13.736717

10 HOTTEST

STARTUPS 100.523186 IN ASIA

A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO TOP STARTUP CITIES IN ASIA

ENDLENESSDLESS OPPOR OPPORT UNIT UNIT IETS IES

THE NEW THRIVING JOURNEY CONTENTS

BANGALORE 004 INMOBI

FUKUOKA 006 SKYDISC

SINGAPORE 008 SOCASH

BANGKOK 010 LOCAL ALIKE

STARTUP, START HERE! 013

TAIPEI 021 91APP

JAKARTA 022 TALENTA

KUALA LUMPUR 024 BOOKDOC

SEOUL 026 KSV ESPORTS

HO CHI MINH 028 LOZI

BEIJING 030 FARMFRIEND

Thailand’s economy is expected to Since its founding, the NIA The Asian startup ecosystem today rapid growth. Attractive factors, achieve a steady and sustainable growth has designed programs that is not simply a hub of opportunities, such as Asia-wide government over the near future. Apart from an have provided endless opportu- steadily pacing its way to saddle up support, innovation, comprehensive advanced and successful innovation nities for all startups. Its pub- alongside other regions. This optimised internet penetration and a diverse development plan — particularly for the lication, 10 Hottest Startups in land continues to grow and attract more talent pool are keys to keeping economic and social sectors — the Asia, will be your guide to investment seemingly without limit. these hubs dynamic. 10 government’s National Innovation Agency the startup world. Meet the Crowded with private unicorn companies The Asia startup scene has (NIA) has continuously provided endless 10 successful startups across valued collectively at US$81 billion, seen tremendous growth, with HOTTEST opportunities as well as supportive actions Asian cities and find out more Asia hosts more than one-third of the Singapore — one of the world’s to encourage Thai startup companies — about how Bangkok, a city of world’s unicorn startups, according financial centres — already the key driver of Thailand’s economic endless opportunities, has been to the recently updated report “Global recognised as a “Silicon Dragon”, STARTUPS landscape — to make the giant leap ranked as No. 7 among globally Unicorn Club” by CB Insights, the New and Bangalore, India’s Silicon to successfully join the global startup recognised startup locations. York-based data analytical software Valley, is being celebrated for ecosystem. company. Tencent, Grab and Traveloka its innovative technology industry. IN ASIA The NIA was assigned by the Ministry have all been globally recognised as Asia Other cities, like Bangkok, are of Science and Technology to spearhead startups crowned with unicorn status. poised to take their place along- the startup business development and Their achievements also serve as in- side the other startup stalwarts. promotion project as part of the goal to spiration for those who wish to start off make Thailand a hub of startup business small but later grow bigger and faster. development and innovation. Inspired Asia is rising and its outstanding by the progressive advancement of startup ecosystem ensures continued innovations, Thai startup entrepreneurs are invited to come together to raise awareness on startup development and actualise their potential and competitiveness in order to advance the expansion of emerging markets at the international level. By promoting the development of innovation and technology to maximise potential and competitiveness of Thai businesses, the NIA was entrusted with the responsibility to lead the Thai innovation industry by providing technical support and services — with the cooperation of the private sector — for several innovative development projects. 004 10 HOTTEST STARTUPS IN ASIA 10 HOTTEST STARTUPS IN ASIA 005

Business Why Bangalore? Most How do you see Inspiration WHERE TO EAT OR DRINK competitive your business in I & Monkey Restopub challenges the next 5 years? "The entrepreneurial bug When we moved to 968, 12th Main, HAL, Indira Nagar, 2nd Stage, Bangalore, had hit me early, and we Bangalore, it was to fuel Karnataka, India 560038 Our competitive challenges In the next five years, were trying to catch on our dream of building The minimal designed dining place offers lunch and dinner of have largely revolved we want to become an to the early trends that something big. One of the Kerala and Western cuisines without any monkey business. around our efforts to stay end-to-end platform with had the potential to be key components of this at the top of our game consolidated offerings game-changers, one such dream was to have easy across multiple markets. across both AdTech and was the mass access to mobile access to the finest tech Being able to identify trends MarTech to cater to any phones. We were fortunate talent not just from before they become one, CMO across the globe. that our entrepreneurial Bangalore but also from is the key to accepting those journey coincided with this neighboring states. The city competitive challenges. emerging trend. Being able centers around the startup Usually, if you wait to to tap into it at the right time community. If you’re a compete with a trend that Startup gave us the edge to give technology firm focused BANGALORE your competitor has adopted, Ecosystem our entrepreneurial journey on the global market, then it's already too late. In today’s the flight that we needed." there is hardly a better place technological paced world The Indian government is "Not to say that we did to begin. It has an enabling you don’t have the liberty taking effective measures to not deal with our set of environment that includes to wait that long. The facilitate the growth of the With its large number of tech companies, challenges, like any other good infrastructural potential to become Indian startup ecosystem. Bangalore is known as the ‘Silicon Valley of startups. Our first business support and good access obsolete is no longer a Some of these include India’. IT firms in the city employ about 35% model that revolved to a global network for probability; it's an absolute measures to ease out the of India’s pool of 2.5 million IT professionals around an SMS-based seeking investment reality. bottleneck arising out of and account for the highest IT-related exports search and monetization opportunities. The challenges that we procedural clearances, in the country. Tech companies incorporated tanked miserably. We spent have faced along the way the time taken for approvals, from 2012 to 2017, India now has over 5,000 months on a product that have been to tap into those amendments to tax laws startups, making it the world’s third-largest had to be abandoned; it trends, not all of them have to provide single-window startup ecosystem. was one of the toughest been successful some have platforms and the overall decisions to give up on Nature of even failed miserably, but ease of doing business in something that we had so Business it’s only through those India. tirelessly worked on. We trials and errors that those were running low on money, InMobi is a global mobile failures have led us to our confidence, and resources advertising and discovery successes. but we didn’t give up. platform that reached over In the dynamic world It was also difficult to attract 1.6 billion unique mobile that we thrive in today investors when the product devices worldwide in 2017. future proofing your WHERE TO VISIT wasn’t even rolled out in The platform allows brands, business becomes an Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace the market. developers and publishers absolute must, the reason Albert Victor Road, But you have to fight to engage with and put for our success could be Chamrajpet, near Bengaluru through some bad days if it their products in front of attributed to our ability to medical college, Bengaluru, shows you the promise to consumers through the use identify trends before they India 560618 earn the good days in your life. of mobile advertising. could become one. Almost entirely built from

Entrepreneurship is not It also enables consumers > teak wood, this late for the faint-hearted. to discover new products InMobi CEO Naveen Tewari: 18th-century palace Success stories are all about and services, as the platform “Success stories are is a must-visit for every guts and a commitment to utilizes advanced targeting, all about guts and architecture lover. never give up. You fail, you predictive marketing and a commitment to never WHERE TO MEET struggle, you change course, audience insight to deliver give up. You fail, you BHIVE Workspace but perseverance always product recommendations struggle, you change Six branches operated across India’s capital of startups, pays off. This was our on mobile apps and course, but perseverance this biggest co-working space chain regularly hosts events inspiration." devices. always pays off.” and speaking engagements at all of their locations.

