Ben Lim, a seasoned entrepreneur and the visionary founder of NEXEA, is driven by a profound passion for empowering fellow entrepreneurs. Having endured a challenging entrepreneurial journey himself—marked by six years of "ramen salary" and an unwavering commitment to his vision—Ben understands firsthand the grit and perseverance it takes to build something extraordinary from the ground up.
Under Ben’s leadership, NEXEA has established itself as a leading venture capital fund in Malaysia and Asia, known for its entrepreneur-friendly approach and outstanding startup performance. Since its inception, NEXEA has invested in more than 50 startups, of which 30% have achieved exceptional growth, with year-over-year returns of up to 200%. The firm’s portfolio includes startups that have grown as much as 80x to an astounding 900x, delivering top-tier global venture returns.
NEXEA’s unique model combines private funding with extensive mentoring programs led by veteran entrepreneurs from the dotcom era. These seasoned mentors, alongside the firm’s long-term commitment to startups—spanning a decade or more—ensure founders are guided at every stage, from inception to IPO. Earlier NEXEA-backed startups have even begun mentoring the next generation of founders, creating a virtuous cycle of entrepreneurial excellence.
The firm has also achieved several high-return exits, boasting IRRs of 80% to 200% and MOICs as high as 481x. Beyond investments, NEXEA leads the way in running accelerator programs across Asia, designed to help startups avoid critical mistakes and thrive in competitive markets. The firm’s peer advisory groups Entrepreneurs Programme support over 100 high-growth startups with RM2.5 billion in annual sales, cementing its role as a cornerstone of the regional startup ecosystem.
Beyond funding, NEXEA invests millions annually in creating platforms and programs that disseminate key entrepreneurial insights. These initiatives have helped thousands of founders establish strong fundamentals and unlock faster growth trajectories. Such include DisruptInvest.org and Entrepreneurs-Summit.org
Ben’s enduring advice to entrepreneurs reflects his own journey: “Building a startup is like running a marathon—it demands painful grit, shameless determination, and boundless energy. Focus on the long-term, build a real business with real profits, and success will follow.”
Today, Ben continues to inspire and guide the next wave of innovators, finding deep meaning in helping entrepreneurs succeed while championing a culture of resilience, transparency, and long-term value creation.
