Latest news with #Singapore‑based
Associated Press
13-08-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Singapore's New Friend in the Block Redefines Venture Capital
New Friend in the Block: An Evolution of Venture Capital for the AI Age Valven Studio is a Singapore‑based venture studio redefining VC. Instead of making many bets, it invests in a few high‑conviction startups and embeds its partners in the team. A rigorous three‑stage diligence and scorecard choose founders; then playbooks for product or distribution guide growth. Matthew Chew, Michel Padrón and Juan Roldán provide hands‑on product, growth and tech expertise to help founders go from 0.5 to 1. Singapore - 13 August, 2025 - Valven Studio, a venture studio headquartered in Singapore, announces its arrival as a new alternative to venture capital. Born from the frustrations of the traditional VC model—where more than 75 % of VC‑backed startups never return capital and founders are often left without operational support (1) — Valven offers a founder‑friendly partnership that blends capital with hands‑on execution. 'We're not here to spray and pray; we're here to build,' said Matthew Chew, General Partner and Product Visionary. 'Our approach embeds experienced operators directly into the startup team to turn data into decisive action and tackle overlooked problems.' Beyond VC: How the Model Works Valven's model starts with a structured diligence process to evaluate potential partners. The three stages include: Findings from the diligence process feed into the Valven Scorecard, which quantifies factors such as founder excellence, business model maturity, distribution readiness and technical foundation (3). Opportunities with strong scores move forward into one of two operational playbooks: Unlike typical VCs that make dozens of bets and hope a few hit, Valven invests in fewer ventures and commits deeply. Venture studios worldwide show that studio‑backed companies have about 30 % higher success rates than typical VC‑backed startups, with average IRRs of 53–60 % versus 21–22 % for traditional funds. Valven's approach aims to replicate these outcomes in Southeast Asia. Hands‑On Partners, Not Just Investors Valven's general partners bring complementary expertise honed through building and scaling ventures: From 0 to 0.5 Is Easy – Valven Takes You from 0.5 to 1 Many accelerators and incubators help founders build a minimum viable product. Valven focuses on the messy 0.5–to–1 phase—where companies have an MVP and initial customers and need to scale quickly (4). By embedding its partners directly into the team, Valven provides technical leadership, go‑to‑market strategy and funding architecture, giving founders a co‑builder rather than just a cheque. The firm's resource deployment model emphasises deep integration and shared accountability: Valven team members work alongside founder teams, sharing both the risk and the upside. Structured Yet Flexible Engagement After a playbook is selected, Valven helps founders secure the capital necessary for execution. Playbook A typically requires US$50K–US$250K for marketing, growth hiring and infrastructure; Playbook B needs US$100K–US$400K to hire engineers and build a robust product (5). Funding may come from existing company capital, a bridge investment from Valven's partners or an orchestrated angel round. Before fully engaging, a five‑stage engagement sequence ensures both sides are ready—covering diligence and vote, funding plan, letter of intent, capital confirmation and definitive agreements. This sequencing protects resources, validates readiness and aligns expectations. A Catalyst for Singapore's Startup Ecosystem Singapore has long been a hub for venture capital and innovation, yet many founders remain underserved by traditional investors. Valven Studio aims to bridge the gap between early traction and scalable success, bringing an AI‑enabled venture studio model that prioritizes diversity, founder empowerment and operational excellence. By investing in fewer, higher‑conviction bets and providing hands‑on operators, Valven offers investors a more thorough due‑diligence process and founders a partner who will build alongside them. The team invites ambitious founders and forward‑thinking investors to learn more and explore detailed insights in Valven's Diligence Process, Partnership Evaluation and Playbook Execution series. Disclaimer: Media Contact Company Name: Valven Studio Contact Person: Michel Padrón Email: Send Email Country: Singapore Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Singapore's New Friend in the Block Redefines Venture Capital
Arabian Post
21-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Singapore Channels S$1.1 bn into Stock‑Market Boost
