HIAN GOH

Hian Goh stands as a pivotal figure in Southeast Asia's vibrant venture capital landscape, serving as a founding Partner at Openspace Ventures. His journey from a successful entrepreneur to a leading investor provides him with a unique perspective on identifying and nurturing high-growth technology companies across the region. At Openspace Ventures, Hian plays a critical role in shaping the firm's investment strategy, focusing on early-stage opportunities that leverage disruptive technologies and scalable business models.

Hian Goh's investment thesis at Openspace Ventures is deeply rooted in the transformative potential of technology within Southeast Asia. He actively seeks out companies operating in burgeoning sectors such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), fintech, healthtech, edtech, consumer internet, logistics, and artificial intelligence. His keen eye for innovation and understanding of market dynamics allows him to back founders who are building solutions that address critical regional needs and have the capacity for significant impact and expansion.

Before co-founding Openspace Ventures, Hian Goh built a distinguished career marked by both entrepreneurial success and strategic financial expertise. He is widely recognized as the founder of the Asian Food Channel (AFC), a pioneering regional pay-TV channel dedicated to food and lifestyle content. Under his leadership, AFC grew into a household name across Asia before its successful acquisition by Scripps Networks Interactive, now part of Discovery Inc. This entrepreneurial triumph equipped Hian with invaluable operational experience in scaling a business from inception to a successful exit, insights he now generously shares with Openspace's portfolio companies. Prior to his venture into media, Hian honed his financial acumen in investment banking, including a tenure at Goldman Sachs, providing him with a robust foundation in capital markets and strategic transactions.

As a Partner at Openspace Ventures, Hian Goh leverages his extensive background to guide the firm's strategic direction and mentor portfolio founders. Openspace Ventures, under his leadership and that of his partners, has become a cornerstone investor in some of Southeast Asia's most impactful startups. While specific investment attributions can be complex within a partnership, the firm's impressive portfolio reflects Hian's vision for the region. Notable investments by Openspace Ventures include companies like Gojek, a super app transforming transportation and services; Biofourmis, a leading digital therapeutics company; and Sayurbox, an innovative agritech platform. These examples underscore the firm's commitment to backing companies that are not only financially promising but also contribute significantly to the digital transformation of Southeast Asia. Hian's dedication to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of regional tech leaders solidifies his reputation as a key influencer in the venture capital ecosystem.