Securing funding remains one of the most critical milestones for any startup. In Thailand’s evolving startup ecosystem, 2025 presents a landscape filled with promising financial support—from government grants to private equity. This guide outlines the most viable funding sources for Thai startups today and how founders can navigate each.
Government Grants and Incentives
The Thai government actively supports startups across multiple industries. Several grants and programs are designed to reduce risk and encourage innovation.
BOI Fund: The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) offers matching funds to startups that have already secured venture capital. Thai-owned companies with at least 60% founder shares can receive between 20 – 50 million baht in funding.
National Innovation Agency (NIA): The NIA provides co-investment funding of up to 10 million baht and runs a framework focused on grooming, granting, growing, and going global. This initiative aims to scale startups to international standards.
Smart Visa Program: For foreign entrepreneurs and professionals, this visa program allows up to four years of stay without a work permit. It’s ideal for those in target industries such as biotech, digital, and robotics.
Venture Capital
Venture capital is a powerful tool for startups ready to scale. In Thailand, both local and international VC firms are active in sectors like fintech, green tech, and AI.
Corporate Venture Capital (CVC): Large Thai corporations have established CVC arms that back startups aligned with their strategic goals. ESG-driven funds are on the rise, particularly in sustainable innovation.
Private Equity Trusts: These trusts allow high-net-worth investors to pool funds and invest in promising startups, providing growth-stage capital for scaling operations.
Angel Investors
Early-stage startups can benefit significantly from angel investors who not only provide capital but also mentorship and industry connections.
Startup Accelerators: Programs such as Venture Spark help match angel investors with early-stage startups, offering structured support through mentorship, funding, and access to a global network.
Crowdfunding Platforms
Equity crowdfunding offers an alternative for startups looking to raise capital while building a community of supporters.
Domestic Platforms: Thai-based crowdfunding platforms provide a legal framework for raising capital from the public. These are particularly useful for consumer-facing startups with a strong brand or social following.
Retail Investor Protection: Regulations ensure that crowdfunding is transparent and secure, making it a viable channel for both startups and small-scale investors.
Soft Loans and Bank Support
The Thai government has facilitated partnerships with banks to offer soft loans to startups and SMEs.
Soft Loan Schemes: Banks now offer loans at rates as low as 3.5% per annum under government-backed initiatives. These loans are aimed at startups impacted by economic shifts or looking to expand sustainably.
Development Banks: Institutions like the Government Savings Bank and the SME Development Bank provide specialized funding for innovation-driven enterprises.
Conclusion
Navigating Thailand’s startup funding landscape in 2025 requires a strategic mix of public and private capital. Whether you’re bootstrapping an MVP, scaling through Series A, or targeting global expansion, there’s a range of resources available to fuel your growth. Understanding each option’s advantages—and aligning them with your startup’s goals—can provide a clear path to long-term success.
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