| | JUNE 2025 6EDITOR'S DESKThe startup scene across Asia-Pacific is shifting, and quickly. What used to be pockets of isolated innovation is now becoming a connected, competitive, and increasingly mature ecosystem. A new wave of technologies and fresh thinking is pushing industries to rethink how they operate, build, and grow.At the center of this shift is the rise of no-code and low-code platforms. These tools are making it easier for founders, especially those without technical backgrounds, to build real products quickly. It is no longer about needing a team of engineers to launch. Now it is about how fast ideas can be tested, adjusted, and brought to market. For early-stage startups trying to move fast and stay lean that is a serious advantage.Artificial intelligence is also gaining real traction. Startups are integrating AI in practical, results-driven ways across customer service, logistics, and healthcare. Whether it is powering chatbots, predicting supply chain needs, or driving diagnostics, AI is becoming part of the core strategy, not just a buzzword.Meanwhile, sustainability-focused startups are gaining momentum. Clean energy solutions, waste-to-value innovations, and circular economy models are no longer fringe ideas. These ventures are building solid business models while addressing urgent environmental challenges. Investors and consumers are starting to expect this kind of focus.Support for this growth is stronger than ever. Countries like Vietnam, India, and the Philippines are becoming hubs for early-stage innovation, thanks to increasing access to venture capital and government-backed programs. Regional collaboration is also growing, making it easier for startups to expand, partner, and scale across borders.In this edition, we spotlight Jason Su, Chief Investment Officer, Farquhar Capital, who shares his perspectives on emerging investment trends, startup valuation shifts, and the evolving landscape of venture capital in APAC. We also feature insights from Kulika Weizman, General Partner, Creative Ventures, who discusses the intersection of deep tech and impact investing, highlighting how early-stage innovation is addressing some of the region's most pressing challenges. Together, these voices offer a compelling look into the forces shaping the future of investment and innovation across the APAC startup ecosystem.Let us know your thoughts!Building Fast, Thinking Big: The APAC Startup ShiftKenneth Thomas Managing Editoreditor@startupcity.comCopyright © 2025 ValleyMedia, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustrations without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the magazine and accordingly, no liability is assumed by the publisher thereof.JUNE 2025, Volume 9 - Issue 03 (ISSN 2644-2361)Published by ValleyMedia, Inc. To subscribe to Startup CityVisit www.startupcity.com Editorial StaffAaron Pierce Ava Garcia Mia WilliamsDanny RobinsonJoshua ParkerVian IsaacManaging EditorKenneth ThomasDisclaimer: *Some of the Insights are based on our interviews with CIOs and CXOsVisualizersPresley MeadowTom hanksEmailsales@startupcity.comeditor@startupcity.commarketing@startupcity.com
< Page 5 | Page 7 >