Welcome to Tech in Asia’s daily newsletter, your essential dose of Asia’s tech and startup buzz. Not on the mailing list? Register here. Got a story tip? Send it to editors@techinasia.com.
In focus
- How Vidio rose to unicorn status amid competition with Netflix, Disney+
- Temasek tightened its due diligence in investing in startups
- Malaysia’s highest-funded tech companies
Hello reader,
I haven’t watched television in years.
These days, I get my news from online portals or social media. There’s also no shortage of digital platforms in Indonesia – from Netflix to HBO Max and local players like Viu and Vidio.
Vidio, in particular, has become Indonesia’s latest unicorn – at least, according to online filings. The company has declined to confirm or deny this to Tech in Asia.
Still, it wouldn’t be a surprise if it has hit the milestone: The Emtek- and Grab-backed platform recorded 4.8 million subscribers in Q1 2025. That makes for a 22% market share, outpacing global streaming giant Netflix’s local performance.
In the first Big Story, I explore what has helped Vidio reach this milestone and what sets it apart from global players. As one of our sources pointed out, streaming prices have gone up, but that hasn’t stopped users from subscribing – even during an economic slump.
The birth of a new unicorn is welcome news following Southeast Asia’s recent issues with startups. In the second Big Story, my colleague Collin takes a closer look at Temasek tightening its due diligence processes to avoid more cases of fraud and failure.
The Singapore company will be working with top audit firms to review financials and consulting with VC fund partners to strengthen its diligence efforts. With this approach, it hopes to prevent deals like FTX and eFishery from happening again.
Jofie Yordan, journalist
Top Stories
1️⃣ Up next for new unicorn Vidio: the push to profit
Hermawan Sutanto, managing director at Vidio / Photo credit: Vidio
Vidio’s rise to unicorn status highlights a turning point in Indonesia’s streaming landscape, where local content and sports are driving platforms to overtake global players.
A data story you shouldn’t miss
The region’s most competitive fintech firms are already applying
Trending news
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
