Building Resilience in an Unpredictable Market
As the global venture capital landscape undergoes dramatic shifts, Vertex Ventures South East Asia and India (VVSEAI) is proving that long-term vision and smart diversification can build resilience even amid market volatility.
The Singapore-based VC firm, part of the Vertex Holdings network under Temasek, recently announced the close of its fifth fund—Fund V—at $541 million, marking an 80% jump from its previous $305 million fund in 2019.
With this latest fund, Vertex Ventures reinforces its reputation as one of the region’s most disciplined and forward-thinking investors, demonstrating that a balanced, sector-diverse portfolio is key to surviving — and thriving — through market cycles.
A Portfolio Built for Endurance
Today, Vertex Ventures boasts a portfolio of over 80 companies across consumer, fintech, SaaS, health, sustainability, and mobility. These aren’t just sectors chosen for buzz—they represent core pillars of emerging economies and resilient growth markets across Asia.
Some of the firm’s most recognized bets include:
- Licious, the leading direct-to-consumer meat brand redefining fresh food delivery.
- Kissht, a digital lending platform driving financial inclusion.
- Kapiva, a modern Ayurvedic wellness brand tapping into India’s growing health-conscious consumer base.
- Pilgrim, a fast-rising beauty and personal care brand with global appeal.
- KukuFM, an audio content platform empowering vernacular creators and listeners.
By spanning such varied verticals, Vertex Ventures ensures that its risk exposure is strategically distributed, insulating its portfolio from the boom-and-bust cycles that often hit single-sector VCs hard.
“Diversification Is Not Just a Hedge — It’s a Growth Strategy”
According to Kanika Mayar, Partner at Vertex Ventures, the firm’s success lies in seeing opportunities across themes rather than chasing hype.
“We’ve always believed in building a portfolio that mirrors the real economy—where technology touches multiple aspects of daily life,” says Mayar. “Diversification is not just a hedge against downturns; it’s a strategy for sustainable growth.”
Mayar explains that the firm deliberately backs startups at the intersection of technology and essential needs—from healthcare access and financial inclusion to consumer well-being and sustainable innovation.
This approach allows Vertex Ventures to remain relevant and resilient, even when certain tech categories fall out of investor favor.
How Vertex Ventures Navigates Market Cycles
Venture capital, by nature, is cyclical. Funding booms are often followed by corrections, as witnessed in the post-2021 startup slowdown. Yet, Vertex Ventures has weathered these waves with steady returns and measured growth—thanks to a few key principles:
1. Long-Term Thinking Over Short-Term Trends
Rather than chasing quick exits, Vertex focuses on founders with vision and endurance, those who are building companies that will outlast temporary market fluctuations.
2. Backing Founders Beyond Capital
The firm provides strategic guidance, operational insights, and network access, helping founders scale sustainably instead of burning out on growth-at-all-costs strategies.
3. Regional and Sectoral Diversification
Operating across Southeast Asia and India, the firm taps into two of the world’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems, balancing high-growth potential with geographic diversification.
4. Early-Stage Focus with Room to Grow
By investing early—typically from Series A onward—Vertex gets in on the ground floor of emerging disruptors while maintaining enough flexibility to double down on winners in later rounds.
Fund V: Scaling Success with Discipline
The $541 million Fund V represents not just a larger war chest, but also a vote of confidence from global limited partners (LPs) who trust Vertex’s consistent performance.
Mayar explains that the new fund will continue to invest in high-conviction themes, especially around:
- Digital financial inclusion
- Sustainable consumer brands
- Healthtech and wellness platforms
- Enterprise software (SaaS) solving real-world problems
“Our goal is to identify companies that combine innovation with impact,” Mayar notes. “We’re looking for startups that are not just scalable, but meaningful—businesses that can withstand market cycles and deliver long-term value.”
Why Resilience Is the New VC Currency
In an era of rising interest rates and cautious investors, resilience has become the defining metric for success. Startups no longer win on valuations alone; they must demonstrate clear paths to profitability, operational discipline, and adaptability.
Vertex Ventures’ approach mirrors this shift. By prioritizing solid business fundamentals, cross-sector exposure, and strong founder partnerships, the firm ensures that its portfolio companies are equipped to navigate uncertainty—while continuing to grow.
The Broader Vision: A Stronger Startup Ecosystem
Beyond financial performance, Vertex Ventures plays an active role in strengthening the regional startup ecosystem. Through mentorship programs, community initiatives, and cross-border collaboration, the firm fosters founder resilience and knowledge sharing.
“We want to see Southeast Asia and India emerge as global hubs for innovation,” says Mayar. “That requires not just funding, but patience, understanding, and a long-term partnership mindset.”
Looking Ahead
As markets fluctuate, Vertex Ventures’ strategy remains clear: invest in enduring businesses, not fleeting trends. The firm’s success with Fund V underscores that discipline and diversification—not hype—are the true engines of sustainable venture capital.
In an industry known for volatility, Vertex Ventures stands out for what it builds best: resilient companies and resilient portfolios.