We’re a Group of Investors Consisting of Entrepreneurs, Business Owners, and CEOs Who Want to Invest Long-Term and Support Startup Growth: Ben Lim, CEO of NEXEA

NEXEA is a venture capital firm and an angel investor network in Southeast Asia that focuses on supporting startups and angel investors. The company provides funding, mentorship, and resources to help startups scale while offering investors access to high-potential companies and opportunities for long-term growth.

SME Business Review spoke with Ben Lim, founder and CEO of NEXEA, to learn more about the company's mission, approach to supporting startups, and vision for the future. Here's what Ben had to say.

Interview Excerpts

Could you tell us about the vision behind NEXEA and what motivated you to establish the firm?

NEXEA was created with a clear vision to support early-stage startups, particularly in Southeast Asia. I wanted to create a platform where entrepreneurs could get more than just funding. Our focus has always been on providing holistic support—helping startups not only with capital but also with strategic guidance, mentorship, and operational support. I saw an opportunity to build a venture builder that could make a real difference in the startup ecosystem, particularly in an area where founders often struggle to find the right resources.

NEXEA is known for its focus on collaboration and partnerships. How does that play out in the way you work with the startups you support?

Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do at NEXEA. I don’t believe in just being an investor from the sidelines. Our role is to be active partners, working alongside founders to help them build successful businesses. This partnership goes beyond funding; it’s about understanding the unique challenges each startup faces and offering strategic advice, business operations support, and connecting them to our network of mentors and industry experts. We want to create an environment where founders feel supported and empowered to succeed.

NEXEA is also known for taking an active role in building businesses, not just investing in them. Can you tell us more about that venture-building model?

Yes, we’ve developed a model where we don’t just wait for startups to come to us—we actively build businesses from the ground up. This venture-building approach allows us to have a direct hand in shaping the company’s direction, product, and overall strategy. Our team works with entrepreneurs to help turn their ideas into scalable, sustainable businesses. We take a very hands-on approach, helping with everything from product development to market expansion. The goal is to eliminate common pitfalls that early-stage businesses often face and ensure a smoother path to growth.

What qualities do you look for when selecting a startup to work with? How do you assess their potential for growth?

When we look at a startup, we’re always focused on potential for growth, scalability, and innovation. It’s important for us to identify startups that have a unique value proposition and can address real-world problems in a meaningful way. Of course, market fit is critical, but we also look at the team behind the startup. Founders who are resilient, adaptable, and driven are key. We want to see a team that is willing to learn, pivot when necessary, and be committed to building something that lasts. We assess not just the business model but the long-term vision of the company.

NEXEA has supported a wide range of startups across different industries. What do you think allows the firm to successfully invest in such diverse sectors?

Our ability to work across various industries is due to the broad experience of our team. We’re not limited to one sector; our team has expertise in technology, healthcare, consumer products, and more. I believe it’s about understanding the fundamentals of building a business, no matter the industry. While each sector has its unique challenges, the principles of business growth—like market fit, customer acquisition, and scalability—remain the same. Having a diverse team of experts allows us to provide tailored advice and support to startups across different industries.

NEXEA emphasizes long-term value creation rather than short-term gains. Can you elaborate on how this philosophy influences your approach to working with startups?

For us, the focus has always been on building sustainable businesses. I don’t believe in chasing short-term wins. The startups we work with are aiming for long-term success, and our goal is to help them get there. We work closely with founders to ensure that their business models are built for the long haul, and we’re always looking at how we can add value to them over time. That means offering continuous support, adapting to changes in the market, and being there for the long run. It’s not just about quick profits; it’s about creating companies that can thrive and make an impact over many years.

What kind of support does NEXEA provide to its portfolio companies outside of funding?

We offer a wide range of support beyond just funding. We help startups with business development, marketing strategies, talent acquisition, and operational needs. When a startup is in its early stages, resources are often limited, and that’s where we come in. Whether it’s helping to refine a product, connect with the right customers, or expand the team, we provide the hands-on support needed to scale. We’re deeply involved in all aspects of the business, making sure that the founders have what they need to succeed.

NEXEA has also been involved in supporting the broader startup ecosystem. Can you tell us about your efforts to contribute beyond direct investments?

 Absolutely. At NEXEA, we believe that fostering a strong startup ecosystem is vital for the growth of the region. That’s why we actively contribute by mentoring young founders, supporting startup events, and providing educational resources. We want to help nurture the next generation of entrepreneurs, not just through investments but by sharing our knowledge and experiences. By doing so, we believe we can help build a more sustainable and thriving entrepreneurial community in Southeast Asia.

What is next for NEXEA? How do you see the firm evolving in the coming years?

We’re constantly evolving. As the market changes, so do the needs of startups. Our goal is to continue to adapt, stay agile, and keep providing meaningful support to entrepreneurs. We’re looking to expand our reach and continue building partnerships with more founders, especially in new and emerging industries. The startup ecosystem is dynamic, and we’re excited to be part of its continued growth. For NEXEA, it’s all about building lasting relationships and creating opportunities that lead to long-term success.

Ben Lim, Founder & CEO, NEXEA

“We invest our equity capital, networks and business insights into entrepreneurs that want to build real, high-growth, resilient businesses.”