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Protégé Ventures is Southeast Asia’s first and Singapore’s only student-run venture capital fund, established in 2017. The fund operates under the Singapore Management University’s Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, focusing on empowering student founders to build scalable ventures. By providing access to funding, mentorship, and a network of industry professionals, Protégé Ventures aims to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students and recent graduates.
Currently, Protégé Ventures has a team of dedicated student analysts and professionals, with a total capital raised by its portfolio companies exceeding SGD 35 million from institutional investors. The fund has made 12 investments since its inception, primarily in early-stage technology startups founded by students or recent graduates. The organization has trained over 320 students in venture capital practices, creating a pipeline of future investors.
Protégé Ventures invests in early-stage technology startups founded by students or recent graduates, specifically targeting those who have graduated within the last five years. The fund typically writes checks ranging from SGD 25,000 to SGD 50,000, focusing on pre-seed and seed stages. The investment strategy is industry-agnostic, supporting startups across various sectors including AI, agri-tech, consumer products, and food and beverages.
The fund emphasizes hands-on support and access to a professional network, which is crucial for the growth of these early-stage companies. Protégé Ventures seeks founders who demonstrate passion, innovation, and a clear vision for their startups, ensuring that they are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Protégé Ventures has invested in a diverse range of startups, showcasing its commitment to supporting student-led ventures. Notable portfolio companies include:
Dorothy Yuan: Managing Partner with a background in venture capital and entrepreneurship.
Ryan Teo: Managing Partner, experienced in startup investments and business development.
Ying Wei Toh: Partner with expertise in technology and innovation.
Arjun Kumar: Partner focused on early-stage investments and mentorship.
Adam Ihsan: Principal with a strong background in finance and investment analysis.
Alif Anshari: Principal specializing in technology startups.
Audrey Ng: Principal with experience in venture capital and startup ecosystems.
Brian Chua: Associate involved in deal sourcing and evaluation.
Dhwanii Kumar: Associate focused on portfolio management.
Poornima Valsan: Associate with expertise in market research.
Isaac Sia: Associate involved in investment analysis.
Archana Kannangath: Associate with a focus on technology investments.
Genevieve Lim: Associate specializing in startup support.
Shenn Lee: Associate involved in deal flow management.
Yash Raj Singh: Associate with a background in entrepreneurship.
Adithya Ganesh Rao: Analyst focused on market trends.
Aishwarya Goyal: Analyst involved in investment research.
Arya Rajesh Kudlur: Analyst with expertise in financial modeling.
To pitch to Protégé Ventures, startups should visit their website at protege.vc or email hello@protege.vc. It is recommended to include a detailed pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team background. Response times may vary, but founders can expect to hear back within a few weeks.
Protégé Ventures offers a structured program for student analysts, which includes a four-week academy training designed to equip participants with venture capital knowledge and skills. This program emphasizes hands-on experience in sourcing and evaluating deals, preparing students for careers in venture capital.
In September 2023, Protégé Ventures launched Fund II with a total size of SGD 500,000, backed by notable LP David Su, the Founding Managing Partner of Matrix Partners China. The fund has made 12 investments since its inception, with the most recent being a SGD 25,000 investment in Equatorial Space Systems, an eco-friendly rocket startup.
Q?
What are the investment criteria for Protégé Ventures?
Protégé Ventures focuses on early-stage technology startups founded by students or recent graduates, specifically those who have graduated within the last five years. The fund is industry-agnostic and supports various sectors including AI, agri-tech, consumer products, and food and beverages.
Q?
How can startups apply or pitch to Protégé Ventures?
Startups can pitch to Protégé Ventures through their website at protege.vc or by emailing hello@protege.vc. It is advisable to include a clear business plan and details about the founding team.
Q?
What makes Protégé Ventures different from other venture capital firms?
Protégé Ventures is unique as it is a student-run venture capital fund, providing not only funding but also mentorship and access to a professional network. This dual mission supports startups while training future venture capitalists.
Q?
What is the typical check size for investments?
The fund typically writes checks ranging from SGD 25,000 to SGD 50,000 for its investments.
Q?
What is the geographic scope of Protégé Ventures?
Protégé Ventures primarily operates in Singapore and Southeast Asia, focusing on startups within this region.
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