Medical Devices and Digital Health in Southeast Asia
Over $1.9 billion has been invested in the medical devices and digital health sectors in Southeast Asia since 2020. The medical devices and digital health sectors are driven by continuous technological advancements and innovations, which play a crucial role in shaping the future of the healthcare industry.
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of investment activity in these two sectors. The data set analyzed focuses on capital deployment, transaction types, geographical distribution, and the largest deals within the industry over the period. By analyzing the data and trends from Q1 2020 to Q1 2023, this report explores the emerging trends and technologies shaping the current landscape of medical devices and digital health and what it means for the capital markets.
- The medical device and digital health industry has received over $1.9 billion from investors with over 337 transactions at an average deal size of $141 million since Q1 2020.
- The second quarter of 2021 saw the largest capital deployment of $426 million in the sector, driven by Sunway Healthcare Holdings, which saw the biggest investment raise of $181 million from Singaporean investor GIC.
- Since the third quarter of 2021, investment numbers have remained relatively steady until Q1 of 2023, when we see a dip in investment. This could be due to the Silicon Valley Bank collapse in early 2023, which decreased venture capital funding and overall investment in technology-driven healthcare solutions.
- Vinmec International Hospital is an operator of clinics and hospitals across Vietnam. Vingroup, its parent company, raised capital from Singaporean GIC for $203 million in December 2020. The company is using the proceeds to expand its medical footprint, focusing on healthcare infrastructure, research, and technology.
- GIC was also behind the second largest deal, investing $181 million in Malaysian company Sunway Healthcare Holdings. They are accountable for 43% of the largest 10 deals in the last three years.
- Indonesian healthtech company Halodoc raised significant funding in multiple rounds in recent years. In 2020, they raised $65 million in a Series B funding round, followed by another $80 million in a Series C funding round in 2021. Halodoc offers a telemedicine platform and a range of healthcare services, including appointment booking and medicine delivery.
- Singapore is the leading recipient of funds in the sectors, having received $710 million in investment in the last three years. It accounts for 39% of the total funding in the region. Their modern and ever-growing healthcare ecosystem and infrastructure have attracted investment and fostered innovation in the medical devices sector.
- Malaysia was the second largest recipient of funding with $419 million of inward investment, composing 23% of the total. An important fact in its success is the progress made by the Malaysian government in working towards streamlining regulations and improving the regulatory environment for medical devices and digital health. This helps facilitate the commercialization and adoption of new technologies, making Malaysia an attractive destination for investment in these sectors.
- Vietnam surprisingly surpasses Indonesia with $286 million in inward investment. Vietnam has been investing in healthcare infrastructure development, including the establishment of medical centers and hospitals, enhancing the capacity for adopting and utilizing medical devices and digital health technologies, making it an attractive market for investors.
- From 2020 to Q1 2023, 29% of medical devices and digital health investments were made by private equity firms with $546 million, accentuating the region’s growing strategic value.
- Secondary transactions take up 25% of the total investment pool. As companies achieve successful exits or liquidity events through secondary transactions, it can signal positive prospects for future investors and attract more capital to the industry. Investors deployed $320 million through mergers and acquisitions within these sectors. Established companies enhance their market position, expand their product offerings, or gain a competitive advantage through domestic and international acquisitions.