Guardian Ventures is blazing a new trail for venture capital firms by providing deep, operational, and tactical support to its portfolio companies. This type of use case is representative of a larger pattern within Asia’s maturing startup landscape. This includes help with their fundraising, corporate identity, product-market fit, go-to-market strategy and leadership development.

Raikk Chan, the Founder and Chairman of Guardian Ventures, leads the firm’s drive to deliver heroic support. Unlike some investors here, Guardian Ventures is focused on putting founders before financial returns. From application to active project, we provide robust support so they can focus on building advanced technology and intellectual capital.

Guardian Ventures’ approach is especially important given that it’s the only one tailored to address the many-pronged challenges startups encounter. Through their capital-raising work, Guardian Ventures lays the financial runway that allows passionate companies to stand up and win at the execution of their vision. In addition, the company plays an integral role in developing the brand’s corporate identity, a major step towards making yourself known in saturated markets.

Perhaps the most important form of support Guardian Ventures provides is guiding companies on their journey to product-market fit. This involves a deep understanding of customer needs and market dynamics, ensuring that the product resonates with its target audience. The firm additionally creates go-to-market strategies, detailing the process required to bring the product to market and achieve scale successfully.

Teaching the Next Generation of Leader Entrepreneurs Leadership development is one the most fundamental components of Guardian Ventures. By nurturing strong leadership within its portfolio companies, the firm enhances their ability to navigate challenges and drive long-term growth.

"Growth hacking is about understanding your customers better than they understand themselves and using that insight to drive growth. We position them as well, which is about clarity." - Raikk Chan Kok Woei

The development of investment players such as Guardian Ventures is one example of how rapidly Asia’s startup ecosystems are maturing. Ecosystems of over $10 billion in value are clearly evident in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. This explosive expansion represents a major change in the competitive playing field of global innovation. Today, these ecosystems are flush with the aforementioned attributes – investors, consultants, accelerators and a robust tech culture.

This new, more holistic approach to venture capital is great for startups. It helps ensure that our businesses remain competitive in an ever-evolving global landscape. Worries are growing that the U.S. may fall behind in key industries. Current tariffs and proposed deep funding cuts to the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health are stoking this anxiety.

Asia’s startup ecosystems are maturing quickly. Firms such as Guardian Ventures demonstrate that non-US investors can take a bigger-picture approach that competes with traditional models. These firms are betting on founders. Beyond that, they offer dynamic support in multiple forms from mentorship and access to resources to help young startups navigate their growth and development.