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Expara is a venture capital firm founded in 2003 and headquartered in Singapore. The firm specializes in early-stage venture capital and has established itself as a pioneer in the region by providing services in acceleration, incubation, entrepreneurship training, and mentorship for startups globally. Over its 20 years of operation, Expara has launched five venture capital funds since 2007, with a total fund size of approximately $22 million. The firm has invested in 92 companies across Southeast Asia, demonstrating its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in the region.
Expara's geographic focus includes Southeast Asia, China, the UAE, and Poland, allowing it to tap into diverse markets and opportunities. The firm has a notable history of collaboration with over 100 top venture capital firms, enhancing its ability to support startups through corporate innovation and partnerships. Expara's notable milestones include the successful exit of 2C2P, acquired by Ant Group in April 2022, showcasing its capability to identify and nurture high-potential startups.
Expara invests in early-stage startups across a wide range of sectors, including AI, FinTech, IoT, healthcare, blockchain, software development, cryptocurrencies, renewable energy, telehealth, AgriTech, and FoodTech. The firm primarily targets pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A stages of investment, with initial check sizes ranging from $200,000 to $500,000. This investment strategy allows Expara to support startups at critical early stages of their development.
Geographically, Expara focuses on Southeast Asia while also maintaining a presence in China, the UAE, and Poland. The firm emphasizes corporate innovation and collaboration, working closely with over 100 leading venture capital firms to enhance the growth potential of its portfolio companies. Expara seeks founders who demonstrate strong leadership, a clear vision, and the ability to execute their business plans effectively.
Expara's portfolio includes a diverse array of companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
Expara has achieved notable exits, including the acquisition of 2C2P by Ant Group, further solidifying its reputation in the venture capital space. The firm has invested in a total of 92 companies, showcasing its extensive reach and commitment to supporting early-stage startups across Southeast Asia.
Douglas Abrams: CEO and Founder. Douglas is an American entrepreneur who relocated to Singapore in 2000. He has extensive experience in venture capital, entrepreneurship, and education.
Krista Arunanondchai: Partner. Krista brings expertise in venture capital and startup development, contributing to Expara's investment strategy.
Tianyuan (Mathilda) Ma: Partner. Mathilda focuses on investment analysis and portfolio management, leveraging her background in finance.
Tran Duy Khiem: Partner. Khiem specializes in technology investments and has a strong understanding of the Southeast Asian market.
Lanie Del Rosario: Partner. Lanie has a background in entrepreneurship and supports portfolio companies in scaling their operations.
Maciej (Mike) Plichta: Partner. Mike focuses on cross-border investments and has experience in international markets.
Qian (Satinka) Ma: Partner. Satinka is involved in investment sourcing and relationship management with startups.
Ponarul A P: Partner. Ponarul supports the firm’s operational strategy and investment processes.
Boonrat Lohwongwatana: Venture Partner. Boonrat provides insights into the Thai market and supports local investments.
Jerry Wang: Business Advisory. Jerry offers strategic advice to portfolio companies based on his extensive industry experience.
Ziyi (Nadia) Lin: Associate. Nadia assists in deal sourcing and due diligence for potential investments.
To pitch to Expara, founders should send their proposals via email to inquiries@expara.com. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market analysis, financial projections, and the team’s background. Expara prefers concise and well-structured presentations that highlight the startup's unique value proposition.
Response times may vary, but founders can generally expect to hear back within a few weeks. Warm introductions are beneficial but not mandatory. Expara encourages direct outreach from founders who meet their investment criteria.
Expara runs an acceleration program designed to support early-stage startups in their growth journey. This program provides mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities to help founders scale their businesses effectively.
Eligibility for the program typically includes being an early-stage startup with a viable business model and a clear growth strategy. Interested founders can apply by reaching out to Expara through their contact email.
In April 2022, Expara achieved a notable exit with the acquisition of its portfolio company 2C2P by Ant Group. This exit highlights Expara's ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups.
Expara has been active in launching venture capital funds, having launched five funds since 2007. The firm continues to invest in early-stage startups across Southeast Asia, with a current portfolio of 92 companies.
Expara's commitment to supporting entrepreneurship is evident through its acceleration and incubation programs, which have supported over 900 companies since inception.
What are Expara's investment criteria?
Expara focuses on early-stage startups in sectors such as AI, FinTech, IoT, healthcare, and more. The firm typically invests in pre-seed, seed, seed-plus, and Series A stages, with check sizes ranging from $200,000 to $500,000.
How can I apply or pitch to Expara?
Founders can pitch their startups by sending an email to inquiries@expara.com. It is advisable to include a detailed business plan and financial projections in the pitch deck.
What makes Expara different from other venture capital firms?
Expara combines venture capital investment with comprehensive support services, including acceleration, incubation, and mentorship. The firm has a strong network of over 100 top venture capital firms, enhancing its ability to support startups.
What is Expara's geographic scope?
Expara primarily focuses on Southeast Asia but also has a presence in China, the UAE, and Poland, allowing it to tap into diverse markets.
What is Expara's post-investment involvement like?
Expara provides extensive support to its portfolio companies through mentorship, access to resources, and connections within its network. The firm actively engages with founders to help them scale their businesses.
What is the size of Expara's funds?
Expara has launched five venture capital funds since 2007, with a total fund size of approximately $22 million. The firm invests up to $500,000 per deal in early-stage startups.
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