Early-Stage Ventures

Be First. Rise Above.

Backing ambitious founders at the earliest stages, focusing on AI, FinTech, Education, and Consumer.

Based in Malaysia with a global portfolio.

Merdeka 118 - Southeast Asia's tallest building
Michael Hauge

About the GP

Michael Hauge

Founder, Pertama Ventures

Michael builds companies that shape the future of work, learning, and technology. As Founder of Pertama Group, he leads a portfolio of companies at the intersection of AI, education, and institutional innovation.

Previous founder of LearningLeaders, scaling communication skills training across Asia. Former investor in private equity and China's high-growth tech sector. 15+ years identifying and backing exceptional founders in emerging markets.

Dartmouth alumnus (Economics, Asian Studies, Philosophy). Fudan University scholar. Obsessed with finding the builders who think in decades, not quarters.

What Leaders Say

Perspectives from founders and executives I've had the privilege to work with.

Michael gave me, unprompted, some of the best coaching and leadership development lessons of my life. His experience as an operator and an investor in Asia really helped me see issues from a completely different lens than I was used to.

Founder & CEO

Payments Business

Michael made a huge difference in our fundraise. He's a master of storytelling and importantly, which details to focus on and which to leave out.

Founder & CEO

E-commerce Startup

Best guy to have on your team. He looks out for my entire exec team, not just me and my cofounder.

COO & Co-Founder

EdTech Startup

Pertama Capital

Our private investments arm deploys growth stage capital into education technology, private markets, and real assets. If you're an established business looking to capitalize for the long term, we would welcome the conversation.

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Singapore skyline with Marina Bay Sands
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