500 Global is a venture capital firm with more than $2.7 billion in assets under management that invests early in founders building fast-growing technology companies. We focus on markets where technology, innovation, and capital can unlock long-term value and drive economic growth. We invest far and wide, across sectors and geographies.
500 Global’s Southeast Asia family of funds have backed over 270+ companies, including $1B+ companies Grab, Bukalapak, Carousell, Carsome, and FinAccel. This is just the beginning – we are actively growing to serve more founders, as well as connect startups with capital, expertise, and global networks to help them succeed.
To uplift people and economies through entrepreneurship
We believe these will be the growth areas in Southeast Asia, and actively invest in the region’s most talented entrepreneurs shaping the future.
Sustainable Cities
Cities are the lifeblood of Southeast Asia which we believe will be home to almost 400 million people by 2030.
Can technology transform our cities into environmentally sustainable havens through innovations in energy, transport, waste management, food and agriculture?
Can these cities bring us closer in a safe and empathetic way?
Rural Digitization
The story of cities is only part of the story.
Can we include and uplift the rest of our region and seize the rural technology opportunity?
Can we build solutions that help leapfrog rural development and provide people with the same access and conveniences as cities?
Fintech for All
The digital economy depends heavily on financial infrastructure to connect us together.
We believe financial technology and embedded finance can usher in a new era of financial inclusion and returns, from smoothing income volatility, access to credit, to insurance that matters.
Can we architect a financial-savvy world where no one is left behind?
All-Commerce Ecosystem
e-Commerce of the past decade seems to have expanded into “all-commerce” where consumers demand to buy anything, anywhere (whether online or offline), and have delivered to their doorstep anytime they choose.
What innovations in global trade, logistics, supply chains and trust are needed to make this a reality?
Human & Machine Productivity
Technology can profoundly impact a nation’s future through increases in productivity and GDP.
Likewise, we believe competition is also making technology adoption among MSMEs and large enterprises a necessity.
Can ed-tech, machine middleware, low and no-code software solutions, SaaS platforms, and other innovations build more resilient economies?
Healthcare & Self-care
We believe healthcare is often overlooked and underinvested, until it is too late. The recent pandemic has underscored the importance of taking care of ourselves.
To us, this “self-care” extends beyond just the body and also into the mind and spirit.
How will technology help us take care of ourselves and each other holistically?
Web 3.0
The internet is ripe for evolution, and users are discovering unprecendented ways to own, sell and trade digital assets.
What do we need to create a new and completely decentralized ecosystem that’s safe and inclusive
The Creator Economy
Independent creators are building successful businesses through sharing their knowledge, skills and creativity. We believe this will be the main way we teach, learn, and entertain each other, and more importantly, grow together.
How can technology help creators foster more authentic connections with people?
Our expertise is local
We have team members across Southeast Asia who bring experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and operators from leading technology companies.
A regional investment strategy based on diversification and scale
Across 500 Global’s Southeast Asia family of funds, we invest in founders building technology companies that drive economic growth in fast-growing markets in the region. In doing so, we provide investors with both diversification, scale and returns.
Our goal is to back the best wherever they’re based.
Our early stage funds typically invest US$250,000 to US$500,000 in founders based primarily in or serving Southeast Asia.
After our wire reaches you, our team becomes your first call for strategy, capital growth, marketing, and all-things company building.