A Guide for Thailand Tech Venture Capital for AI Start-Ups

A Guide for Thailand Tech Venture Capital for AI Start-Ups

A research-backed guide for AI and tech founders raising capital in Thailand. Covers VC firms, angel investors, CVCs, and funding strategies for startups building in deep tech.

Introduction

Thailand is often celebrated as a hub for affordable living, rich culture, and growing digital infrastructure. But when it comes to raising serious capital—especially for startups in artificial intelligence, deep tech, or SaaS—the landscape is far less straightforward.

While the Thai government has made strides with initiatives like the SMART Visa, DEPA grants, and True Digital Park, institutional venture capital in Thailand remains underdeveloped compared to regional peers like Singapore and Indonesia. Local capital often gravitates toward low-risk, fast-return ventures, and few firms possess the technical depth to properly evaluate AI products or R&D-heavy startups.

This guide is designed to give founders—especially foreign founders—a grounded, research-backed view of what the startup funding environment actually looks like in Thailand in 2025. It includes:

Whether you’re building a GenAI tool, a robotics platform, or a SaaS company with global ambitions, this guide will help you navigate the current funding channels, understand local limitations, and craft a strategy that maximizes both Thai and international resources.

This is not a hype piece. It is a practical reference for startup builders trying to make informed capital decisions in an emerging—but still maturing—ecosystem.

Active Venture Capital Firms in Thailand (2025)

Below is a curated list of venture capital firms actively investing in AI, deep tech, and SaaS startups in Thailand. All firms included have public portfolios, have completed at least seed-stage investments, and remain open to fresh AI/research-heavy deal flow.


Beacon VC (Kasikornbank)


InVent (Intouch Holdings)


Krungsri Finnovate (Bank of Ayudhya)


AddVentures (SCG)


Digital Ventures (SCB)


Gobi Partners


500 TukTuks (500 Global)


SEA Capital / SCB10X


KK Fund


Wavemaker Partners


Rise Ventures


Summary Table

FirmTypeFocus (AI/SaaS/Deep Tech)Ticket Size (USD)Application Route
Beacon VCCVCAI, sustainability, fintech, enterprise tech1–10MWebsite/MD contact
InVentCVCTelecom-tech, e‑commerce, AI0.5–5MIntouch Holdings → venture inquiries
Krungsri FinnovateCVCFintech, enterprise SaaS, financial infra1–8MSCB innovation portal
AddVenturesCVCIndustrial AI, logistics, smart manufacturing0.5–5MSCG partnerships
Digital VenturesCVCFintech, digital identity, enterprise platforms1–15MSCB innovation bridge
Gobi PartnersRegional VCSaaS, AI, deep tech across SEA0.3–5MOnline submission
500 TukTuksRegional VCEarly-stage SaaS, AI services0.05–1M500 Global intake form
SEA Capital/SCB10XCVCAI, web3, digital health platforms0.5–10MSCB10X website submissions
KK FundRegional VCSEA consumer & SaaS0.1–2MKK Fund contact page
Wavemaker PartnersRegional VCEnterprise SaaS, AI/ML, climate tech0.2–3MOnline application
Rise VenturesRegional VCFintech, health, AI tools0.05–1MRise Ventures portal

Takeaways for Founders

Government-Backed Investment & Grant Programs

Thailand offers several public funding and support mechanisms aimed at nurturing early-stage startups—especially those in AI, deep tech, and digital industries.

DEPA Digital Startup Fund


National Innovation Agency (NIA)


NSTDA & Thailand Science Park


BOI Matching Funds (NSTDA & BOI joint program)


Summary Table

ProgramFocus AreasFunding RangeTimelineIdeal For
DEPA Digital Startup FundAI, digital platforms, Media-techTHB 500K–5M+ grants2–3 monthsEarly-stage digital innovators
NIA Corporate Co-FundingR&D, AI, IP-heavy innovationUp to THB 10M per startup~2 monthsMarket-ready startups with traction
NSTDA Science Park AccessPrototyping, lab use, R&D supportInfrastructure + incubationRollingDeep-tech, biotech, engineering startups
BOI Matching FundS-curve industries + digital techTHB 20–50M (must >THB 15M funding)3–4 monthsStartups with VC backing and tech focus

How to Access

  1. Map to your tech domain (e.g., AI = DEPA, deep tech = NSTDA, R&D scale = BOI).
  2. Build credibility first—apply for seed funding or grants from DEPA/NIA before approaching BOI matching.
  3. Seed-level VC required for BOI; ensure capital partners are registered with NIA.
  4. Foreign founders benefit from BOI incentives, but must structure company for compliance (Thai registration required).


