Our Investment Approach

Strategy

Asia

  • Singapore/SEA
  • India
  • China

Early Stages

  • Up to $3M per company
  • Startup
  • Series A

Sectors

  • Internet
  • IDM
  • Mobile & Wireless
  • Security & Biometrics
  • Semiconductors

Geography

Upstream Ventures typically targets Sinagpore-based early stage companies with significant regional market opportunities. Singapore is the ideal test-bed for innovation, offering startups many advantages over neighbouring countries, including:

  • Advanced research facilities, universities & incubators
  • Strong IP protection
  • Sector-specific funding schemes & investment tax incentives
  • World-class infrastructure
  • Efficient legal system
  • High standards of corporate governance & transparency

In order to evolve into great growth companies, startups must develop sustainable recurring revenue streams and demonstrate scalability quickly. Upstream accelerates access to new markets and capital by leveraging our network in the region’s larger markets such as India and China.

Stages

Upstream Ventures assumes the role of lead investor in early stage companies, typically investing up to a maximum of $3M per company as part of a Startup or Series A round of funding. We are also keen to co-invest with other investors to ensure the company raises adequate funding to meet its growth needs. We continuously work with portfolio companies to optimize their financial strategy and strive to maintain our role as lead investor as the company moves toward subsequent rounds of funding.

Sectors

Upstream invests in knowledge-intensive companies with scalable solutions and services built on underlying proprietary core technologies. We look for teams with a proven track record that have the potential to create global leaders in high-growth sectors such as: Internet (enterprise, consumer, retail), IDM (interactive digital media), mobile & wireless (applications & services), security & biometrics, and semiconductors (fabless design).

Investment Criteria

Upstream Ventures assesses the suitability of investment opportunities based on the following criteria:

Strong & Committed Management Team

A focused, aligned management team with the discipline to execute is central to any venture’s success. We look closely at the team’s track record and experience in relevant areas. Complementary expertise is essential, and we work with teams to identify and fill the gaps across all levels of the organisation. We like teams that have the flexibility and agility to adapt quickly to changes in the market.

Innovation & Value Proposition

The company should demonstrate innovative products, services or business models that fulfill significant unmet demand while creating long-term competitive advantage. Proprietary intellectual property and competitive strategies are fundamental to creating sustainable barriers to entry.

Scalable Market Opportunity

Singapore is a great place to start, but companies must look to regional and global markets for true scale. Companies should target high-growth markets that are large enough to provide immediate revenue opportunities, and support the expected scale of the business.

Sales & Marketing

We love sales-oriented companies that deploy smart channel strategies to reach target markets quickly and effectively.

Business Model & Financials

The business must demonstrate sustainable recurring revenues quickly whilst applying a conservative approach to the use of funds. It is essential that realistic, achievable projections be in line with the company’s stage of growth.

Viable Exit Opportunity

We seek companies that can provide high return multiples within a 3- to 5-year time frame. Exits can be through a strategic sale or an initial public offering.