Venture capital firm Endeavor Catalyst has closed its oversubscribed $320 million Fund V, lifting the firm's assets under management (AUM) to more than $850 million as it continues backing high-growth companies in emerging markets, including the Philippines.

Oversubscribed closes indicate that investor demand exceeded the fundraising target a fund originally set. The final close comes as the firm seeks to support entrepreneurs building globally significant businesses beyond traditional venture capital hubs.

Fund V, the fifth vehicle across the firm's platform, has already backed 30 portfolio companies and deployed more than $55 million. Endeavor Catalyst said it expects to deploy an additional $25 million to $30 million over the remainder of 2026, and it has recorded 15 liquidity events — transactions such as acquisitions or public listings that allow investors to convert their stakes into cash — since the start of 2025.

Across its five funds, Endeavor Catalyst has backed 437 companies in 44 Catalyst markets, including 83 companies valued at $1 billion or more, alongside 39 exits. Its portfolio includes Bukalapak, Advance Intelligence Group, and Carsome. Since its founding, the firm has deployed more than $500 million across 469 investments, counting follow-on investments.

"2025 was a 'wait and see' year for investment in Asia, but we're expecting companies to scale up, merge, list, and exit at a faster pace in the coming years. With its Global Hub in Singapore and years of experience in Elsewhere markets, Endeavor Catalyst is well placed to take advantage of the end of the region's funding winter," Endeavor Catalyst Head of Asia Caela Tanjangco said in a statement. A "funding winter" refers to a prolonged slowdown in venture capital investment.

Asia remains part of the firm's broader investment strategy, with Endeavor Catalyst having invested $46.8 million across 44 companies in six markets in the region. Investment activity in Europe has also accelerated, with 12 new investments in the first half of 2026, following 14 investments across the whole of 2025. Latin America remains the firm's largest region, alongside investments in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the United States, and Canada.

Endeavor Catalyst invests in companies led by entrepreneurs selected into the Endeavor network, co-investing alongside leading venture capital and growth equity firms. The firm said its network provides access to founders in markets outside traditional venture capital centers — which it calls "Elsewhere" — and helps entrepreneurs connect with global capital and investors as they expand.

Philippine Portfolio

In the Philippines, Endeavor Catalyst has backed Growsari, Sprout Solutions, and First Circle, which have grown with support from the fund and the broader Endeavor network. As Fund V continues to invest, Filipino founders in the network are expected to benefit from access to global capital, co-investors, and entrepreneurial connections.

"Great founders are everywhere, even when capital isn't. Fund V shows that investors see the opportunity in backing founders well beyond traditional hubs, and that the Philippines belongs at the table where the next generation of global companies is being built," Endeavor Philippines Managing Director Manny Ayala said in a statement.

Endeavor Philippines, which launched in 2015, has selected and supported more than 45 Filipino entrepreneurs across fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and other sectors. The organization connects founders with mentors, investors, and peers worldwide, encouraging them to mentor and invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Endeavor Catalyst is the venture capital arm of Endeavor, a global network that has supported entrepreneurs for 30 years and encompasses more than 3,100 entrepreneurs across more than 50 countries. The fund invests exclusively in companies led by Endeavor Entrepreneurs and co-invests alongside venture capital and growth equity firms.

The firm said it will continue to focus on high-growth entrepreneurs across sectors and markets where it sees strong founder ambition and opportunities to build globally significant companies.

Originally reported by Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba for BusinessWorld.