Singapore Management University
The Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship anchors the SMU Innovation and Entrepreneurship Area of Excellence. IIE is a practice-oriented institute that provides support for innovation and entrepreneurship related activities across all the schools at SMU. IIE activities range from events, competitions, networking sessions, workshops, training programmes, study missions and internships for entrepreneurs and budding entrepreneurs, as well as a full-fledged incubation programme which helps aspiring entrepreneurs take their ideas to market.
Kairos Asean
“What if the world’s most influential leaders were friends 20 years ago, working together to tackle some of the biggest problems?”
Kairos ASEAN is a highly curated community of young entrepreneurial talents across Southeast Asia. As part of the global Kairos Society with supporters such as Bill Clinton, Richard Branson and Peter Diamandis, it challenges the next generation of entrepreneurs to solve big problems where governments and the industries have previously failed.
Launched in 2014, Kairos ASEAN has expanded to 6 countries with over 100 members and mentors. It offers a network of executives, strategic investors, advisors and fellow entrepreneurs to support young individuals who are building businesses and meaningful ventures that change the world. Regional initiatives such as the K360 Business Mission and Kairos Sharing Table offers members the opportunity to be connected both locally and beyond.
Aishwarya Goyal
AnalystAishwarya is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship at NUS. With a strong curiosity for exploring new ideas, she is eager to deepen her understanding of venture capital through PV and gain meaningful exposure to the startup ecosystem. Outside of academics, she enjoys doing pilates and discovering new cafes!
Arya Rajesh Kudlur
AnalystArya is a Y2 student in NTU’s Renaissance Engineering Programme (Computer Engineering, Entrepreneurship minor). He’s supports PMO and strategy at Deloitte University Asia Pacific, helping keep complex projects simple. He’s fascinated by the intersection of AI, product design, and sustainability, and loves exploring startups across different verticals to study how teams achieve product–market fit. Outside class, he’s prototyping scrappy ideas, mapping user journeys, and asking how to make things 10× better for real people. When he’s not geeking out over products, you’ll find him working out, reading or listening to philosophy podcasts (I love Classical Stuff You Should Know).
Avin Teo
AnalystAvin always loves a good challenge, and on the side he runs Impact Colliders, a startup that creates meaningful games to solve problems in society like digital literacy and mental wellness. He enjoys spending time with good company in his free time, photography, and taking walks. Nothing beats a great challenge, where he would say ""nothing ventured, nothing gained,"" and ""when the going gets tough, the tough get going,"" and ""star spelled backwards is rats,"" that's his belief.
Benedict Tan
AnalystPeople usually call him Ben and he is a Banking & Finance student in NTU. When he is not diving into financial models, you can find him doing all sorts of things (e.g. strumming the guitar, pedalling away, chasing after good food ). If you are looking for someone to explore different things he is the guy. A ""part-time"" Banking & Finance student, he is a full-time enthusiast for all things exciting who is obsessed with figuring out how businesses make their money and meeting people who inspires him.
Benice Chua
AnalystBenice is a sophomore at NUS Business School, specialising in Finance and Economics. She has experience in finance, fund management, and venture capital, and is also particularly interested in equity investments and identifying high-potential opportunities. In her free time, she enjoys cycling, travelling, exploring new cultures, and has a habit of watching most of her videos at 1.5x speed.
Bryan Joseph Magaline
AnalystHi, I’m Bryan! I’m a food scientist and MBA student who’s happiest when tinkering with new food & beverage ideas (yes, I’ll try almost anything once if it’s edible). I’ve worked on protein drinks, coffee vending machines, and even crazy “what if” concepts with friends. Outside of experimenting, I’m always on the hunt for good eats around Singapore because for me, life basically revolves around F&B.
Chiesa Gospelli
AnalystChiesa is a Finance and Political Science undergrad at National University of Singapore. With a strong conviction in the potential of youths in Southeast Asia, she hopes to do her part in empowering talent and capital through Protégé Ventures. She honed her perspective through analyst internships at consumer-focused VCs in both Singapore and San Francisco. Through which, she grew to love the industry's constant reinvention and the balance it demands between bold discovery and disciplined execution. Outside of venture, Chiesa writes for an independent Indonesian diaspora media outlet, explores her creative side through poetry, and curates playlists & to-be-read lists for her loved ones.
Deaglan Tan
AnalystCurious about how ideas turn into businesses. I enjoy breaking down markets, figuring out why some startups click and others don’t, and testing bold assumptions. Outside of venture, I’m usually following the latest matches, exploring new food spots, or arguing over which city has the best coffee. Big on straight talk, quick learning, and seeing what’s next.
