WOWS Global April 2025 Recap: Market Shifts, Rising Startups & What’s Next in AI

As Q2 unfolds, the WOWS Global team is excited to bring you the latest updates from across our ecosystem. In this edition of the WOWS Monthly Crunch, we spotlight key trends shaping Southeast Asia's startup landscape, highlight new fundraising opportunities, profile actively investing VCs, and offer a look at two exciting upcoming events designed to bring founders and investors closer together.

Whether you're a startup founder, an active investor, or a mentor passionate about innovation, there's something in this issue for everyone.

Southeast Asia’s VC Landscape: April Snapshot

Southeast Asia's venture capital environment has entered a new phase of recalibration. Overall VC activity has declined by 87% from its 2021 peak. Yet, amidst the downturn, promising verticals continue to thrive. Sectors like SaaS and AI are experiencing accelerated funding momentum, signaling where smart capital is now flowing. In contrast, foodtech and logistics sectors are seeing a notable decline in investor interest.

If you're looking to navigate this shifting landscape, our data-driven deep dive offers valuable insights into where the most compelling opportunities are emerging.

Follow the Funding – Read More

New on the WOWS Deal Flow Platform

WOWS continues to spotlight high-potential startups currently raising capital. Here are three standout companies featured this month:

Sleephappy

• Stage: Series A

• Sector: D2C | Retail | Thailand

• Raise: US$5M at a US$45M valuation
  Sleephappy is the retail division of DreamMaster, offering hotel-quality mattresses with a legacy of over two decades in premium bedding solutions.

Elephants

• Stage: Seed

• Sector: FinTech | Singapore

• Raise: US$2M at a US$20M valuation cap
  Elephants provides a modern fintech platform tailored to the needs of Southeast Asia’s SMEs, simplifying financial management and compliance.

Osseolabs

• Stage: Seed

• Sector: HealthTech | Thailand

• Raise: US$4M at a US$20M valuation
  Osseolabs pioneers customized surgical solutions using AI, biomechanics, and 3D printing to optimize patient outcomes.

View all deals

VC Firms Actively Investing in Q2 2025

We’re proud to collaborate with a diverse network of investors across various geographies and stages. This month, meet three firms currently deploying capital:

NEXTTECH

• Focus: D2C, E-Commerce, FinTech, Logistics, Social Impact

• Regions: Primarily Vietnam

• Stages: Pre-Seed, Seed, Pre-Series A

THIA Ventures

• Focus: Agritech, FoodTech

• Regions: Global (strong SEA presence)

• Stages: Pre-Seed through Series B

Wavemaker Partners

• Focus: B2B/Enterprise, Deeptech, ESG

• Regions: Southeast Asia, ANZ

• Stages: Seed to Series A

Raise with WOWS

WOWS Dealflow AI Demo Day - Q2 Edition

After a high-impact February edition that hosted 10 standout AI startups and 120+ investors, we’re excited to announce our next AI Demo Day.

Expect deep dealflow, real-time pitching, and access to over 350 leading investors and AI-focused stakeholders. Whether you're an AI founder looking to scale or an investor sourcing the next unicorn, this is the place to be.

Register as an Investor

Apply as an AI Startup

Evening of Financing and Growth - In Partnership with La French Tech Bangkok

Join us for a high-impact, in-person evening discussing startup financing in Southeast Asia. Moderated by WOWS Global CEO Gagan Singh, the event features a powerhouse panel of speakers covering funding strategies, growth journeys, and the realities of scaling ventures in SEA.

Date: May 22, 2025 

Seats are limited — secure your spot to network, learn, and grow with the region’s top founders and investors.

Get Tickets Here

Mentor Network Spotlight

Our curated mentor network continues to support founders through deep operational insights and strategic guidance. This month, we feature two standout mentors:

Paul Meyers - LinkedIn 

A startup veteran with three exits and a NASDAQ listing, Paul brings over 30 years of experience across telco, media, and fintech. His expertise lies in founder coaching, leadership development, and growth strategy. Ideal for growth-stage founders in impact-driven sectors. Get in Touch

Rick Schaap - LinkedIn

A hands-on mentor and angel investor, Rick specializes in early-stage operations, efficiency-building, and market entry. He’s a go-to for startups navigating pre-MVP to product-market fit. Get in Touch

Startup Spotlight: Gowajee

One of the most promising AI startups in the region, Gowajee is redefining customer engagement through enterprise-grade Thai speech recognition and generative voice AI. Their technology is already being adopted by industry leaders such as SCG and Generali.

Backed by strong traction and a visionary team, Gowajee is a startup to watch closely in 2025.

Read the full story

Stay Connected

That wraps up this edition of the WOWS Monthly Crunch. As we navigate the second quarter of 2025, WOWS Global remains committed to empowering founders, investors and mentors across Southeast Asia’s innovation ecosystem.

For inquiries or support, contact us at support@wowsglobal.com.