What AsiaBerlin does

AsiaBerlin (Asia Berlin Forum e.V.) is a Berlin-based non-profit association founded in 2017, spun out of the city's longstanding Asia Pacific Weeks program. It operates a 29-person team whose mandate is to bridge the Asian and Berlin startup ecosystems — connecting founders, investors, corporates, and public-sector stakeholders through flagship convenings, structured landing programs, and country-specific initiatives. Core products include the annual AsiaBerlin Summit (held at Rotes Rathaus), the Expansion Lab (in partnership with betahausX), recurring delegation trips, the UMBI Indonesia-focused program, the Smart Change Jakarta triangular cooperation project, FEBI, and the What If Game thought-leadership format.

The technology stack is intentionally light and partnership-driven: matchmaking and community operations rely on third-party platforms such as b2match rather than proprietary infrastructure. Distribution is built on institutional rails — Berlin Partner (the city's investment-promotion agency), German consulates, partner hubs such as Hubud (Bali), and municipal cooperation in Jakarta and Bangkok — rather than on direct digital acquisition. Stakeholder credibility is reinforced by high-profile volunteer leadership, including Chairwoman Feiyu Xu (SVP and Global Head of AI at SAP SE).

The business model is grant-funded rather than commercial. AsiaBerlin is financed by the Berlin Senate Department for Economics and co-financed by the European Union, with no disclosed product, ticket, or membership revenue mentioned in the input. There are no traditional "customers" in the SaaS sense; beneficiaries are ecosystem participants whose engagement feeds back into the network via Summit attendance, delegation participation, and ambassadorship across Asian country nodes (India, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam).

Name

AsiaBerlin

Legal name

Asia Berlin Forum e.V.

Website

https://asia.berlin

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

AsiaBerlin is a Berlin-based non-profit that bridges Asian and Berlin startup ecosystems through an annual Summit, an Expansion Lab landing program, and country-specific initiatives across Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, India, and others.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Startup Ecosystem Development Services

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Provider-Run International Internship Programs (Multi-Country/Multi-Industry) (EDAIAFAA)

Keywords

• Startup ecosystem platform
• Cross-border networking
• Delegation programs
• Innovation summit events
• Ecosystem partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Grant Funding: Funded by the Berlin Senate and co-financed by the European Union. The organization operates as a non-profit association (Asia Berlin Forum eV) providing ecosystem connection services rather than commercial products.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

AsiaBerlin operates a year-round platform that connects startup ecosystems across Asia and Berlin, primarily through the annual AsiaBerlin Summit, multi-market Expansion Lab programs, and organized delegation trips. The organization brings together founders, investors, corporates, and policymakers to enable cross-border partnerships and market expansion between Berlin and Asian markets including Japan, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and India.

Product overview

AsiaBerlin is a year-round platform connecting startup ecosystems across Asia and Berlin, funded by the Berlin Senate and co-financed by the European Union. The core offering is the annual AsiaBerlin Summit, which serves as the flagship bridge between Berlin and Asia's innovation hubs. Supporting programs include Expansion Lab (market expansion), Delegation Trips, Smart Change Jakarta (urban development), UMBI (urban mobility), FEBI, and What If Game. Through curated programming, matchmaking, and partner-led activations, AsiaBerlin brings together founders, investors, corporates, and policymakers to build cross-border partnerships.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AsiaBerlin Summit Annual flagship event bridging Asia and Berlin's innovation ecosystems, bringing together founders, investors, corporates, and policymakers for keynote talks, interactive sessions, startup pitching stages, networking matchmaking, and satellite events across Berlin.
• Expansion Lab Market expansion program in partnership with betahausX that empowers Berlin founders and ecosystem builders to expand into Asian markets, combining a four-week online module covering Asian business cultures and market entry strategies with a three-week immersive in-country experience in Japan, Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and India.
• Delegation Trips Organized delegation trips connecting Berlin founders and ecosystem builders with Asian markets, including visits to India (Delhi, Bangalore), Japan, Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia, featuring local ecosystem engagement, meetings, and networking.
• Smart Change Jakarta Project promoting good governance and sustainable urban development in Jakarta through the Berlin-Jakarta city partnership and triangular cooperation with Bangkok, aligned with the 2030 SDGs, implemented jointly with Berlin Senate Department for Economics and the Jakarta Provincial Government.
• UMBI (Urban Mobility Berlin-India) Urban mobility project connecting Berlin and India focused on sustainable transportation solutions and knowledge exchange between the two innovation hubs.
• FEBI (Future Business Innovation) Project focused on fostering future business innovation between Berlin and Asian startup ecosystems.
• What If Game Interactive program format facilitating exploration of innovation scenarios and cross-border collaboration possibilities.

