The Top VC’s in Singapore – EDBI – Shaping Singapore’s Future Industries Through Investments In Innovation- Intensive And High-Growth Sectors!

EDBI is the branch of the Singapore Economic Development Board that deals with private equity and Venture capital. They aim to solidify themselves as the leading force that will support Singapore’s future economy. Their primary focus is on companies that deal in Healthcare, ICT and modern emerging technology. 

EDBI- About The Company

Headquartered in Singapore, EDBI has over 25 years of experience and aims to “invest in globally competitive businesses to create successful, sustainable industries and to achieve long-term shareholder value.”

Though it invests in global enterprises, EDBI’s primary concern is bolstering the economy and driving innovation in Singapore as well as the surrounding regions. They also enjoy continued support from the Government, making them especially reliable due to this establishment backing. 

As a Singapore Government-backed entity, EDBI focuses predominantly on investing in companies based out of Singapore and other parts of Asia. Companies backed by EDBI can thrive in Asia, especially the Singaporean market due to their extensive knowledge and presence in the location. They are also able to leverage the thriving business environment of the country to the fullest while enjoying Government support.

The Growth Curve

EDBI functions as an arm of the Singapore Economic Development Board and has many schemes to invest in various industries via their Strategic Growth Program. They attract companies that have a global scope to Singapore, developing, expanding and pushing them on their home turf. This contributes to the economic growth, development and employment opportunities in the nation, and provides firms with a fertile climate for business.

EDBI functions as an extension of a Government entity, therefore their priorities are often tied in with the priorities of the Government itself. The firm invests mainly in companies in Healthcare, Information and Communications Technology as well as a variety of emerging technology that is innovative and good for the economy of the country. They have their very own stringent list of criteria for investment, as well as programs for new innovative ideas that would benefit the nation’s infrastructure, economy and labour force. 

EDBI looks for new and innovative ideas with attractive business models, viable products that tackle market needs and inefficiencies, competent management and scope of international competitiveness and expansion. The company also considers the contribution to the economy, in terms of creating a new and exceptional industry and boosting the Singaporean economy. 

They also have Special Situation Funds for Startups(SSFS) for early to late-stage startups in diverse fields of emerging technology. Qualifying for these investments requires meeting certain eligibility criteria in terms of the age of the company, stage of development, investments secured as well as others. In 2020, they rolled out S$285 Million under this scheme.  

The Verdict

EDBI has made 127 investments so far, leading in 31 of them. They have 13 diversity investments to their name, as well as 32 exits. The most recent investment by EDBI was $24 Million on Nuevocor, a Singaporean Biotech company. Healthcare company Aetion secured $19 Million under diversity investments in late August 2020. EDBI has shown persistent interest in developing companies and sectors and continues to work towards supporting firms that contribute heavily to the economy and the nation of Singapore.