John Lim joins Choco Up to advise on funding and regional growth
The ARA Asset Management co-founder will help the SME financing platform build relationships with investors as it seeks to expand across Asia.
SME financing platform Choco Up has appointed John Lim as senior adviser to support its fundraising efforts and expansion across the region. His remit includes advising management on strategic partnerships and helping develop relationships with financial institutions, venture capital firms and family offices.
Choco Up wants to broaden its financing services for SMEs across Asia and establish partnerships connecting businesses with funding and industry networks. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Percy Hung said the company was developing strategic relationships alongside efforts to improve access to growth capital for SMEs in Asia-Pacific.
Lim helped establish ARA Asset Management in 2002 and led it as Group CEO for 18 years. ESR Group acquired ARA for US$5.2 billion in 2022. He now chairs JL Family Office, which has invested more than US$1 billion in areas including real estate, financial markets, private equity and venture capital.
He also chairs the Asia Pacific Real Assets Association (APREA). Discussing his new role, Lim said relationships, trusted advice and a long-term approach mattered alongside access to capital when building a business.
