Singapore-based early-stage venture capital firm Golden Gate Ventures has promoted Jeffrey Chua to partner, while DBS Group has roped in senior banker Sarah Tsao to oversee clients with key Singapore government-linked entities.
Golden Gate Ventures promotes Jeffrey Chua to partner
Singapore-based early-stage venture capital firm has promoted Jeffrey Chua, who joined the firm as an intern in 2015 and since built a strong sourcing network and track record working with early-stage founders across the region, to partner.
The promotion comes as the region’s startup ecosystem undergoes structural shifts driven by changing global capital flows, caution among traditional East Asian strategic investors, and a rise in globally oriented B2B startups being built out of Singapore.
Golden Gate Ventures said Chua has been influential in shaping its valuation framework, investment rigour, and portfolio construction discipline. He has also been closely involved in mentoring investment staff and strengthening financial modelling and memo standards within the firm.
One of his early works in the region reflected with Multiplier and Nano Technologies—startups that mirror a broader shift towards AI-enabled enterprise platforms targeting international markets from Southeast Asia.
The firm added that the move reflects its commitment to developing internal leadership as it continues to expand its global reach while remaining anchored in Southeast Asia. Chua will continue to focus on early-stage dealmaking and founder networks across the region in his new role.
DBS hires former UBS banker Sarah Tsao
DBS Group Holdings has recruited senior banker Sarah Tsao from UBS to oversee clients with key Singapore government-linked entities, including GIC and Temasek, The Straits Times reported.
Tsao joined UBS as head of global banking in Singapore earlier this year, following prior roles in corporate finance and investment banking across Southeast Asia. She has also worked at Temasek, Goldman Sachs Group, and ANZ Group Holdings.
DBS spokesperson confirmed her joining, while UBS declined to comment.
For DBS, the hiring underscores the bank’s intent to strengthen its institutional coverage capability and deepen advisory and financing opportunities linked to state-backed corporates—a client segment that plays a central role in Singapore’s capital markets and outbound deal flow.
DBS is among Asia’s largest wealth managers, alongside UBS and HSBC Holdings.
Tsao’s move reflects ongoing shifts among senior dealmakers in the region as banks compete for mandates tied to sovereign wealth funds, state-linked conglomerates and their portfolios. She is expected to assume the position in early 2026.
