WOWS Global at Tech in Asia 2024: Innovation, Networking & the Future of Southeast Asia’s Tech Ecosystem!

WOWS Global had the incredible opportunity to attend the Tech in Asia Conference 2024 on October 23-24 at The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, where innovation and collaboration were the heart of the event. The conference gathered over 3,000 attendees and 80 distinguished speakers, fostering an environment ripe with opportunities for learning, networking, and expansion.

Empowering Startups and Strengthening Investor Relations

At TIA 2024, we were once again impressed by the quality, passion, and vision displayed by founders at the Startup Factory. Their ambition and dedication to driving impactful change in Southeast Asia stood out, reaffirming why this region continues to be a hotbed for innovation. Among the 150 showcased startups, we were especially proud to see some of our clients—Arummi, Blitz, Kata.ai, and Rey.id—making bold strides in their respective industries. These ventures exemplify the spirit of ingenuity, resilience, and market insight that is fueling the region's startup ecosystem.

We were also privileged to meet and exchange ideas with leading investors such as Telkomsel Ventures, Accion, Sovereign Capital, Insignia Ventures, Appworks, Kopital Ventures, Intudo Ventures, Radical Asia, Sagana, MUFG, Saison Capital and many more. These conversations reinforced our belief that collaborative ecosystems between founders and investors are the backbone of sustainable growth, fostering the scaling of high-impact ventures with international potential.

D2C Brands Steal the Spotlight: Kopi Kenangan and Social Bella

A rising trend that stole the spotlight was the appeal of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) brands—becoming an increasingly attractive focus for venture capital. Success stories like Kopi Kenangan’s rapid expansion beyond Indonesia and Sociolla’s foray into Vietnam and Malaysia emphasized how localized brands can evolve into global players. Their success showcased the power of tech-driven business models, unique brand positioning, and strong customer engagement—making D2C brands a compelling investment opportunity for VCs.

With consumer preferences shifting towards digital-first experiences, investors are now actively seeking out scalable, asset-light D2C ventures that combine innovation with international growth potential. The buzz around Kopi Kenangan and Social Bella highlighted how these ventures, initially seen as local champions, are transforming into globally recognized brands, paving the way for more Southeast Asian companies to thrive internationally.

Southeast Asia’s EV Ambitions: Can Indonesia Lead the Charge?

Another thought-provoking session asked, “Can Indonesia become Southeast Asia’s EV king?” Industry leaders from Wavemaker Impact, MAKA Motors, GoTo, and Electrum discussed Indonesia’s strategic position in the EV ecosystem. With vast nickel reserves—critical for EV batteries—the nation is poised to play a pivotal role, though challenges such as infrastructure, government support, and sustainable battery recycling remain key concerns. The panel emphasized the importance of aligning regulatory frameworks with market needs to unlock Indonesia’s potential as a regional EV hub.

A Bright Future for Southeast Asia’s Tech Landscape

Overall, Tech in Asia 2024 was more than just an event—it was a catalyst for ideas, connections, and innovation that will shape the future of Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem. From VCs embracing the D2C wave to discussions on EV supply chains, the conference underscored the region’s readiness to scale globally while staying rooted in local expertise.

Here’s to pushing boundaries, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation forward!