SINGAPORE, January 2026: Accelerating Asia Ventures is pleased to announce the achievement of a significant milestone: surpassing 100 portfolio startups. The portfolio now includes investments across 101 startups spanning more than 10 markets and multiple high-growth sectors. Top startups in the portfolio have achieved valuations of more than US$50 million within just three to four years of initial investment, and active companies collectively have raised over US$150 million in follow-on funding. With an average entry valuation of US$3.9 million, this level of value creation and ROI is made possible by Accelerating Asia Ventures’ distinctive model, which de-risks early-stage investments through a rigorous, hands-on accelerator program focused on traction, execution, and investor readiness. Nearly half the portfolio is female-founded, and 57% qualify as gender lens investments. The impact of the portfolio is broad, with more than 13 million people reached with improved financial access, 38 million with better healthcare, and 9.6 million students with digital education.

Building a New Model for the Region

Established in 2018 and initiated with backing by Enterprise Singapore, Accelerating Asia Ventures was created to address persistent gaps in the regional accelerator model. Co-founders Amra Naidoo and Craig Bristol Dixon observed that most accelerators in Southeast Asia struggled to balance founder needs with financial sustainability. Many closed when corporate sponsors shifted priorities, while others failed to attract top founders due to rigid alignment or a lack of operational independence.

Craig Bristol Dixon contributed a background in private wealth, serial entrepreneurship, and investment, as well as hands-on leadership at one of Southeast Asia’s most respected accelerator programs. Amra Naidoo brought a decade of leadership experience driving innovation and impact across Asia, including leading global entrepreneurship programs at UN Women and Mastercard, building regional ecosystems, and spearheading corporate partnerships for multinational brands. Together, they established Accelerating Asia Ventures as a founder-first, independent platform built for longevity.

The approach is based on rigorous selection, practical support, and a network that values execution and trust over hype.

Current Cohort and Ongoing Momentum

Cohort 12 represents a dynamic group of founders reflecting the diversity and ambition of the region’s innovation economy. Selected from over 700 applicants, these eight startups are already operating at scale, with an average monthly revenue of $38,000 and $1.2 million in prior funding. The group includes first-time founders, seasoned operators, and three female-led teams. Sectors represented include FinTech, AI, EdTech, InsurTech, SaaS, and Consumer.

The latest reporting period shows all eight startups in the accelerator portfolio delivered strong growth, with average revenue up over 23% in just one month. Podium, InLustro Learning, and Wellspring Global led in revenue and profitability gains, while Chamak and Fineksi maintained strong margins with rising revenues. InsureCow Ltd. delivered another month of double-digit revenue and profit growth, and Kustodian.life achieved a tenfold increase in gross profit. These results highlight the resilience and market traction of founders scaling across diverse sectors.

Cohort 12 startups:

Chamak (FinTech, Bangladesh): B2B trade finance platform unlocking working capital for SMEs.
biniyog.io (FinTech, Bangladesh): Shariah-compliant SME financing marketplace for the underserved.
Fineksi (AI/FinTech/SaaS, Indonesia): Automated credit analysis platform for banks and lenders.
InsureCow (AI/InsurTech, Bangladesh): Digital insurance infrastructure enabling rural finance for farmers.
InLustro (AI/EdTech, India): Job simulation and workforce readiness platform for students and professionals.
Kustodian (FinTech, India): Platform helping individuals recover funds trapped in pensions and banks.
Podium (Platform/Community, Singapore): Peer discovery and support network for working women.
Wellspring (Consumer/F&B/Social Enterprise, Bangladesh): Affordable, healthy food and beverage products for emerging markets.

Each startup completed a 100-day, milestone-driven program focused on execution, growth, and readiness for scale.

Further details on Cohort 12 can be found here, with Demo Day information available here.

Applications Open for Cohort 13

Applications are now open for Cohort 13. Selected startups will receive up to US$250,000 in investment, participate in a 100-day accelerator, and gain long-term access to the Accelerating Asia Ventures network. More information and the application portal are available at acceleratingasia.com/getfunded.

Opportunities for Investors

Accelerating Asia Ventures is in the process of closing its second fund and welcomes new limited partners seeking access to a rigorously selected, high-growth portfolio across Southeast and South Asia. Further information for investors is available at acceleratingasia.com/investors or by contacting team@acceleratingasia.com .

About Accelerating Asia Ventures

Accelerating Asia Ventures is an independent accelerator and venture capital fund investing in early-stage startups across Southeast and South Asia. Founded by operators, the organisation is committed to supporting founders with capital, credibility, and a long-term community.

For interviews, data requests, or portfolio introductions, contact: team@acceleratingasia.com

Accelerating Asia Ventures Celebrates 100+ Portfolio Startups and Strong Results from Latest Cohort