background spans multiple industries, including technology, real estate, and education, enabling him to identify and scale high-growth fintech startups. At Jungle Ventures, he focuses on backing early and growth-stage companies shaping the future of financial technology.

• Boon Hwee Koh (General Partner, Altara Ventures): Led by veteran investor Koh Boon Hwee, Altara Ventures is a leading VC firm backing fintech startups across Southeast Asia. With deep expertise in tech and finance, Koh, who also chairs SGX Group, Rippledot Capital, and Agilent Technologies, brings decades of leadership from SingTel, DBS Bank, and GIC. Altara Ventures plays a pivotal role in shaping the region’s fintech landscape with strategic capital and industry insights.

• Hero Choudhary (Managing Partner, Beenext): Hero Choudhary leads BEENEXT’s Accelerate Fund, focusing on India and Southeast Asia, backing early-stage fintech disruptors shaping digital economies. With over 15 years of investment expertise and a robust global CXO network, he plays a pivotal role in scaling next-gen startups. BEENEXT’s fintech portfolio includes BharatPe, NoBroker, Servify, M2P, Healthians, Jago Coffee, and Phi Commerce—companies that are redefining financial services across emerging markets.

• Joo Hock CHUA (Partner, Vertex Ventures): Joo Hock Chua is a seasoned investor at Vertex Ventures, focusing on fintech in Southeast Asia. With deep expertise in technology and venture capital, he has backed high-growth startups reshaping financial services. Vertex Ventures actively funds fintech disruptors in digital payments, lending, and financial infrastructure. Chua plays a key role in identifying and scaling transformative fintech solutions.

• Visa Kannan (Managing Partner, Saison Capital): Saison Capital is a leading early-stage venture capital firm investing from pre-seed to Series B, with a strong focus on fintech and B2B commerce across India and Southeast Asia. Led by Visa Kannan, Managing Partner, the firm also actively backs emerging fund managers as a Limited Partner. Backed by Credit Saison, a Tokyo-listed financial powerhouse with $30B AUM, Saison Capital leverages deep industry expertise to support ambitious founders solving large-scale problems. Visa Kannan brings a diverse background in venture capital, startup leadership (Lazada, Grofers), M&A law, and consulting (BCG).

• Willson Cuaca (Managing Partner, East Ventures): As the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of East Ventures, Willson Cuaca has been instrumental in shaping Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem. Under his leadership, the firm has backed several fintech disruptors, fueling innovation across the region. With a keen eye for high-growth opportunities, he has helped scale early-stage startups into market leaders. East Ventures continues to be a dominant force in SEA’s fintech investment landscape.

• Yuji Horiguchi (Chief Executive Officer & Managing Partner, Spiral Ventures): Yuji Horiguchi, a seasoned investor and corporate strategist, leads Spiral Ventures with a strong focus on fintech investments across Southeast Asia. With a background in finance, M&A, and corporate planning at Recruit Co. and IMJ, he has played a pivotal role in shaping early-stage startups. Since founding IMJ Investment Partners in 2012 and expanding to Singapore in 2013, he has spearheaded fintech investments, fostering innovation in the region’s startup ecosystem.

• Chin Chao (Partner, January Capital): Chin Chao, Partner at January Capital, is a seasoned investor with over two decades of venture equity and debt expertise in Southeast Asia’s fintech landscape. As the former CEO and first employee of Innoven Capital, he led over US$750 million in venture debt investments across 200+ startups, including fintech trailblazers like Akulaku and Carsome. His investment portfolio spans high-impact names such as Alibaba and Baidu, underscoring his influential role in the region.

• Jai Choi (Venture Partner, FEBE Ventures): A seasoned entrepreneur and international venture capitalist, Jai Choi brings extensive experience in incubation, business development, and M&A across the US, Europe, and Asia. As a Venture Partner at FEBE Ventures, he focuses on early-stage investments in consumer internet, fintech, e-commerce, and software. His strong network spans major tech firms, consumer electronics giants, and telecom carriers. FEBE Ventures is actively backing fintech disruptors in Southeast Asia, fostering innovation in the region’s financial ecosystem.

• Dondi Hananto (Partner, Patamar Capital): Dondi Hananto is a Partner at Patamar Capital, a leading impact investment firm focused on Southeast Asia. With a strong background in venture capital and entrepreneurship, he has been instrumental in backing fintech startups that drive financial inclusion. His investments support scalable businesses addressing critical gaps in emerging markets. At Patamar, Dondi plays a key role in identifying and nurturing high-potential fintech ventures across the region.

