e27

e27 positions itself as a central platform for the technology startup ecosystem across Southeast Asia, providing media, events, and a variety of digital services. The company was founded in 2007 by Mohan Belani and Thaddeus Koh, both alumni of the NUS Faculty of Engineering and its Overseas College program in Silicon Valley. Their experience in the heart of the tech world inspired them to foster a similar entrepreneurial environment in Singapore. What began as a blog to track local startups has since evolved into a regional entity.

The founders' journey began with organizing entrepreneur-focused activities at the NUS Enterprise Garag3 Incubator, and as the community expanded, so did their business. Mohan Belani's interest in technology started with gaming and building computers, which evolved into a passion for programming and the startup world after a trip to Silicon Valley. Before dedicating himself to e27, he worked at several startups and even founded a gaming company. Thaddeus Koh, as Head of Events, has been instrumental in developing key e27 initiatives like the Echelon conference series.

e27's business model is multifaceted, targeting key stakeholders in the startup world: entrepreneurs, investors, corporations, and government agencies. The platform generates revenue through several channels. Its core offerings include media and content, providing news, in-depth analysis, and thought leadership pieces. The company organizes major industry events, such as the Echelon Asia Summit, which serve as significant networking and revenue-generating opportunities. Furthermore, e27 operates a digital marketplace that includes a jobs board, investor and company databases for business matching, and tools for startups to gain visibility. A 'Pro' membership gives users access to premium tools, insights, and connections. The company has successfully raised capital to fuel its growth, including a seed round in 2013 and a Series A in 2016.

The platform serves as a comprehensive resource hub designed to address the primary needs of a growing company: access to information, talent, funding, and customers. Startups can create profiles, share milestones, and connect with a network of over a thousand active investors. For investors, it offers a curated database to discover and engage with promising ventures. For the broader community, it provides news on the tech ecosystem, a job portal, and networking events. One of its key features, Startup Milestones, allows companies to share achievements like funding rounds, product launches, and strategic partnerships directly on their profiles, enhancing their visibility within the ecosystem. Keywords: Southeast Asia startups, tech ecosystem platform, venture capital, startup funding, Echelon conference, technology news Asia, entrepreneurship community, startup jobs, investor relations, business matching, startup media, Mohan Belani, Thaddeus Koh, Singapore tech scene, APAC innovation, startup database, corporate innovation, digital media, tech events, startup resources