WOWS Global 2024 Recap and 2025 Outlook

As 2024 concludes, WOWS Global reflects on an extraordinary year of innovation, growth, and impactful milestones. From launching groundbreaking initiatives to spotlighting the region’s top startups, we are excited to share this year’s achievements and our outlook for 2025.

2024 Recap: Key Highlights

This year, Southeast Asia’s private equity sector showcased resilience amidst challenges, raising $3.37 billion across 469 rounds despite a 63% drop in tech funding. The region witnessed a strategic shift towards healthcare, fintech, and sustainability investments, driven by initiatives like Malaysia’s $45M startup fund and Singapore’s $332M Deeptech program.

With a strong foundation and government-backed programs, Southeast Asia is set to emerge as a global innovation hub in 2025.

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Top 10 Funded SEA Startups in 2024

This year’s most dynamic and well-funded startups are breaking new ground, setting benchmarks for innovation and growth across SEA and beyond. From revolutionizing healthcare and e-commerce to transforming fintech, logistics, and AI-driven solutions, these trailblazers are not just attracting significant investments, they’re reshaping industries. 

Keep an eye on these trailblazers as they scale new heights in 2025!

WOWS Asia’s Top 20 Startups to Watch

WOWS Global's Top 20 Startups to watch highlights groundbreaking innovators across industries such as Artificial Intelligence, FinTech, HealthTech, SaaS and more. These rising stars are reshaping Southeast Asia's startup landscape with bold ideas, transformative solutions and remarkable growth potential

Stay tuned as these game-changing startups continue to shape the future of innovation.

WOWS Summary of 2024

As we wrap up 2024, WOWS Global celebrates a year of remarkable growth and innovation. Key highlights include:

• 5.6x YOY revenue growth, achieving cash flow positivity, and building a sustainable SaaS revenue stream.
• The successful launch of the WOWS Investment Portal, ASEAN's first integrated platform for equity management and deal rooms.
• Facilitating over 750 investor meetings, supported by a network of 350+ institutional investors.

Looking ahead, we’re poised to scale across ASEAN and beyond, deepen investor partnerships, and drive sustainable growth into 2025.

WOWS Insights of 2024

Funding Trends in Southeast Asia

• SEA’s tech ecosystem reached $454B in H1 2024, marking a 20% growth since 2022 and a 46x increase over the past decade​
• Singapore leads with $5.6 billion (63% of total investments), followed by Indonesia (18%) and Vietnam (9%).

Investment Focus Areas

• Notable H1 2024 deals:
  • GXS Bank (Singapore): $229.5M by Singtel and Grab.
  • Atlan (AI, Singapore): $105M in Series C funding.
  • Ascend Money (Thailand): $195M.
• Early-stage funding surges in generative AI, EV batteries and mental health solutions.
• SEA continues to drive innovations in semiconductors, clean energy and mobility, catalyzed by regional initiatives.

Southeast Asia as an AI Hub

• Singapore leads AI innovation through initiatives like the SIT-NVIDIA AI Centre, focusing on industrial applications.
• Over S$1 Billion committed by the Singapore government for AI talent, compute power and industry applications.

Unicorns and Soonicorns in Southeast Asia

• SEA has 55 unicorns, led by Singapore (31), followed by Indonesia and Vietnam.
• SEA nurtures 124 soonicorns, led by Singapore (65) and Indonesia (35), including AI, Fintech and Healthtech leaders poised for unicorn status.
• Companies like Grab, GoTo and Sea Group highlight the region’s global competitiveness.

Source: Dealroom.co

WOWS Demo Day: AI Deal Flow

WOWS Global proudly presents DEALFLOW, a quarterly series spotlighting Southeast Asia's most innovative startups. In partnership with AIIP (JWC) and ERIA, this edition focuses on Artificial Intelligence, showcasing groundbreaking solutions transforming industries such as healthcare, finance and logistics.

Top 10 startups will gain premium exposure to 350+ investors, including VCs and angel investors. Take the stage and showcase your innovation! More details to follow soon!

WOWS 2024 Event Highlights

The WOWS team was on the move throughout 2024! From hosting dynamic startup speed-dating events and organizing insightful knowledge sessions to arranging exclusive investor dinners, recording engaging podcasts and setting up booths at major exhibitions, WOWS was actively involved in building and contributing to the entrepreneurial community. We participated in over 25 events this year and continue to actively engage with the startup and VC communities.

WOWS Podcast: 

This year’s WOWS Podcast featured insightful case studies, including standout episodes on key investments. 

Predictions for 2025

Here’s to an inspiring and impactful year ahead!

Thank you for being a part of WOWS Global’s journey. Let’s make 2025 extraordinary!

For inquiries, contact WOWS Team.