• Sweta Rau (Founder and General Partner, White Venture Capital): Sweta Rau, the driving force behind White Venture Capital, brings a wealth of experience from Wipro, IBM, and DBS to the fintech investment space. Since 2016, she has been an active angel investor, supporting startups from pre-seed to unicorn status. With expertise in Big Data, Business Intelligence, and E-Commerce, Sweta focuses on guiding founders through business validation, fundraising, and monetization. 

• Yasuhiro Seo (Founding Partner, TRTL Ventures): Led by Founding Partner Yasuhiro Seo, TRTL Ventures is shaping the fintech landscape in Southeast Asia with a problem-first investment approach. Previously a Partner at Spiral Ventures, Seo has backed 38 startups, including Bukalapak, Kudo, Coda Payments, Docquity, and Classplus. With deep expertise in India, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines, he plays a dual role in investment strategy and stakeholder relations. At TRTL, he is fostering a dynamic tech ecosystem through collaborations with governments, universities, and manufacturers across Asia.

• Virginia Tan (General Partner, Teja Ventures): Virginia Tan, General Partner at Teja Ventures, stands as a pioneering force in Southeast Asia’s fintech and tech investment landscape. With a robust background in law and finance, she has managed over USD 30 billion in emerging market transactions. As the founder of global initiatives like She Loves Tech and Lean In China, Virginia champions diversity and innovation in technology. At Teja Ventures, she drives early-stage investments in transformative tech, including groundbreaking fintech solutions. Recognized by Asia Society, Rockefeller Foundation, and Fast Company, her influence is reshaping the region’s venture capital ecosystem.

• Chandra Tjan (Co-Founder & General Partner, Alpha JWC Ventures): Chandra Tjan is a seasoned venture capitalist and a driving force behind Alpha JWC Ventures, one of Southeast Asia’s leading early-stage VC firms. With a strong track record in fintech investments, he has backed some of the region’s most promising startups. Under his leadership, Alpha JWC has played a pivotal role in shaping the digital financial ecosystem. His keen investment acumen and deep market insights make him a key player in Southeast Asia’s fintech boom.

• Jeffrey Paine (Founding Partner, Golden Gate Ventures): Founded by Jeffrey Paine, Golden Gate Ventures is a prominent seed-to-Series A venture firm investing in bold and visionary founders across Southeast Asia. With a generalist approach, the firm has a strong track record in fintech, supporting startups that drive financial innovation in the region. Jeffrey actively sources deals through outbound strategies and integrates AI into various aspects of venture investing.

• Kenneth Li (Managing Partner, MDI Ventures): A seasoned investor with expertise in managing multiple funds, Kenneth Li has played a pivotal role in shaping Indonesia’s fintech landscape. Under his leadership, MDI Ventures has strategically collaborated with Telkom Group and state-owned enterprises, driving innovation through investments from seed to Series B. His keen eye for emerging trends and deep industry networks have positioned MDI Ventures as a key player in Southeast Asia’s fintech ecosystem.

• Mario Aquino (Managing Partner & CEO, FutureLabs Ventures): Founded by Mario Aquino, FutureLabs Ventures is redefining venture capital with its unique venture-building approach. With over two decades of experience in fintech, AI, and digital innovation, Aquino, a former McKinsey Partner, has invested in and scaled multiple next-gen tech companies. FutureLabs collaborates with market-leading corporations to build and scale fintech ventures into multi-$100M businesses, leveraging deep expertise in big data, Web3, and cybersecurity.

• Kay Mok (Senior Partner, Gobi Partners): Kay Mok Ku leads Gobi Partners’ investment strategy in Southeast Asia, focusing on fintech, e-commerce, and digital innovation. With over two decades of experience in venture capital and entrepreneurship, he has played a pivotal role in scaling early-stage startups into market leaders. Under his leadership, Gobi Partners has backed fintech disruptors driving financial inclusion across SEA. His expertise spans cross-border investments, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem-building for emerging tech ventures.

• Pandu Sjahri (Founding Partner, AC Ventures): Pandu Sjahrir is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur, leading AC Ventures in driving early-stage fintech investments across Southeast Asia. With a deep understanding of the region’s digital economy, he has backed transformative startups, fostering financial inclusion and innovation. His expertise spans venture capital, mining, and energy, making him a key figure in SEA’s fintech landscape.

