Exiting a startup in Southeast Asia isn’t easy. IPOs are rare, valuations are tricky, and local buyers often fall short. So how do VCs and founders maximise their exits?



We dive into this with Kairous Capital, a venture capital and private equity firm managing $200 million AUM, with a cross-border focus between Southeast Asia and China. Managing Partner Joseph Lee and Partner Adrian Hia share how they’ve backed 21+ companies, secured 4.5 exits, and developed a scaling and exit strategy for startups.



We explore:


Why 80% of their exits come from trade sales, not IPOs


The “time machine” arbitrage between China & Southeast Asia


How AI, digitalization, and SME transformation funds fit into their investment thesis


The challenges of fundraising in today’s VC climate, including how LPs are picking firms to back

Exiting a startup in Southeast Asia isn’t easy. IPOs are rare, valuations are tricky, and local buyers often fall short. So how do VCs and founders maximise their exits?We dive into this with Kairous Capital, a venture capital and private equity firm managing $200 million AUM, with a cross-border focus between Southeast Asia and China. Managing Partner Joseph Lee and Partner Adrian Hia share how they’ve backed 21+ companies, secured 4.5 exits, and developed a scaling and exit strategy for startups.We explore:<ul><li>Why 80% of their exits come from trade sales, not IPOs</li><li>The “time machine” arbitrage between China &amp; Southeast Asia</li><li>How AI, digitalization, and SME transformation funds fit into their investment thesis</li><li>The challenges of fundraising in today’s VC climate, including how LPs are picking firms to back</li></ul>

The flagship entrepreneurship show on BFM, featuring personal business stories from early stage start-ups, all the way to billionaire octogenarians in Malaysia and abroad. Notable guests include Martin Cooper (father of the mobile phone), Julian Assange (founder of WikiLeaks), Ralph Henry Baer (father of video games), Tony Buzan (Mindmap Guru), Isaac Tigrett (Hard Rock Cafe founder), Robert Kiyosaki (Financial Guru), Nick Vujicic (motivational speaker) and more. Tap into this valuable resource of shared experiences for the SME industry, which also touches on news, issues and trends affecting the business community and beyond.

Open For Business

Discover fresh concepts, tackle obstacles, and unleash growth - Open For Business is the dynamic show where BFM engages with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry trailblazers, igniting inspiration, sparking success, and exploring new business models.

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