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Business Nature of What will Inspiration Business happen in the next 3-5 years? “I learned and researched These days "open innovation" on artificial intelligence in is a hot keyword in Japan. “AI will expand rapidly as a doctoral course in Ksyshu That means big enterprises many people think so, and University and wanted to team up with small startups it is happening dramatically actualize what I learned that have the cutting-edge in manufacturing. It is just at school. And this is why I technology to achieve what beginning. We will see started Skydisc.” they can't do by themselves. more and more AI needs Japan is well-known for in manufacturing during manufacturing, but the the next three-five years all FUKUOKA strength of Japanese over the world.” manufacturing is weakening gradually due to other countries such as China, Korea, and ASEAN countries catching up. Japanese manufacturing Fukuoka is one of the best places and needs a structure reforming. most innovative city in Japan. On the Skydisc can offer AI island of Kyushu, Fukuoka boasts a technology to strengthen strong economy and easy access to conventional manufacturing. the nation’s top universities and R&D We offer AI service of centres. The “Startup City Fukuoka "higher yield of production", Declaration” was announced in 2012, "auto machine maintenance", signaling the beginning of a more and "auto product entrepreneurial era in this friendly inspection." southern metropolis. Fukuoka houses the country’s fastest growing startup hub and is designated as the only economic special zone for startups Why Fukuoka? Startup in Japan. Ecosystem “Fukuoka is where I lived > for a long time. Fukuoka Fukuoka houses the country’s Skydisc CEO & Founder city is one of the rare fastest growing startup hub Osamu Hashimoto Japanese cities where the and is designated as the only population is growing. economic special zone for There are a lot of schools startups in Japan. With so there are a lot of young business-friendly legal Business people. Good chance to regulations and tax systems, Challenges meet highly skilled young Fukuoka offers startup visas, people.” free legal consultation for “Since AI is an intangible WHERE TO MEET WHERE TO VISIT Fukuoka city provides a foreign entrepreneurs, and service, it’s difficult to Fukuoka Growth Next Hakata Machiya Folk Museum nurturing environment for startup corporate tax quantify how much we 2 Chome-6-11 Daimyo, Chuo, 6-10, Reisen-machi, Hakata-ku, startup companies. There reductions. One of Japan’s improve our clients' efficiency. Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka, Japan 812-0039 is a startup community largest ecosystems, You can't buy AI service the Japan 810-0041 This storytelling venue WHERE TO EAT and Fukuoka city made an Fukuoka Growth Next way you buy chocolate bars This startup platform for represents the reminiscence of OR DRINK incubation facility. This is (www.growth-next.com), in a supermarket. Our clients startup companies in Fukuoka is lifestyle and culture in Fukuoka Yatai Food Stalls where Skydisc resides. contributes to job creation are expected to learn about fully operated with a supportive dating back to the Meiji and Hakata and Tenjin districts and regional economic AI to understand the value of facility for public and private Taisho periods. Yatai in Hakata and Tenjin development through its our service. We are happy collaborations. districts are the best spots to support of startup companies to consult with our clients to spend the night in Fukuoka with and the renewal efforts of facilitate that understanding, tasty ramen and sake. established businesses. but that takes time.”

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Business Why Singapore? Startup Business Inspiration Ecosystem Challenges

Cash is the dominant Singapore’s multi-ethnic, “Singapore has a healthy “Our key challenge has payment mechanism with multicultural, and and growing ecosystem been convincing banks practically 90% of retail multilingual population open to experimentation to experiment beyond payments market share has been one of the key and innovation. Affordable mobile wallets and and its usage is growing, factors for the country’s rise co-working spaces, cloud traditional ATMs. They fail especially in Asia. ATM as an innovation hotspot. computing infrastructure, to understand that it is the networks are expensive to Its diverse population has angel and VC investors. The customers and retailers scale. Asia e-Commerce is strengthened its economy support from government who choose the payment 70-80% cash on delivery. as people with varied and a policy to focus on option and banks typically Cash logistics industry is skills, knowledge and productivity in every sphere have little influence in worth US$300 billion and is entrepreneurial abilities helps startup companies these choices.” inefficient with no practical have come together in come up with creative innovation. Putting all this one place. solutions to big problems. together, the opportunity “The regulator, Monetary Singapore has some of the to “outsource cash” and Authority of Singapore most business-friendly make it efficient is really (MAS) saw the value in our regulations in the world. interesting with great platform and has been Having access to capital is growth potential. supportive of the digital also helpful in scaling infrastructure and open product and solutions.” banking is mainstream.”

What about the Nature of WHERE TO VISIT next 5 years? Business Orient Palace Levels 1 & 2 Annex @ Furama, 407 Havelock Rd., Singapore 169634 “We hope to expand in soCash promises to disrupt The sanctuary for relaxation where you can dine and have one-two markets each year the way banks circulate a spa treatment under one stylish-decorated roof. over the next five years.” cash. The soCash app turns regular stores into a place where you can withdraw > from or transfer money to soCash CEO Hari Sivan: your own bank account. “soCash promises to disrupt We offer a comprehensive, the way banks circulate cash” convenient and cost effective solution to a universal pain SINGAPORE point: convenient access to cash. Singapore is rated by the World Bank as the second best country to conduct business. While the country has a high cost of living, there are tax incentives for small businesses and startups. Singapore’s well-established business infrastructure, WHERE TO MEET WHERE TO EAT OR DRINK global connectivity and trade linkages enable investors to BASH 79 Ayer Rajah Crescent, The Mad Men Attic Bar 11 North Canal Rd, access the approximately four billion strong Asian market. Singapore 139955 #03-02 (Attic Level), Singapore 048824 Singapore continues to be well-regarded as a triple-A Abbreviated from Build Amazing This small rooftop bar located in Boat Quay rated economy with strong growth potential. Startups Here, BASH is the first makes claims to be the go-to post-work and biggest all-in-one startup hideout for everyone. facility on this island nation.

SINGAPORE SINGAPORE 010 10 HOTTEST STARTUPS IN ASIA 011

Business Nature of Inspiration Business

"My inspiration occurred The Local Alike mission while I was traveling in permeates all aspects rural areas, and found of our work. Our goal there were many wonderful is not just to help travelers things to see in local visit local communities, communities that had no but to understand them. opportunities to show to We seek to connect global the outside world. I wanted travelers directly to the to do something that was local communities. Our BANGKOK sustainable and that would guides are highly trained help these communities. and most often come from First, I pursued an MBA in these communities, with sustainability management the aim of preserving local in San Francisco. After that lifestyles while creating Thailand has become one of the world’s most popular I returned to Thailand, opportunities for tourism destinations for international tourists with its rich natural working for the Mae Fah that are sustainable, resources and diverse tourist activities. Amid the expansion Luang Foundation where I respectful and life-affirming. of conventional tourism, community-based tourism has was responsible for Also part of all revenues become an important component of the domestic tourism business development at will be donated to the Local market and signifies encouraging trends. Community-based Doi Tung. The concept for Alike fund for community tourism, or rural tourism, is managed and operated by local Local Alike gradually development. community groups, it creates potential for empowering the developed from there. community, enhances their involvement in decision making, Working for the foundation maintains a healthy natural and social environment, and for one year, I gained fosters self-reliance for local communities. It also provides insights regarding unique experiences that tourists rarely find while traveling. community development, and believed that in forming Local Alike, it should be a vehicle to help society. I then resigned my position to run Local Alike full time." > Somsak Boonkam, CEO & Founder of Local Alike : “I wanted to do something that was sustainable and that would help local communities.”

