Changemakers and impact leaders,

Welcome to our latest newsletter, where we delve into the realms of corporate venture capital, family offices, innovation, climate & sustainability, inclusive and assistive tech, and personal development. Today, we shine a spotlight on the Middle East and South East Asia, exploring the latest developments in these dynamic regions.

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HIGHLIGHT

Recently, we had the privilege of engaging with key players in the strategy, finance, corporate, and venture capital scene across Dubai and Southeast Asia (SEA), delving deep into the realms of CVC, VC, and impact investing.

Regional VC firms exhibit distinct focuses: Dubai's VC landscape leans towards AI and advanced tech in deal flow management, while the Southeast Asian (SEA) market retains a more traditional approach. Conversations with Dubai's VC and Family Offices (FO) communities revealed a strong emphasis on climate action, AI, deep tech, and the burgeoning realms of Web 3 and Crypto. Across SEA, consumer tech remains a focal point, with B2C solutions driving regional growth, closely followed by productivity-enhancing B2B software. Fintech and payments continue to attract attention, echoing the region's evolving economic landscape. Education technology emerges as a lucrative opportunity, reflecting the significant investments Asian families make in their children's education. We were surprised that AI was not such a buzzword in SEA yet; however, we also met one of the first AI-only VC, which will launch later this year.

Both regions are eager to forge partnerships facilitating expansion into the EU and US markets. Collaborating with US and EU corporate venture capital (CVC) firms presents ample opportunities for Asian VCs to scale their solutions globally, with venture clienting emerging as a promising avenue for exploration.

A common challenge plaguing both regions is the mid-stage investment gap, particularly noticeable in deep-tech ventures. This gap poses hurdles for start-ups moving from Series B to later rounds. Addressing this issue demands concerted efforts globally, with new funds emerging to support promising start-ups across continents.

In a recent LinkedIn post, we discussed the emergence of new funds in the US and EU focusing on closing the mid-stage funding gap. These initiatives aim to provide crucial support to start-ups navigating the critical growth phase between Series B and D/E funding rounds. You can read more about it here.

In SEA, one FO is spearheading efforts to bridge this gap by launching a fund focused on nurturing start-ups through Series D, preempting private equity's entry. However, despite the increasing discourse on climate and environmental concerns, tangible actions on the ground in SEA remain early. Deep-tech solutions are imperative to tackle the pressing challenges we face, underscoring the need for concrete action amidst the rhetoric.

In the realm of taking action, we were also invited to the BCG Senior Executive Roundtable on the Role of the Private Sector in Climate Action. Though the conversation was held behind closed doors, we're excited to share two impactful slides from BCG that highlight why investing in nature should be a top priority for everyone.

If you're keen on exploring these insights further, sharing your perspectives, or connecting with any of the FOs and VCs, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to foster meaningful discussions and assist you in navigating your journey, whether you're a start-up, corporate, private company, or family office. Your path to success is our priority.

By the way, this week, we are in Kuala Lumpur at the Asiawater 2024 conference, engaging with startups and venture capitalists. If you happen to be here as well, we would love to connect with you!

In the Future Thinking & Innovation section, we always dive into the latest developments shaping the corporate venturing landscape. Following our last newsletter, several corporates reached out, eager to learn more about the Miami event, and our plans and connect with fellow participants.

As we continue to explore the CVC and VC space on LinkedIn, I had the pleasure of being invited by Fred Schonenberg to an exciting podcast series with VentureFuel. Throughout our discussion, we delve into the multifaceted world of Corporate Venturing, spanning Accelerators, Venture Studios, Pilots, Partnerships, and Hackathons. I share insights on how these initiatives not only inform strategic decisions but also lay the groundwork for future growth opportunities.

We also tackle some of the most pressing questions in the field, addressing the top challenges faced by Corporate Venturing groups, the most impactful frameworks for driving innovation, and the best methods for measuring the impact of these efforts. I offer my perspective on how blended KPIs can help strike a balance between strategic objectives and financial outcomes, ensuring that Corporate Venturing initiatives deliver maximum value. Don't miss out, like, share, and comment!

Listen to the podcast episode here.

Climate & Sustainability Ecosystem

Revolutionizing Climate Tech Investment: Marvelous - the science catalyst firm's Approach

Get ready to dive into the world of climate tech investment with our exclusive interview featuring Chris Heyer, the founder of Marvelous - the science catalyst firm!

Join us as we explore everything from the very definition of climate tech to the delicate balance between financial returns and environmental impact. With Chris sharing insights and unveiling Marvelous's mission, this conversation promises to be an enlightening journey into the future of sustainable innovation.

Read more

Looking ahead: Inclusive Tech for All

As we gear up for an exciting announcement later this summer, we've been thrilled by the enthusiastic response we've received from you on the topic of inclusive tech. Numerous ventures in this space have reached out, as well as investors keen on making a difference. In light of this, we're seizing the opportunity to spotlight ventures that are driving meaningful change... If you like to learn more about the Founders or like to get connected please feel free to Reach out!

Also, share your ideas and exciting ventures in this space with us...

Personal Growth and Transformation

Over the past few weeks, we've had several individuals reaching out for personal growth and leadership advice. In response, we've launched a LinkedIn series dedicated to addressing critical questions surrounding these topics. Whether you're navigating career transitions, seeking to enhance your leadership skills, or striving for personal development, our series aims to provide valuable insights and guidance.

Join us on LinkedIn as we delve into these important discussions and empower you to unlock your full potential. Leave your comments, like, and share with others:

• Are You Truly Connected?
  
• Communicate Vision and Strategy
  
• Define Clear Goals and Objectives
  
• Craft a Compelling Narrative
  

While we talk about personal development, please don't forget ...

...apply before April 26 to ensure you get the early bird special for this transformative event.

Closing

Change begins with each of us, and together, we can chart a course toward a brighter and more sustainable future. If you're a venture, corporate, or family office seeking guidance on impact investing strategies, launching a CVC focused on sustainability, or exploring new markets and funding opportunities, we're here to help.

Reach out to us with your questions, ideas, or topics you'd like to discuss further. We're committed to providing you with our extensive expertise and vast network of experts to support your growth and transformation journey.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Let's explore, learn, and grow together as we pave the way toward a brighter future.

Stay tuned for more updates and insights in the coming weeks as we continue our journey of discovery, growth, and impact. If you haven't subscribed yet, don't miss out! Sign up here to stay informed.

Philipp Willigmann, 460 NE 28th St, Miami, FL 33137, United States