Hong Kong [3rd June 2024] – Seaplane Asia, a pioneering seaplane and lifestyle company set to transform air travel and experiences in Southeast Asia, today announced the successful closing of its latest funding round. The round was led by TK & Partners, a leading venture capital firm in Southeast Asia, and A2D Ventures, a prominent Southeast Asian early-stage venture capital firm and angel investing platform, alongside the participation of several other investors.
Seaplane Asia aims to provide a unique and sustainable mode of transportation and lifestyle service, by offering air charter and amphibious seaplane services to connect various destinations, including remote islands and coastal areas. The company’s innovative approach promises to enhance accessibility, reduce travel times, and provide an unparalleled travel experience, while also minimizing environmental impact. While travel and tourism are at the heart of the service, Seaplane Asia’s amphibious seaplanes and air charters can equally empower medical evacuations, search and rescue, cargo and logistics, and monitoring missions as well as corporate charters. The company owns several brands, most notably Siam Seaplane and Siam Scenic in Thailand as well as Samra Seaplane in Cambodia.
Complementary activities include a water lifestyle brand, Jetboard Asia, as the distributor of products such as the Lampuga premium electric surfboards, Siam Aero Services, and Samra Aero Services, as a point of sale for Bose Aviation and other aviation products.
Seaplane Asia was established in 2019 by a team of seasoned aviation and business professionals. The founding members include Capt. Lionel Mougel, whose extensive background spans the air force, various airlines, and private jet management; Fabrice Mouton, an expert in airline maintenance, repair, and overhaul; and Dennis Keller, a former banker and commercial technology executive with a wealth of experience in startups and investments. Since its foundation, Seaplane Asia has bolstered its expertise by engaging global and regional advisors and executives from the aviation, hospitality, and business realms. At the forefront of Siam Seaplane Thailand is CEO Ms. Worakanya Siripidej, who has a diverse background in airlines, academia, entrepreneurship, and government.
Proceeds from this funding round will be utilized to strengthen the initial growth in Thailand, as well as further expansion development across Southeast Asia.
Strategic Partnerships:
Seaplane Asia, as a scalable lifestyle venture, has established strategic partnerships with key players in the industry, including:
• Leading luxury resorts, such as: InterContinental Phuket and Pattaya, W Samui, Amanpuri, ÀNI Private Resort, Kata Rocks, Santhiya, Kata Rocks, Irene Resort Koh Lipe, The Standard Hua Hin, Hyatt, Pla2 Floating Villa Kanchanaburi, Renaissance Pattaya, MASON, Pimalai, Rosewood Phnom Penh, Six Senses, Songsaa, Tolani Group, and many others
• Marinas: Ocean Marina Jomtien — the largest marina in Southeast Asia
• Complementary private jet travel: MJets — world-class private jet services in the region
• Official watch partner: CVSTOS — exceptional luxury timepieces from Geneva, Switzerland
These partnerships will enhance the end-to-end seamless journey to guests, while ensuring a memorable and unique experience, in line with the company’s tagline: “once in a lifetime — every time!”
Quotes from Investors:
• Ankit Upadhyay, Founder & General Partner at A2D Ventures: “Thrilled to support this blue ocean opportunity led by aviation veterans. We firmly believe that Seaplane Asia’s commitment to sustainability and direct waterfront access not only promises to enhance connectivity and convenience but also to open up a world of untapped potential for tourism, commerce, and community development in Thailand.”
• Dr. Tomas Koch, Founder & Chairman at TK & Partners: “I am inspired by the evolution of Seaplane Asia from its early days to its present success. This company is on track to make a substantial impact on lifestyle travel, enriching the experiences of tourists and residents in Thailand and beyond.”
• Seaplane Asia CFO, Mr. Schalk van der Westhuizen, states: “We are thrilled about the immense growth potential awaiting us in Southeast Asia. This investment round not only fortifies our presence but also accelerates our journey toward unlocking opportunities in this vibrant region.”