OCBC Backs Asia’s Entrepreneurs With Multi-Billion Dollar Bet
In a bold move to reshape how banks serve founders with multiple ventures, OCBC has set its sights on financing Asia’s next generation of serial entrepreneurs with a loan target of S$5 billion by 2028.
The initiative, already successful in Singapore, is expanding regionally and promises to deliver capital, confidence, and custom support to founders building fast.
New Banking Approach
OCBC’s serial entrepreneur proposition is now expanding beyond Singapore, with a recent launch in Malaysia and upcoming rollouts planned for Hong Kong by the end of 2025, followed by Indonesia. The bank aims to finance growth-oriented entrepreneurs who operate several early-stage businesses – a segment often overlooked by traditional banks.
More than 1,800 entrepreneurs have already benefited from S$1.5 billion ($1.2 billon) in financing since the program began in 2019. With the growing relevance of serial founders in Southeast Asia, OCBC anticipates an additional S$3.5 billion in lending across the four markets over the next three years.
Founder-First Financing
Unlike traditional banking models that assess each business in isolation, OCBC evaluates the entrepreneur's full portfolio and personal track record. A dedicated relationship manager and a team of specialists – from cash management to corporate advisory – support each founder’s broader strategic goals.
This holistic model gives entrepreneurs access to solutions typically reserved for larger corporations. By treating founders as the nucleus of multiple businesses, OCBC aims to offer not just credit but a growth platform.
Unearthed Group’s Regional Rise
Adam Piperdy, who heads nine businesses under Unearthed Group, credits OCBC’s approach for helping him scale rapidly. With over 30 percent annual revenue growth and a nine-fold increase in events managed between 2020 and 2024, Piperdy is now expanding into Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
«OCBC saw me as the man behind the group, not just one company’s balance sheet,» Piperdy said. «With a dedicated banker and access to capital, we gained clarity and structure. That’s rare for businesses of our size.»
Transport Leader Finds Stability
Another beneficiary is Lionel Lee, director of Westpoint Transit, who manages five logistics and transport firms. Facing challenges from driver shortages to sustainability regulations, Lee said OCBC’s advisory and financing support helped him steer through uncertain terrain and scale his operations.
«The support from OCBC helped us avoid major pitfalls while expanding our fleet and workforce,» said Lee. «They acted fast and understood the complexity of running multiple companies.»
Tailored Solutions for High-Growth Industries
OCBC is also offering sector-specific packages tailored to industries such as healthcare, education, and F&B, sectors where serial entrepreneurship is particularly prevalent. These include working capital loans, cross-border expansion funding, sustainable finance options, and M&A advisory services.
According to Anna Chang, Head of Middle Market and Services at OCBC, the bank’s approach is «founder-first, not balance-sheet-first.» By using algorithms that recognize entrepreneurial track records, OCBC turns a founder’s business portfolio into a launchpad for growth.
Reimagining SME Banking in Southeast Asia
As Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystems mature, the number of repeat founders is rising. OCBC’s early bet on this trend could position it as the region’s go-to bank for high-growth entrepreneurs looking beyond their first venture.
With an ambitious S$5 billion lending goal and a bold regional expansion, OCBC isn’t just offering loans – it’s offering long-term partnership, scale, and trust.
