In 2024, Antler, a global early-stage venture capital firm, successfully closed 96 deals worth over $12.5 million in Southeast Asia, demonstrating a consistent investment pace from the previous year.

Co-founder and Managing Partner Jussi Salovaara noted that current market conditions present unique opportunities for building sustainable businesses, particularly through innovative solutions that effectively apply AI.

Despite a significant contraction in Southeast Asia's tech funding, which fell 59% to $2.84 billion in 2024, Antler remains steadfast in its commitment to early-stage investing.

The strength of Antler's investment strategy is reflected in its portfolio companies, which have collectively raised over $350 million in follow-on funding since the firm's inception.

Antler plans to deploy an additional $20 million in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, in the first half of 2025 to further enhance the startup ecosystem.

Antler's diverse portfolio spans sectors such as enterprise software, fintech, sustainability, and consumer technology, with a growing emphasis on AI-enabled startups.

There is a notable trend of investor focus shifting toward early-stage opportunities in Southeast Asia, driven by rapid digital adoption and resilience in deal volumes.

To bolster support for early-stage startups in Vietnam, Antler has launched a new residency program that provides resources, networking, and potential funding opportunities.

With offices in key cities like Singapore, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh, and Kuala Lumpur, Antler actively seeks exceptional early-stage startups and founders.

Agung Bezharie Hadinegoro, Partner of Antler Indonesia, highlights the opportunity in tough markets, focusing on capital-efficient businesses and the application of AI to real-world problems.

Antler continues to offer its ARC (Agreement for Rolling Capital) initiative, enabling early-stage founders to access up to $600,000 in funding within the first six to nine months of their startup's lifecycle.

Erik Jonsson, Partner of Antler Vietnam, emphasizes the need for building sustainable foundations through innovative solutions that address regional challenges.