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News all about the emerging markets, trends, and all things that caught our attention.

Get to know our Founders and their visions for the world. 

We talk with founders of our portfolio companies to explore stories behind what makes who they are today.

Japan's largest tech conference "IVS" has been held since 2007 and is now in its 16th year. Following the IVS mission "Trigger the next generation" IVS has evolved into one of the largest communities, both in terms of history and scale, for leaders of Internet companies in Japan.

Announcing the Winners of IVS2022 LAUNCHPAD NAHA

From Joe’s Desk: MetaSaaS and Music’s Future in the Metaverse

A Conversation With Our New Partner, Akihiko Okamoto

Headline's spotlights in Asia - Discover the latest news about Headline.

Blog Asia | Headline

The Latest from the Headline World

We’re exploring the multiple aspects of this ongoing trend, which has been coined in various terms such as FinTech Enablers, Embedded Finance, FinTech-as-a-Service, and Modular Finance.

All series on Embedded Finance, Evolving IPO Landscape, Virtual Banks....

“What makes us stand out is, unlike other platforms, we didn’t start with email and adapt our solutions to messaging apps. Rather, we were born out of messaging apps. We were molded by it and that separates us from all the big players in the market.” said Respond.io CEO Gerardo Salandra

“I wake up every morning excited about where I’m going to do and what I’m going to do.” said CEO Respond.io CEO Gerardo Salandra

Respond.io Raises $7M Series A Funding Led by Headline

Before Respond.io, there wasn’t a platform that was able to unify most of the popular messaging apps in Southeast Asia for over ten thousand companies that were looking for solutions.

Respond.io Raises $7M Series A Funding | Headline

Founder Spotlight of Respond.io CEO Gerardo Salandra

This time we’re examining Korea, Australia, and Japan’s unique virtual banking landscape.

Part II: All of the Virtual Banks in Asia in 2021 So Far

Part II: All of the Virtual Banks in Asia in 2021 So Far | Headline

This rising trend is changing the way we bank.

All of the Virtual Banks of Asia in 2021 So Far

All of the Virtual Banks of Asia in 2021 So Far | Headline

Learn how Zaiko is helping Japanese creators organize shows, manage fan bases, and monetize their talent.

This E-Ticketing Platform Pivoted to Live Streams and Changed the Game

Find out why the Headline team in Asia decided to invest in Zaiko during the peak of COVID in June 2020.

This E-Ticketing Platform Pivoted to Live Streams and Changed the Game | Headline

E-ticketing platform Zaiko cuts the middleman out between artists and their fans.

Find out how podcasting in Japan may finally be taking off.

Why Now? Examining Japan’s Late Adoption of Audio Content

Was Clubhouse the spark that inspired the late adoption of audio content?

Why Now? Examining Japan’s Late Adoption of Audio Content | Headline

Japan has been lately experiencing a podcast renaissance—17 years after the invention of the medium.

Now in Miami, Kiwibot is fighting pollution, carbon emissions, and traffic congestion.

Kiwibot Is Moving Off Campus — and Into the Streets

Kiwibot Is Moving Off Campus — and Into the Streets | Headline

YGG’s impact extends outside of play-to-earn games.

“Social impact is one of the core reasons YGG exists. It’s baked into our business model and it’s not something we just do after the fact.” — Gabby Dizon, Founder of YGG

Beyond the Metaverse: Yield Guild Games is Changing Lives in Southeast Asia

Beyond the Metaverse: Yield Guild Games is Changing Lives | Headline

Beyond the Metaverse: Yield Guild Games is Changing Lives in Southeast Asia | Headline

Three founders from Taiwan and Hong Kong share where they find their drive, their confidence, and their voice.

For entrepreneurship, I would like to share with you one of my favorite quotes by Benjamin Mee from the movie We Bought a Zoo: “You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.”

“It’s only about you and who you want to be, but not [about being] someone’s daughter, or sister, or wife, or mother.”

Women Founders II: SkyREC, Lootex, and Xen Capital

Women Founders II: SkyREC, Lootex, and Xen Capital | Headline

Virtual concerts have taken over popular video games. See how Ariana Grande's Fortnite performance has demonstrated the evolution of gaming.

“Come & Go” by Juice WRLD & Marshmello
“Audio” by Sia, Diplo & Labrinth / LSD
“Victorious” by Wolfmother
“7 Rings” by Ariana Grande
“Be Alright” by Ariana Grande
“R.E.M.” by Ariana Grande
“The Way” by Ariana Grande feat. Mac Miller
“Positions” by Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande x Fortnite Rift Tour: the Apogee of Pop Culture or Just the Beginning?

