VC goes against the grain with $50m fund

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In focus

For this edition, we cover:

• Cocoon Capital’s “boring” investment strategy
• When to make an exit

Hello reader,

As journalists, the goal of our stories is not only to be factual, but also to never be boring. I’ve learned that while speaking the truth is vital, how facts are presented matters just as much.

So I was intrigued when one of the partners at Cocoon Capital, a Singapore-based VC firm, proudly told me that the company is looking for “boring” investments.

In the Big Story, Cocoon Capital managing partner Michael Blakey says the VC is focused on “unsexy” startups that “solve real-world problems with huge opportunities.” That includes deeptech and B2B firms that are addressing specific issues in a specific industry.

The VC intends to invest in more of such startups with its new fund worth US$50 million. At a time when AI seems to be getting all the hype, such positioning may not be so boring after all.

Meanwhile, we share a chart on Spotlight that may help founders and investors who are looking for a pathway to an exit.

Elyssa

The Big Story

Cocoon is bringing ‘unsexy’ startups back with new $50m fund

Image credit: Timmy Loen

The Singapore-based VC firm has its eyes on seed-stage SEA startups that aren’t simply following the buzzwords.

Spotlight

Charting Asia’s M&As: When do startups usually make an exit?

Hear how Kopi Kenangan grew into a regional brand and what founders can learn.

A visual story you shouldn’t miss