Bottom Line: Thailand’s government-backed programs can be powerful accelerators for AI or deep-tech startups—but unlocking their full value involves multi-stage coordination: start with DEPA or NIA, secure private investment, then scale with BOI-matched capital.

Corporate Venture Capital (CVCs) – The Real Money in Thailand

Thailand’s startup funding landscape is dominated by corporate venture capital (CVC)—deep-pocketed arms of major conglomerates and banks—rather than independent VC firms. While this offers access to sizable capital, it also adds layers of bureaucracy and strategic alignment constraints.

Why CVCs Matter


Key CVC Players in Thailand

Beacon VC (Kasikornbank)


AddVentures (SCG)


InVent (Intouch Holdings)


Krungsri Finnovate (Bank of Ayudhya)


Digital Ventures (SCB)


LINE Ventures


Siri Ventures (Sansiri)


Comparison Table

CVC NameParent CompanyFocus AreasCheck SizeStrategic Advantage
Beacon VCKBankFintech, AI, green-techUp to Series BKBank integration
AddVenturesSCGIndustrial / construction-techMid to late stageManufacturing labs
InVentIntouchTelecom apps, cloud, mediaEarly to Series BTelecom + media access
FinnovateKrungsri BankFintech, sustainable servicesSeed to Series AASEAN scaling support
Digital VenturesSCBDigital banking & infrastructureMultiple stagesSCB system access
LINE VenturesLINESocial commerce, B2C platform playsEarly to mid-stageUser base integration
Siri VenturesSansiriProptech, hospitality-techEarly stageReal-estate channel access

Benefits & Trade-offs

Pros

Cons


How to Engage


Bottom Line: In Thailand, CVCs are the most significant sources of serious venture funding—outpacing traditional VC. For startups in fintech, enterprise AI, deep engineering, or vertical-specific tech (proptech, green-tech), partnering with a CVC offers scale and strategic market channels. But expect slow cycles and heavy alignment demands.

Foreign VCs in Thailand: What You Need to Know

Most international venture capital firms are hesitant to invest directly in Thai-incorporated companies due to legal complexity, tax ambiguity, and challenges around investor protections. While the local startup ecosystem is growing, it remains under-structured compared to regional hubs like Singapore. This section outlines how foreign VCs operate in Thailand and how founders can align accordingly.

Why Most Foreign VCs Avoid Thai Entities


Practical Advice for Foreign Founders

1. Incorporate in Singapore or Delaware First
Use services like:

This gives you access to capital pools without being blocked by legal jurisdiction.

2. Operate in Thailand, Raise Abroad
Use Thailand for operations, team building, and product development—while using your Singapore/Delaware parent entity for fundraising. You retain low operational costs while staying investment-friendly.

3. Join Global Accelerators
Get accepted into programs that are connected to VCs:

These programs offer credibility, networks, and introductions.

4. Maintain Thai Traction with Foreign Cap Table
Investors will fund your foreign-incorporated entity, but traction in the Thai market is still valuable. Build metrics in Thailand, report globally.


Realignment Strategies – Table Overview

ObjectiveThailand EntitySingapore / Delaware Entity
Founder ResidencyChiang Mai / BangkokAnywhere
Legal & Tax ClarityForeign ownership capped, BOI required100% foreign-owned, fast incorporation
Investor ReadinessLimited VC appetiteFull access to regional/international capital
Due Diligence ComplexityThai-language docs, inconsistent standardsGlobal-standard legal templates
Fundraising PotentialLocal angels or CVCsGlobal pre-seed to Series A+ rounds

Summary

Foreign VCs rarely back Thai-registered startups directly. Instead:

This “dual structure” lets you benefit from Thailand’s affordability and talent while aligning with international investor requirements.

Best practice: Register a Singapore Pte Ltd, operate from Thailand, and pitch globally. Investors will expect it.

H2: List of Thai Angel Investors and Syndicates

Thailand’s angel ecosystem, while smaller than in Singapore or Indonesia, features a growing number of experienced founders-turned-angels, networked syndicates, and family offices that actively back early-stage AI and deep-tech companies. Below is an overview of the most prominent investors and how to connect with them.


