Many Southeast Asian startups are struggling to attract capital and grow beyond regional markets. People in the ecosystem cite a failure to attract foreigners, opaque legal systems, a shortage of capital and an inability to appeal to global audiences as reasons for this. (Nikkei Asia illustration)
Lack of openness to foreign entrepreneurs, opaque bureaucracy, shortage of capital among issues cited
JOSEPH RACHMAN
October 20, 2026 06:00 JST