Startup funding in Asia has taken a hit lately. With rising interest rates, cautious investors, and a tough global economy, many VCs have pulled back. But Headline Asia is taking a different route. The Tokyo and Taipei based venture firm has just closed a $145 million fund, one of its largest to date aimed at early-stage tech startups across Asia-Pacific.
This isn't just another fund announcement. It’s a strong signal to founders and investors that there’s still money and belief in Asia’s startup ecosystem, even during uncertain times.
While late-stage deals remain sluggish, early-stage opportunities are heating up. Headline Asia is focusing its new fund on startups in seed to Series A stages, writing cheques between $1M–$5M. The goal? To support digital transformation across e-commerce, fintech, logistics, AI, and IP-heavy sectors.
More importantly, the firm is targeting cross-border potential. From Japan to Taiwan and Southeast Asia, Headline wants to back founders who are thinking bigger than their local markets. It’s a bold move in a region where many startups have historically played it safe and local.
The confidence in Headline’s vision is backed by serious public sector support. The Japan Investment Corporation, Taiwan’s National Development Fund, Korea Venture Investment Corporation, and SME Support Japan are among the fund’s key backers. That mix of public and private capital shows how much regional governments want to push innovation forward even when the private markets hesitate.
Headline Asia isn’t waiting around. The fund has already invested in 17 companies, including Newmo Jenfi and Pi-xcels. One of the most exciting things Headline is betting on? A mindset shift in Japan and beyond.
For years, Japanese startups preferred early IPOs on local exchanges. But Headline believes the tide is turning. Founders are getting more ambitious, and regional investors are finally aligning with global growth strategies, not just fast exits.
In a funding climate where everyone’s playing it safe, Headline Asia is doing the opposite. And if you’re a founder in Asia thinking about your next move, this could be your sign to think global and think bold.