WHERE TO MEET WHERE TO EAT OR DRINK Hubba Thailand 19 Soi Ekkamai 4, Sukumvit 63 Rd., Chinatown Yaowarat Rd, Bangkok, Thailand Prakanong Nua, Wattana, Bangkok, Thailand 10110 Apart from visiting Chinatown or Yaowarat, this bustling street is where you can find Enjoy mingling with other talent at the first co-working space wonderful Thai street food, wrapping up your night at the gin bar, Teens of Thailand, in Thailand, which recently partnered with the Google would be the best bit of your trip. for Entrepreneurs programme.

BANGKOK BANGKOK 012 10 HOTTEST STARTUPS IN ASIA STARTUP, START HERE!

Startup Business What about next Ecosystem Challenges 5 years? WHERE TO VISIT Warehouse 30 Local Alike networks The greatest challenge, Local Alike wants 52-60 Charoen Krung Rd, with local tourism , of course, is to find that to be a leader in this Khwaeng Bang Rak, government agencies and delicate balance between space–offering our Khet Bang Rak, Bangkok, UP universities aim to foster a tourism services and knowledge of sustainable Thailand 10500 tourism environment that preserving the charms local tourism throughout Recently launched, recognizes sustainability of the local community. Southeast Asia. We have this abandoned in social development. Many people on our team a plan to work with other World War II-era warehouse bring their own sets of countries so that people turned-into art platform has HERE special skills and expertise worldwide will have more become the new destination to the subject, so it’s a tourism alternatives. for those who wish to feed START challenge to come up with We are currently partnering their hungry eyes with the perfect plan in which with agencies in Vietnam creativity and inspiration. everyone can agree. and Taiwan.

> Local Alike assists locals in setting up their community-based tourism businesses and help them achieve their development goals.

A closer look at the Bangkok startup ecosystem reveals one of the most dynamic startup hubs in asia. The cooperation of startup enterprises with the private sector alone would not mark Bangkok as the new destination for growing opportunities for businesses. So, what makes Bangkok such a crucial hub for startups? Solid initiatives from the thai government are key to providing a nurturing environment allowing startups to unlock their success.

BANGKOK STARTUP, START HERE! STARTUP, START HERE!

The Jam Factory

KLONG SAN Green City Bio Tech Food Tech

STARTUP ECOSYSTEM INTEGRATOR The Bangkok startup ecosystem buildup Giant Swing began in 2012 with a mere $3 million invest- NATIONAL ment.1 Within five years, funding exploded INNOVATION to more than $828 million.2 To this point, AGENCY (NIA) this rapidly escalating flow of startup capital might cause potential investors to ask, Chinatown Creativity STARTUP THAILAND “Has Bangkok grown too fast? Is the proper District CENTER infrastructure in place?” And by the time they The system integrator received an answer they would see that who procreates Thai- Bangkok made the headlines yet again, being land as the startup rated last year as the best city in Asia to launch nation. Conducts and a startup business (No. 7 in the world).3 promotes Thailand’s Not surprisingly, 2017 was a golden year innovation systems for Thailand as a startup hub. Its readiness to through activities embrace the innovations and entrepreneurial that accelerate ingredients necessary to provide a world-class innovation in industry, The Grand Palace environment for startup businesses, including business, government the development of innovation districts, RATTANAKOSIN and society. the project to spur nationwide spaces for tech startups by National Innovation Agency (NIA), policy to energise entrepreneurs for the has made it the place to be in 2018 and be- future innovation-based economy and to yond. As such, Thailand will not only be known drive Thailand's economic growth in the as the world’s top travel destination, but its long run." capital city will deservedly be known as the Positioning Thailand as a startup hub in Asia-gateway for startups. Asia by 2020, the government has funded 10 billion baht for the Competitiveness Fund and 6 billion baht for startup venture funds STRONG SUPPORT FROM GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS unlock the country from those disputes, the on Thai technology-based and service -based STARTUP NATION: THAILAND 4.0 Thai Government in 2016 launched the new startups. They have also been accelerating BUILDING BLOCK economic model, Thailand 4.0, which seeks three startup-related laws, including the advanced economic development through Startup Act, Regulatory Sandbox Act and NATIONAL STARTUP MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SCIENCE THAILAND BOARD OF Gearing the country’s economy towards innovation. Bayh-Dole Act. COMMITTEE (NSC) SCIENCE AND AND TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENT (BOI) deep technology business with the promising Thailand 4.0 has prioritised the develop- The Startup Act will facilitate the founding Appointed by Thai- TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT Promotes investment economic flagship model “Thailand 4.0,” ment in various clusters for innovation of local and international startups through land’s Ministry of Bridges science, AGENCY (NSTDA) that helps enhance the Thai government is fully committed to and startup entrepreneurship ranging tax incentives and foreign shareholders. Finance, the NSC technology, and Supports R&D national competitiveness accelerating economic growth in a way that from Food and Agriculture, Biotechnology, The Regulatory Sandbox Act will allow directs and organises innovation through in several target by encouraging R&D, would be stable, prosperous, and sustain- Health and Wellness, Biomedicine, Smart startups to pilot new innovative ideas. The all government agen- collaboration. areas; agriculture innovation, value creation able, as well as transforming Thailand into Devices, Robotics and Mechatronics, Internet Bayh-Dole Act will allow researchers the cies and functions and food, energy in the agricultural, industrial an innovation-based economy in response to of Things (IoT), Embedded Technology and right to their intellectual property research. relating to startup and environment, and services sectors as well a rapidly changing global economic context. Digital Industry, and Culture and Creative entrepreneurship health and medicines, as SMEs. This transforming economy has historically Industries, as well as High-Value Services. and its capital bio-resources and been dependent on exporting heavily from According to Bangkok Post, Somkid Jatu- sources, as well as communities, and the following sectors: agriculture (Thailand sripitak, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister entrepreneurial manufacturing and 1.0), light industry (Thailand 2.0), and advanced confirmed in a speech at the recent Startup $828 M integration. service industries. industry (Thailand 3.0). Resulting from Thailand 2018 that Thailand is heading toward 2017 Total Funding Amount these models, Thailand has long encountered on becoming a Startup Nation inspired by in Bangkok Startup ECosystem2 a middle income trap (MIT) combined with the economy of Isarael. "Accelerating and inequality and imbalance challenges. To creating more startups is a core government STARTUP, START HERE! STARTUP, START HERE! SYSTEM INTEGRATOR New Central Station Energy Complex In 2009 National Innovation Agency (NIA) was established, it has been assigned by SMART VISA the Ministry of Science and Technology in of the establishment, the IOIC has invested in