(EN) DR. ALEX LIN
(EN) VENTURE PARTNER - SINGAPORE
(EN) Since 2014, Dr. Alex Lin has been inspiring, investing and co-building startup accelerators in Singapore and the region. These accelerators have groomed over 380 startups, of which more than 170 of them have raised series-A funding. This has drastically changed Singapore’s startup landscape and raised Singapore’s startup ecosystem rank from 17th to 10th within 2 years.
Alex is currently the Deputy CEO of NTUitive, the technology and commercialization unit of the globally 11th rank Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Previously, Alex cofounded ICOra Asia, which advises companies on structuring their fundraising strategies via blockchain crowdfunding. Alex also advises regulators in the region with regards to Fintech, blockchain, and innovation ecosystems that enable startups, SMEs, and listed companies to raise project funding via an Initial Coin Offering (ICO).
When not busy with startups and new venture creation, Alex supports his multiple family office with investment portfolio ranging from brick and mortar (e.g. logistics) to tech (e.g. web services) companies.
Prior to ICOra, Alex managed corporate venture funds (e.g. ST Engineering Ventures, USD 150M) and for government venture fund (e.g. Infocomm Development Authority, USD 200M). He was previously Head of Infocomm Investments (IIPL) that was pivotal in developing Singapore into a global vibrant startup hub, by investing and building startup accelerators, strengthening the links into the ASEAN, Asia, North America, and Europe ecosystems. These strong linkages enable companies in the various ecosystems to gain access to Asian markets and resources to accelerate economic growth.
Alex worked closely with the government on policies affecting the economic development in Singapore as well as in the region. He was in the committee that set up Singapore’s Infocomm Media Masterplan (IN2015 & IM2025), the Research-Innovation-and-Enterprise Masterplan (RIE2020) where his contribution shaped the Innovation, E-Commerce, and Smart Nation policies and regulations.
Alex was a member of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Fintech Office where he worked with MAS to set policies, especially in incentive, commerce and taxation programs that make Singapore the Fintech hub of Asia. The Fintech office has successfully anchored the Fintech Festival as an annual pilgrimage for all Fintech stakeholders around the world. Regionally, Alex advised Thailand’s Security and Exchange Commission and Commerce Department on trade policies and exchanges.
Alex is also active in Taiwan where he advised the Asian Silicon Valley Office on innovation and commerce policies. Earlier on, Alex was one of the team members negotiating for United State – Singapore Free Trade Agreement (USSFTA), focusing on software and Intellectual Properties Rights (IPR) impact toward trade within the agreement.
Over the last two decades, Alex built companies, mentored entrepreneurs and invested in promising start-ups. He held entrepreneurial and investment-related roles in several organizations, worked closely with universities promoting the creation of rapid prototyping capabilities, accelerators, and incubators.
Regionally, Alex led several technology infrastructure investments in China, such as technology park developments and High-Temperature Conversion of Waste installations. Alex started and exited several technology-based companies, notably Asia’s first wireless ISP, and successfully expanded regionally to China and Indonesia before merging with larger incumbent telcos in the territories. Before his entrepreneurial journey, Alex held senior positions in global companies such as SembCorp Logistics, FedEx, and Hewlett Packard.
Alex is passionate about investing, building and mentoring entrepreneurs who would build tomorrow’s innovation-driven companies. He is an active board and council member of the SGTech (a technology trade association) & Action Community for Entrepreneurship (ACE, a government-supported entrepreneur trade association), and an engaging international speaker on innovation and start-up ecosystem building.
Alex obtained his Electrical & Computer Engineering degree at the University of Wisconsin (Madison) and Doctorate at Stanford University.
