Wavemaker Impact Grant

About this grant

Wavemaker Partners is Southeast Asia's leading early-stage venture capital firm investing in Enterprise, Deep Tech, and Sustainability startups. The firm backs founders with unique industry or technology insights who are building scalable, defensible businesses that drive lasting positive change in their communities. With over 200 companies invested and US$500M in total assets under management, Wavemaker Partners targets undervalued companies with innovative solutions to meaningful problems across the Southeast Asian region. The firm invests primarily at the Seed and Series A stages, providing not only capital but also seasoned perspective, a vast trusted network, and long-term partnership support. Under its Wavemaker Impact and climate-focused initiatives, the firm also backs sustainability-oriented startups, with 94% of its active portfolio contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals. The fund covers a broad range of sectors including B2B commerce, fintech, cybersecurity, proptech, deep tech, and sustainability/clean technology.

Eligibility

Applicants must be early-stage startups (typically at Seed or Series A stage) operating in or focused on Southeast Asia, although the firm has also invested in companies in New Zealand and Australia. The firm targets founders who are authentic and trustworthy, bold and impact-driven, ever-curious and insightful, and action-oriented and resilient. Companies should have innovative solutions to meaningful problems and a path to building scalable, defensible businesses. The firm focuses on Enterprise, Deep Tech, and Sustainability sectors. There are no explicit restrictions stated on nationality or incorporation jurisdiction.

How it's scored

The firm evaluates founders based on their unique industry or technology insights and their ability to build scalable, defensible businesses. Key founder qualities assessed include authenticity, trustworthiness, boldness, impact orientation, intellectual curiosity, and resilience. Portfolio fit is assessed against the firm's three core focus areas: Enterprise, Deep Tech, and Sustainability. Commercial traction, capital efficiency, and team composition (technical and commercial depth) are also considered based on disclosed investment rationale.

Key requirements

• ✓Climate tech or sustainability solutions focus
• ✓Operating in or targeting Southeast Asia
• ✓Demonstrable climate or environmental impact potential

Recent past awardees

Knowing who's won the last rounds tells you whether you're in the strike zone.

• Growsari · 2017
• TradeGecko · 2012
• Luxola · 2012
• Wavecell · 2015
• ChemT Biotechnology · 2026 · $4M
• DataMasque · 2026 · $4M
• Featherless.ai · 2026 · $20M
• Aonic · 2026 · $10M

Funder contact

The notice names a programme contact you can speak to before applying.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Wavemaker Impact?

Eligibility covers organisations in SE-ASIA; startup, sme, large-company, nonprofit, social-enterprise. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Renewable energy funding covers solar, wind, hydropower, geothermal and bioenergy, from early research to grid-scale deployment. Public money tends to back demonstration, grid connection and access to energy in emerging markets, while procurement notices buy installation, operation and maintenance. Calls often ask for proof of resource assessment, permitting progress and local partners.