SPOTLIGHTS
Gobi-Redbird Innovation Fund Launches with HKUST and HKIC
Gobi Partners deepened its collaboration with universities through the launch of the Gobi-Redbird Innovation Fund, established with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC). The fund accelerates the commercialisation of DeepTech innovations, targeting early-stage startups in biotechnology, Industry 4.0, AI and robotics, and FinTech. It reinforces Gobi’s commitment to bridging academic research with market-driven scalability across Asia and beyond.
Gobi Partners and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Explore Malaysia-Pakistan Collaboration to Foster Innovation
Co-founder and Chair Thomas G. Tsao met Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to explore cross-border collaboration in E-commerce and FinTech between Malaysia and Pakistan. Prime Minister Sharif welcomed Gobi’s confidence in Pakistan’s startup ecosystem and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to advancing reforms that strengthen access to capital, talent, and digital infrastructure for startups and investors.
Expanding Hong Kong’s Innovation Ecosystem through the HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund
Gobi Partners collaborated with The University of Hong Kong (HKU) and the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC) to expand the HKU Entrepreneurship Engine Fund, strengthening Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem. This strategic collaboration advances the commercialisation of research-driven innovation by connecting capital, talent, and opportunity. Together, Gobi, HKU, and HKIC aim to nurture entrepreneurs seeking to scale from Hong Kong’s universities to the global market.
MUST-READS
Gobi’s New Whitepaper Highlights Southeast Asia’s Role in the Global Semiconductor Boom
Gobi Partners’ latest whitepaper, the first in a new series, argues that semiconductors are now the backbone of global growth, driving advances in AI, autonomous mobility, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. The firm sees Southeast Asia as a rising hub for chip design and innovation as the industry heads toward US$1 trillion in annual revenue by 2030. The next whitepaper, covering Malaysia’s role in the industry, will be published in November.
RECENT EVENTS
Exploring the Care Economy at the Selangor International Care Summit 2025
Gobi Partners Senior Director of Investments Navvin Kumar Kirupanandan joined a panel on Investing in the Future of Care along with policymakers and investors. The discussion reframed care as an economic opportunity rather than welfare spending, noting the sector’s potential to reach US$6 trillion by 2030. Navvin highlighted financing models such as blended finance and impact investing to channel more capital into Malaysia’s care economy and position Selangor as a growth leader in the region.
Connecting Investors with the Philippines’ Emerging Ecosystems
Gobi Partners is strengthening regional startup ecosystems beyond Metro Manila by supporting founders in Visayas and Mindanao through funding access, mentorship, public–private partnerships, and participation in events like the Western Visayas Innovative Startup Fest. The firm’s founder-first approach prioritises talent development and collaboration with government and universities to seed innovation. Through initiatives in Iloilo, Davao, and Cebu, Gobi aims to decentralise opportunities and build sustainable “pocket ecosystems” that drive inclusive growth across the Philippines.