Singapore's Monetary Authority has designated S$1.1 billion to three fund managers as the inaugural allocation of its S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme. The scheme aims to invigorate the bourse and broaden market participation, focusing on smaller- and mid-cap equities. MAS selected Avanda Investment Management, JP Morgan Asset Management and Fullerton Fund Management for the initial round. Fullerton is part of state-owned Temasek. MAS indicated that the providers were chosen based on alignment with EQDP's goals and their capacity to enhance local asset‑management expertise. Over 100 applications were received, with MAS rolling out five‑year funding commitments in phases. The EQDP was unveiled in February in coordination with the Financial Sector Development Fund. Its mandate is to deploy capital through Singapore‑based managers investing primarily in domestic listed equities, with an emphasis on diversifying participation outside large‑cap stocks. ADVERTISEMENT Following the EQDP announcement in August last year, the Straits Times Index has surged 23.9% to July 18, 2025, according to MAS. Authorities believe that targeted investment injection could foster deeper liquidity, narrower bid‑ask spreads and more vigorous price discovery across the exchange. Analysts welcomed the move. One equity strategist said the programme signals a critical shift: 'MAS is using its balance sheet to catalyse private capital into under‑represented segments.' Market observers noted that while headline liquidity in the FTSE Straits Times Index is healthy, mid‑ and small‑cap names typically suffer from thin volume and wide spreads, deterring institutional and retail interest. JP Morgan's involvement is expected to bring global asset‑management experience to bear on local strategies. Avanda, a Singapore‑grown emerging‑markets specialist, and Fullerton, with sovereign backing, strengthen confidence that domestic competence will benefit from the infusion of global best practice. Details of each manager's mandate have not been disclosed, but MAS emphasised that performance will be measured not only by capital deployment but also progress in building domestic expertise in portfolio construction, trading infrastructure and market‑making behaviours. These elements are crucial to achieving sustainable liquidity gains. Experts point out that Singapore's programme mirrors efforts overseas, such as Japan's ETF purchases by its pension fund, but with a distinctive twist: the EQDP partners with private asset managers rather than buying equities directly. That design aims to stimulate skill transfer and innovation in execution capabilities. Further co‑investment rounds are expected later this year, with MAS reviewing submissions in stages to expedite capital deployment. The S$5 billion envelope is expected to span several tranches, signalling long‑term commitment to market enhancement. Since introducing a broad stock‑market review in August last year, MAS and its review group have identified several friction points, including limited participation by retail investors, dominance by large‑cap counters and constrained institutional activity in smaller names. EQDP is one among several initiatives aimed at remedying structural imbalances. Regulatory adjustments are also on the cards, with potential reforms covering short‑selling rules, stock‑lending frameworks and promoting algorithmic market‑making. MAS has indicated a willingness to consult key stakeholders, including retail brokerages and the Singapore Exchange, to create complementary regulatory enablers. Market participants have pointed out that EQDP funding alone may not be sufficient. A private fund‑operations specialist commented: 'Capital without market infrastructure enhancements risks being parked rather than deployed actively.' MAS' selection criteria emphasise capacity building—suggesting this concern has been taken into account. Beyond boosting trading volumes, the manoeuvre may help Singapore position itself as a regional equity hub. By fostering advanced trading strategies, tighter spreads and higher turnover, the city‑state stands to attract more international fund flows. Simultaneously, support for domestic managers reinforces Singapore's ambition to strengthen its plug‑and‑play asset‑management ecosystem. MAS confirmed that progress and outcomes will be tracked and disclosed periodically. Selected managers will have to report on liquidity metrics, investment activity and capability transfer milestones. This level of oversight reflects a strategic approach to ensure that public‑private collaboration delivers measurable structural improvements.