Quantifiable outcome

• 3,025+ attendees at ABS2025 from 69 countries with 278 business meetings arranged
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Partnerships

49 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• enpactcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner for execution of entrepreneurship and innovation pillar of Smart Change Jakarta project. Empowers entrepreneurs and strengthens entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jakarta through strategic activities including accelerator programs and platform installation for startups.
• Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Enterprises (SenWEB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint implementation of Smart Change Jakarta project promoting good governance and sustainable urban development. SenWEB partners with enpact for entrepreneurship and innovation activities.
• Carve Startup LabscoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerImplementation partner for Expansion Lab India program. Batch 3 of Expansion Lab in India was brought to life by Carve Startup Labs, combining four-week online module with immersive three-week on-site experience in India.
• GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on multiple projects including Smart Change Jakarta and Berlin Goes India delegation. GIZ supports projects through German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, German Federal Foreign Office, and European Union.
• SAP Labs IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost for Expansion Lab India participants at SAP Labs India facility in Bangalore. Provided insights into SAP's pioneering startup initiatives including SAP Startup Studio Innovation Program.
• Hong Kong Economic and Trade OfficeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of AsiaBerlin Summit 2023. Acknowledged as strong partner for innovation and startups, acting as gateway to mainland China.
• Mitsubishi ElectricminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of AsiaBerlin Summit 2023.
• SiemensminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSponsor of AsiaBerlin Summit 2023.
• Shibuya Startup SupportcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey partner for Expansion Lab Japan program. Hosted community gathering event at Portal Port Shibuya. Supported 'Berlin comes to Japan' networking event. Part of City of Shibuya government.
• City of YokohamaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporter of Japan Meets Berlin pre-conference event at AsiaBerlin Summit 2023. Part of CROSSBIE partnership.
• CROSSBIE (Cross Border Business between Japan and Europe)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganized Japan Meets Berlin pre-conference event at AsiaBerlin Summit 2023. Partnership with Asia Berlin Forum eV for cross-border business connections between Japan and Europe.
• Plug and Play JapanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresented at Japan Meets Berlin event, providing insights into Japan's vibrant startup ecosystem, sectors, trends, and innovative players.
• Berlin PartnercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerlin government agency supporting startup ecosystem. Contributes to programs enabling collaborations between Asia and Berlin.
• Berlin Business Office BeijingminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBerlin's business office in Beijing supporting cross-border business development between Berlin and China.
• The DriveryminorOthersBerlin mobility startup hub contributing to AsiaBerlin Summit mobility and logistics discussions.
• MotionLab.BerlinminorOthersBerlin mobility and logistics startup hub participating in summit discussions on sustainable mobility solutions.
• Merantics AI CampusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAI campus partner for AsiaBerlin Summit, contributing to discussions on artificial intelligence ecosystem development.
• JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided strategic entry points information for outside companies entering Japanese market during Expansion Lab Japan visit.
• Impact Hub KyotominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted Expansion Lab networking event in Kyoto, gathering tech community with over 500 companies in Kyoto Research Park.
• German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerContributes to Berlin's AI ecosystem as highlighted at AsiaBerlin Summit.
• KI ParkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAI ecosystem player in Berlin contributing to summit discussions on artificial intelligence.
• NSRCEL IIM BangalorecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFlagship business incubator of IIM Bangalore. Expansion Lab India visited NSRCEL for insights into startup ecosystem. NSRCEL has incubated nearly 600 ventures contributing to 6900+ direct jobs and $1.5B+ collective valuation.
• NASSCOM Centre of Excellence for IoT & AIminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpansion Lab India visited NASSCOM Centre of Excellence for IoT & AI, discovering visionary technology solutions and extensive resources for startups.
• Intel CorporationminorWelcomed Expansion Lab India participants, offering comprehensive journey into startup incubation through Intel Startup Program. Opens business ecosystem and mentor community for startups.
• Google for StartupsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted Expansion Lab India participants for high tea and networking session with panel discussions on global expansion and AI landscape in India.
• Startup IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHub visited during Berlin Goes India delegation, pulsating with energy of 'Make in India' initiative.
• ACE.SG (Action Community for Entrepreneurship)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerForemost advocate for Singapore's startup ecosystem committed to nurturing entrepreneurship, facilitating growth, scaling startups, and championing local enterprises. Expansion Lab Singapore met with Alan Yuen of ACE.SG.
