Industry Insider: Inside Look At East West Ventures
East West Ventures (EWV), founded by the brilliant entrepreneur and cultural architect Jaeson Ma, stands at the unique intersection of East and West, blending the creative might of Hollywood with the unrecognized innovation of Asia. Aside from being just a venture capital fund, EWV is a unique platform investing in entertainment, technology, and consumer brands that are intentionally “culture-changing.” At its core, EWV is on a mission to inspire movements, not just businesses.
Structure & Scope
EWV serves as a venture capital firm with investments in various sectors, including media, frontier technology, consumer goods, and consumer technology. It supports portfolio companies that don’t just disrupt markets, but also reshape the way people think, live, and interact.
The fund maintains a clear, values-driven approach:
Mission over money – focusing on entertainment and lifestyle companies that influence cultural change.
Backing real people and products – prioritizing authentic impact over hype.
Creating exit value – looking for ventures with clear paths that correlate to strong returns.
East-West expansion – uniquely positioned to help companies scale across the U.S. and Asia by assembling relationships and access to top-tier deal flow.
Entertainment at the Forefront
EWV places specific emphasis on entertainment not just as a sector, but as a cultural frontier. It has supported ventures that push the limits of music, film, and digital experiences. Jaeson Ma himself brings a deep Hollywood background, having co-founded the major production hub Stampede Ventures and been involved in several digital music platforms. The fund has supported platforms, like Triller and OurSong, that fuse tech and music while embracing youth and community ownership.
This entertainment-focused strategy is more than status; it’s about connecting with audiences. EWV believes that content, when done properly, has the power to compel global movements.
Portfolio & Investments
EWV’s portfolio reflects its bold, culture-first mindset. Investments include:
Consumer Brands: Sanzo (Asian-inspired sparkling water), Flow Water, and The Spice and Base Company.
Tech & Platforms: Scored (interactive content), OneOf (NFT music platform), and OpenNest Labs.
Entertainment & Media: Caravan, Jemi, and Mint Songs.
Ma’s investments go even broader, with early bets on Grab, Xpeng Motors, Coinbase, TikTok, Brain, Triller, and many others. These brands represent the global and culturally aware ideology of EWV.
Business Model & Strategy
EWV isn’t chasing trends; it’s pursuing long-term value. Their revenue generation strategy relies on early-stage investments in high-potential startups, with a focus on engaging consumer behavior. The firm brings more than capital to the table: it offers strategic partnerships, distribution channels, and access to expansion opportunities, especially between the U.S. and Asia.
With a sharp eye on exits, EWV has emerged as a value-adding partner that sees beyond the product and into the culture it will help build. Whether it’s a drink that tells a small story or a platform that enhances unheard voices, the company’s portfolio is filled with purpose.
The Man Behind the Vision
Jaeson Ma is more than a VC; he’s a cultural connector. Being recognized in the 2023 and 2024 Variety 500 list of the most influential global entertainment leaders, he carries a blend of creative credibility and global outlook. Ma has not only assisted in launching some of the most noteworthy content platforms of the past decade, but he also understands how to encompass purpose with profitability.
Jaeson Ma - East West Founder
A Venture Firm with a Pulse on the Future
East West Ventures is evidence that investing in culture isn’t just important for the world, it’s important for business. Through clever plans, bold bets, and a determination to shape the future, EWV is redefining venture capital. It’s not just about finding the next unicorn; it’s about endowing the ideas and individuals who are devoted to the next generation’s culture.
