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Iterative

Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore

Description

Iterative is a Singapore-based accelerator that has rapidly established itself as a key player in the Southeast Asian startup ecosystem. Launched in 2019 by seasoned entrepreneurs Hsu Ken Chee and Brian Ma, the firm is exclusively dedicated to identifying and nurturing early-stage technology companies within the region. Its model is often compared to that of Y Combinator, providing a structured program, initial capital, and extensive mentorship to help startups achieve product-market fit and prepare for subsequent funding rounds.

The core of Iterative's offering is its intensive 12-week accelerator program. During this period, selected startups receive hands-on guidance, access to a network of mentors and investors, and a standardized investment. Iterative typically invests $150,000 into each participating company in exchange for 10% equity. This fixed investment amount allows founders to focus on building their product and gaining initial traction without immediate fundraising pressures.

Since its inception, Iterative has demonstrated a significant impact on the regional startup landscape. The accelerator has funded over 100 companies across various sectors, building a diverse and growing portfolio. A testament to their program's effectiveness, Iterative alumni have collectively gone on to raise over $300 million in follow-on funding from a wide array of venture capital firms. This strong track record underscores Iterative's role in fostering the next generation of successful tech companies in Southeast Asia.

Investor Profile

Iterative has backed more than 29 startups, with 7 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 10 rounds, about 34% of its total and boasts 3 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Pre Seed, Series A rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in Singapore, Bangladesh, Indonesia.
  • Strong thematic focus on Software, E-Commerce, B2B.
  • Led 4 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $150K.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (66%)
  • Pre Seed (31%)
  • Series A (3%)

Country Focus

  • Singapore (45%)
  • Bangladesh (14%)
  • Indonesia (10%)
  • Philippines (10%)
  • Malaysia (7%)
  • United States (7%)
  • Vietnam (7%)

Industry Focus

  • Software
  • E-commerce
  • B2b
  • Fintech
  • Marketplace
  • Retail
  • Logistics
  • Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
  • Saas
  • Health Care
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Iterative frequently co-invest with?

BL
North America, Massachusetts, United States, Boston
Co-Investments: 2
RV
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 2
500 Global
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Hustle Fund
North America, California, United States, San Carlos
Co-Investments: 7
Y Combinator
North America, California, United States, Mountain View
Co-Investments: 2
BA
North America, Delaware, United States, Dover
Co-Investments: 2
Sketchnote Partners
Asia, Maharashtra, India, Mumbai
Co-Investments: 2
Epic Angels
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 3
Locus Ventures
North America, California, United States, Redwood City
Co-Investments: 2
XA Network
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 4

Which angels does Iterative often collaborate with?

MC
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 1
BN
Europe, Bristol, City of, United Kingdom, Bristol
Shared Deals: 1
EK
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
Francis Plaza
Asia, Manila, Philippines, Makati
Shared Deals: 1
KL
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
Luis Sia
Asia, Philippines
Shared Deals: 2
JJ Chai
Asia, Singapore
Shared Deals: 1
AR
Europe, Bayern, Germany, Munich
Shared Deals: 1
Zachariah George
Africa, NA - South Africa, South Africa, Cape Town
Shared Deals: 1
JS
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Iterative?

PARADYSE Homes

Singapore, Central Region, Singapore

PARADYSE lets you co-own luxury holiday homes for 1/8th the cost, hassle-free, with managed turnkey properties.

Real EstateReal Estate Investment
Pre SeedJul 1, 2025
Amount Raised: $550,000
Cavos

Singapore, Central Region, Singapore

Cavos builds AI voice agents for contact centers & BPOs in APAC

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Call Center
Pre SeedJul 1, 2025
3cat

Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

3cat is an omnichannel platform specializing in the purchase, refurbishment, and sale of second-hand smartphones.

Retail
SeedJun 25, 2025
ThriveAI

Delaware, Ohio, United States

ThriveAI operates as an AI-powered junior product manager.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Software
Pre SeedMay 13, 2025
Amount Raised: $1,200,000
Seedflex Technologies

Singapore, Central Region, Singapore

Seedflex Technologies is a cashless commerce platform developer that helps businesses prepare for huge unforeseen expenses.

SeedMay 7, 2025
Amount Raised: $3,200,000
LenderLink

Manila, Manila, Philippines

LenderLink is a fintech business that aggregates credit data from internet lenders, collection agencies, and traditional credit bureaus.

AnalyticsFinTech
SeedApr 24, 2025
Amount Raised: $1,250,000
SPUN

Jakarta, Jakarta Raya, Indonesia

Streamlining visa creation with AI & automation for a more delightful global mobility

Business TravelDocument ManagementDocument PreparationTravelTravel Agency
Pre SeedMar 18, 2025
SmartSolar

Ho Chi Minh City, NA - Vietnam, Vietnam

Making Solar Energy Accessible for Southeast Asia

SeedMar 3, 2025
Amount Raised: $1,850,000
Sokratech

Jakarta, Jakarta Raya, Indonesia

Sokratech offers no-code platform to help automate your credit and fraud risk decisions

Enterprise SoftwareRisk Management
Pre SeedAug 21, 2024
BuildBear Labs

Singapore, Central Region, Singapore

BuildBear Labs Platform for testing dApps at scale.

B2BBlockchainDeveloper ToolsSaaSWeb3
SeedFeb 27, 2024
Amount Raised: $1,900,000