• Susli Lie (Partner, Monk’s Hill Ventures): Susli Lie is a Partner at Monk’s Hill Ventures, a leading early-stage VC firm investing in high-growth tech startups in Southeast Asia. With a strong background in fintech and impact-driven businesses, she plays a key role in identifying and backing transformative financial technology companies. Monk’s Hill Ventures has been instrumental in funding fintech startups that drive financial inclusion and innovation across the region. Susli’s expertise spans venture investments, entrepreneurship, and scaling businesses in emerging markets.

• Michael Blakey (Managing Partner, Cocoon Capital Partners Pte Ltd): With over 25 years of investment expertise, Michael Blakey is a key force behind Cocoon Capital’s fintech investments in Southeast Asia. A former UK Angel Investor of the Year, he brings deep market insight and a strong track record of successful exits. As a mentor and global speaker, he champions early-stage startups, helping shape the region’s fintech landscape.

• Weisheng Neo (Partner, Qualgro Partners): Weisheng Neo is a Partner at Qualgro, a leading Southeast Asia-based VC firm that backs data, AI, and SaaS-driven startups. With deep expertise in scaling tech companies, he plays a key role in fintech investments, focusing on firms with strong regional and global growth potential. Qualgro’s portfolio includes high-growth fintech startups that leverage AI and big data for financial innovation. Neo’s strategic insights help founders navigate expansion, fundraising, and market entry challenges.

• QIAN (SATINKA) MA (Partner, Expara Ventures): A key player in Southeast Asia’s venture capital landscape, Expara Ventures actively invests in early-stage fintech startups. Led by Qian (Satinka) Ma, a seasoned investor with over a decade of experience in business strategy and finance, the firm focuses on fostering technological innovation. Satinka’s expertise in internationalization has been instrumental in bridging Chinese enterprises with the Middle East and MENA markets.

• Melissa Cannon Guzy (Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Arbor Ventures): Co-founded by Melissa Cannon Guzy, Arbor Ventures is a leading FinTech-focused VC firm with a strong presence across Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, and Tel Aviv. With over 25 years of experience, Melissa has led investments in global tech and FinTech startups, including Demyst.data, Paidy, EverCompliant, and TrueAccord. Prior to Arbor, she was the Managing Director at VantagePoint Asia, driving investments in Silicon Valley and Asia. The firm specializes in FinTech, Big Data, and Digital Commerce, backing startups with regional and global scalability.

• Soo Boon KOH (Founder & Managing Partner, iGlobe Partners): Founded by Soo Boon Koh in 1999, iGlobe Partners is a pioneering Singapore-based VC firm with a strong global presence. As Singapore’s first female-led VC, the firm has consistently delivered top-quartile fund returns. With over 30 years of experience, Koh has backed multiple fintech startups, steering them to IPOs and successful exits. iGlobe remains a key player in Southeast Asia’s fintech investment landscape, identifying and nurturing disruptive innovations.

• SHARON SIM (Co-Founder, General Partner, Purpose Venture Capital): Purpose Venture Capital, co-founded by Sharon Sim, is an early-stage investment firm committed to backing tech ventures that align profit with purpose. With over two decades in investment banking and wealth management across Hong Kong and Singapore, Sharon has advised global institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals. As a seasoned private investor, her fintech portfolio includes unicorns like Flutterwave.

• Mayank Parekh (Founding Partner, M Venture Partners): Mayank Parekh leads M Venture Partners (MVP), a prominent early-stage VC firm in Singapore, actively backing fintech startups. With a keen focus on disruptive business models, he brings decades of investment and operational expertise. Under his leadership, MVP has supported over 30 startups, fostering innovation in financial services. His deep market insights and hands-on mentorship make MVP a key player in SEA’s and India’s fintech ecosystem.

• Eddie Thai (General Partner, Ascend Vietnam Ventures): Ascend Vietnam Ventures (AVV), co-founded by Eddie Thai, is a prominent early-stage VC firm backing Vietnam’s next wave of tech leaders. With 15 years in tech, media, and telecom, Thai previously co-founded 500 Startups Vietnam, investing in fintech disruptors like Trusting Social (Sequoia-backed). AVV focuses on high-growth sectors, including fintech, with a keen eye on scalable innovation in Southeast Asia.

• Joan Yao (General Partner, Kickstart Ventures Inc.): A key figure in Southeast Asia’s venture capital landscape, Joan Yao plays a pivotal role at Kickstart Ventures, focusing on fintech investments. With a sharp eye for high-growth startups, she helps scale disruptive financial solutions across the region. Under her leadership, Kickstart has backed transformative fintech ventures, driving innovation and financial inclusion.

• Jelmer Ikink (Managing Partner, Foxmont Capital Partners): Led by Jelmer Ikink, a seasoned investor with a background in PE/VC, strategy consulting, and international negotiations, Foxmont Capital Partners is a key player in the Philippine startup ecosystem. Focused on early-stage investments, the firm backs fintech and digital-first businesses driving economic growth. Foxmont’s strategic investments are shaping the future of fintech in Southeast Asia.

• Herston Elton Powers (Founding Managing Partner, 1982 Ventures): Herston Elton Powers is the Founding Managing Partner of 1982 Ventures, a leading early-stage VC firm focused on fintech in Southeast Asia. With deep expertise in deal sourcing, investing, and value creation, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s fintech landscape. An INSEAD Global Executive MBA graduate, Herston brings a strong track record in fundraising and driving high-impact investments. 1982 Ventures continues to back the next generation of fintech disruptors across SEA.

• Ali Muhriz (Partner, Vynn Capital): Ali Muhriz, Partner at Vynn Capital, plays a pivotal role in early-stage investments across fintech, mobility, and travel, shaping Southeast Asia’s startup landscape. Tunku Ali Redhauddin, a seasoned investor and Senior Advisor to TPG Capital, has been actively backing fintech and tech ventures for over a decade, leveraging his extensive corporate and boardroom experience to drive innovation in the region.

• Paulo Campos (Founding Managing General Partner, Kaya Founders): Paulo Campos leads Kaya Founders, a prominent early-stage venture capital firm in Southeast Asia, backing disruptive fintech and digital economy startups. As the former CEO of Zalora Philippines, he brings deep operational expertise to his investments. Under his leadership, Kaya Founders actively nurtures fintech innovations that enhance financial inclusion across the region. 

• James Tan (Managing Partner, Quest Ventures): Led by Managing Partner James Tan, Quest Ventures is one of Asia’s top VC firms, actively backing fintech and digital economy startups across Southeast and Central Asia. Tan, a former NASDAQ-listed entrepreneur, has invested in leading startups like Carousell, Shopback, and Billz. Beyond venture capital, he plays a key role in entrepreneurship advocacy, social impact, and innovation policy in Singapore. His expertise spans tech, business transformation, and early-stage investing, making Quest Ventures a key player in the region’s fintech boom.

• Bob Tan (Managing Partner, Protégé Ventures): Bob Tan leads Protégé Ventures, Southeast Asia’s first student-run venture fund, supporting early-stage startups with a fintech focus. As Managing Partner, he mentors young investors while identifying high-potential fintech disruptors. His expertise in venture building and strategic investments makes him a key player in SEA’s fintech ecosystem.

• Martin Tang (Co-Founder & Partner, Genesis Alternative Ventures): Martin Tang is the Co-Founder & Partner at Genesis Alternative Ventures, a leading private venture debt fund in Southeast Asia. With deep expertise in fintech investments, he helps high-growth startups access non-dilutive capital to scale. Under his leadership, Genesis has backed several fintech disruptors, bridging funding gaps with strategic debt solutions. His background in corporate finance and venture lending positions him as a key player in the region’s fintech ecosystem.

• Eri Reksoprodjo (Managing Partner, Kejora Capital): Eri Reksoprodjo leads Kejora Capital, one of Southeast Asia’s top VC firms, driving fintech investments that fuel the region’s digital transformation. With a sharp focus on early- and growth-stage startups, he plays a pivotal role in scaling innovative financial solutions. Under his leadership, Kejora has backed high-impact ventures, shaping the future of fintech across emerging markets.

• Abraham Hidayat (Managing Partner, Skystar Capital): Led by Managing Partner Abraham Hidayat, Skystar Capital is a leading venture capital firm in Southeast Asia, actively investing in fintech startups driving financial inclusion and digital transformation. With a keen focus on early-stage companies, the firm backs disruptive innovations across payments, lending, and embedded finance. Hidayat’s strategic vision has helped nurture high-growth fintech ventures, positioning Skystar Capital as a key player in the region’s startup ecosystem.

Conclusion

The fintech revolution in Southeast Asia is being propelled by visionary venture capitalists who are identifying and nurturing high-potential startups. Their strategic investments are not only driving financial inclusion but also enabling the region to compete on a global scale.

As digital payments, lending, wealth management, and blockchain continue to evolve, these VC partners will remain at the forefront, shaping the future of fintech. Their role extends beyond funding—they are catalysts for innovation, helping build sustainable and impactful financial solutions for millions across the region.

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

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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 guaranteeing future performance. Feedback is welcomed for improvement.