Headline Asia Invests $145M in Asia-Pacific Tech Startups

Despite current economic headwinds impacting venture capital, Headline Asia has announced the close of its $145 million Headline Asia Fund V. This fund will target early-stage tech startups across the Asia-Pacific region.

Focusing on seed to Series A rounds, Headline Asia will invest between $1 million and $5 million in companies driving digital transformation and cross-border operations. Key investment areas include e-commerce, logistics, fintech, intellectual property, and artificial intelligence.

Targeting Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia

The fund will primarily focus on startups in Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, with select investments in South Korea. Headline Asia Co-founder and Partner Akio Tanaka highlighted the firm's interest in global startups emerging from Asia, particularly Japanese startups expanding internationally.

Early-stage valuations are still where the most outsized returns are made, especially in today’s exit environment, where later-stage valuations have compressed and liquidity remains limited.

Tanaka noted that while some Southeast Asian investors are prioritizing safer investments, Headline Asia aims to capitalize on the high-growth potential of tech startups.

Fund Backers and Existing Portfolio

Headline Asia Fund V is backed by a mix of public and private entities, including:

  • Japan Investment Corporation (JIC)
  • National Development Fund of Taiwan (NDF)
  • Korea Venture Investment Corporation (KVIC)
  • SME Support Japan

The fund has already invested in 17 companies, including:

  • Newmo, a Japanese taxi and ride-sharing startup
  • Jenfi, a Singapore-based revenue-based financing provider
  • Pi-xcels, a Tokyo- and Singapore-based NFC technology provider

Headline Asia's Global Network

Headline Asia is part of the global Headline network, with regional offices in the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, managing approximately $4 billion in assets. Founded in 2008, Headline Asia has backed over 100 startups and manages about $420 million across its five funds, employing 10 investment professionals across Tokyo, Taipei, and Singapore.

Recent Asia-Focused VC Activity

The closing of Headline Asia Fund V follows other recent Asia-focused VC fundraises, including Antler's $72 million Southeast Asia fund and MindWorks Capital's $220 million Pan-Asia fund. This continued investment activity signals ongoing confidence in the region's startup ecosystem.