- Vulcan Capital announced it is deploying $100 million into Southeast Asia and has opened up an office in Singapore
Vulcan Capital — the multi-billion-dollar investment arm of the late Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Paul G. Allen — made a couple of big announcements recently. The venture firm opened its first international office in Singapore. And in the initial phase, Vulcan Capital will deploy $100 million into venture opportunities across Southeast Asia thus making it one of the largest early-stage platforms of its kind to be established in the region.
Launched in 2003, Vulcan Capital is known for taking an entrepreneur-friendly approach and invests in both private and public companies with a long-term investment horizon. And the company — now including its Singapore office — is unique in that the investment returns generated by Vulcan Capital will go towards funding the development of globally focused philanthropic initiatives delivered through Vulcan and its many partners.
The Singapore office is going to be run by Managing Directors Tommy Teo and Minjie (MJ) Yu. Teo and Yu both have extensive investment experience focused on growth and technology opportunities across Southeast Asia. And Vulcan Capital Singapore will focus on seed, Series A, and Series B investments.
“I’m excited to be leading Vulcan Capital’s entry into the region,” said Teo in a statement. “Vulcan Capital’s distinctive mission is a first for Southeast Asia, and we look forward to bringing a new brand of catalytic capital to the entrepreneurial and investment community here.”
Vulcan Capital Singapore is the venture firm’s third office as it expands around the globe.
“We aim to improve our planet and support communities around the globe through catalytic philanthropy, scientific research, and commercial ventures,” added Vulcan CEO Vulcan. “We’re excited to contribute to the region with the new Vulcan Capital office in Singapore.”
The leadership team at Vulcan also includes Chris Orndorff (CIO), Rafael Costa (partner), Luke Sikora (partner), Mike Silva (partner), YB (Yongbai) Choi (director of venture capital), Steve Hall (managing director of venture capital), Stuart Nagae (director of venture capital), Elizabeth Goodrich (credit analyst), Ben Kolpa (managing director), Sean Lobo (investment partner), Sean Meeker (director of fixed income), Elizabeth Bernstein (portfolio manager), Adam Hetnarski (TMT Investing), Albert F. Hwang (investment professional), Jon Lanterman, CFA (investment analyst), Allison Liang (investment trading analyst), Christopher Lo (investment analyst), Seth Miller (head of trading), Skyler Nelson (private equity), Rick Roberts (portfolio manager), Eric Rothlisberger, CFA (portfolio manager), and Cliff Su (portfolio manager).
“Vulcan Capital has a long history of working with entrepreneurs in developing and achieving success,” explained Orndorff. “Most of our investments have been focused across North America and we’re looking forward to deepening our relationships with entrepreneurs across Asia as well, beginning here in Singapore.”
