Spectre of startup downcycle not a downer for Eight Roads

Singapore

SLOWING economic growth may spell tougher times for startups and limit prospects for venture investors. But Eight Roads Ventures is sanguine, given its focus on startups with resilient business models, said the firm's South-east Asia head, Dave Ng.

Startups in this region have enjoyed an influx of capital for the past seven years, and sentiment still remains buoyant, Mr Ng told The Business Times in an interview on Monday.

"That being said, as sophisticated investors, we also understand that cycles come and go, and the market could potentially slow down in the future. What is important is that we focus on backing companies that are building long-term value, that would be agn…