Gobi Partners Sustainability Report 2024
Gobi Partners is proud to unveil its Fourth ESG and Sustainability Report, reflecting our efforts, impact, and ambitions in 2024. From formalising our ESG 2.0 framework to expanding our commitment to underserved communities, this report offers a comprehensive view of how we invest with purpose; creating value not only for investors, but for people and the planet.
August 20, 2025
As venture capital evolves, ESG is no longer a “nice to have” - it is a fundamental lens through which we define risk, discover opportunity, and drive long-term progress. Through this report, we reaffirm our role as a responsible investor embedded in Asia’s innovation landscape.
ABOUT THE REPORT
This year’s theme: “Where Innovation Meets Purpose” highlights how Gobi continues to support purpose-driven innovation across emerging markets. The report captures the strategies, frameworks, and partnerships we deployed in 2024 to embed sustainability across our operations and portfolio lifecycle.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2024
- US$58 million deployed across 44 rounds
- 13,388 jobs created across Southeast Asia and the Greater Bay Area
- 58% of portfolio companies with gender-diverse leadership
- 25+ TaqwaTech startups backed to date
- 62 Circular Economy-aligned companies across 23 industries
- 330 tons CO₂ generated from total business air travel—19% less from senior leadership
STRENGTHENING ESG FROM THE INSIDE OUT
ESG 2.0 FULLY ROLLED OUT
- In 2024, Gobi formalised its ESG 2.0 framework—an enhanced investment process embedding ESG standards across every stage of the deal lifecycle. All new investments are screened using updated tools, onboarded with ESG pledges, and monitored via cloud-based tracking platforms.
INTERNAL CAPACITY BUILDING
- Quarterly ESG training for all staff, covering DEI and green procurement
- Specialised training on ESG topics rolled out across local offices
- Promotion of the ESG Repository, a live resource hub accessible to all portfolio startups
CARBON MONITORING AND ACCOUNTABILITY
- Gobi adopted the GHG Protocol across offices and initiated Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions tracking. Reporting is integrated into Novata dashboards under the ESG Data Convergence Initiative (EDCI), enabling more accurate benchmarking and emissions reduction planning.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Gobi supports 62 companies committed to resource efficiency, waste reduction, and closed-loop business models. These startups span sectors including re-commerce, food tech, e-waste recycling, and agri-innovation.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEI)
58% of Gobi’s portfolio value is led by gender-diverse teams. Gobi’s DEI Framework includes Inclusive leadership and hiring policies, Anti-harassment and equity standards, and DEI benchmarking, training, and data tracking.
TAQWATECH
Serving the global Muslim population, Gobi has now backed over 25 startups in Malaysia, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and MENA. Focus areas include: Modest fashion, Halal FinTech, Digital Takaful, Muslim-friendly travel, and Blockchain for Islamic finance.
PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS
Gobi-backed companies driving measurable ESG impact in 2024:
- Bateriku (Malaysia) – Reducing battery waste through reconditioning
- DCAP (Malaysia) – Motorcycle financing for gig workers
- Jazro (Malaysia) – STEM and robotics education for underserved youth
- Wadaa (Pakistan) – Affordable microinsurance for low-income families
- GenEditBio (GBA) – Next-gen genome editing for rare diseases
- Base Therapeutics (GBA) – Gene-editing and cell therapies for cancer and genetic disorders
- ArmourZero (ASEAN) – Cybersecurity-as-a-subscription for SMEs
- Funding Societies (ASEAN) – Financing for unbanked SMEs
- Qist Bazaar (Pakistan) – Installment-based access to essential goods
Each startup story is mapped to UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reflects Gobi’s investment thesis: Purpose-led growth can outperform.
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