Organization · Venture Capital
Protégé Ventures
Protégé Ventures is Southeast Asia's first student-run venture capital fund, based in Singapore. It focuses on investing in early-stage technology startups founded by students or recent graduates while also training future venture capitalists.
Overview
What Protégé Ventures does
What Protégé Ventures is
Protégé Ventures is Southeast Asia's first student-run venture capital fund, based in Singapore. It focuses on investing in early-stage technology startups founded by students or recent graduates while also training future venture capitalists.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder and publisher capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Venture Capital
- Founded
- Founded in 2017
- Approximate age
- About 9 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder · Publisher
- Last reviewed
- March 27, 2026
Official channels
Find Protégé Ventures elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Protégé Ventures as a funder
Investment thesis
Protégé Ventures empowers student founders in Southeast Asia by providing funding, mentorship, and access to a professional network, focusing on early-stage technology startups.
Focus narrative
Protégé Ventures invests in early-stage technology startups founded by students or recent graduates, specifically those who have graduated within the last five years. The fund typically writes checks ranging from SGD 25,000 to SGD 50,000 and is industry-agnostic, supporting startups across various sectors including AI, HR, agri-tech, consumer products, and food and beverages.
Value beyond capital
Protégé Ventures provides significant value to its portfolio companies through mentorship, access to a professional network, and the educational experience of being part of a student-run venture capital fund. This dual mission not only supports startups but also trains future venture capitalists, creating a robust ecosystem for innovation.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $18,500–$37,000
- Sweet spot
- $25,000
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Pre-seed
- Regions
- Southeast Asia
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 12
Portfolio context
Protégé Ventures has invested in several notable startups, including: Equatorial Space Systems: A rocket propulsion and space launch startup. ZOLO: An AI-powered assistant that helps food suppliers convert order details from WhatsApp to their back office systems. Angie’s Tempeh: A company selling vegan-friendly naturally fermented tempeh. UserTip: A platform for user feedback and insights. JiPay: A financial services platform for migrant domestic workers. Hypotenuse: A SaaS platform that automates copywriting for e-commerce merchants. Intellect: A mental health tech startup providing affordable CBT-based therapy. TalentTribe: A career-discovery platform showcasing company culture and work life. Lumitics: A solution for managing food waste in commercial kitchens. Nurture.AI: An online platform for AI enthusiasts to exchange ideas and share code implementations.
Capability profile
Protégé Ventures as a publisher
Editorial focus
Protégé Ventures is dedicated to empowering student founders in Southeast Asia by providing access to funding, mentorship, and a professional network. The fund focuses on early-stage technology startups founded by students or recent graduates, supporting a diverse range of sectors.
Audience value
Protégé Ventures offers student founders not only financial support but also mentorship and access to a robust network of industry professionals, enhancing their chances of building successful ventures.
Format and cadence
- Content formats
- research-report
- Primary platform
- Website
Availability
- Guest pitch state
- Not currently accepting
Audience and focus
- Audience
- Founders · Students
- Regions
- Southeast Asia
Flagship work and coverage
Flagship properties
Protégé Ventures publishes reports on the student startup ecosystem in Singapore, highlighting trends and opportunities for student entrepreneurs.
Notable coverage
Protégé Ventures has been featured in various media outlets for its unique position as a student-run venture capital fund and its contributions to the startup ecosystem in Singapore.
Common questions
What to know about Protégé Ventures
Upseed classifies Protégé Ventures under the Venture Capital organization type. Its current public profile includes funder and publisher capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 27, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.