
Openspace
Description
Openspace, a prominent venture capital firm based in Singapore, has established itself as a key investor in Southeast Asia's burgeoning tech ecosystem. Founded in 2014 by Shane Chesson and Hian Goh, the firm, initially known as NSI Ventures, rebranded to Openspace to reflect its expansive vision and data-driven approach. It primarily targets early-stage companies, focusing on Series A and B rounds, leveraging its proprietary "active intelligence" framework to identify and support transformative businesses across various sectors, including fintech, healthcare, consumer, and enterprise software.
The firm has demonstrated significant fundraising success, accumulating substantial assets under management. Its latest flagship fund, Openspace Ventures IV, closed at $200 million in March 2024, bringing the firm's total AUM across its four core funds to over $625 million. This robust capital base enables Openspace to make impactful investments and provide substantial follow-on funding to its portfolio companies. Their investment strategy emphasizes deep engagement and strategic guidance, aiming to accelerate growth and market leadership for their ventures.
Openspace's portfolio boasts over 40 companies, many of which have become regional leaders or achieved significant exits. Notable past investments include Gojek, a super app that transformed transportation and logistics in Indonesia, and Biofourmis, a digital therapeutics company. The firm typically deploys initial cheques ranging from $3 million to $15 million, often leading or co-leading rounds. This strategic deployment of capital, combined with their active intelligence methodology, positions Openspace as a crucial partner for ambitious startups looking to scale across Southeast Asia.
Investor Profile
Openspace has backed more than 67 startups, with 12 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 21 rounds, about 31% of its total and boasts 7 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series B, Seed, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in Singapore, Indonesia, United States.
- Strong thematic focus on Financial Services, E-Commerce, FinTech.
- Led 7 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $3M – $15M.
Stage Focus
- Series B (25%)
- Seed (21%)
- Series A (21%)
- Series C (13%)
- Series D (10%)
- Series Unknown (4%)
- Series F (1%)
- Series E (1%)
- Pre Seed (1%)
Country Focus
- Singapore (30%)
- Indonesia (25%)
- United States (12%)
- Philippines (7%)
- Vietnam (7%)
- Australia (4%)
- Bangladesh (3%)
- Hong Kong (3%)
- Myanmar (3%)
- Thailand (1%)
Industry Focus
- Financial Services
- E-commerce
- Fintech
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
- Software
- Information Technology
- Health Care
- Payments
- Transportation
- Insurtech
Frequently Asked Questions
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