SPOTLIGHTS
Gobi Partners Expands to Japan:Cross-Border Venture Integration
Gobi Partners entered Japan through a Global Network Partnership with JR East’s TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars’ Hub (LiSH), extending its reach into one of Asia’s most advanced innovation markets. The move aligns with Japan’s ambition to build 100,000 startups and 100 unicorns by 2027, and strengthens cross-border capital flow between Japan and Southeast Asia. The partnership gives Gobi direct access to corporates, researchers and founders, supporting deeper collaboration in deep tech, enterprise solutions and mobility.
Gobi Partners Maps the Philippines’ Next Phase of Startup Growth
Gobi Partners Philippines rolled out its Philippine Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 at the Philippines Startup Week opening, outlining how the country can accelerate its shift into an AI- and digital-driven economy. The study measures the Philippines against the ASEAN-6 and flags rising opportunities in AI, FinTech, and enterprise digitalisation. It also calls for coordinated action across founders, investors, academia, and government to unlock capital, talent, and infrastructure needed for the next wave of growth.
Airwallex Partners with European Payments Initiative to Enable Wero Digital Wallet
Airwallex has joined the European Payments Initiative as a Principal Member, allowing its merchants to accept Wero, Europe’s unified digital wallet. The partnership streamlines cross-border payments and broadens merchant access to European consumers while reducing dependence on traditional card networks. Wero will launch in Germany in late 2025, followed by France and Belgium.
Prenetics Reports Record Q3 Growth
Prenetics, a leading genetic and diagnostics health testing company, reported a 568% year-on-year revenue jump in Q3 2025, driven by strong demand for its IM8 supplement brand. The company is on track to reach US$120 million in annual recurring revenue by year-end, reinforcing its position as a global health innovator.
ArmourZero Secures Strategic Angel Investment to Drive Expansion Across Asia and the Middle East
The funding will support the cybersecurity company’s growth across ASEAN, North Asia, and the Middle East. ArmourZero’s AI-powered Automated Vulnerability Management platform provides real-time detection across applications, web domains, and cloud infrastructure, enabling developers and security teams to address threats faster.
Gobi Partners, NDC and DICT Forge Ties to Boost the Philippines’ Startup Sector
Gobi formalised partnerships with the National Development Company (NDC) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) during Philippines Startup Week. These alliances strengthen founder development, improve access to capital and expand regional market entry points. The collaborations reinforce the Philippines’ ambition to position itself as a competitive and resilient innovation hub within Southeast Asia.
MUST READS
Gobi’s Value Creation Team Breaks Down Venture Capital
The featured article addresses misconceptions about venture capital and outlines its role in shifting Malaysia towards a high-value, tech-driven economy. It highlights how investment in AI, semiconductors, renewable energy and digital infrastructure accelerates national competitiveness. The piece underscores the need for deeper capital formation and stronger support for founders building frontier technologies.
RECENT EVENTS
MVCA Honours Gobi With Four Awards
Gobi earned multiple honours at the 2025 Malaysian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (MVCA), including Deal of the Year (SkyeChip), VC Firm of the Year and Responsible Investor of the Year, reflecting its leadership in Malaysia’s investment landscape.
Gobi Participates in the Hong Kong FinTech Week
Gobi joined the 10th edition of Hong Kong FinTech Week, contributing to discussions on emerging FinTech trends, Hong Kong’s position as a global tech hub, and fundraising insights from HealthTech founders. Gobi’s leadership also served as judges for the Global Fast Track Pitching Competition. The event gathered startups from more than 70 countries and highlighted growing collaboration between Northeast and Southeast Asia — a core focus of Gobi’s regional innovation strategy.