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Dark Horse Investment Holdings Limited, founded in Hong Kong, is an early-stage investment group that comprises a diverse team of sophisticated and accredited investors. This includes former and current CEOs, serial entrepreneurs, investment bankers, and business consultants. The firm focuses on supporting innovative startups across various sectors, leveraging the extensive experience and networks of its team members to facilitate growth and success.
Currently, Dark Horse Investment operates with a portfolio of 13 companies, primarily targeting early-stage ventures in Asia. The firm typically invests between $50,000 and $1,000,000 in seed to early-stage rounds. Notable milestones include the successful exit of Biolidics, a cancer diagnostics company that went public on Singapore's Catalist board in December 2018. The firm is headquartered in Hong Kong and has a global investment perspective, although its primary focus remains on the Asian market.
Dark Horse Investment primarily targets early-stage ventures in Asia, particularly those raising seed or early-stage rounds. The firm is particularly interested in sectors such as telecom, IT, education, environmental technology, e-commerce, and biotechnology. Their investment strategy emphasizes co-investing alongside other venture funds, which allows them to participate in rounds ranging from $1 million to $5 million at valuations between $2 million and $10 million.
The firm seeks to invest in disruptive and platform technologies, focusing on high-tech startups and biomedical innovations. They have stringent screening and due diligence criteria, ensuring that they back companies with strong potential for growth. Dark Horse Investment values founders who demonstrate a clear vision and the ability to execute their business plans effectively.
Dark Horse Investment's portfolio includes a diverse range of companies across various sectors:
In addition to these current investments, Dark Horse has previously invested in companies such as Clearbridge NanoMedics and Clearbridge BioLoc, indicating a strong interest in health diagnostics and biotechnology.
Dominic Chan - Founder and CEO. He has a background in consulting and has worked with multiple high-tech startups. He is also a member of the vetting and membership committee of the Hong Kong Business Angels Network.
Johnson Chen - Managing Partner. Previously, he served as President of CyberWorks Ventures, the venture capital arm of PCCW, and is currently the Managing Partner of Clearbridge Accelerator.
Wai-Shan Lam - Team Member. He founded Elpine Technologies and co-founded she.com. He has invested in early-stage private companies, including Slim Devices.
Kelly Lee - Team Member. He founded Arena Corporation and has experience in startup investing across various sectors, including online retail and e-commerce payments.
Daniel Poon - Team Member. Formerly a Managing Director at TPG Capital, he was responsible for the financial institutions practice in Asia and has invested over $1 billion across Asian financial institutions.
To pitch Dark Horse Investment, founders should use the contact form available on their official website. It is advisable to include an executive summary that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and financial projections. The firm reviews submissions on a rolling basis, and the decision timeline for investments typically spans 6-12 weeks after initial screening.
While a warm introduction is not explicitly required, it may enhance the chances of a favorable review. Founders should be prepared to present their business plans if shortlisted.
As of the latest updates, Dark Horse Investment has not announced any recent investments or exits. The most notable activity in their portfolio includes the IPO of Biolidics on Singapore's Catalist board in December 2018. The firm has not made any public announcements regarding new investments or changes in leadership since then.
Given the high-staleness risk associated with Dark Horse Investment, founders should verify the firm's current activity and responsiveness before considering them as a fundraising target.
What are Dark Horse Investment's investment criteria?
Dark Horse Investment focuses on early-stage ventures in Asia, particularly in sectors like telecom, e-commerce, healthcare, and biotechnology. They typically invest between $50,000 and $1,000,000 in seed to early-stage rounds.
How can I pitch to Dark Horse Investment?
Founders can pitch their startups through the official website's contact form. The firm reviews executive summaries submitted online, and shortlisted companies are invited to present their business plans.
What makes Dark Horse Investment different from other VCs?
Dark Horse Investment leverages the extensive experience and networks of its team members, which include former CEOs and investment bankers. This allows them to provide strategic guidance and facilitate connections with other investors and industry experts.
What is the decision timeline for investments?
After screening interest, Dark Horse Investment typically conducts a 6-12 week due diligence process before making investment decisions.
What geographic areas does Dark Horse Investment focus on?
The firm primarily focuses on the Asian market, including Hong Kong, Singapore, and China, but maintains a global investment perspective.
What types of support do portfolio companies receive?
Dark Horse Investment provides strategic guidance, operational support, and access to a network of sophisticated investors and entrepreneurs, enhancing the growth potential of its portfolio companies.
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