This story appears in the September 2024 issue of Forbes Asia. Subscribe to Forbes Asia Asia-Pacific’s small companies and startups on the rise. O ur fourth annual Forbes Asia 100 to Watch list showcases small companies and startups in Asia-Pacific that grabbed investors’ attention—and their checkbooks.
Collectively, these firms have drawn over $2 billion in total investments to date, with 83 of them raising money since the start of 2023–even as venture capital funding in the region hit a seven-year low last year. Some companies we’ve spotlighted tell a story of steady growth, underscoring that success is not an overnight feat. Others have quickly gained traction to secure a foothold in some of the world’s hottest industries, such as spacetech, biotech and robotics, where a race is on to corner the first-mover advantage.
This varied mix of 100 companies share one common trait: a strong innovative streak. Their offerings range from AI navigation systems for space exploration to cutting-edge cell therapies to advanced healthcare diagnostics. There are fintechs addressing the needs of the unbanked and retailers using digital channels to tap a new generation of consumers.
Companies from 16 countries and territories are represented on this year’s list, operating in a total of 10 industries, such as enterprise technology and robotics, finance, and manufacturing and energy. India, a hotbed of startups, has the biggest presence this year with 20 companies, followed by S.