Ernita Jocelyne Tanudjaja
AnalystErnita is a final-year student at SIM-RMIT University, pursuing a Bachelor of Business with a major in Finance. She started her career journey as an intern at a private equity consulting firm, where she supported market research, numerical modelling, and investment analysis, gaining a strong foundation in evaluating businesses and market opportunities. With a passion for finance and numerical analysis, Ernita is eager to expand her experience in venture capital and deepen her understanding of the startup ecosystem. Outside of work and academics, Ernita enjoys exploring new cafés, keeping up with business trends, and connecting with communities in the entrepreneurial space.
Gurunathan Mathipriyan
AnalystCurrently a Year 2 Accounting student at SUSS, but I spend just as much time thinking about startups as I spend on excel sheets. What excites me about startups is how quickly they move. One day it’s a pitch deck, the next it’s a real product changing how people live and work. I’m curious about how different industries tick and I’m eager to learn how strategy, finance, and innovation come together to build something impactful. I’ve dabbled in consulting and strategy, and I’m always looking for ways to connect the dots between numbers and big ideas. Outside of work? The gym and sports facilities are my second home (because balance, right?)
Jayanth Sandalya Avadhanam Srihari
AnalystI am a freshman at Nanyang Technological University, pursuing Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. My first exposure to the start-up world came during National Service, when I attended an event where start-ups pitched their products and their applications in Civil Defence. That experience sparked my curiosity, and I now seek to learn more about the start-up ecosystem and how innovation moves from idea to impact. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing “coffee connoisseur”. I sample different brews and inventing tasting notes as I go. It’s a fun way of mixing curiosity with creativity.
Jonas Ong Kiat Yong
AnalystI’m Jonas, and I’m into startups and the VC space, and I recently took the leap to launch my own fitness apparel brand, SEBES. I’ve been working on it since 2022 as a passion project, but I hope it grows into something bigger. Outside of that, I love staying active, watching movies, and just hanging out with friends! Fun facts about myself: I’ve got a greenish-blue birthmark on my back in the shape of a mountain that people usually mistake for a bruise or an ugly tattoo…
Jonathan Au Yeung
AnalystJonathan is a currently pursuing Computer Science at NUS. Keen to try new experiences, he is energised by the ever-evolving world of startups, and curious about how technology can spur new possibilities regardless of sector. Whether it’s automating simple tasks or building moonshot tech, he keeps an open mind about what startups can achieve and is keen to learn from founders and builders across different industries. Outside the boardroom, he thrives on friendly competition, be it on the tennis court, over the chessboard, or in the kitchen. If he is not at his laptop ideating solutions, one might catch him rooting (sometimes loudly) for Lewis Hamilton’s eighth world championship run.
Justin Poh
AnalystJustin is a Year 2 student at SMU’s School of Computing, specializing in Information Systems. His interest in startups was first sparked while serving as a teaching assistant for a Financing Ventures module. He holds on to his dream of becoming a startup founder and is deeply curious about AI, always seeking to learn more about the great, big world he lives in. On campus, he serves as President of the Product Club and is a sailor every now and then. In his free time, he is an avid cyclist and enjoys almost everything outdoors.
Krishay Chugh
AnalystHello guys, I’m Krishay, a Y2 Economics and Finance undergraduate at the Singapore Management University with a strong interest in financial markets. I’m eager to join Protege Ventures and learn more about private markets and meet like minded people as well. Apart from my professional pursuits, I play competitive squash for SMU, love travelling, watching movies and F1!
Lim Hwee Ming
AnalystHwee Ming has gained diverse experiences across industries including e-commerce, finance, and technology, where she explored both business and product functions. These opportunities sparked her curiosity about how ideas turn into impactful businesses and products. She is particularly drawn to the fast-paced world of startups and venture capital, and is eager to further explore and grow within this space.
Lim Teng Hong (Kevin)
AnalystKevin is a year 3 Information System student at NUS. He is a software engineer by training, with experience building in the AI agents and web3 space. He also enjoys learning new domains, exploring new interests and pondering about the future. ""Don't face your fear, fear your face"" 🙏🙏🙏
Neo Yi Xin
AnalystYi Xin is a final-year Business student at NUS, with a minor in Computer Science. Besides Protege, she leads Herbie, a startup empowering youths who want to build healthier digital habits. Previously, she spent a year in Silicon Valley as an investment intern focused on deep tech and AI. Yi Xin absolutely enjoys having conversations about startups and exploring new ways to create value for the communities around her. Outside of work, she’s an adrenaline junkie who finds her thrills in rollercoasters and martial arts.