Transportation Hub order to spearhead the startup business startups’ projects for nearly $8 million so far. Calling out to all talents, Thammasat University, an 83-year-old in- startups and investors development and promotion project as part BANGSUE of the goal to make Thailand a hub of startup stitution of high learning, has positioned from these related business development and innovation. itself as the “entrepreneurial university” industries: NIA is the system integrator who com- after launching the “TuiPi”, Thammasat Uni- mits the development mission of startup Ministry of Finance versity’s Centre of Intellectual Property and Digital, Medical, ecosystem in Thailand, as well as, con- Business Incubator. Aviation and Logistics, nects its ecosystem to the world. Thailand’s vast university system, with Next-Generation Auto- joint support from government agencies, mative, Automation Gov Tech City Tech True Digital- Park is offering many newly launched deep tech and Robotics, Smart SMART VISA development degrees across the country. Electronics, Medical The private sector has joined in also, and Wellness Tourism, If you are thinking about relocating for your Phramongkutklao Hospital InVent offering entrepreneurial courses to further Biofuels and Biochemis by INTOUCH Digital, Robotics, next business project, you should strongly R&D professional development. Both the public try, Biotechnology for consider Bangkok as your destination. Inspired and private sectors have firmly backed Agriculture, and Food. by the French Tech Visa program, Thailand Thailand’s ever-growing reservoir of talent in has launched the Smart Visa, a four-year technology, business, and entrepreneurship. Thailand offers you: visa for highly qualified and skilled profes- From the recent success in 2017, the sionals, startup entrepreneurs and investors Ramathibodi Hospital Startup Thailand League by the NIA is • Visa validity of four to boost this booming ecosystem by attracting returning this year. The startup business years (The regular Rajavithi Hospital a pool of skilful human resources. Those Medical Tech model-pitching competition will be available validity is one year) obtaining the Smart Visa are allowed to to all university students in order to enhance • Permission to work begin work in the Kingdom immediately, NIA P U N NAW I T H I Bangkok’s startup workforce by inspiring with no requirement without having to obtain a separate work young people to have an entrepreneurial for a work permit permit from the Labour Ministry. The Thai YOTHI and innovative mindset. This event is part • 90-day Immigration government also extends the benefits of of the “Innovate Startup” — the programme reporting extended this visa to the visa holder’s spouse and through the cooperation of the NIA, SPA, STI to one-year children. and NSTDA — containing several encouraging • No re-entry permit activities such as funding for research, sup- required porting creation of prototype working space, • Family visa to the INNOVATION DISTRICT GLOBAL HUB PLATFORM MASSIVE TALENT POOL and bridging business relationships with holder with same prominent corporations for students from benefits Several areas in Bangkok have been des- Yothi is the Thailand’s first-ever inno- Innovation Agency revealed NIA has In order to meet the demands of the 35 educational institutions and 1,000 voca- ignated as “Innovation District” by the Ministry vation district model that focuses on three followed Paris & Co model, a success workforce for the industrial sector following tional schools across the country. Simply apply! of Science and Technology in order to fully development aspects, including Medical startup ecosystem model from France, in this lucrative initiative by Prime Minister For more information turn Bangkok into an innovative startup hub Technology (MEDTECH), Government Techno- order to allow Chiang Mai’s municipality Prayut, Thailand has been building a great visit www.boi.go.th of Asia. These districts include Yothi, Pathum- logy (GOVTECH), and City Technology operating its community to facilitate over- pool of talent, full of international and STI INFRASTRUCTURE wan, Klong San, Rattanokosin, Kluay Nam (CITYTECH). True Digital Park, the next global seas startups. By the end of 2018, NIA will domestic qualified workers for this startup Thai, Lat Krabang, Punnawithi and Bang Sue. startup destination sponsored by True launch Chiang Mai & Co at Tha Pae Road, ecosystem. Aiming as Thailand’s regional and global The next Innovation District phase has been Corporation, is located in Punnawithi and this promising project cooperated with King Mongkut University of Technology connect, Regional Science Park (RSP) pro- planned to enhance the Thailand's Eastern gaining supports from public and private Thailand’s Ministry of Industry will provide Thonburi, the country’s prominent technology gramme has been set up since 2012 by Science Economic Corridor. The selected areas include sectors in order to create the tech startup more working spaces for foreign startups academic institution, launched the KMUTT Park Promotion Agency (SPA), the organi- nearby eastern seaboard cities such as Bang scene. Kluay Nam Thai Innovation Industries and digital nomads, as well as other facili- Knowledge Exchange for Innovation Center sation supervised by Thailand’s Ministry of Saen, Si Racha, Pattaya, U-tapao and Ban Chang. District (KIID) serving as the bridge connecting tation on immigration affair such as smart (KX), which helps facilitate the exchange of Science and Technology. The programme Further support for promoting and en- the old and new industries. Its existing in- visa. This model will also support edu- knowledge of technology and innovation has aimed to encourage the innovation from riching the growth of Asia’s startup business dustrial capacities and the cooperation from cational institutes and startups in the city focusing on manufacturing enterprises new technology businesses and to construct network is noted by the Thai government- Bangkok University will facilitate startups to exchange knowledge and cooperation for its students and academic allies. the growth ecosystem countrywide in order empowered DISTRICT SUMMIT 2018. This and investors as well as improve the quality between them. The Chulalongkorn University Engineering to endorse innovative development from the two-day event led by the NIA was a huge of locals’ living and hood itself. Anticipating Thailand to become a global Alumni Association has set up the Intania collaboration from academy, government and success with large numbers of participants from “Chiang Mai is among the world’s top startup destination, NIA has considered Open Innovation Club (IOIC), the angel fund private sector. 8,000 various industries. Speaker after prominent destinations for digital nomads and expats Chiang Mai & Co project to be one of the providing financial support to Chulalongkorn The network of RSP contains three regional speaker highlighted Bangkok as a city of inno- from around the world, with the roughly completions to strengthen the growth eco- University’s engineering students and grad- science parks including Northern Science Park ACTIVELY PROPOSED vation, ready to help startup companies estimated number of ten thousands.” system for startups similar to the other 15 uates who are keen to commercialise their (NSP), Northeast Science Park (NESP), and STARTUPS realise their potential and vision. Pan-Arj Chairat, Director of the National innovation districts. innovative academic projects. After two years Southern Science Park (SSP). STARTUP, START HERE! STARTUP, START HERE! Siam Paragon