• NUS EnterprisecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEntrepreneurial arm of Singapore's leading university overseeing innovation hubs including BLOCK71 Singapore. Expansion Lab visited NUS for insights into startup support ecosystem.
• The Scale FactoryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRenowned for building and expanding commercial entities globally. Expertise spans strategic initiatives and outsourced commercial support across Asia. Hosted Expansion Lab Singapore program.
• Start2 Group (formerly German Entrepreneurship)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFacilitates startups through all stages of readiness for expansion across key markets in Europe, Americas, Asia, and Middle East. Warmly welcomed Expansion Lab with Rotem Blanc Inbar as Program Director.
• Indigo TelkomminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAll-encompassing startup incubation and acceleration program of Indonesian Telecom group. Expansion Lab Batch 2 explored Indigo for insights into tech companies potentially expanding to Berlin.
• Astra DigitalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerExpansion Lab visited Astra Digital headquarters for exchange of ideas. Comprehensive service portfolio includes Startup Financing & Deal Sourcing, Synergy Execution, Portfolio Management, and Advisory.
• BAPPENAS (National Development Planning Agency)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndonesia's Ministry of Planning. Expansion Lab met Deputy Director for Ecosystem & ICT Utilization who emphasized government's focus on digital transformation with pilot projects in Energy, Tourism, Forestry, AI, blockchain, and metaverse.
• Digital Transformation Center at GIZminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHead Daniel Schroeder provided insights into project execution supported by German Federal Ministry for Environment, Federal Foreign Office, and EU. Focus on Energy, Environmental Protection, and TVET.
• The Habibie CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted at Library of Former President Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie, led by his son Ilham Habibie. Provided Expansion Lab participants with access to potential partners and end-users in Indonesia.
• Future City HubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJointly opened by Berlin and Jakarta, hosted 30th anniversary celebration of city partnership between entrepreneurial metropoles. Co-hosted with GIZ.
• City of BangkokcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociate partner in Smart Change Jakarta project. Triangular cooperation between Jakarta-Berlin with Bangkok for knowledge transfer and capacity building.
• T-Hub HyderabadcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld's largest innovation hub visited during Expansion Lab India Week 3. Hailed for startup initiatives with boundless potential and promise.
• T-WorksminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndia's largest prototyping center visited during Expansion Lab India. Haven for innovation enthusiasts with cutting-edge technology and prototyping resources.
• WEHUBminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPioneering state-led incubator for women entrepreneurs in India. Expansion Lab gained insights into supportive services tailored for female founders.
• Bosch IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVisited for cutting-edge initiatives and collaboration opportunities in technology and innovation. Bosch DNA Program fosters innovation with startups in IoT, mobility solutions, and AI.
• German Consulate BangalorecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWelcomed Berlin delegation at residence for reception. Consul General Achim Burkart engaged in meaningful dialogues about Indo-German partnerships in business landscapes.
• German Consulate General BangalorecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted welcome reception with Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka and German Ambassador. Hub for connection between Berlin delegation and Indian innovators.
• Swissnex IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducted workshop on diverse business and cultural landscapes across India's 28 states, 20 languages, and varied economic situations.
• WRI IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted workshop sharing case studies and insights for startups navigating government partnerships.
• Brian Kim (Kim Venturours)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKorean ecosystem builder and investor providing insightful information about Korean unique scheme of programs for startup support during Expansion Lab Korea visit.
• NIGT (National Institute of Green Technology)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKorean green technology institute visited during Expansion Lab Korea with Berlin Smart City Delegation.
• KITA (Korea International Trade Association)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKorean trade association met during Expansion Lab Korea visit for insights into trade and business development.
• Incheon Startup ParkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted Expansion Lab participants at Smart City Symposium and BoomUp festival. Grand stage for presenting startup booths to appeal to investors and partners.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie: Berlin's official business development agency and a strategic partner of AsiaBerlin. Operates a much broader mandate across industries and stages, but shares AsiaBerlin's role of attracting investment and partnerships to Berlin — a comparable broad incumbent.
• Plug and Play: Global accelerator and corporate innovation platform with a Japan presence (Plug and Play Japan), which has presented at AsiaBerlin's Japan Meets Berlin pre-conference. A broader incumbent with overlapping startup-corporate matchmaking activity.
• GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit): Germany's federal development agency, a strategic partner of AsiaBerlin on Smart Change Jakarta and Berlin Goes India. GIZ runs large-scale international cooperation programs funded by BMZ and the EU, structurally similar to AsiaBerlin's policy-funded cross-border work.

