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Hi readers,
Back in the 2010s, when I was living in Delhi, I dreaded the process of moving homes and finding a flat within my budget. Negotiating with unregistered brokers consumed hours over several days.
The startup culture was still in its infancy, so I relied on some Facebook groups to narrow down my searches. While ecommerce and food delivery was picking up, proptech startups were unheard of.
Fast forward to 2024, if I have to look for a house now, my search will begin on a proptech platform. I believe the same goes for people living in Singapore, where startups are as integral to daily life as they are in Indian cities.
I assume the recent unveiling of a new home listing service by Singapore’s Housing & Development Board will be warmly welcomed by prospective homebuyers.
This service not only offers an additional research option for homebuyers but also introduces competitive pressure into a market dominated by players like PropertyGuru and 99.co, ultimately driving improvement to the industry.
— Samreen Ahmad, journalist at Tech in Asia
Top stories this week
Image credit: Timmy Loen
1️. PropertyGuru, 99.co unfazed by new HDB home listings portal
PropertyGuru leads the market in Singapore, while 99.co emphasizes that property search is a “long journey” involving multiple website visits.
2. For PM Wong, sustaining SG’s position as top tech hub calls for tough choices
Founders and investors fret over rising costs, talent shortage, and an eroding competitive edge. Tackling each of these issues has trade-offs.
3. Why fintech arms of GoTo, Grab, Sea deserve more attention
Fintech has the potential to be more profitable than the other business units of Southeast Asia’s tech majors.
4. How GIC can turn SGX’s slump around
Analysts say that a small portion of the sovereign wealth fund could be allocated to the local bourse to boost valuations and investor confidence.
5. Startups ditch SEA expansion for American Dream, but it’s not that simple
Heading west or staying regional? Higher consumer spending and greater investor risk appetite are drawing some early-stage founders to America.
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