Tackling the lack of accurate data about Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem

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Hello readers,

Data is the new oil. Everyone agrees that having access to data, and knowing how to use it, can unlock great insights that power better decisions and increase the likelihood of successful outcomes.

But the truth is, most of the Southeast Asian startup ecosystem hasn’t had access to accurate data on the companies, venture capital firms, and other players in the space. Many startup databases (confession: including Tech in Asia’s) are reliant on publicly available information like press releases, which don’t always paint a full picture of the companies in question.

That’s the problem VentureCap Insights, the new market research firm on the block, wants to solve.

Today we look at:

• A market research firm that wants to become the “Bloomberg” of the startup world
• How this startup is using AI to make human resource management more efficient
• Other newsy highlights such as the latest additions to India’s blacklist of Chinese apps and the first close of BRI Ventures’ new fund

PREMIUM SUMMARY

A one-stop shop for financial data about Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem

VentureCap Insights has one goal in mind: to solve the lack of access to accurate fundraising data, valuations, capitalization tables, and financials of startups in Southeast Asia. The market research firm aims to provide accurate and up-to-date financial data on startups, just like Bloomberg’s database on publicly listed companies.

• A question of accuracy: According to VentureCap Insights’ founder Jason Edwards, many startup databases are inaccurate, as they rely on press releases to see if a startup has raised money and has publicly stated any details. Additionally, a lot of data isn’t disclosed – startups rarely reveal their valuation and share prices in press announcements.
• Getting into the nitty-gritty: To address this issue, VentureCap Insights has established ties with government company registries, such as Singapore’s Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority. The company pulls data on startups every day, allowing it to track the financials and other details about every share transfer.
• Plans for the future: VentureCap Insights operates on a subscription-based model and counts major VC funds like Sequoia Capital, KKR, and Temasek among its subscribers. But while the company is definitely tackling an issue faced by players in Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem, only time will tell if it will become a key part of the landscape.

Read more: A ‘Bloomberg for startups’ aims to fight false funding data

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