Regional players

• NSRCEL at IIM Bangalore: Flagship business incubator of IIM Bangalore, a host for Expansion Lab India. NSRCEL has incubated ~600 ventures and is a comparable India-anchored ecosystem platform that AsiaBerlin routes Berlin founders to.
• T-Hub Hyderabad: India's flagship innovation hub and a host partner for Expansion Lab India. Operates as a regional ecosystem-building platform with comparable startup incubation and corporate-connect activity, anchored in South Asia rather than Berlin.
• ACE.SG (Action Community for Entrepreneurship): Singapore's foremost startup ecosystem advocate and host for Expansion Lab Singapore. Comparable as a non-profit, public-private ecosystem platform but anchored in Singapore rather than Europe.

Direct peers

• enpact: Implementation partner for the Smart Change Jakarta entrepreneurship pillar. enpact runs international entrepreneurship support programs with a similar multi-country, public-funded mandate — directly comparable in mission and structure to AsiaBerlin.
• Start2 Group: Germany-origin global startup expansion platform with programs across Europe, Americas, Asia, and the Middle East. Start2 hosted Expansion Lab Singapore participants and competes for the same internationalization-mandate budget.
• CROSSBIE (Cross Border Business between Japan and Europe): Co-organizer with AsiaBerlin of the Japan Meets Berlin pre-conference event at the AsiaBerlin Summit 2023. Explicitly focused on Japan-Europe cross-border business connections, making it a directly comparable peer in the Berlin-Asia corridor.
• betahausX: Co-creator and implementation partner for AsiaBerlin's Expansion Lab program. betahausX is a Berlin-based community and coworking platform supporting founders, making it a direct operational peer in Berlin's startup ecosystem-building space.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Berlin_Asia
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCaPOMHfo_F3LyvztPoN5k4w
• Facebookfacebook.com/AsiaBerlinCommunity
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/asiaberlinsummit
• Instagraminstagram.com/asiaberlin_community

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AsiaBerlin