Early-stage venture capitalist Sky9 Capital, which has been investing in sectors such as consumer internet, enterprise services, and deep technology in China, could soon look at opportunities in Southeast Asia.

“We are very optimistic about the burgeoning Southeast Asia market where we think great opportunities exist in areas of internet finance and social platforms,” Sky9 Capital founder and partner Ron Cao told DealStreetAsia.

“Some of our portfolio companies are making forays into overseas markets, in which case Southeast Asia is probably a top priority.”

With over $1.1 billion in assets under management, the Shanghai-headquartered firm is currently busy helping its portfolio companies such as HokBee (integrated furniture supply services provider) and BTS·AND (retail firm) enter the Southeast Asian market by bridging partnerships and sales networks. Plant-based meat provider STARFIELD, in which Sky9 Capital invested earlier this year, is also gearing up to expand in the region,” said Cao.

Sky9 Capital made headlines in April when two of its portfolio companies got listed on Nasdaq. While power bank rental player Energy Monster raised about $150 million from the IPO, TuSimple garnered a valuation of $8.5 billion in its trading debut.

During the same month, Sky9 Capital also closed two deals. Not only did it join hands with SIG and GGV Capital, among others, to re-invest in Chinese car trading and allied services platform YI Auto, it has also made a follow-on investment in Alibaba-backed software-as-a-service (SaaS) specialist Leyan Technologies.

Edited excerpts of the interview with Cao:

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