Internet of Things (IoT), Food, Lifestyle Tech Siam Tower , Regus BKK Co-Working Space

Hua Lamphong

BANGKOK- STARTUP-TO-WATCH

Fintech OOKBEE PATHUMWAN Founded by Natavudh preferred shares, not to mention a five year “Moo” Pungcharoenpong corporate income tax exemption offering in 2010, Ookbee - the Bangkok University to startup businesses relating to S-curve largest digital publication RAMA 4 ROAD industrial sectors and the establishment platform in Thailand just of technology rating and credit guarantee entered into a joint venture systems. with China’s most valuable Last year was a promising year signalling company Tencent Holdings more opportunities for growth for the last year. Thailand startup hub. The hottest startups in 2017 in Bangkok came from these three BUILK sectors: e-commerce, fintech and logistics. This construction business In 2016, the number of startups in Thailand management solutions led was about 700 and roughly doubled in a year, by Pathai Padungtin gained Wat Hua Lamphong Industry Tech/Logistics Tech, Digital Media and Design revealed former Minister of Science and Tech- over 30,000 users from Dusit Thani Bangkok Hotel nology Atchaka Sibunruang at Startup Thai- over 11,000 companies KLUAY NAM THAI land 2017, the startup networking event held across five countries in in Bangkok last year. This healthy ecosystem Southeast Asia and has has been active with 1,500 of the 8,000 pro- plans to expand further posed startups that created 7,500 jobs. The in the CLMV market. total fund size of up to $828 million was raised last year, and the $65 million fund of Series B QUEQ round of a Commerce was the highest in 2017, Founded by Rangsan envisage the growth of startup businesses. Ventures (beverages), have been eager to while the raised fund of $25 million ICO was in Promprasit in 2015, DYNAMIC “B2B businesses have shaped Thailand’s stimulate the domestic and international GROWING OPPORTUNITY the digital pocket of Omise, a Thai-based this tech-startup offering business landscape, so either CVC or startup startup investment. online payment solutions startup.1 This ground-breaking queuing INVESTMENT LANDSCAPE growth seen here is a good sign for the eco- Following the government’s vision on Steering the country toward Thailand 4.0, particular Initial Coin Offering fund has solutions awarded with system, it is profitable for both ends,” said encouraging new investment for businesses the Thai Government is devoted to transforming created a lot of hype in the new age of 2018 Startup of the Year The funds raised in the vicinity of $305 Thanapong Na Ranong, president of the and startups, the country launched a new Thailand into an innovation driven economy startup fundraising in Bangkok. was selected by Google million during the year 2012-2017 from Thai Venture Capital Association (TVCA). tax exemption for up to 10 years* for venture which the key driver of economic landscape Growing rapidly in the past years as related to join the Launchpad venture capital firms and investors1 has At the early stage we saw CVCs limited to capital firms and private equity trusts who are Thai startup companies. startups have to rely on its integration for Accelerator Programme positively reflected the significant growth financial institutions (Beacon Venture Capital, invest in technology and innovation busi- In Startup Thailand 2016, the first ever their products and services, Deep tech is at Google Headquarters of a startup ecosystem. In the past years, Digital Ventures, Bangkok Bank InnoHub and nesses in Thailand’s 10 core industries. annual startup national event in Thailand, among the next waves of startup industries in California last year. large numbers of corporations and leading Krungsri Finnovate) and telcos (InVent, dtac Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha in Southeast Asia. With the combination of Thai commercial banks have helped unlock Accelerate and True Incube). In 2017, more confirmed that the government supports a the excellent ICT infrastructure and large entrepreneurship with funding support corporations stepped in from the real estate growing ecosystem for startups or “NEW — New well-educated population, Thailand has and scaled up innovative companies as key development sector, corporations including Economic Warrior”, which includes startup strong market potential to fully deliver players in this business environment. Ananda Development PLC (Ananda Urban- integrations, amendments of regulations great amount of advancements as well as 2017 was a promising year signalling more The American seed stage investment Tech), Sansiri PLC (Siri Ventures) and SC Asset relating to tax exemptions, and stimulation technical talents to support this area of opportunities for growth Thailand startup firm, 500 TukTuks, which focused on Thai Corporation PLC (SC Able), all helped with for more investment in the startup scene. business in the nearly future. At the recent hub.Thailand remains focused and committed microfunding, crowned last year’s portfolio startup companies related to technology for Thai government has attempted to Startup Thailand 2018, Science and Tech- to building a healthy base for its startup with 17 more deals. With 48 deals since property solutions. build a favourable startup ecosystem in nology Minister Suvit Maesincee affirmed ecosystem. In addition to infrastructure 2015, 500 TukTuks ranks as the most active The rise of corporate venture capital has order to succeed with their New Economic that Thai government can help generate improvements to support the innovation venture capital firm in the Bangkok startup constantly shown that corporate players from Warrior vision. To encourage startup warriors demand via smart city solutions which will economy, the Thai government has initiated scene. other industries, ranging from PTT's ExpresSo to step into the Bangkok startup ecosystem, drive Thai startup communities to grow plans for launching innovation centres for The surge of corporate venture capital (energy), AddVenrures by SCG (construction), Thailand has reshaped business regulations faster and allow them to participate in the ASEAN, as well as development schemes or CVC across a variety of industries last Dusit Thani (hospitality), and the newly involved in employee stock ownership plan development focusing on hardware and for building startup districts and private year indicates that more corporations now launched in 2018 Singha Corp's Singha (ESOP), vesting convertible debts, and deep technology. accelerators and incubators nationwide. 10 HOTTEST STARTUPS IN ASIA 021 LAT KRABANG

Bio Tech

Nature of Business TAIPEI

King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang With 91APP’s expertise in new retail, the brand breaks Logistics Tech Taipei City has comprehensive software barriers by seamlessly and hardware facilities. The Taipei City integrating online and offline Government has proactively taken business models, which inventory of usable spaces within the helps companies obtain city and continues to consolidate central, rapid growth. 91APP develops regional, and community incubation Suvarnabhumi Airport customized applications for centers or shared work spaces. brands and retailers, working in close collaboration with global social media companies and platforms, such as Google, Facebook, Line and others. With its comprehensive plan for Why Taipei? digital marketing, 91APP helps small businesses obtain and keep new Taipei is a highly developed customers through the use city with the vast majority of retargeting techniques. of well-known brand It also utilizes new retail enterprises and top talent solutions in “software as located there, along with a service” (SaaS) - such free access to information as e-commerce, and abundant Internet online-to-offline (O2O), resources. Headquartered BANGKOK IS FUN AND omni-channel customer in Taipei, 91APP can obtain retention management immediate support for our AFFORDABLE! systems, and artificial business objectives. intelligence in retail - to > 91APP is headquartered in Taipei with over 300 employees. Bangkok offers an outstanding and rela- transportation, high-speed internet access assist retail brands in tively inexpensive standard of living for its and penetration, and high-quality affordable quickly growing their foreign workforce, who can enjoy working housing that is much less expensive than businesses by extending and living in a city that offers them endless other countries in Southeast Asia. Bangkok’s their brands online. Startup What will professional and cultural opportunities. This well- developed tourism industry is another Ecosystem happen next is not an exaggeration or propaganda as appealing aspect for foreign workers, as WHERE TO MEET 3-5 years? Bangkok was rated No. 47 out of 100 global the city provides a gateway for exploration, Bravo 88, Ruihu St., Taipei, Taiwan 11494 cities in 2017 as one of the Best Cities for where you can pack your bags and be in an Situated in the heart of city, Bravo offers spaces for private office and Taipei City has “To grab new retailing Millennials by Nestpicks. exotic location within hours — relax on the WHERE TO EAT meeting with the only 10-minute-away from the iconic Taipei 101. comprehensive software market share, all of the In its annual listing, Nestpicks, the Berlin- glorious beaches and other-worldly beauty OR DRINK and hardware facilities. small and medium-sized based database for furnished apartment of the South or head North to experience Brown Sugar Live The Taipei City Government brand and large enterprises rentals, scored Bangkok’s business ecosystem the traditional culture of Chiang Mai. The Note: & Restaurant has proactively taken need total solutions. a 10 out of 10. Millennials form the majority city’s famous (and delicious) Thai street *Available for a qualified venture capital 101, Songren Rd., Taipei, inventory of usable spaces 91APP has assisted to of startup narratives, and a thriving eco- food is high on every traveller’s bucket list company established between 1 January Taiwan 11049 within the city and integrate abundant system is an attraction for this important and one you have to experience yourself, 2016 and 31 December 2016 and registered Sit back and relax with WHERE TO VISIT continues to consolidate resources and leverage demographic. Bangkok earned a 10 score as is the city’s lively nightlife. When you with the Thailand Stock Exchange New Orleans Jazz, great Italian Taipei 101 45, Shifu Rd., Taipei, Taiwan 11049 central, regional, and the effect of collaborated Commission. for this category because the city’s healthy consider the total package of Bangkok as a cuisine and an array of wine list Classified as the world’s tallest building from 2004-2010, community incubation partners for brands to startup ecosystem offers an auspicious and potential location for a new startup company, as well as cocktails in the top this skyscraper in Xinyi District is close to centers or shared work quickly develop and exciting professional path that motivates you can remain confident that each new References: jazz lounge in Xinyi District. high-end shopping and dining area. spaces. enter new markets.” millennials to relocate here. day will be more memorable than the one 1National Innovation Agency (NIA) Other essential characteristics of Bangkok that preceded it. 2The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) that make it appeal to startups include cheap 3 PeoplePerHours Startup City Index 022 10 HOTTEST STARTUPS IN ASIA 10 HOTTEST STARTUPS IN ASIA 023

