Acid, a communications consultancy targeting early-stage startups in Southeast Asia, has launched in Singapore.

The firm aims to support startups in sectors such as fintech, enterprise technology, deep tech, cybersecurity, and decentralized finance.

The consultancy differentiates itself by working with a maximum of five founders at any given time.

This approach focuses on strategic depth rather than volume. Its services include narrative development, media relations, executive positioning, brand management, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management.

The firm also plans to partner with boutique agencies and experienced professionals as client needs arise.

Acid launches amid increasing investor interest in Southeast Asia’s early-stage startups, particularly in Singapore. The city-state is emerging as a hub for new technologies.

The consultancy intends to help startups navigate complex stakeholder environments and build their reputations.

🔗 Source: Acid

🧠 Food for thought

1️⃣ Strategic timing amid a funding winter highlights communications’ critical role

ACID’s launch comes at a pivotal moment when Southeast Asian startups face unprecedented funding challenges. Q1 2025 marked the weakest funding quarter for the region since 2014, with only US$13 billion raised, representing a 52% drop in deal volume year-on-year1.

Early-stage investments have been particularly hard-hit, with funding dropping to US$5.3 billion across 533 deals1. This downturn coincides with a fundamental shift in investor expectations, as venture capitalists now prioritize startups with clear paths to profitability rather than growth-at-all-costs.

The timing of ACID’s launch reflects a market need as investors become increasingly selective, requiring startups to articulate their value propositions with greater precision and strategic clarity to secure funding.

Chester Tan’s emphasis on communications as a strategic function rather than a late-stage investment aligns with the current market reality where startups must build credibility with stakeholders earlier in their lifecycle to survive the funding winter.

2️⃣ Southeast Asia’s evolving startup ecosystem demands specialized communications

The region’s startup landscape is undergoing a transformation, with investment priorities shifting toward sustainable growth and long-term value creation2. This evolution is evident in the emergence of specific investment trends including private label businesses, global-first enterprise plays, and cross-border fintech3.