Ngoc Pham
AnalystI’m a third-year business student at SMU with a strong interest in sustainable finance. As I look ahead to my career, I carry one guiding question with me: how can I transform my knowledge and skills into meaningful actions that drive positive social impact?
Parveen Kaur
AnalystParveen Kaur is a sophomore at NUS Business School pursuing Business Administration. She previously interned with KPMG’s Deal Advisory (Financial Due Diligence), supporting a take-private transaction and contributing to the red-flag report. She enjoys researching companies and evaluating investments across businesses of all sizes. Outside of school, Parveen is also a Pipa musician and she enjoys performing in her free time.
Samantha Lim
AnalystSam is a sophomore at NUS College, majoring in Finance at NUS Business School. Formerly a Psychology student, she is interested in neuroscience, behavioural economics and asset management. Her professional experience spans across New York, London and Singapore, where she has taken up roles in fintech, wealth sector M&A, corporate communications, and social sector research. Outside of work, Sam is training hard to be a DJ and also dabbles in creating installation art. To prevent back pain, Sam hikes, plays dodgeball, does pilates and goes to the gym. She has also raised money for humanitarian causes through collaborative bake sales.
Shaunak Ghosh
AnalystI’m a penultimate-year Economics student at NTU with prior internship experience in venture capital, asset management, and investment banking. I enjoy exploring how businesses shape society and aspire to become an investor supporting founders building scalable ventures. My main interests lie in technology, consumer, and fintech verticals, where I believe innovation can create outsized impact. Outside of work, I’m a passionate sports enthusiast. I would say I know something about every sport, and everything about a few.
Shermaine Yap
AnalystShermaine is a penultimate-year student at Nanyang Technological University, pursuing a double major in Biomedical Science and BioBusiness. She has a long-standing curiosity about biotech innovations, and more recently, has developed a strong interest in climatetech and sustainability-driven solutions. She enjoys taking runs, playing tennis, and reading a book she picked up by the cover (never disappoints).
Simran Sharma
AnalystSimran Sharma is a sophomore at NUS Business School, drawn to the human side of venture capital and the excitement of seeing ideas grow into impact. She enjoys that VC involves visionary thinking and the chance to contribute to a vibrant ecosystem where bold ideas are born and reimagined every day. She has previously interned at Deloitte and EY, and is actively involved in NUS Women in Business where she drives initiatives that bring people together and create opportunities for growth. She sees PV as the perfect platform to push boundaries, explore new perspectives and learn from inspiring founders. Outside of school, she takes on random side quests, most often exploring new food spots across Singapore.
Sivaghami Lakshmanan
AnalystI am a junior at SMU, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Management with a double major in Finance and Accounting. I have explored sustainability and entrepreneurship through roles at Ernst & Young Singapore and the SMU Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, where I helped lead the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition roadshows. Outside of school, I enjoy the simple joys of life — good food, long naps, binge-watching shows, and perfecting the art of bed rotting. I am excited to explore the VC space with Protégé Ventures, meet like-minded peers, and learn from the journeys of founders and investors.
Srivarshni Kasirajan
AnalystI’m Sriva, currently pursuing Aerospace Engineering at NTU, where my love for rockets and space tech keeps me grounded. Outside of orbiting around space systems, I’m deeply passionate about sustainability and how innovation can accelerate the transition to a greener world. When I’m not geeking out about rockets or sustainability, you’ll probably find me lost in a movie theatre. I’m a huge Marvel fan, a proud Potterhead, and I love diving into Nolan’s mind-bending films—though I appreciate cinema in all its forms, from blockbusters to indie gems.
Vinayagasubramanian Lakshmisurya
AnalystHello! I’m Lakshmi, a Computer Engineering and Economics student from NTU. This programme sparked my curiosity in the intersection of tech and finance, and one of the most exciting ways these worlds collide is through startups. I’m especially keen on deeptech and fintech ventures, and I’m looking forward to exploring more of them during my time at Protege Ventures. On the fun side, I’m a proud Marvel fan of over 8 years and I’m on a mission to level up my comic book knowledge!
Vishal Menon
AnalystCo-founder of CryptaVision, where I’m building the intelligence layer for digital assets. Passionate about the buy-side and spotting opportunities that combine innovation with long-term value. When I’m not building or investing, you’ll probably find me checking out new nightlife spots, chasing the best playlists, or debating football takes. Always up for good conversation over a couple of pints, whether it’s about startups, markets, or the next big thing in tech.
Yeva Aw
AnalystYeva is a 2nd year Business Management undergraduate at SMU, with an interest in Finance. While new to the venture capital space, she is eager to gain hands-on exposure and broaden her perspective across industries. During her free time, she enjoys giving back to the community through volunteering initiatives, and she can often be found heading out for runs to recharge and stay active.
