Uncovering the potential of D2C brands in Southeast Asia

The recent East Ventures Summit 2024 panel brought together leaders from Southeast Asia’s booming direct-to-consumer (D2C) market. Jackson Aw, Founder and CEO of Mighty Jaxx, Roshni Mahtani Cheung, Founder and Group CEO of The Parentinc, and Stephani Herman, Co-Founder and CEO of Compawnion, shared insights into how new-age digital brands like theirs are reshaping the retail landscape across the region.

7 keys for understanding consumer behavior by SEA women D2C founders

Direct-to-consumer (D2C) startups in Southeast Asia have not only shown resilience, but also maintained growth momentum despite the economic uncertainty. However, to stay ahead in the market and effectively reach consumers, these startups must continuously adapt to the evolving landscape.

Compawnion, a pet health and nutrition company, secured new funding led by East Ventures

Compawnion, an Indonesian pet food company, has secured a new funding led by East Ventures, the leading and pioneering sector-agnostic venture capital firm in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The fund will be allocated to accelerate their distribution, research and development initiatives, broaden the company’s product portfolio, and effectively reach a larger demographic of pet owners who are looking for more health-conscious and sustainable choices for their beloved companions.

Asia’s fastest-growing sneaker marketplace Novelship secures US$9.5 million in series B funding round led by East Ventures, following latest collaboration with Snoop Dogg

Singapore-based online streetwear marketplace, Novelship, has bagged US$9.5 million in its Series B funding round led by East Ventures, iGlobe Partners and GSR Ventures. The new funds will accelerate the company’s move to amplify its brand presence across Southeast Asia.

Indonesia-based Praktis raises US$20 million of series A funding led by East Ventures

Praktis, an end-to-end supply chain enabler has raised US$20 million of series A round led by East Ventures (Growth fund) with participation from Triputra Group and SMDV. The investment will be allocated to accelerate technology enhancements for the brands sides, at the same time to help the suppliers to have an easier business process, better team building, and enhancement of the end-to-end supply chain ecosystem.

How beauty is changing in 2023

Behind its allure and aesthetic appeal, the beauty industry has proven to be recession-proof in the face of various macroeconomic shocks over the past two decades. The "Lipstick Effect" or "Lipstick Index"– an economic indicator from the beauty category, suggests that during periods of recession or economic hardship, women will indulge in discretionary purchases, splurging on small, affordable luxuries, such as lipstick, that boosts their mood without putting a strain on their finances. Hence, despite a shifting backdrop, our beauty sector outlook remains bullish and we expect it to continue as a bright spot in 2023.

Indonesian D2C beauty brands build foundation for regional expansion

In 2020, Indonesian beauty marketplace Sociolla expanded to its first overseas market – Vietnam. Like in its home turf, Sociolla Vietnam offers products from global brands like Maybelline and Neutrogena as well as South Korea’s Laneige. The marketplace also stocks cosmetics from Esqa, Avoskin, and Carasun – all Indonesian brands making their international foray.