OSK-SBI Venture Partners launches second fund, makes initial investment

SBI Ventures Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Yoshihiro Ishiwata

KUALA LUMPUR: OSK-SBI Venture Partners Ltd (OSK-SBI) has launched its second venture capital fund to invest in category-defining companies across Southeast Asia.

In a statement, OSK-SBI said the first close of US$20mil in capital commitments highlights the continued strength of the cross-region collaboration between OSK Ventures International Bhd (OSKVI) and SBI Holdings, Inc. the renowned Japanese financial giant, via its subsidiary, SBI Ventures Malaysia Sdn Bhd (SBIVM).

It said the active fundraising for Fund 2 is ongoing with the target to hit the final close of capital commitments of US$40mil.

“We believe there’s never been a better time to invest in Southeast Asia and this may represent the startup ecosystem’s second act, as the community of experienced founders and employees grows, business models strengthen, and technological innovation increases to tackle ASEAN’s most pressing issues,” SBIVM managing director Yoshihiro Ishiwata said.

SBIVM and OSKVI brought together their multi-decade track records of investing in Asean technology start-ups and growth companies with the establishment of their inaugural fund back in 2018.

OSK Ventures International chief executive officer Amelia Ong

OSK Ventures International chief executive officer Amelia Ong said: “As we embark on this journey into Southeast Asia’s dynamic and fast-growing tech landscape, we are driven by a vision to empower innovation, accelerate growth and facilitate many of these startups’ ‘second act’.

“Our commitment to fostering the region's brightest talents and groundbreaking ideas reflects our belief in the transformative power of technology to shape the future.”