Selection Is Only the First Filter
Early-stage investing is risky.
The useful question is not whether we can remove the risk. We cannot. The question is how to structure a portfolio to take this into account. Volume and non-correlation can minimize investment risk.
At Accelerating Asia, our model has three parts: selection, acceleration and diversification.
Selection
Cohort 13 had 724 applications. We selected only five startups, an acceptance rate of 0.69 percent.
Selectivity alone does not create a good investment. A founder can deliver an excellent pitch and still struggle to build the company.
The application and interview process helps us identify the companies with the strongest early evidence, but it also looks at the founders behind the evidence. Why this problem? Why this team? What happens when the first plan stops working?
We are not trying to find a perfect company. At this stage, it does not exist. We are identifying founders with the insight and operating ability to build a scalable business during our program.
Acceleration
Our accelerator program is designed to reduce company-specific risk while improving growth speed and efficiency. That means a sharper focus on the right metrics, faster decisions, better positioning, more disciplined execution, with a fundraising discipline built on process rather than presentation.
Cohort 13 gives a useful example. During the 100-day programme, paying customers increased by 74 percent. Average recurring revenue increased by more than 50 percent among the recurring-revenue companies. There was zero paid-customer churn and every pilot converted into a paying customer.
The numbers matter. The observation behind them matters too.
We see which founders respond to difficult feedback. We see who knows their numbers, follows through, changes course when the evidence changes and can turn an introduction into a real investor or customer conversation.
A Demo Day pitch shows an investor the company at one moment. The accelerator lets us observe the business at every step in the journey.
Diversification
Diversification matters because the outcome of any one company remains uncertain. We have invested in more than 100 companies across multiple countries and sectors. That breadth gives the fund exposure to different markets, business models, founders and paths to value creation.
The three parts work together.
Selection improves the starting pool. Acceleration gives us more information and helps the companies grow faster and more efficiently. Diversification recognises that uncertainty still exists and minimizes overall risk.
That is the model.
COHORT 14 APPLICATIONS REMAIN OPEN
Priority review is already underway. Founders building seed to pre-Series A companies in South or Southeast Asia can still apply. Later applications will be reviewed where the selection timetable and team capacity allow.
Fund 2 is in final close. If you want to review the portfolio, understand the accelerator strategy or discuss co-investment access, start here.
Start with the fund deck. Choose your path at acceleratingasia.com/investors and we'll send access.
Ask a question first. Email team@acceleratingasia.com and we'll get back to you.
Ready to invest? Book a call here with a partner.
See the portfolio. Check out acceleratingasia.com/portfolio. Filter by country, sector, or fundraising status. Request an introduction directly to any CEO.
For investors and partners. Choose your path at acceleratingasia.com/investors. Whether you're looking to co-invest in individual startups or invest in the fund, the next step is there.
* Carta Q4 2025 VC Fund Performance. US benchmarks used as Asian fund comparables remain limited.
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
