Credit Suisse have put together this research report covering the growing list of South-East Asian unicorns (unicorns is the term used for private startups valued at $1 billion or more). The list of companies is impressive (and growing). Across The Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, the rate of startups reaching that billion dollar valuation is increasing (with 19 in 2021 alone, up from 4 that reached the mark in 2020 and 5 in 2019).
With some successful exits, those entrepreneurs are returning to support the start up scene in the region and with that success more venture capital and private equity funds are moving into the region. Together, this support is creating the conditions for the South East Asian startup scene to be one of the most exciting in the world.
With strong demographics, high smartphone penetration and a rising middle class, South East Asia is creating the next generation of world-class technology companies. For those reading in Australia and New Zealand, this is a trend worth watching. Some of the best investment opportunities for the next few decades are right on our doorstep.
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