JAKARTA WHERE TO MEET WHERE TO VISIT EV Hive Museum Bank Indonesia Jl. Pintu Besar Utara No.3, Indonesia’s largest co-working space chain provides RT.3/RW.6, Kota Tua, Pinangsia, Tamansari, Kota Jakarta Barat, the best environment for working across Jakarta. Daerah Khusus Ibukota, Jakarta, Indonesia 11110 Inspired by Indonesia’s monetary and financial history, it’s a great As the fourth most populated country place to witness the magnificence of neo-classical architecture. and largest market in Southeast Asia, Indonesia is positioned as the world’s 16th largest economy in terms of GDP. Indonesia has a very large pool of self-employed entrepreneurs. There is Business Nature of Startup a growing trend of networking in the Inspiration Business Ecosystem form of knowledge, expertise and capital in the country. “I am passionate about Talenta is a cloud-based There is a lively ecosystem Jakarta performed best in development people (HR) in general SaaS that aims to help small in Indonesia where tech of new technologies as well as innovation and also technology. and medium businesses events are held every other and entrepreneurship. Jakarta’s strength The trigger came when manage their HR processes, week or so, and it is also comes from its startup communities my friend who works at a from attendance, leave spreading to other cities and co-working spaces. development house used a requests, overtime and across the country. software called BambooHR most importantly, The government even that confused me because payroll. has a program called Indonesian HR laws and “1,000 startups”, which regulations and tax code is aims to create a thousand different than the US. startups in the next few years. After I did my research, Why Jakarta? They also have provided What about next I realized that yes, there support to create and 5 years? is a HR software but it is a nurture more unicorns legacy software that one Indonesia is the country in Indonesia. “We hope to serve more has to buy and also setup where I’m born and it has The Indonesian media than a million employees the infrastructure for, and tons of problems. As any also is very supportive of in the next five years, and

it’s costly. We needed a entrepreneur would say, new ideas and startups build a platform within software that reflected problems mean opportunity. and helps them in terms that ecosystem.” > the realities and needs of Despite the the fact that all of coverage. “I believe that HR Joshua Kewin, Indonesian businesses.” funding and interest goes problems are global but CEO & Founder of Talenta : “I saw the potential to business-to-consumer rules and regulations are “HR shouldn’t handle of SaaS (Software as a (B2C) startups, Talenta was local, and so we do want administrative tasks service), especially in the founded with a belief that to expand regionally but but focus on the most US and some developed the trend is going to change prioritizing to countries important thing which is countries like Japan and as business-to-business Business where tech is the norm people.” Singapore. I started SaaS (B2B) startups deliver value Challenges and businesses prefer to focusing on HR - especially and revenue upfront. use software instead of payroll - to solve problems We believe that we have a hiring people/consultants.” that businesses face in very experienced team who terms of managing their understands payroll, taxes WHERE TO EAT OR DRINK people.” and HR regulations very Greyhound Café Indonesia “I believe that in the well. I believe that SaaS in Jalan M.H. Thamrin No.1, Menteng, Kebon Melati, Kb. Melati, Kota future, HR shouldn’t handle Indonesia is not only about Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta, Indonesia 10310 administrative tasks but the quality of software Situated in the Grand Indonesia, you can enjoy Thai dishes as well as should focus on the most but also the quality of our western fusion cuisine in the stylishly decorated restaurant. important thing: people.” customer service

JAKARTA JAKARTA 024 10 HOTTEST STARTUPS IN ASIA 10 HOTTEST STARTUPS IN ASIA 025

In 2016 Malaysia was ranked as the country that possess the best healthcare in the world, Nature of Why Kuala Startup What will happen KUALA LUMPUR according to International Living. Many hospital Business Lumpur? Ecosystem in 5 years? and medical facilities in the city are accredited BookDoc is an integrated Kuala Lumpur is the most The startup ecosystem in We hope to build a more by the Joint Commission International (JCI). online healthcare platform important city to do business Malaysia is quite fortunate end-to-end healthcare There are specialists in every hospital, and that monitors the patient’s in Malaysia. According to as the government actively platform. We are trying the client won’t have to wait for months for an experiences and assists the Global Power City Index promotes startups through to be the Alibaba or appointment. All types of medical treatment Chevy Beh (centre), medial tourism. (GPCI), Kuala Lumpur is the supporting policy that Tencent of healthcare. and procedures are available in Malaysia at CEO & Founder of “The platform aims to 34th most powerful city in includes reduced rent. People in need of medical a reasonable cost with very good quality of BookDoc : “We try to be connect and unite healthcare the world and thus many New initiatives for startup services come here and service. Alibaba or Tencent of providers with customers, businesses are established business, such as tax they need help navigating healthcare.” tackling one of the traditional in this lively city. The city credits and special the myriad of services avail- > pains experienced by also provides a very good operational deductions, able to them. We are the healthcare users.” startup climate, being also produce a favorable trusted site where they can BookDoc is the first ranked No. 1 in Malaysia climate. The Malaysian receive that information. official platform endorsed according to StartupBlink government addressed the We understand that in Business by Malaysia’s Ministry of 2017. tax deduction policy for healthcare, we are dealing Inspiration Health, Ministry of Tourism “Smartphone penetration startup businesses just with people’s lives. and Culture, Ministry of Youth and internet speed helps a few months ago. We cannot implement our Founder Chevy Beh came and Sports and Social facilitate the growth of program halfway or with lax with the idea for BookDoc Security of Malaysia. startups. We are quite standards, because people’s after his good friend’s Founded just 28 months fortunate that Malaysia lives are dependent on us. near-death experience and ago, BookDoc currently has has one of the highest Business from being a seasoned a presence in five countries smartphone penetrations Challenges player in the healthcare and 20 cities in Malaysia, in Asia and in the world, industry. Beh pledged to Singapore, Hong Kong, an almost 80% smartphone The biggest challenge do something to address Thailand and Indonesia, penetration rate, which is actually is market acceptance the inefficiencies and and an on-going effort to very high. You can access and regulations. Market information asymmetries penetrate new markets in a 4G network and have acceptance means end WHERE TO VISIT in healthcare. BookDoc the region over the next internet access everywhere users have to understand Malaysian Global was founded in 2015 with 12 months. in the country. Facilities what benefits them. If they Innovation and Creativity the goal of improving the “After Indonesia will be here allow you to build the find value, it’s good; if they Centre (MaGIC) timeliness of diagnosis the Philippines and we best products.” don’t find value, it’s not Persiaran Apec Block 3730, and helping patients find want to reach the whole good. More importantly is Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, appropriate care. of Southeast Asia.” how you help educate the Malaysia 63000 “We are like the Agoda of end user. Don’t miss a visit to healthcare. Agoda doesn’t Different countries will “The Obama Oval”, named own any hotels, but they have their own regulations, after former US President Barack facilitate people to get the and those regulators will Obama, at this one-stop best price; we do the same have their own methods innovation and creativity centre for healthcare services.” and approaches to their operated by the Malaysian responsibilities. Some government. WHERE TO EAT follow a more traditional OR DRINK mindset and aren’t as open Pahit to more modern methods. 3, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Regardless, we need to Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, be able to communicate Malaysia 50150 with these regulators. Unexpectedly hidden in the WHERE TO MEET Any startups in any bustling areas of Jalan Hang The Co. 42-48 Jalan Doraisamy, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 50300 industry will face a lot Jebat and Jalan Pudu, this Guaranteed to provide a premium experience for all startups and of issues. laid-back gin joint is a very innovators, this place aims to build the growing popular watering hole. entrepreneurial communities.

