Updated:
Iterative
Iterative is a YC style accelerator focused exclusively on Southeast Asia. It invests US $150K to $500K each in a batch of startups twice a year, investing the...
Iterative
Iterative is a YC style accelerator focused exclusively on Southeast Asia. It invests US $150K to $500K each in a batch of startups twice a year, investing the full amount upon admission. Founders then work closely with the firm on their idea for 3 months during the cohort and present to investors at Demo Day with the goal of raising a larger round.
General information
Firm type
Venture Capital
Year founded
2013
Location
Region
Asia
Country
Singapore
City
Singapore
Corporate office
Singapore, Singapore
Principals
Hsu Ken Ooi
Managing Partner
Brian Ma
Managing Partner
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who runs investment decisions at Iterative?
Managing Partners Hsu Ken Ooi and Brian Ma lead the investment committee. Both are full-time operators who moved to Singapore specifically to build Iterative's accelerator. Ooi previously founded Decide.com, while Ma founded Decide.com's predecessor and later co-founded Iterative. The two partners personally review every startup selected for the firm's twice-yearly cohorts.
How does Iterative source its deal flow?
Iterative sources primarily through its open application process, run twice per year for each accelerator batch. The firm also cultivates referrals from its alumni network of more than 100 portfolio companies. Its batch model creates a structured funnel that attracts founders across Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia.
What is Iterative's typical check size and investment instrument?
Iterative invests $150,000 to $500,000 per startup using a post-money SAFE. The firm standardizes terms across its cohort to accelerate deal execution. This instrument choice aligns with early-stage Y Combinator norms and simplifies follow-on fundraising for portfolio companies.
Which markets does Iterative invest in?
Iterative invests across Southeast Asia, with confirmed activity in Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia. The firm will consider startups from any Southeast Asian country but requires founders to participate in its Singapore-based accelerator program.
Which sectors does Iterative focus on?
Iterative is sector-agnostic but demonstrates portfolio concentration in Enterprise Software, FinTech, Digital Health, AgriTech & FoodTech, and Mobility & Transportation. The firm's batch-based selection process favors capital-efficient software startups with regional scalability potential.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
Need institutional-grade insight on venture capital firms?
Altss delivers:
Prefer a guided tour?
We’ll walk you through: