Announcing Our Investment in Riverchain
Betatron with the Riverchain team. Hsiang, Ben, and Wil from the Riverchain team are in the middle from left to right.
At Betatron, our mission is to back asset-light, B2B technology companies that have the potential to transform large, traditional industries across Asia. We believe in partnering with visionary founders and providing them with the capital and strategic support they need to scale — and ultimately achieve meaningful exits.
Today, we are thrilled to announce our lead investment in Riverchain. This investment represents a major step forward in improving financial efficiency and transparency within the construction and infrastructure sectors, both in Hong Kong and across the broader Southeast Asian region.
Addressing a massive, systemic pain point
Riverchain is addressing one of the construction industry’s most persistent inefficiencies: chronic liquidity constraints faced by subcontractors. In Hong Kong alone, billions of dollars are locked up annually in long payment cycles and receivables, creating systemic financial stress for smaller firms. Since early 2024, Riverchain has already deployed over 100 million US dollars in capital across more than one hundred public and private projects, including landmark developments such as the Northern Metropolis and Kai Tak Sports Park.
An asset-light, tech-enabled model
The company’s approach is asset-light and technology-driven. Rather than owning physical assets, Riverchain provides a digital platform that connects capital providers — including banks, funds, and family offices — with subcontractors in need of flexible working capital solutions. Its proprietary underwriting model uses both structured and unstructured industry data to assess risk, while its platform enhances transparency and gives institutional investors access to a new, alternative credit asset class. This model enables Riverchain to scale efficiently across multiple markets while maintaining a lean operational footprint.
Strategic fit with Betatron
From Betatron’s perspective, Riverchain represents the kind of company we seek to back: one that operates in a large, under-served industry ripe for disruption, leverages technology to solve entrenched pain points, and fits squarely within our geographic focus across Hong Kong and Singapore.
The Round & Partnership
Riverchain has raised 5 million US dollars in its Series A financing round, led by Betatron. The new capital will accelerate its expansion across Hong Kong and into key Southeast Asian markets, as well as support continued investment in its technology stack and origination-distribution capabilities.
As Betatron Managing Partner Matthias Knobloch noted, “Despite its large size, the construction industry is only at the early stages of a significant digital transformation. Riverchain’s deeply integrated approach and leading position in the market allows it to play a meaningful role in the future growth of the industry.”
Riverchain’s Founder and CEO, Ben Wong, shared, “By combining our specialised financial products with our data-driven platform, we are actively modernising the construction industry and helping a new generation of builders grow their businesses with confidence and transparency.”
What it means for the industry
For subcontractors and SMEs, this investment means faster and more transparent access to working capital — a lifeline for smaller firms facing long project cycles and payment delays. For institutional investors and capital providers, Riverchain offers entry into a previously inaccessible asset class, built around data-driven risk management and operational transparency.
Looking Ahead
In the months ahead, we will work closely with Ben and the Riverchain team as they expand their reach, grow their partnerships, and deploy new technologies that further modernize the construction finance ecosystem. Our team will provide hands-on support across enterprise sales, cross-border scaling, and disciplined pathways to acquisition or IPO — areas where Betatron has deep experience.
We are proud to welcome Riverchain to the Betatron portfolio. Together, we will continue to drive innovation, build resilience in vital industries, and create enduring value across Asia.
