Strengthening ASEAN Start-ups' International Connectivity: Lessons, Challenges, and Opportunities

Whilst cross-border collaboration has become a key strategic growth objective for many Southeast Asian start-ups, navigating the region’s diverse markets, regulatory environments, and institutional landscapes with limited resources requires a deliberate and structured approach. This report provides practical guidance for start-up founders seeking to identify, pursue, and maximise international business opportunities. Drawing on case studies of four start-ups at different stages of development and operating in diverse sectors – Betterteem (the Philippines), Privy (Indonesia), UniFAHS (Thailand), and SWAT Mobility (Singapore) – the study examines a range of cross-border collaboration models adopted by ASEAN start-ups. It analyses key success factors, implementation challenges, lessons learned, and common barriers to regional expansion. Based on these case studies, the report identifies effective cross-border collaboration strategies and presents a practical framework for categorising and implementing them. The framework is organised around two primary dimensions: strategic objectives – market access, capital mobilisation, talent development, and research and development (R&D) advancement – and the different categories of partners available to start-ups. Beyond providing guidance for founders, the report offers insights for ecosystem builders, including policymakers, investors, incubators, and industry organisations, seeking to foster a more enabling environment for cross-border growth and regional innovation.