Arabian Post
06-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Primrose Capital Gains Strategic Regulatory Window in Abu Dhabi
Primrose Capital Management has obtained in‑principle approval from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Abu Dhabi Global Market, marking the inception of its journey toward a full Financial Services Permission. The clearance paves the way for the Singapore‑based quantitative trading firm to establish a regulated presence in the UAE's leading international financial centre, offering data‑driven investment products to regional institutional investors and family offices. Approval from the FSRA is a key hurdle for asset managers seeking to operate within ADGM's regulated framework. For Primrose, this milestone enables the deployment of its machine‑learning‑powered strategies—including global futures, options and digital‑asset derivatives—targeted specifically at family offices and sovereign investors in the Gulf. The move aligns with the growing trend of Gulf capital allocated to systematically managed hedge‑fund structures. Primrose's Chief Investment Officer, Linus Ong, underscored the importance of regulated access. He stated that the clarity of ADGM's technology‑oriented rulebook provides assurance as the firm scales its operations, maintaining robust governance and client protection. He described the IPA as 'an important vote of confidence' in Primrose's investment model and its team. ADVERTISEMENT The approval enables Primrose to deepen capital market linkages between Singapore—its headquarters—and Abu Dhabi. With Gulf family offices managing over US$500 billion, there is rising appetite for transparent, risk‑managed products. Primrose intends to launch MENA‑domiciled feeder funds in the latter half of 2025, providing local investors with direct access to its flagship Global Multi‑Strategy and Digital Options programmes. As it progresses toward full FSP status, Primrose plans to recruit portfolio‑engineering and client‑coverage specialists to its Abu Dhabi office. The expansion supports ADGM's goal of scaling its fintech and asset‑management ecosystem, and complements Abu Dhabi's strategy to position itself as a regional hub for innovation in both traditional and digital assets. ADGM has been actively promoting its jurisdiction as a forward‑looking centre. From adopting English common law to establishing a bespoke regulatory framework for digital asset intermediaries, the authority seeks to balance innovation with investor protection. The in‑principle nod to Primrose underscores the regulator's willingness to support quantitative and technology‑centric financial firms. The IPA is not Primrose's first engagement with ADGM. Earlier approvals, such as VersiFi's clearance for digital‑asset trading, attest to the FSRA's evolving regulatory regime aimed at market integrity and security. Firms granted IPA are expected to meet stipulated conditions before earning full licences, ensuring measured market entry. Primrose Capital, founded in 2023, combines expertise from established quantitative hedge funds with digital‑asset innovation. Its founders include seasoned professionals from WorldQuant, Systematica, QCP and BlueCrest. The firm utilises proprietary machine‑learning infrastructure and rigorous risk‑management frameworks to deliver consistent performance across market cycles. The Singapore‑Abu Dhabi corridor reflects broader strategic cooperation in capital‑markets and fintech. Regulatory harmony and mutual recognition across jurisdictions empower firms like Primrose to tap multiple pools of investor capital. The IPA feature reinforces the nascent but growing pipeline of cross‑border asset‑management activity in the Middle East. That said, Primrose's approval emerges amid intensifying competition. ADGM has recently granted IPAs to a number of digital‑asset and commodity trading firms, all vying to serve Gulf‑based institutional investors. These include entities such as VersiFi, underscoring ADGM's ambition to assemble a diversified financial‑technology cluster. The road ahead will require Primrose to meet various conditions set by FSRA, ranging from governance protocols and risk‑management systems to client‑onboarding processes and capital adequacy. Close collaboration with ADGM is expected over the coming months. Once full FSP status is awarded, Primrose will be authorised to market its full suite of strategies and legally establish feeder‑fund vehicles. For ADGM, facilitating the entry of technology‑first managers is central to its mission. Its regulatory architecture—as seen in previous licences granted—strives to balance innovation with investor safeguards. With IPAs converted to full permissions, ADGM stands to solidify its standing as a premier hub for fintech, digital assets and quantitative finance in the Middle East. Primrose's timing is opportune. Market indicators suggest digital‑asset derivatives and quant‑trading strategies are gaining acceptance among Gulf investors seeking diversified returns and capital‑efficiency. By positioning itself early through regulated access, Primrose hopes to capture a segment of the growing systematically‑oriented asset‑management market.
