Bateriku and Respond.io Named in Forbes Asia’s 100 to Watch 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Malaysian companies Bateriku and Respond.io have earned places on Forbes Asia’s 100 to Watch 2026 list, which highlights fast-growing startups and small businesses with strong potential across the Asia-Pacific region.

Shah Alam-based Bateriku was selected under the consumer technology category. Founded in 2014 and led by chief executive officer Azarol Faizi Zakaria Ansari, the company provides on-demand car battery replacement and roadside assistance through its mobile app, website and hotline.

Bateriku currently connects motorists with a network of around 1,000 mechanics, 2,000 partner repair shops and tow truck operators across 270 locations in Malaysia. The company expanded into Indonesia in 2023 and later raised US$7.4 million in Series B funding from investors including KWAP, Gobi Partners and VentureTECH.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur-based Respond.io was recognised under the enterprise technology category. Founded in 2017 and led by CEO Gerardo Salandra, the company develops software that combines communication channels such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, email and voice calls into a single platform for customer service and sales teams.

Respond.io also integrates artificial intelligence tools capable of handling basic customer queries, organising customer information and directing more complex conversations to human employees. The company says its platform processes more than two billion messages every quarter for 10,000 businesses across 180 countries.

In June, Respond.io raised US$62.5 million in Series B funding from investors including Camber Partners and Endeavor Catalyst, strengthening its position in the rapidly growing AI-powered business communications market.

Bateriku and Respond.io are among 100 companies from 16 countries and territories included in this year’s list. AI-related innovation emerged as a major theme, with nearly a quarter of selected companies operating in enterprise technology, while robotics also gained stronger representation.

The 100 companies featured on the 2026 list have collectively raised more than US$2.4 billion in funding, including nearly US$1 billion secured during 2026 alone, reflecting continued investor confidence in Asia-Pacific startups.

The recognition highlights Malaysia’s growing presence in the regional technology and startup ecosystem, particularly in digital services, mobility solutions and AI-driven enterprise technology.