Zhang YunTing
AnalystYunTing is a final year student at SMU who majors in Economics and Finance. Her experiences have been in the banking and finance sector as well as private credit. She is very interested in relationship building and client engagement. On contrary to many, she enjoys drawing slide decks on PowerPoint. During her free time, she distress through window shopping and painting.
Investment Committee
Collaborating with the Best.
We work with industry leaders to provide the best startup resources.
Funding Partners
Protege Ventures Fund I
Wavemaker Partners
Wavemaker Partners is an early stage VC headquartered in Singapore and Los Angeles. Since its founding in 2003, it has made more than 150 investments in internet, mobile and enterprise technology companies and has consistently delivered top quartile returns with companies like MindBody (NASDAQ: MB), DigitalGlobe (NYSE: DIGI) and Viagogo. Wavemaker Partners opened its Singapore office in 2012 and is led by entrepreneurs from the region who have built and exited companies. It now has more than 50 portfolio companies in the region including Luxola (acquired by LVMH), Pie (acquired by Google) and Art of Click (acquired by Xurpas). It is a member of the Draper Venture Network, the world’s leading venture capital collective with 10 funds spread across 4 continents.
Dr. Jeffrey Chi
Dr. Jeffrey Chi is a veteran in the venture capital industry and a strong advocate for the promotion of venture capital, entrepreneurship & socially responsible investing. Dr Chi is active in the support of entrepreneurship and impactful venture investing. He is a founding investor and sponsor in Protege Ventures, a venture initiative aimed at providing students with an opportunity to evaluate and invest in student run startups.
Dr. Chi co-founded Vickers Venture Partners in 2005 is currently its Vice Chairman for Asia and member of its Investment Committee. Based out of Shanghai, Dr. Chi heads Vickers Venture’s investments in Asia and hasinvestments in life sciences, medical devices, healthcare, financial services (including fintech) technology and educational technology (edtech) companies. Dr Chi heads Vickers’ SPAC business and was Chairman and CEO of Vickers Vantage Corporation I (NASDAQ: VCKA) which successfully de-SPACed with Scilex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: SCLX).
Dr Chi has volunteered in multiple capacities including being the former Chairman and Ambassador of the Singapore Venture Capital & Private Equity Association, board member of SEEDS Capital (Investment arm of Enterprise Singapore) and on the advisory panels of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the National University of Singapore Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Management.
Dr Chi’s wealth of experience include investment banking (Partner at Pegasus Capital),strategy consulting (senior consultant at Monitor Delloitte) and operations (Managing Director of Spandeck Engineering SEA). Dr. Chi is a CFA Charter holder and a Chartered Valuer &Appraiser holder. He graduated from Cambridge University with 1st Class Honours in Engineering and earned his PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in organizational knowledge and information technology.
Protege Ventures Fund II
David Su
David Su is the Founding Managing Partner of Matrix Partners China and a member of the SMU Enterprise Board. David has been investing in China since early 2000 and his investments include Baidu (NSDQ:BIDU), Bona Film (NSDQ:BONA), Focus Media (NSDQ:FMCN), Kanghui Medical (NYSE:KH), AAC Technologies (2018.HK), Heptagon (SIX:AMS), Kingnet Games (SZ:002517), Nanjing Kingfriend Biochemical (SS:603707), Didi Chuxing, Youzan Mobile, Reach Surgical.
Before Matrix, David was a founding general partner of TDF Capital and KPCB China. Prior to joining the venture capital industry, David worked at Lotus Development, IBM Software Group for more than seven years and was last responsible for Lotus’ software and services business in Greater China region. David graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
David believes in cultivating a new generation of tech-savvy, agile and skilled decision-makers who can take the lead in navigating the turbulent and uncertain technological and economic landscape with sensitivity and wisdom.
Strategic Partners
Legal Partner
Lee & Lee
Founded in 1955 by the late Minister Mentor Mr Lee Kuan Yew together with his wife Madam Kwa Geok Choo and brother Mr Lee Kim Yew, Lee & Lee is recognised by the Asia Pacific Legal 500 as one of the most well-regarded full-service law firms in Singapore. The firm has in recent years been actively advising startup companies in seed stage and VC stage funding round deals in Singapore. Some prominent startup companies that the firm has advised include Grab and Zimplistic.
Community Partners
AngelHub
AngelHub is Hong Kong’s first SFC licensed startup investment platform for professional investors and global startups raising growth capital. AngelHub democratises fundraising: By combining the professionalism of VCs, flexibility of Angel Investing and the power of key strategic partnerships, they make highly vetted global startups accessible to professional investors.







