Why “Defying gravity” matters for Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem

In today’s global landscape, “defying gravity” has become a powerful metaphor that symbolizes overcoming the inevitable forces that hold back growth. Defying gravity means staying proactive and confident despite political and economic turbulence, leveraging innovation, collaborating across borders to unlock new growth opportunities, and maintaining a long-term vision grounded in strong fundamentals. 

At the East Ventures Summit 2025, we embraced this message and shared it with our ecosystem. 

If there is one constant in the world right now, it is uncertainty. Around the globe, capital markets are being reshaped by a new reality. The United States delicately balances the prospects of a soft economic landing with the tightening financial conditions. Europe faces the dual pressures of soaring energy costs and deepening political fragmentation. 

Meanwhile, China is navigating a complex domestic transition while strategically recalibrating its role on the global stage. Through it all, capital is moving differently—more cautious, more concentrated, and more conditional.

At the same time, technological breakthroughs—especially in AI (artificial intelligence) and data infrastructure—are undeniable. Yet, these advances unfold alongside rising concerns about regulation, national security, and the ethics of innovation. 

We live in an era of extraordinary opportunity, but also one marked by fragmentation and caution. And yet, amid this uncertainty, a new wave of conviction is quietly emerging.

Since our last Summit, we have witnessed significant political milestones in the region. Indonesia and Singapore both held elections that resulted in strong mandates for their leaders, governments that are confident, stable, and ready to drive forward ambitious agendas. 

This political clarity is a critical foundation for sustained economic growth and investor confidence, reinforcing Southeast Asia’s position as a compelling destination for long-term capital. With a growing digital economy, a young and productive population, and the political will to attract capital, the fundamentals remain strong. But optimism alone is not enough.

To convert these promising conditions into meaningful progress, the region must prioritize the effective implementation of every initiative and regulation. As defying gravity requires disciplined execution, clear policy frameworks, and a relentless focus on global competitiveness, to truly transform the region’s potential. 

As deal activity in the region experiences slow down, some stories tend to amplify controversial narratives due to a limited flow of news. It is essential to prioritize balanced and constructive perspectives that provide meaningful insights.

Just as darkness is the absence of light, we must also shine more light on the good news. Each of us, as part of this ecosystem, has a responsibility to amplify the positive stories, and media outlets have a vital role in promoting positive storytelling to foster a more vibrant and resilient market.

By doing so, we do not only inspire confidence but also attract the right kind of capital and talent that will fuel the next wave of breakthroughs across the region.

​​At East Ventures, we have also evolved our approach—identifying gaps, seizing new opportunities, and doubling down on sectors with high potential. Despite challenges weighing on sentiment and business, companies that learn, adapt, and build strong foundations will rise above the downturn. 

These organizations will defy gravity and soar beyond expectations. Consider one of our incubations—Fore Coffee. Amid Trump’s “Liberation Day” and two trading halts on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, Fore’s IPO (Initial Public Offering) was oversubscribed 200.63 times.

This year, we ended our annual Summit with a powerful call to action: to continue defying gravity by embracing change, learning from challenges, and building strong foundations for the future. 

For founders and investors alike, defying gravity is not merely a metaphor. It is a strategic imperative that will define Southeast Asia’s next chapter of growth.

Just as momentum seemed to slow, we remain as active as ever, focused on our goal. As we have always said, we only stop investing when there are no more great entrepreneurs.