WOWS Monthly Crunch - August 2024

Introduction

August 2024 is a month to remember for Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem. The region is buzzing with innovation, and significant developments are shaping the future of tech, investments, and entrepreneurship. In this article, we’ll dive into the key highlights, introduce exciting new listings on the WOWS platform, and explore what’s happening in the investor landscape. We’ll also spotlight WOWS Global’s product features and upcoming events that are not to be missed. Let’s get started!

August Recap: The Key Highlights

August has been an eventful month, with significant moves in Southeast Asia’s tech landscape. Notably:

• Grab’s Acquisition of Chope: Grab has made headlines with its acquisition of Chope, signaling a robust strategy to expand into food and hospitality tech.

• Antler’s $72M Fund Closing: Antler has successfully closed a $72M fund to accelerate startups, highlighting the continued investor confidence in the region.

• Papaya’s Expansion in Hospitality: Papaya is expanding its footprint in the hospitality sector, leveraging technology to revolutionize customer experiences.

• GrowSari’s $5M Boost: GrowSari has secured a $5M boost, fueling the growth of its smart-store solutions.

These developments underscore the momentum building in Southeast Asia's startup scene. Read More

What’s New at WOWS

Raising Now:

• Sirka (Pre-Series A, HealthTech, Singapore)
  Sirka is a tech-enabled healthcare provider offering holistic clinical solutions for obesity-adjacent complications in Indonesia. Currently, they are raising $8M on an $82M valuation cap.

• Mednefits (Series A3, HR Tech, Singapore)
  Mednefits is a platform that helps companies manage employee benefits by automating claims processes and streamlining HR workflows. They are raising $28M on a $280M valuation. 

• KroniKare (Series A, HealthTech, Singapore)
  KroniKare offers an AI-driven diagnostic tool designed for the automatic assessment and management of chronic wounds. They are raising $8M on an $87M valuation cap. 

View All Deals

Actively Investing: 

• Heritas Capital

• Focus Areas: B2B in Healthcare, Education, and Sustainability (Agrifood, Climate Tech).

• Geography: Singapore, investing across SEA, India, and ANZ (APAC).

• Stage: Early, Commercial: Seed to Pre-Series A, Growth.

• TRIVE

• Focus Areas: Sector-agnostic with a focus on profitable businesses.

• Geography: Investing across Southeast Asia.

• Stage: Early-stage companies, Series A and above.

Interested in raising funds with WOWS? Click Here

WOWS Product Highlight: Deal Flow

WOWS Dealflow connects accredited investors with a curated selection of high-potential startups across Southeast Asia. Explore customized deal flows, review company profiles, and engage directly with founders—all for free. Ready to discover your next big investment? Watch our video and learn how WOWS can lead you to success.

Upcoming Events: Mastering Fundraising & Term Sheets

On September 5th, 2024, WOWS GLOBAL is partnering with Aspire, Monk's Hill Ventures, Saison Capital, Speedoc, and Volopay to host an exclusive event at Aspire's Singapore office. Titled "Mastering Fundraising & Term Sheets: Strategies for Startup Growth," this event is a must-attend for founders looking to scale. Get insights from industry leaders like Tharin Sethi, Gagan Singh, and Rohit Bhageria.

Register now to secure your spot: https://lu.ma/cecaflpb

WOWS Mentor Network:

Meet Aung Myo and Devkaran Doowa

Our Mentor Network continues to grow, and we're excited to introduce two industry veterans:

• Aung Myo: With a strong background in strategy and operations leadership, Aung Myo is the go-to mentor for market sizing, penetration strategies, and digital transformation across multiple sectors, including FinTech, Logistics, and EdTech. Let's Talk

• Devkaran (Dev) Doowa: Dev brings over 12 years of leadership experience, particularly in hospitality, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. His expertise in tech integration makes him a valuable resource for startups in the hospitality and service industries. Let's Talk

Connect with our mentors to gain insights tailored to your startup's needs.

Founder Spotlight

This month, we spotlight Sunny Khurana, the visionary behind Spark. Discover how he's connecting people through unique experiences and learn from his journey as a founder. Sunny shares his invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in our in-depth interview. Don’t miss this inspiring read: Read the Full Story.

Conclusion

August 2024 was an exhilarating month for Southeast Asia's startup ecosystem. From major acquisitions and funding rounds to new players and innovations, the region is poised for unprecedented growth. Stay tuned to WOWS GLOBAL for more updates, opportunities, and insights. Let's continue to shape the future of startups in Southeast Asia, together.