
START EARLY. GO FAR.

Robust
Start Early. Go Far.
Robust is an early-stage, industry-agnostic venture capital firm that invests globally. Our mission is to drive technological advancement and in doing so, generate outsized returns for investors.
We make high-conviction investments in people with revolutionary ideas and the singular determination to see them through. Independent thinkers who challenge the status quo and push limits.
Disruption takes time; we partner with a select number of exemplary founders at inception and lend support through the lifecycle of the company.
Our Approach
STRATEGY
WE BUILD
MOATS
Today’s large-scale opportunities exists in complex, regulated industries that are intertwined with government. The problem is that heavily regulated industries such as defense, banking, telecommunication, and energy are dominated by entrenched interests – incumbents are aggressive in the defense of their franchises.
This generation’s winners are those who can challenge the status quo and transcend inefficient industries. This is a monumental challenge and founders must be equipped to face Goliath (e.g. Uber with taxi licensing, Airbnb with zoning).
Any counsel can help navigate statutory limitations; we go further and leverage the regulatory framework to your advantage by building strategic partnerships and coalitions, grassroots networks, lobbying and public affairs. All money is green, but we help you build defensible moats – that’s priceless.
GEOGRAPHY
WE’RE
BORDERLESS
We invest globally and have a presence in the United States and Thailand. Emerging markets are vastly undercapitalized and inundated with bureaucratic inefficiency. Southeast Asia in particular, is on the cusp of a digital transformation. The 2020 pandemic catalyzed an acceleration in the region’s internet adoption. Increased spending on STEM education and the relatively low cost of living enables labor arbitrage.
We have deep roots in Southeast Asia and a superlative understanding of the geopolitical landscape – our affiliates have a six-decade track record of robust regulatory hacking. We know what it takes to disrupt, and we have the human capital to help you execute. Grab surpassed Uber in Southeast Asia by offering localized product enhancements and services, we can help you do the same. In other emerging markets, we partner with a global network of operators, policy experts and local behemoths to help you win.
CRITERIA
WE BET ON
THE BEST
We are exceptionally selective in our partnerships because we commit fully. When Robust works with you, it’s because we’re aligned with your long-term vision. We gravitate toward independent thinkers and contrarians who are solving complex economic, logistical, scientific, and engineering problems. We don’t believe in fads, marginally valuable widgets, or redundant hardware.
We invest early (Pre-Seed to Series A) with the intent to follow-on throughout the company’s lifecycle. We invest globally with a focus on North America and Southeast Asia. Our term sheets contain provisions on governance (series-specific approval of indebtedness, issuance of additional securities) and economics (anti-dilution, pre-emptive, pro rata rights). We typically invest in SAFEs or Preferred Securities with a 1x (or higher) liquidation preference.
WHY ROBUST?
WE’RE
RELENTLESS
We’re early movers who thrive in competition. We have greater incentives to succeed than most investors because we have skin in the game. We’ve assembled a ‘think tank’ of seasoned operators, founders and strategic experts to empower your team. We take pride in formulating robust solutions to the problems that keep you up at night, be it operational, regulatory, legal, recruiting or fundraising. Failure is not an option for us. Let’s build together.

TEAM

Kanin Asva
Founder, General Partner
Born in Asia, raised by the world. Kanin is a serial entrepreneur with experience managing over $200M. Prior to founding Robust, Kanin was a Principal at Dynafolio, a small-cap private equity firm that focuses primarily on turning around distressed companies.
Kanin spearheaded risk management for Marwin Technologies, a premier provider of Aerospace, Meterological and Agricultural Tech solutions in Thailand. Kanin previously worked at Bangkok Bank and Econ One Research.
Kanin was a Venture Partner at Oyster Ventures, a fintech-focused fund. Kanin advises startups and growth stage companies on the Southeast Asian regulatory landscape and tech ecosystem.
Kanin holds Bachelor’s Degree in Management Science from the University of California, San Diego and a Master’s Degree in Financial Analysis, summa cum laude from the University of San Francisco.

Pam Jirat
Analyst
Before Joining Robust, Pam was a Venture Fellow at Insignia Ventures, one of Singapore’s premier VC funds. She also worked as an Associate at EQX Biome, an innovative carbon credit platform that aims to protect the world’s biodiversity.
In addition to her analytical prowess, Pam brings a wealth of experience in Climate and Property Technology. With a keen passion for ESG, Pam hopes to support Robust in its mission to invest for the betterment of humanity.
Advisors

Our Portfolio
News