Part 1: 11 Gobi Companies to Watch in 2023, according to Forbes


29 September 2023


Venturing into the startup world is not just about chasing profits and making heads turn but leaving an indelible mark and inspiring others to follow suit. Prestigious organisations and governing bodies like Forbes extend awards and recognitions to endorse such efforts. Recently, 11 Gobi companies secured prestigious spots on Forbes Asia’s highly regarded Top 100 Companies to Watch list.

For the 2023 edition, Forbes Asia highlights businesses that empower underserved markets or leverage cutting-edge technologies. Forbes’ rigorous selection process ensures that only the most promising and innovative startups are featured, making the recognition even more valuable.

These startups are bold dreamers, game-changers, and visionaries reshaping industries. Landing a spot on Forbes Asia’s Top 100 Companies to Watch isn’t just about bragging rights; it’s a testament to their innovation, impact, and potential. Being listed on this exclusive roster can profoundly impact a company’s reputation and growth potential. It provides much-needed exposure and visibility to startups, which can attract investors, customers and partners. Startups that make it to the list receive increased media attention, which can help them build brand awareness and credibility.

Among the notable tech portfolios inducted is Aerodyne Group, a prominent player in the drone industry specialising in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAS) services. Their operations span 35 countries, with 400 experts managing 300,000 infrastructure assets and executing 110,000 flight operations. Their strategic pivot towards harnessing the power of data turned them into Drone and Data Technology leaders.  Further accolades from Drone Industry Insights of Germany and strategic collaborations with major corporations like PETRONAS have catalysed their global growth.

Headquartered in the vibrant heart of Hong Kong, Telefield Ltd isn’t just building gadgets; they’re crafting the future. This electronics manufacturer has a comprehensive suite of services, serving as a “one-stop shop” for OEM and ODM solutions. With a robust R&D team, Telefield supports clients in design and development. The company has expanded into IoT, System Integration/Network Integration (SI/NI) sectors and manages a substantial 40,000-square-meter manufacturing facility in Guangzhou’s Baiyun District to meet demanding market needs.

Wristcheck is a dream come true for watch enthusiasts and buyers because they’ve not only made luxury timepieces accessible but have transformed the entire experience. Wristcheck combines offline retail conventions with online efficiency, supported by top-notch customer service. Wristcheck aims to make authentic luxury watches accessible with financing options and various warranties. They contribute to the watch community by providing editorial content on industry trends, news, and reviews and collaborate on special editions celebrating craftsmanship.

Three prominent players have emerged with innovative approaches in the dynamic landscape of financial technology (fintech) and insurance. Lapasar.com is pivotal in modernising and digitising procurement practices for corporate buyers and suppliers, making it a valuable asset in the B2B sector. The platform enables cost savings and a faster procure-to-pay cycle for over 10,000 B2B suppliers. Lapasar’s clientele includes major corporations such as TM, PETRONAS, and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB).

Qupital is a fintech company with a mission to provide high-quality financial services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that often face challenges accessing traditional banking services. Their innovative approach involves leveraging data for lending decisions, particularly in cross-border e-commerce.

The insurance sector is getting a facelift, courtesy of PolicyStreet. Car and motor insurance are now more straightforward and more convenient. Their partnership with Foodpanda Malaysia is a win-win for gig workers.

These rising stars are poised to shine even brighter in the future. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of Gobi companies redefining business and technology.