Cambodia Investment Review
The second edition of Pitch Perfect, held at Koh Pich, showcased Cambodia’s developing startup and investment ecosystem. In this event, four promising entrepreneurs presented their innovative concepts to a panel of judges comprising industry leaders and investors. Primarily focused on early-stage startups, Pitch Perfect offered a diverse group of entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to a panel of distinguished figures in the industry, including:
- Thierry Tea, CEO of Negocia Capital and VP at OCIC Group
- Jennifer Lin, CEO at Choice Accelerator
- Jay Kong, CEO at Joonaak Enterprise Solutions.
Over 70 participants attended, reflecting the growing interest and vibrancy in Cambodia’s business sector including from CADT, Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications, Khmer Enterprise, and CamTech.
The startups
Among the standout pitches was Workingna.com, a platform seeking to revolutionize the hiring process for frontline professionals. With a plea for a $500,000 investment, the platform aims to tackle high turnover rates and inefficiency in job placements using AI-driven tools and data analytics. “Our goal is to transform the recruitment landscape in Southeast Asia, and this investment is a crucial step towards that,” explained a spokesperson for Workingna.com.
Another intriguing pitch came from Mitch St. Pierre, representing XP Now Deck. His innovative app aims to fill a gap in Cambodia’s live events industry by providing a comprehensive platform for event discovery and engagement. Without disclosing specific investment figures, St. Pierre emphasized the app’s potential to reshape how Cambodians interact with the expanding entertainment scene.
Read more: Investment Strategies for Cambodian Startups During Economic Challenges
Agro Agape made a compelling case for their $500,000 funding request. As a women-led agricultural venture, they aim to enhance the coffee industry’s supply chain while supporting rural communities and promoting gender equality. Their business model includes B2B and B2C sales of coffee beans and an eco-friendly initiative to convert coffee waste into biochar fertilizer.
Polymer Invoice, presented by Chetha Yim, showcased a digital solution tailored for Cambodian MSMEs, focusing on efficient invoice management. With a local focus and AI-enabled tools, the platform is already making strides, having piloted with over 15 companies and won multiple awards.
The Pitch Perfect event not only highlighted the individual ideas of these startups but also shone a light on the broader narrative of a burgeoning startup ecosystem in Cambodia. Thierry Tea commented, “We’re witnessing a continued surge in entrepreneurial spirit in Cambodia. Events like Pitch Perfect are vital in fostering this growth and bringing innovative ideas to the forefront.”
Jennifer Lin echoed these sentiments, adding, “The diversity and quality of pitches we’ve seen today are indicative of a maturing startup landscape in Cambodia. It’s an exciting time for investors and entrepreneurs alike.”
As Phnom Penh and the wider Cambodian business community continue to nurture this dynamic environment, events like Pitch Perfect are set to play a key role in shaping the future of the country’s economy. The convergence of technology, innovation, and a supportive ecosystem signals a promising horizon for Cambodia’s startup culture.