KUALA LUMPUR KUALA LUMPUR 026 10 HOTTEST STARTUPS IN ASIA 10 HOTTEST STARTUPS IN ASIA 027

Nature of Why Seoul? Startup Business Ecosystem

KSV eSports owns and “Gaming is so ingrained In recent years in Korea, manages elite eSports in Korean culture, there startups are often teams competing at the is such love and passion for supported and nurtured highest level of professional gaming here. Some of the by government initiatives gaming across the world’s world’s best competitive and through a variety of leading video game franchises, gamers are Korean, so in startup supporting centers, including Overwatch, Player many ways we see Korea such as the Korea Start-up SEOUL Unknown’s Battlegrounds as the home of eSports. Forum, which is a trying (PUBG), League of Legends, KSV wants to recruit the to make more systematic and Heroes of the Storm. best teams, players, and efforts to improve the KSV was established in July coaches, so we believe that business environment for 2017 and has operations establishing a base here is its members. The numbers of gamers in South Korea is more than half of in the USA, South Korea, a smart strategic move that Korea has a great the country’s population. It’s no wonder why South Korea is and China. will enable us to do that.” environment for startups. well known for its culture of online gaming. The professional We are solely focusing “Also, the Korean eSports It has one of the world’s gamer is a dream career for young generations as it ensures on those markets, however, industry is bisected by fastest internet speeds them of stardom and earning lot of money while playing our teams compete in large conglomerate, and as well as smartphone games. The government created the Korean eSport Association global competitions so we entrepreneurial companies, penetration rates. Because in 2000 to support the gaming industry. South Korea today is remain very aware of what neither of which are of this, Korean consumers the fifth largest games market globally and the third largest is happening in the wider effectively operating with are perhaps the most in Asia Pacific behind China and Japan. eSports industry. As the global partners, media, and mature group of technology industry grows we will make technology companies. savvy consumers in the the right strategic moves In Korea we have a great world. This makes new for our business to ensure opportunity to open the services and gaming very our future growth and industry to the global popular in the country. sustainability. eSports market, which is where our focused lies. Business We believe Seoul can > PlayerUnknown's evolve to become the Inspiration Business What will Battlegrounds (PUBG) Hollywood of the eSports Challenges happen in the team of KSV eSports. “Our CEO and co-founder industry in the near future.” Kevin Chou was CEO and next 3-5 years? WHERE TO MEET co-founder of Kabam, Hive Arena a global leader in “We are a global business “We are a young company 18, Yeouidaebang-ro 51-gil, Yeongdeungpo-gu, console-quality mobile operating in markets that but we have built a solid Seoul, South Korea 07355 game development, which have distinct cultural foundation from which This co-living slash co-working community is recognised was sold in December 2016. nuances that require an to develop. With a strong as the most English-friendly for talented creators in Seoul. In addition to Kevin, KSV has adaptable approach. These leadership team, we are an experienced leadership can be on a macro level, confident in our ability to team with a strong such as business partners’ be successful in future. background in, and passion knowledge and perception Right now we are focused for gaming, and our goal is of eSports, and on a micro on developing our current to set a new gold standard WHERE TO EAT OR DRINK level, such as dealing with teams, players, and WHERE TO VISIT of excellence for the global PP Seoul local employment laws. partnerships, while also Innovators’ Library eSports industry through 3, Sowol-ro 44ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Fortunately we have an developing ways to offer a 10, Seoulsup 6-gil, Seongdong-gu, premium team development, Seoul, South Korea 04344 international team that is unique platform for other Seoul, South Korea 04768 unrivalled fan engagement, You can enjoy Southeast Asian finger foods and highly skilled and able to global brands to engage This non-profit library is best for networking with people from and strategic business sip tropical drinks under the sky with the brilliant deal with these potential with gaming fans in unique various innovative industry while you can enjoy cultivate partnerships.” night view of Seoul at this rooftop bar. pitfalls.” and meaningful ways.” on inspiring and creative reads.

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Business Nature of Why Ho Chi Startup Business What will Inspiration HO CHI MINH Business Minh City? Ecosystem Challenges happen in the “We were just university Lozi is a platform and social “I love Vietnam. When you “During the early days of It's still hard to raise capital next 3-5 years? students when we had the community related to food live outside your country, the company, we hardly from VC if you say that you We are ambitious and idea about how to find food and restaurants. It enables as I did, you realize how saw any support from are from Vietnam, and are hungry to become the most from local restaurants. We users to review dishes special your mother tongue the government or any operating only in Vietnam. innovative mobile company are the mobile generation, they find interesting, and is when you hear it, even meaningful events that A lot of venture capital is in Vietnam. We would like but there was no mobile app Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city to share their experiences from a distance. That was a support startups. poured into Singapore, to see the Lozi app become that could help us find food in Vietnam. It is lively with a rich culture where visitors related to good meals. very important experience Things are changing. Now, Indonesia, and Malaysia, the most popular buy and and restaurants. I see the can experience the old and modern life. Coffee is the most It also enables users to share for me, because it made me everyone is offering their not Vietnam, the Philippines sell App in Vietnam in same problem in Southeast popular drink there and coffee shops are not only places to their culinary collection believe that it was my duty hands to help startup or Thailand. I believe that the next three years. Asia too, so we think this meet with friends, but also places where business deals are with other users. to do something big for my companies, we thus have a this will change in the near This energizes me everyday is the once-in-a-lifetime signed. Ho Chi Minh City has the highest GDP growth in With the tendency of country. Ten years ago, slight advantage to recruit future. And if we want to when I go to the office. opportunity for us to make the country and is rapidly developing to suit the needs of using applications on we positioned VNG as the developers and employees see that change, we have to something that really Vietnam’s modernizing economy. mobile devices, Lozi offers first unicorn startup of at a low cost. This is the prove that Vietnam or impacts the world.” merchants the chance to ASEAN, but now, no other true support that startup Thailand or the Philippines “By the way, I studied promote their own brands companies can be as big as needs. At some point, taxes can also create unicorn in Korea back then where I to more than 20 million VNG is. Somehow, we lagged or policies are too big for companies like Gojek of witnessed a lot of notable internet users across behind other countries. a small company to enjoy Indonesia or Grab of companies that really Vietnam. As one of the “I chose HCMC to start the fruit from that. If we Malaysia. inspired us - that a small, biggest mobile-advertising the company. I feel I belong can do something, it must young and naive team can platforms in Vietnam, Lozi here. People are energetic, be offering awareness to make something useful for supports conveying the the population is big. In the people and society the world. And I believe that brand's message in a creative Vietnam, if you ask, about what a startup is, I can do something that and qualified way. everyone will agree that so people can accept that makes myself happy than Launched in 2013, HCMC is the best place to by working at a startup, WHERE TO EAT OR DRINK just by studying.” Lozi now boasts 600,000 start a company,” said you must accept a low registered users and four Trung Nguyen, CEO of salary to receive a lot in The View Rooftop Bar Bùi Viện 195, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 70000 million unique visits per Lozi. return in the future.” > This garden in the sky bar offers a scenic view Lozi team is ambitious to be the most innovative mobile company in Vietnam. month. of Ho Chi Minh from the ninth floor and Expanding business is a most affordable beer and drink price. operations to overseas markets is also a plan of Lozi. Accepting new challenges is in our genre. We are not just a small food app anymore. Nowadays, WHERE TO MEET people still use us to buy Workyos and sell goods in their Viettel Complex, 12th floor, Tower A, 285 Cach Mang Thang Tam, locale. People can find food District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 70000 in Lozi, and they can find The affordable choice for a peaceful working environment. in everything else in our platform too. In Vietnam, more and more people are using Lozi to buy and sell things. We are quite similar to eBay in that regard. And this is what we see: WHERE TO VISIT Southeast Asia doesn’t Saigon Central Post Office have any other companies 2 Công xã Paris, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam completely dedicated Visiting the historic landmark and to this.” soak up the sense of the French-colonial-period architecture is a must-do when you are in Ho Chi Minh.