🔹 Krating Poonpol


🔹 Amarit “Aim” Charoenphan


🔹 Thai “Super Angels” & Syndicates


🔹 Foreign Angels in Thailand

Platforms like Angel Match and OpenVC list global angels with Thai ties—oftentimes senior execs or family-office managers living locally who invest USD 50k–200k per round :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}. Example investors:


🔹 Angel Syndicates & Clubs


🔹 Family Offices & Deep-Tech Investors


How to Engage

  1. Build relationships via local platforms – sign up on Angel Match or OpenVC to identify matching angels.
  2. Attend startup events – pitch nights hosted by BANSEA, Techsauce, BKK Startups or Hubba are primary sources of intros.
  3. Leverage coworking communities – AIM Ventures and Hubba hosts pitch series and demo-days where angels attend.
  4. Show traction in AI/deep-tech – these investors prioritize innovation; demonstrate tech edge and real product progress.

Summary

Thailand’s angel market is developing rapidly but remains relationship-driven and localized. Tier-one players like Krating and Amarit bring ecosystem leadership and capital. Syndicates like BANSEA and local networks amplify visibility and access. Foreign angels and family-office investors inject strategic deep-tech support. For AI founders, the optimal path is strategic networking, evidence of traction, and presence in Thai startup hubs.

Bootstrapping, Revenue Funding & Alternative Options

In Thailand’s capital-scarce startup ecosystem—particularly for AI and deep-tech ventures—bootstrapping isn’t just a fallback strategy. It’s often the primary route to product-market fit. This section explores viable, non-equity paths to finance your early-stage AI startup in Thailand, focusing on revenue-based options, service-led funding, and grants.


🔹 Revenue-Share Financing Platforms

Global platforms like Pipe (pipe.com), Capchase (capchase.com), and Lighter Capital offer non-dilutive financing based on your company’s recurring revenue. These are ideal for SaaS startups with predictable MRR.

Pros:

Cons:


🔹 Freelance-Funded Startups

In Chiang Mai and Bangkok, many founders self-finance via high-paying freelance work (e.g., software engineering, UX/UI design, copywriting). Platforms like Toptal, Upwork, and CodeMentor offer $30–$100/hr income streams that can sustain R&D.

Tips:


🔹 Consulting-to-Product Pipeline

Some of the most capital-efficient startups in Thailand began as consulting firms. Examples include:

This model keeps early-stage equity intact and builds real-world market validation before fundraising.


🔹 Grant Stacking: BOI + DEPA + Google

Thailand offers grant stacking opportunities through national programs and corporate support. Examples include:

Stacking Strategy:


🔹 Pros and Cons of Bootstrapping in Thailand

Pros:

Cons:


Summary

Bootstrapping in Thailand works—especially for AI founders who treat early capital as leverage rather than necessity. Whether through freelancing, consulting, or grant stacking, founders can extend runway, build traction, and eventually attract foreign VC with a proven product and cost-efficient model. In a region where capital flows are uneven, sustainability and scrappiness are strategic advantages.

Final Thoughts: Can You Raise Capital for an AI Startup in Thailand?

Raising venture capital for an AI startup in Thailand is possible—but requires strategic alignment with regional and global realities. Unlike the US or Singapore, Thailand is not yet a mature capital hub for deep tech. Traditional VCs are cautious, angel networks are still forming, and most investors lean toward low-risk, fast-scaling B2C ventures. That said, Thailand offers significant advantages in cost efficiency, infrastructure, and quality of life—especially for early-stage technical teams.


An Honest Assessment

If your goal is to raise $2–$5M for an unproven GenAI product built by a remote team with no traction—Thailand is likely not the place to do it. But if you are a technical founder with a working MVP, a long runway, and a global mindset, the Thai ecosystem can provide the operational base you need to iterate cheaply and prepare for international capital.


The Most Viable Playbook

The optimal path for most founders looks like this:

  1. Incorporate in Singapore or Delaware

    • Use Stripe Atlas or Sleek to establish an international HQ
    • Gain legal credibility and VC-favorable jurisdiction
  2. Build Your Team and Product in Thailand

    • Hire locally, use Chiang Mai or Bangkok as a low-cost R&D base
    • Qualify for programs like SMART Visa S or BOI promotion
  3. Raise Capital Abroad

    • Target SEA-focused VCs with regional scope (500 Global, AppWorks, Wavemaker)
    • Join accelerators that unlock international networks (Antler, Google for Startups, Iterative)