In SuperReturn’s eMagazine, William Bao Bean, Managing General Partner at Orbit Startups, explains why emerging markets are no longer peripheral—that they’re rapidly becoming the epicenter of global growth. According to the IMF, emerging markets are projected to grow at 4.2% in 2025, outpacing developed economies at 1.8%. However, capital allocations remain disproportionately skewed toward established regions, leaving untapped opportunities for savvy investors.

^{“Emerging markets are not just a place to invest; they require a mindset shift – view them as a mosaic of opportunities,
each with its own unique risks and rewards.”
— Managing General Partner William Bao Bean on SuperReturn Insights}

William emphasizes that investing in emerging markets demands a tailored strategy. These markets are not monolithic but a diverse mosaic of opportunities, each with unique challenges like political instability, currency volatility, and regulatory hurdles. To succeed, investors must diversify their exposure across multiple markets rather than over-concentrate on a single country.

Why Positive Unit Economics Matter

In contrast to the “blitzscaling” approach seen in developed markets, startups in emerging regions must focus on achieving positive unit economics early. This resilience not only shields businesses during market downturns but also makes them attractive to global capital markets. Companies that scale efficiently across borders, leveraging shared insights and resources, are best positioned to thrive.

Orbit’s Cross-Border Playbook

Orbit Startups employs a de-risked ecosystem approach, applying lessons from mature emerging markets like China and India to others with similar constraints, such as limited infrastructure or low trust in financial systems. For example, startups in India leveraged asset-backed financial products to fund EV infrastructure without upfront capital. Now Orbit is adapting this financing model to the African mobility market.

The Takeaway for Investors

Emerging markets demand solutions tailored to their unique challenges, making them fertile ground for innovation. Investors who ignore these high-growth regions risk missing out on the next wave of global economic expansion.

To explore these insights in depth, read William Bao Bean’s full commentary in SuperReturn eMagazine.