As the year of 2024 comes to an end, we sought insights from prominent figures across the Southeast Asian tech landscape. These leaders reflected on their triumphs throughout the year, sharing valuable perspectives on their achievements and the challenges they overcame. Furthermore, they unveiled their ambitious aspirations, meticulously outlined their strategic plans for 2025, and offered insightful predictions on the trajectory of the tech industry in the coming year.

We talked to Chandra Tjan, Co-Founder & General Partner Alpha JWC Ventures to learn more about the firm’s achievements in 2024, its plans and focuses in 2025. He also shared his views on the outlook of the tech ecosystem in Indonesia and Southeast Asia for the new year.

Alpha JWC Ventures is a Southeast Asian early-to-growth stage venture capital firm that debuted in Indonesia in 2015. With deep Indonesian roots, far reaching experience in Southeast Asia, and a global network, the VC firm said it has grown to be the region’s largest and best-performing early-stage fund with 70+ active portfolio companies and US $650 million of assets under management.

How was Alpha JWC Ventures’ 2024?

2024 was a year that tested the resilience and adaptability of businesses across Southeast Asia, including our portfolio companies. It was marked by shifting investor expectations, making it a challenging period for the startup ecosystem.
However, these challenges underlined the need for more disciplined business management and operational efficiency, areas where we worked closely with our founders to provide support and guidance.
In 2024, through the Alpha JWC AIIP program, launched with Pijar Foundation, we help to continue and amplify efforts to advance AI adoption in the region, helping businesses harness its potential to navigate uncertainties and improve efficiency.
Despite the challenges, some of our portfolio companies managed to achieve meaningful milestones by focusing on sustainable growth and adopting innovative approaches to market challenges. While the year wasn’t without setbacks, it offered valuable insights that we are carrying into 2025.

What’s your expectation/aspiration for 2025?

For 2025, we see this as an opportunity for startups to build resilience and refine their strategies. Founders will need to focus on business and growth sustainability, realistic valuations, and creating products that truly meet the markets’ needs.
Our aspiration is to help startups navigate these challenges, not just through capital but by being a partner in addressing operational inefficiencies, adapting to changing demands, and leveraging technology effectively.
While we remain cautiously optimistic, our focus is on supporting our portfolio companies to stay agile, competitive, and prepared for a fluctuating market.
At Alpha JWC, we also focused on continuing to invest in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, consumer and healthcare solutions, as well as businesses that capitalize on Southeast Asia’s robust digital economy, which is expected to reach $363 billion by 2025, doubling from $174 billion in 2021.

What are the plans of Alpha JWC Ventures in 2025? What is the focus in the new year?

Our hands-on approach will prioritize guiding startups through operational and strategic challenges, enabling them to focus on sustainable growth rather than just rapid scaling.
Expanding networks remains a key priority, as these partnerships will provide the resources and expertise needed for startups to scale thoughtfully.
Lastly, we will place greater emphasis on product excellence, supporting founders in creating solutions that solve real-world problems while offering unique value to customers.
The focus for 2025 is not on chasing growth at any cost but on building businesses that can weather uncertainty and thrive over the long term. Lastly we also continue to seek out and invite great founders (to reach out to us) who we can partner with to build legacies and positive impact in the world.

How is the outlook for 2025 for the tech ecosystem in Indonesia and Southeast Asia?

Startups that thrive will be those that have demonstrated resilience in managing their resources, agility in adapting to market shifts
Investors are likely to remain cautious, prioritizing startups with clear value propositions and proven execution capabilities over high-growth promises. That said, sectors like fintech, healthcare, and logistics are expected to see significant advancements, driven by evolving consumer needs and technological innovation.
While the outlook is mixed, it presents opportunities for those willing to take a disciplined approach to building their businesses.
At Alpha JWC Ventures, we believe the region’s tech ecosystem has the potential to emerge stronger, provided startups focus on creating sustainable and impactful solutions.

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