Is this just the beginning for virtual concerts?

Ariana Grande x Fortnite Rift Tour: the Apogee of Pop Culture or Just the Beginning? | Headline

The singer’s Fortnite concert series demonstrates the evolution of gaming as a cultural capstone and gives a peek into the future of music.

We invest in three Japanese problem-solving startups: Spider Labs, 207, and kickflow.

“I was impressed by her power to speak at LAUNCHPAD just a few days after giving birth.” — Toshiaki Shimakawa, Principal of Headline.

“We are going to establish a ‘data-driven improvement loop’ not only on the product side but also on marketing and sales sides, to provide safety to everyone through the new Spider AF (Anti Fraud). “ — Satoko Otsuki, CEO of Spider Labs.

“We will create the next generation of global logistics solutions.” — Sinya Takayanagi, CEO of 207.

“We believe that 207’s services will be widely adopted around the world in the near future.” — Kohei Suzuki, Investor of Headline.

“Based on the interview results from more than 300 companies, kickflow has identified the three challenges for approval and workflow nowadays, and has developed an approval and workflow system specialized to solve these challenges.” — Taito Shigematsu, CEO of kickflow.

“While Mr. Shigematsu is very friendly and approachable, he also has a charming personality that he pushes the business forward thoroughly, this made us to invest in kickflow.” — Toshiaki Shimakawa, Principal of Headline.

Investing in Japan: Headline's Latest Investments in Asia in 2021

Investing in Japan: Headline's Latest Investments in Asia in 2021 | Headline

Following our two-part Women Founders series Part I and part Part II, we at Headline Asia are celebrating Women’s History Month by introducing nine exceptional women who are making a difference in not only the technology space but around the world.

“Our text-to-animation tool can generate character animation according to the inputted text’s meaning. This technology sheds light on regular AI-generated videos, as it makes videos more engaging! As a mother of two young kids, I am excited to see how this can be used for creating more educational content.” — Agnes Peng, the co-founder and COO of GliaCloud.

“As a female founder and CEO, it is important to me to mentor and empower younger women to take risks and achieve their dreams.” — Katrina Cokeng, Co-Founder of Xen Capital.

“The world is becoming more borderless with digital technology. We believe the latest innovation will enhance efficiency in alternative investment processes and scalability of capital raising,” says CEO Keiko Sydenham. “I am excited to lead LUCA Ltd., with experienced co-founders and to propose better investors’ experience in attractive investment opportunities.”

“Currently, I think that society is in a tailwind for women entrepreneurs. There are many reasons for actively supporting women entrepreneurs. One of the reasons is diversity. The “EY Winning Women 2021” that I was recently awarded is one such example.” — Satoko Otsuki.

“I am prepared to take risks because I am willing to bet my life on this business. I know that I can attain achievements because of my enthusiasm.” — Yukiko Iyo, the President and CEO of Rabo.

“It is often thought that as a woman, gender could be an impediment, especially when you are taking on a new role. However, many females are attentive and resilient, which are qualities that are valued in the workplace. In my job, I have developed a strong inner strength and courage for innovations. By focusing on details and communications, I look forward to using my leadership to empower my team members and maximize their expertise to the fullest.” — Tracy Lin, CEO of Taiwan Taxi.

Empowered Women: The Female Founders and CEOs of Headline in Asia

Meet our women founders and female entrepreneurs as we celebrate Women’s History Month

Empowered Women: The Female Founders and CEOs of Headline in Asia | Headline

In this article, Headline Partner Akihiko Okamoto explores the mission and next step of CO-NECT, a B2B order and supply solution invested in June 2022.

“We are aiming for a product that can be used by all companies in their businesses. We believe that this is the new standard format, and we believe that “usability” is the key to achieving this.” said Yusuke Taguchi, CEO of CO-NECT.

“It is not that digital x digital is the only solution, but that the other side can handle analog. It was a major factor that was necessary for us to quickly move forward with digitalization.” said Headline Asia Partner Akihiko Okamoto.

Friendly Technology: the Way CO-NECT is Upgrading B2B Order and Supply Management — Part II

Find out why the Headline team in Asia invested in B2B order and supply solution, CO-NECT in June 2022.

Friendly Technology: the Way CO-NECT is Upgrading B2B Order and Supply Management — Part II | Headline

CO-NECT’s Mission is to “upgrade our society with friendly technology”