INTOUCH launches unlimited investment plans for 5 years, focuses on investing in 5G-related businesses, hopes to strengthen affiliated businesses with the latest panel to close the deal “Conical” start-up for education. And prepare to continue investing in the Israeli funds
Dr. Narongphon Bunsongpaisarn, project leader, INVENT Joint Venture Company Limited, said that COVID-19 affects all sectors. Including start-ups in many businesses
In terms of overall investment this year, the investment value is expected to be larger. Part of it comes from several Thai startups with remarkable growth. And investors are increasingly investing in startups in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand
At the same time, INTOUCH continues to invest in start-ups. The five-year investment direction from now (2021-2025) will accelerate investment in 5G-related businesses such as technology, education (EdTech), health (HealthTech), finance (FinTech), etc. The main goal is investment. To strengthen the portfolio and strengthen the businesses in the network, including AIS, Thaicom, “Hi Shopping”
“Last year, the company focused on investing in digital lifestyle and digital enterprises such as various applications to meet the needs. Direction of affiliated business
But from now on, the telecommunication business is changing. As a result, the investment direction has to be adjusted to reflect what is happening. By focusing more on investing in 5G-related sectors to be able to enter into new businesses related to 5G in the future. ”
Extend the investment plan
The investment is divided into 2 parts: 1. Venture into a venture builder under the “InVent Builder” program, which will help build and develop new businesses related to 5G from start to growth. Which has the opportunity to do a venture builder program to create a stronger Thai startup ecosystem This year, it has already made a venture builder related to health technology (HealthTech), believing that 5G will improve the service level.
2. Investing through venture capital fund to expand investment opportunities covering all regions, aiming for quality deal flow with expertise from foreign fund founders. To establish business partnerships that will help achieve the development of advanced technology.
And bring new innovations to meet business needs It can be expanded into products or services for companies in the INTOUCH group. This year it has invested in Israel as the first fund and the remaining 3-4 funds are still under consideration.
“The past investments have not been split or fixed in the investment budget for venture builder and venture capital funds. But investments will be made from available cash flows. In the past, it is still not used, while in the past 3 years, the company spent 200-250 million baht per year in the start-up group, and the year ’64 expects to spend 200 -250 million baht as well “
Dr. Narong Phon added that The coronavirus outbreak has slowed the economy, impacted many businesses, while being a catalyst. To encourage businesses to adopt digital technology
Due to the more digital consumer behavior Therefore, it is a good opportunity to start a Venture Builder project, an investment through Venture Capital Fund. Related to 5G and emerging technology, which is promising future growth. Including investing through JV / M & A to create new businesses
Open port 9 years 26 start up
However, during the past 9 years, investing in a total of 26 start-ups, worth 1,300 million baht in investment portfolio and have already exited 7 start-ups, which earlier this year invested in Conical Company. Ltd., an educational start-up (EdTech)
In 2020, only invested in start-ups under the project of 5 additional companies: Data Farm Co., Ltd., Axinan, PTE, Ltd., Paronium Co., Ltd., Chomchob Group Co., Ltd. And Swift Dynamic Co., Ltd.
In addition, there have been additional investments in 3 companies that have already invested in it: Pier Power Company Limited, Choco Card Enterprise Company Limited and Event Pop Holdings Pte. Ltd. Limited, bringing the total investment amount in 2020 to 279 million baht, covering many businesses, including the technology business, cybersecurity. Modern insurance Interactive video technology Point and exchange platforms, including IoT.
In addition, it has also sold shares that it has invested in Social Nation Co., Ltd. and Wong Nai Media Co., Ltd., bringing the investment portfolio value at the end of 2020 to 975 million baht, with companies under the Inven project investment. Total 18 companies, divided into 6 groups
Including digital media 23%, including 2 companies, digital enterprises 23%, 5 companies, digital lifestyle 15%, including 3 companies, Fintech 15%, total 3 companies, e-commerce 12%, including 2 companies, Healthtech 8%, including 2 companies. And start-ups in education technology 4%, 1 company
For operating results of the year 2020, total income was 11,368 million baht, a decrease of 1% from the year 2019 with total income of 11,491 million baht, net profit of 11,048 million baht, a slight decrease compared to the year 2019 with a net profit of 11,083. Million baht due to recognition of AIS profits down 10% from the previous year due to economic slowdown caused by COVID-19 impact And higher competition conditions
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