Golden Equator Group of Singapore raises US$18M led by Taizo Son
Golden Equator group, the Singapore-based group of businesses covering financial services, consultancy, and technology, announced that it has raised US$18 million (S$24.6 million) investment from Asia Pacific and Middle East angel investors.
This is the first investment the group has ever received, led by renowned entrepreneur-investor Taizo Son, who’s also a founder of Mistletoe. A host of other angel investors came from Japan, Korea, UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Brunei, Taiwan, and Singapore who are a mix of members of the royal families, Chairmen of large MNCs, C-level executives from sovereign wealth funds, and academics
The company said that the investment will be directed toward building the regional innovation ecosystem. It will also enable the ecosystem builder’s business evolution, including overseas expansions, to continue using Singapore as a base to connect the broader Asia Pacific and Middle East.
“These angels’ strategic investment demonstrates that they understand the importance of and support our ecosystem-building efforts. By connecting the different communities in the region, we want to harness the synergy that will enable us to bring about changes that are relevant for the future together,” said Shirley Crystal Chua, Founder and Group CEO of Golden Equator.
The group is founded by Chua in 2012. The companies include traditional financial services businesses, but claim to continue upgrading by adapting and innovating new technologies, as well as technology-based businesses, which it continues to invest in.
Golden Equator currently serves clients in 12 countries with covering 10 markets. Its fully-owned subsidiaries are a fund management company Golden Equator Capital, a multi-family office Golden Equator Wealth, a fintech for personal finance management platform Asia Finance, a digital and tech-focused business consultancy Golden Equator Consulting, and workspace SPECTRUM.
The investment follows Golden Equator’s announcement of Taizo Son as its Group Special Advisor in January 2018. The intention of the appointment is to bring together individuals, businesses, and government-level agencies to build a dynamic business ecosystem centred on technology and innovation, that create a social impact.
The Group also officially launched SPECTRUM in January 2018, which is now home to Taizo Son and his venture Mistletoe’s global headquarter.
On May 6, Golden Equator’s multi-family office (Golden Equator Wealth) will also be launching its NextGen Programme and its Family Office publication. The program aims to mould next-generation members of business families into future leaders through a customised curriculum across finance, wealth management, entrepreneurship, and leadership development.