December 2024 Newsletter


24 December 2024


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H E A D L I N E S
During the Pakistan Investment Conference in Shanghai, held as part of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s historic visit to China, Gobi Partners announced the launch of the US$50 million Techxila Fund II to support Pakistan’s startup ecosystem. Building on the success of its first fund—which backed 22 companies, generated US$245 million in revenue, and reached over 3.2 million low-income households—Gobi also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Bank of Punjab. The agreement will provide financing, equity investments, mentorship, and tailored financial solutions to startups, aiming to advance innovation, strengthen entrepreneurship, and drive sustainable economic growth in Pakistan.
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T O P   S T O R I E S
Gobi GBA received the Most Innovative Pan-Asian VC Platform 2024 title at the Wealth & Finance Awards, highlighting its role in driving growth and innovation across diverse sectors. For the second consecutive year, Gobi GBA earned the Hong Kong LPF Best Fund Manager Award, reflecting its excellence in fund management. Additionally, they secured 16th place in Zero2IPO Group's Top 30 Early-stage Investment Firms, recognising its strategic backing of emerging startups.
E V E N T   R E C A P
The Malaysian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (MVCA) hosted the Malaysia Venture Forum 2024, themed “Reflect, Assess, and Charge Forward,” bringing together industry leaders to explore Malaysia’s investment landscape. Gobi’s Co-Founder and Chairperson, Thomas G. Tsao, joined a panel on “Rethinking Investment and Exits: VC Strategies in Funding Slowdown,” discussing strategies to adapt, innovate exits, and ensure sustainable outcomes during market shifts. Gobi’s Executive Director, Hisham Ibrahim, CPA, CFA, later moderated “Emerging Frontiers in VC: Unlocking Growth Sectors,” highlighting untapped opportunities, technology’s role in reshaping industries and aligning investments with future trends to drive long-term value.
Gobi thanks Entrepreneur Growth Hub and partners – Amazon Web Services (AWS), microLEAP, Maxis, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Cradle Fund, and Growth Charger – for their support in making Founders & Funders 2024 a success. Co-Founder and Chairperson Thomas G. Tsao and Managing Partner Jamaludin Bujang shared insights that inspired startups to explore new opportunities. Notably, 2-3 startups are expected to secure over RM1 million in funding each in the coming months, signalling the event’s tangible impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Gobi Partners wishes everyone a joyful festive season and a successful 2025 filled with growth and opportunities. The team looks forward to reconnecting in the new year!