East Ventures, a pioneering and leading sector-agnostic venture capital firm in Southeast Asia, is elated to have three of its portfolio companies included in the prestigious Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2025 list.
The fifth annual Forbes Asia 100 to Watch list provides a window into the vibrant world of startups and small companies in the Asia-Pacific region. It is a constantly evolving ecosystem, which is increasingly focusing on AI and deep tech to innovate and thrive.
With VC funding rebounding in 2025, there is promising news for APAC’s tech landscape. The list represents 16 countries and territories, with India leading the pack with 18 companies, followed by Singapore and Japan (14 each), China (9), Indonesia and South Korea (8 each), and Australia (7).
Investors also favor fast-rising sectors such as biotechnology, spacetech, and green tech. This year, the list is well-populated by companies in those fields—from enterprises developing gene-editing therapies for cancer treatments to those producing new anode material for lithium-ion batteries or building novel propulsion systems for spacecraft. They are grouped under 10 industry categories, with the largest cohort (18) in biotechnology and healthcare, followed by enterprise technology and robotics (16).
Overall, the 100 companies on the list have drawn nearly US$3 billion in funding to date, compared with US$2 billion raised by last year’s group.
“We are proud to see three of our portfolio companies named to this year’s prestigious Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2025 list. We celebrate the bold ideas and perseverance of these founders, whose work is shaping the industries and creating meaningful impact in society. This recognition also inspires us at East Ventures to continue supporting and nurturing the entrepreneurs to drive long-term success and greater impacts in the region,“ said Melisa Irene, Partner at East Ventures.
East Ventures’ startups listed in Forbes Asia 100 to Watch List 2025
Here are the East Ventures-backed firms listed in this year’s list:
Aevice Health
Growing up with asthma led Adrian Ang to found a medtech firm based in Singapore Aevice Health, which makes non-invasive, wearable devices that can help manage respiratory diseases remotely. The company’s AeviceMD is a smart wearable stethoscope that continuously monitors heart and respiratory rates. In May, AeviceMD received U.S. Food & Drug Administration clearance for its use on children above the age of three. Last year, the startup raised US$7 million in a seed plus funding round, participated by East Ventures.
Rekosistem
Jakarta-based Rekosistem is a climate tech company offering digital waste management services to individuals and businesses in Indonesia. It collects waste, sorts and recycles, and tracks the entire process; helping customers achieve waste-free targets and compliance with ESG (environmental, social, and governance) guidelines. In May, Rekosistem raised US$7 million in a series A round, bringing total funding to US$12 million.
Ringkas
Ringkas aims to make mortgage financing more efficient and accessible for home buyers in Indonesia. Applications made through the fintech’s digital platform are submitted to multiple banks, and its AI tools help prequalify candidates through KYC (know your customer) and creditworthiness checks. Through the platform, customers can transfer their mortgage to other lenders with more competitive rates and terms. Ringkas raised US$5.1 million in pre-series A funding in May to enhance its AI capabilities, increase headcount, and expand in Southeast Asia.
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