Canadia Impact Fund, new venture capital fund in ASEAN, with a first investment in Jalat Logistics

Cambodia enters corporate venture capital in ASEAN with the launch of Canadia Impact Fund Co. (CIFC), supported by Canadia Group, one of the oldest and most diversified conglomerates in the country. The fund announces its first investment in Jalat Logistics, a Cambodian start-up specializing in last-mile delivery, a key sector in the growth of national e-commerce.

This strategic initiative places Canadia Group among the diversified business groups in Southeast Asia that have formally structured their venture capital investments, highlighting Cambodia's evolution from an emerging economy to a growth hub based on innovation.

A favorable context for innovation

CIFC's strategy targets pre-seed, seed, and Series A start-ups in logistics, EdTech, health, digital finance, and renewable energy sectors. The fund collaborates with Khmer Enterprise, Seedstars, 2080 Ventures, Techo Startup Center, as well as hubs like Smart Act or Plug and Play to foster mentorship and market access.

The launch comes amid continued expansion in the e-commerce, delivery, and digital services sectors in Cambodia. The logistics industry alone is estimated to reach 1.4 billion US dollars by 2025.

This also occurs in a context of strengthening national infrastructure, particularly with the opening of the new Techo International Airport in Phnom Penh, a landmark project developed by Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation (OCIC), a subsidiary of Canadia Group. This achievement illustrates growing investor confidence in Cambodia's growth potential.

A fund led by a committed Franco-Cambodian team

Canadia Impact Fund is led by Thierry Tea, a Franco-Cambodian business angel, co-founder and former CEO of Airbus Helicopters Philippines, supporting start-ups in hybrid-electric mobility (Ascendance Flight Technologies, France), digital work infrastructures (GroWrk, USA), EdTech (Dich Academy, Cambodia), and fintech platforms.

"This investment represents both financial and strategic support for a new generation of Cambodian entrepreneurs," says Thierry Tea, CEO of CIFC and Vice-President of OCIC Group. "Jalat Logistics exemplifies the innovation and agility we want to encourage in the country."

Around him, a French team supports the members beyond capital:

• Jim Baldy, Senior Investment Associate, investor in French fintechs.

• Anandha Khaou, Investment Associate, committed to supporting and growing start-ups.

• Eva Berlinson, board member of French Tech Phnom Penh.

• Sacha Bleines, Investment Analyst intern for 6 months, student at EM Lyon.

Moreover, Canadia Impact Fund relies on international partner networks such as Google, Apple, Huawei, Alibaba, Grab, or Bolt, to strengthen regional connectivity and increase the international visibility of Cambodian entrepreneurs.

A booming start-up ecosystem in Cambodia

The Cambodian start-up scene is experiencing growing momentum, driven by public-private partnerships and increased international collaboration. The development of programs supported by Khmer Enterprise, Smart Axiata, Seedstars, the Founders First initiative from FirstWave, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC) through Plug and Play, as well as Generation Future from UNICEF, helps structure and professionalize the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Canadia Impact Fund highlights Cambodia's ability to quickly evolve from a peripheral market to a regional innovation hub, where local founders, national funding, and international investors can meet and grow together.

About Canadia Impact Fund (CIFC)

Canadia Impact Fund (CIFC) is a venture capital investment fund of Canadia Group, a conglomerate founded in 1991 active in finance, real estate, education, health, and infrastructure.

CIFC invests in companies with high impact potential in Southeast Asia, while offering strategic support and access to a wide network of regional and international partners.