The Best of Both Worlds
A few minutes with Jens Wilke, Limited Partner, Accelerating Asia Ventures.
We sat down with Jens, a software engineer and active angel investor, to ask why he also invests through Accelerating Asia. Watch his interview and read the highlights below.
You already invest directly as an angel. Why also invest through a fund?
"It's a lot of work for a business angel to look at all the new startups out there and find a good match. It's much easier to invest in a fund that already gives you connections and exposure everywhere. The fund does all the hard work, but I can still get involved if I want to. So I have the best of both worlds."
Why Asia specifically?
"I like to travel between Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia, and I want to be able to visit the startups and build a personal connection. There are so many interesting regions, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Thailand. I want to invest in real-world problems, not first-world problems."
What do you look for in a startup?
"Look at the problem the startup is solving and how you relate to it. Don't focus too much on the numbers, because at the early stage they aren't there yet. Then look at the team. If it's a good mix of people, they'll be successful even if the idea isn't perfect yet. They'll pivot and make it work."
What do you value most about how Accelerating Asia works with investors?
"They keep me involved and updated, and they're approachable. The worst thing for an investor is to sit in the back seat, with no influence and no idea what's happening. Here it feels like I'm involved, not just passive with my money."
What would you tell another investor weighing it up?
"You get a lot of connections and exposure without having to do all the work yourself, and you can still get as involved as you want. That's rare. It's the best of both worlds."
That is the short version. The full interview is worth the few minutes. If his reasons sound like yours, the next step is a conversation, or a seat at Demo Day.
The five companies of Cohort 13, Driftly AI, DIGIBOX, Meza AI, Govaly and meed, pitch live in Singapore on Wednesday, July 15, and online on Thursday, July 23.
If you have ever wanted to invest in this part of the world but were not sure where to start, this is the room. See RSVP details below ⬇️
COME SEE COHORT 13 PITCH
🇸🇬 In person, Singapore, Wednesday July 15
Join us in Singapore for an exclusive, in-person experience where investors, ecosystem leaders, and partners gather to meet eight high-growth startups solving critical problems across South and Southeast Asia.
💻 Virtual, Thursday July 23
Accelerating Asia is hosting a virtual edition of Cohort 13 Demo Day live for our global community of investors, founders, and partners. This is your chance to experience the pitches, meet the founders, and explore investment opportunities.
Invest with us
These five startups join a portfolio of over 100 companies in the Accelerating Asia Ventures family. These five, including many already in the portfolio, are at various stages of fundraising right now. You can choose to invest in one, or in all of them through the Fund.
Fund 2 is in final close.
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