Arabian Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Singapore AI‑Chip Fraud Trial Paused Until August
A Singapore court has postponed the trial of three men accused of illegally redirecting Nvidia AI chips to China until 22 August, after prosecutors stressed the need for additional time to analyse fresh documents and obtain international cooperation. The adjournment allows police to deepen their review of evidence and reach out to overseas authorities for responses. Charged with fraud, the defendants—Singaporeans Aaron Woon Guo Jie, 41, and Alan Wei Zhaolun, 49, along with Chinese national Li Ming, 51—stand accused of falsifying end‑user information to secure servers during purchases in 2023 and 2024. Those servers, allegedly equipped with high-end Nvidia chips, were then shipped via Singapore to Malaysia before possibly continuing to China. Political pressure surrounds the case, as the United States banned exports of leading-edge chips to China in 2022 over military and intelligence concerns. A senior U.S. official has asserted that DeepSeek, the Chinese AI firm implicated, supports military and intelligence operations. Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam confirmed that Singapore authorities pursued the investigation independently after an anonymous tip-off, and preliminary findings indicate the servers may indeed contain Nvidia's chips. The equipment, originally sourced from Dell Technologies and Super Micro Computer via Singapore‑based firms, was rerouted to Malaysia, though the final destination remains uncertain. ADVERTISEMENT This case forms part of a broader probe involving 22 individuals and companies alleged to have falsified end‑user data in order to bypass export restrictions. Singapore's position as a regional invoicing hub—recording 18% of Nvidia's fiscal year revenues despite accounting for less than 2% of physical shipments—underscores its vulnerability as a transit point in such schemes. Observers note that policing such complex supply chains is increasingly difficult, especially when high‑performance AI hardware carries dual-use potential with applications in advanced military or surveillance systems. Singapore's legal actions and multilateral engagements will be closely watched as the court reconvenes late in August.
Arabian Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Cyber Sweep Disables 20,000+ Infostealer IPs and Domains
Global law enforcement has dismantled over 20,000 malicious IP addresses and domains used to serve 69 variants of information‑stealing malware, in a sweeping cybercrime operation spanning 26 countries across the Asia‑Pacific region. The coordinated effort—dubbed Operation Secure—uncovered the digital infrastructure behind credential‑harvesting malware, led to the seizure of 41 servers, over 100 GB of illicit data, and the arrest of 32 suspects, officials said. The four‑month initiative, conducted between January and April 2025, was facilitated through the Asia and South Pacific Joint Operations Against Cybercrime project, with INTERPOL coordinating national cybercrime units and private cybersecurity firms including Group‑IB, Kaspersky and Trend Micro. Intelligence sharing proved crucial, enabling authorities to disrupt roughly 79% of the identified malicious infrastructure. Vietnamese police led the arrests, detaining 18 suspects and uncovering VND 300 million, SIM cards, corporate documentation and digital devices during raids targeting a ring alleged to be selling corporate accounts for illicit use. A further 14 individuals were apprehended in Sri Lanka and Nauru, where targeted house raids also led to the identification of 40 victims. ADVERTISEMENT Hong Kong authorities played a vital technical role, analysing more than 1,700 pieces of intelligence supplied by INTERPOL and mapping 117 command‑and‑control servers across 89 ISPs, infrastructure that underpinned phishing, fraud and social media scam campaigns. In the wake of the operation, over 216,000 individuals and organisations at risk were notified, enabling them to take defensive action such as freezing accounts and changing passwords. Infostealer malware—software designed to extract browser credentials, cookies, credit card details, and cryptocurrency wallet keys—is increasingly being used as a springboard for more destructive operations, according to cyber‑crime experts. Once compromised, credentials are sold on underground forums, facilitating follow‑on attacks including ransomware, data breaches and business email compromise. Group‑IB, a Singapore‑based cybersecurity firm, confirmed that the operation targeted stealer families such as Lumma, RisePro and Meta, adding that 'the compromised credentials and sensitive data acquired by cybercriminals through infostealer malware often serve as initial vectors for financial fraud and ransomware attacks'. Neal Jetton, INTERPOL's Director of Cybercrime, emphasised that the success of Operation Secure underlined the power of global cooperation. 'INTERPOL continues to support practical, collaborative action against global cyber threats,' he said. 'Operation Secure has once again shown the power of intelligence sharing in disrupting malicious infrastructure and preventing large‑scale harm to both individuals and businesses'. Analysts observe that this operation builds on previous global cyber‑crime crackdowns, such as Operation Synergia II in 2024, which dismantled more than 22,000 malicious IPs worldwide. Taken collectively, such operations demonstrate a growing focus on attacking the root infrastructure that supports cybercrime, rather than just responding to individual attacks. With cyber threats proliferating in complexity and scale, experts say that such public‑private partnerships and intelligence sharing are vital. By targeting the infrastructure that underpins malware distribution, authorities aim to disrupt criminal ecosystems before they evolve, rather than merely reacting to breaches.