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Business Nature of Why Beijing? Startup Business inspiration Business Ecosystem challenges WHERE TO VISIT First, I think the agriculture FarmFriend is a sharing Beijing is such a hub World-class product “The biggest challenge so 798 industry is going through a economy platform that with easy access to various managers, engineers and far is to recruit the best 2 Jiuxianqiao Rd, massive structural upgrade. connects the agricultural resources and to highly business operators live and people. As a startup using Chaoyang Qu, Beijing Shi, The major drives are, one, drone operators and efficient communication work in Beijing so it’s much the internet to do farming, China 100096 the rapid consolidation of farmers and serves users systems that I think Beijing faster to assemble a great we need people who are These 50-year-old small farmland, and, two, of both ends. Founded in BEIJING is the best place to work on team here than anywhere the most effective and decommissioned military ever increasing labor costs. 2016, FarmFriend partners a startup. Beijing has many else. Moreover, the local efficient operators in leading factory buildings Second, I believe the internet with local agro-dealers active angel and VC investors. government has supported internet companies, while was renovated and transformed is reaching lower-end to amass bookings and Entrepreneurs can easily the flourishing of we also need people who into Beijing’s famous markets, which drives the rapidly expand its national reach and get support co-working spaces, provided have the best understanding art hub packed with galleries, transformation of traditional network. from investors through professional services and of the agriculture industry bars and restaurants industries and presents At present, there are more all kinds of road shows, streamlined procedures through years of experience as well as stores. immense opportunities. than 3,000 agricultural pitching competitions and for startup companies. working in the industry Third, farmers are one of drone operator groups in incubators. and in traditional the few groups of people residence and over 10,000 agriculture-related who haven’t been fully drones for deployment on companies. It’s been serviced by the internet while the FarmFriend platform. challenging to put people agriculture is one of the The drone-spraying service with those two very WHERE TO MEET few industries underserved has covered cash crop belts different backgrounds Inn Cube by the internet. I believe and field crop belts in nearly together and make them Jing Chao Building 5 Nongzhanguan Nan Road, these two factors present 1,000 towns, villages, cities work and collaborate Chaoyang District, Beijing, China 100125 rare opportunities for a and counties over smoothly.” This 24-hour-access space is perfect for hard-working talents platform type of business 10 provinces. FarmFriend co-founders, “In terms of competition, who’d like to spend days and nights in one place to emerge. from left : Dana Hou, incumbents are looking as it also provides gym and facilities for Yang Yu, Fanqi Meng

I was inspired when I saw > to expand into providing sleeping and showering. the pervasiveness of manual drone-spraying services, spraying, which is so while startups that provide inefficient that the demand financing and e-commerce What will for drone spraying is real Beijing is on fire as a startup spot, being ranked fourth inthe services are going after the and the willingness to pay world by The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2017, just behind same group of customers happen next also is real. My co-founders Silicon Valley, New York City and London. Beijing’s metropolitan as we are. But we are 3-5 years? and I felt truly compelled area stands at around 25 million people and is home to between undoubtedly the largest In three-to-five years, the to change the status quo of 4,800-7,200 startups. player in providing progress of land consolidation farming in China - and also The city boasts 70 colleges and universities, and more than 280 professional farming will accelerate so that more in Asia. We solve problems scientific research institutions. It also has an abundance of aspiring services.” farmers will need third party for farmers who have been entrepreneurs and talent, with a reputation for being ahead of the professional farming service largely ignored by the curve when it comes to tech trends. providers. FarmFriend is well internet giants. Our positioned to become the aspiration is to change the largest platform that provides paradigm for agriculture comprehensive farming and food production. services to farmers. We have been collecting a large variety of data to vividly depict the whole agricultural cycle and WHERE TO EAT OR DRINK we will use the data to inform Jing-A 1st Floor, Lee World Building 57 Xingfucun Zhong Lu, Chaoyang District, and support decision making Beijing, China 100000 in agriculture-related When the clock hitting the beer o’clock give ‘Jiang A’ a chance financing, insurance and for pints at this popular brewpub. production. 032 10 HOTTEST STARTUPS IN ASIA

LISTING Beijing Malaysia FarmFriend BookDoc Address: Room B, Rongke Wangjing Center, Address: Suite 6.03A, Level 6, Menara OBYU 4, Jalan PJU No. 523 Wangjing Dongyuan, Chaoyang District, Beijing 8/8A, Damansara Perdana 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

Tel. 400 062 7595 Email [email protected] Tel. +603 7710 0402 Email [email protected]

Website www.farmfriend.cn Website www.bookdoc.com

Zip Code 100020 Facebook BookDoc4u

Bangalore Fukuoka Seoul InMobi Skydisc KSV eSports Address: Address: 217 FUKUOKA growth next, 2-6-11 Daimyo, 6th, 7th and 8th Floor, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 810-0041 Japan Email [email protected] Block Delta (Block B), Embassy Tech Square, Tel. +81 92 738 1331 Website www.ksv.gg Kadubeesanahalli Village Outer Ring Road, Varthur Website www.skydisc.jp Facebook KSV eSports Hobli, Bangalore-560 103 Facebook skydiscjp Youtube KSV eSports Tel. +91 80 6583 4445

Website www.inmobi.com Ho Chi Minh Singapore Lozi soCash Facebook InMobi Address: 268 To Hien Thanh Street, Address: 152 Beach Road, #28-00, Gateway East, Twitter InMobi district 10, HCMC Singapore, 189721

Email [email protected] Tel. +65 31639390

Bangkok Website www.lozi.vn Email [email protected] Local Alike

Address: Facebook Lozi.vn Website www.socash.io Facebook SOCASH 582/27 Soi PhoPan21, Din Daeng, Din Deang, Bangkok 10400 Jakarta Taipei Talenta 91APP Tel. +6681 139 5593 Address: Talenta.co, Tanjung Duren raya No 51, Address: 6F., No.5, Ln. 768, Sec. 4, Bade Rd., Email [email protected] Jakarta Barat, RT.2/RW.5, Tj. Duren Sel., Jakarta Barat, Nangang Dist., Taipei City 115, Taiwan (R. O. C) Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Website localalike.com Jakarta, 11470 Indonesia Email [email protected]

Facebook Local Alike Tel. +6221 3002 1660 Website www.talenta.co Website www.enterprise.91app.com

Youtube Local Alike Facebook Talenta ENDLENESSDLESS OPPOR OPPORT UNIT UNIT IEST IES ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES Startup Thailand Center National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) Ministry of Science and Technology 73/2 Rama VI Road, Rajdhevee, Bangkok 10400 Thailand 02-017 5555 ext. 563, 564 [email protected] www.startupthailand.org