AsiaStartups Event in Bangkok

Bangkok based AsiaStartups, the latest platform to connect and match startups with angel investors in Asia, hosted a successful launch event in Bangkok. The event brought together a group of  50 investors, in which more than half were young individuals or descendants of large family businesses who showed a high interest in learning more about tech investments. The evening took place at the Marble Bar by the spectacular infinity pool at 137 Pillars Hotel, a soon to be launched boutique luxury hotel in the heart of Bangkok.

The event began with short speeches from a few key speakers, including the hotel owner, Nida Wongphanlert, the AsiaStartups co-founding team, and the guest of honour for the evening K.Korn Chatikavanij, Thailand’s ex- Finance Minister. After the speaker sessions, the evening followed on with a relaxed mingling session around drinks, canapés, and accompanied by a jazz band.

Seen from leading photo: 

Bhantitra Mahapaurya (Son of K.Korn), Adrien Deniau (CEO), Korn Chatikavanij (Guestspeaker), Keenan Kwok(Chairman), Charlie Withayachamnankul (COO/Co-Founder)

K.Korn making his speech 

Founded by Keenan Kwok, Adrien Deniau and Charlie Withayachamnankul, AsiaStartups aims at consolidating the fragmented startup ecosystem in Asia. They do so by addressing the issues of fundraising and investing, and by de-risking startups for investors through mentorship and other value added services.

“Our mission is to connect global innovative and social impact communities into South East Asia via Thailand as the hub.  Young entrepreneurs, investors, corporates can leapfrog and widen their horizon from partnerships we bridge with their international peers.  Businesses and next generation investors will have a huge opportunity and responsibility in playing a role to build, shape and partner with global teams, technology and investments to make this a sustainable hub with innovation and social impact,” says Keenan, the Chairman of AsiaStartups.

“On the one hand startups face the challenge of identifying, meeting and securing the right strategic investors. On the other hand, due to the rapid tech market expansion, investors are finding it increasingly difficult to find the right startup investments at the right time. This is where AsiaStartups comes in, to bridge that gap,” says Adrien.

K.Korn & Keenan Kwok 

AsiaStartups brands itself on the more premium end of the business spectrum by building, engaging and sustaining a community of investors, first in Thailand, and then in other Asian countries. “It is key to develop strong relationships with a trusted group of investors. Only then can we bring the most value to the startup community,” says Charlie.

Friday’s launch event was only the beginning of AsiaStartups’ regional journey. The next steps include investment workshops, curated pitch nights and further speaker sessions, amongst other initiatives aimed at fuelling cross border connectivities and opportunities.

K.Korn on Investment Landscape 

Piyarat (Kanta) Kaljareuk, Charlie Withayachamnankul, Bhantitra Mahapaurya

Pornpanit Treevichaphan, Charlie Withayachamnankul, Naputt Chirathivat, Chattan Arksorndit

Chaturon Boonma, Sasicha Bamrungkit, Nigel Oakins, Keenan Kwok