PALO ALTO, Calif.: #aiinfra--Scale Asia Ventures (SAV) Founding Partner Wally Wang spoke at the AVCJ Private Equity Forum 2024, joining investment leaders from Carlyle, Warburg Pincus, Apollo, and other top global firms to discuss AI investment trends and corporate LP expansion in Asia.

As a firm specializing in AI-native infrastructure and applications, SAV sees a fundamental shift in enterprise software—AI-native applications are replacing traditional SaaS, delivering real-time intelligence instead of static workflows. Companies like Cresta are transforming contact centers with AI-driven coaching, Solve Intelligence is revolutionizing legal and knowledge work, and VISO Trust is redefining IT security with autonomous risk assessments. Unlike traditional SaaS, these AI-native platforms continuously improve, capturing more value through service-based and performance-driven models.

The Rise of Open-Source AI and Its Impact on AI-Native Applications

The emergence of DeepSeek and other open-source AI models is challenging closed-source players like OpenAI, driving lower costs and better performance for AI-native applications. As enterprises in Asia seek localized, cost-efficient AI solutions, open-source advancements will accelerate adoption, allowing AI-native companies to scale faster and capture greater value in the region.

Driving Silicon Valley AI Adoption Through Corporate Partnerships in APAC

Beyond capital, SAV actively connects AI companies with major corporate customers across financial services, telecom, healthcare, and manufacturing in Asia. The firm has introduced AI infrastructure companies like VAST Data, Weaviate, CAST AI, Fiddler AI, and Lightrun to enterprises scaling AI workloads, while Cresta has expanded into contact center operations and Subtle Medical is partnering with healthcare providers to enhance imaging efficiency in Asia.

To further enhance its portfolio companies’ expansion, SAV has built strong corporate alliances across Asia, including Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. In Japan, the firm works closely with ITOCHU Corporation, KDDI, Fujitsu, and SBI Holdings to provide strategic market access and operational support. In Korea, Bespin Global, NH Securities, Shinsegae, SK, LG, Naver, and Kakao are key partners in accelerating AI adoption within the region. Additionally, in Southeast Asia, SAV collaborates with major partners such as Singapore GovTech, DBS Bank and Genting Group to extend its portfolio companies’ reach into fast-growing markets.

Expanding Strategic Corporate LP Networks across Asia

Beyond market entry, SAV continues to broaden its corporate and LP networks, positioning itself as the key bridge between Silicon Valley’s AI innovation and Asia’s enterprise sector. With a growing base of institutional investors, family offices, and corporate venture arms, SAV ensures that AI-first companies not only receive financial backing but also gain direct access to Asia industry leaders that are actively seeking out cutting-edge AI solutions.

“The shift from traditional SaaS to AI-native applications is already underway, and Asia represents one of the most significant adoption opportunities,” said Wally Wang. “SAV remains committed to identifying and scaling AI-driven companies by leveraging its deep corporate and LP network, ensuring these businesses gain the strategic partnerships needed to dominate their respective markets.”

About SAV (Scale Asia Ventures)

SAV (Scale Asia Ventures) is a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm with a $30M inaugural early-stage fund dedicated to supporting enterprise-focused companies worldwide. Beyond early-stage funding, SAV is committed to strengthening its portfolios with an additional $100M in later-stage funding, drawing from its robust Limited Partner base.

The fund's backers include institutional funds, prominent family offices, and publicly-traded conglomerates in the United States, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore. SAV provides its portfolios with expertise in both U.S. and Asia markets and a unique global network of strategic corporate partners.

Fonte: Business Wire