Darius Mahtani Cheung is the founder and CEO of 99 Group, a leading real estate technology company in Southeast Asia.
With a mission to create a trusted property marketplace, 99 Group uses data, design, and technology to help property buyers make informed decisions. As the region’s fastest-growing property platform, it operates brands like 99.co, SRX.com.sg, and Rumah123.com. The company has over 400 employees and has raised more than US$80 million from investors, including Gaw Capital, Sequoia, East Ventures, AllianzX, and Eduardo Saverin.
Previously, Darius was Director of Consumer Mobile Technology at McAfee, joining through its acquisition of tenCube, a mobile security startup he co-founded and led as CEO. At tenCube, he grew the team to 26 across two locations, raised funding, created the award-winning WaveSecure product, and achieved profitability.
Darius has received awards such as the Singapore Youth Award, Entrepreneur of the Year by the Singapore Computer Society, and the Outstanding Young Alumni Award from NUS. He is also an angel investor in over 20 startups and an alumnus of the NUS Overseas College program.
PropTech in Southeast Asia – Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel?
Southeast Asia’s PropTech sector is evolving, with growth in transactions, mortgage/fintech, and property management, while hybrid models like Lifull Connect, Pashouse, and Pinhome gain traction.
Profitability now outweighs valuations, driving consolidation and repositioning. Competitive battles—PropertyGuru vs. 99 Group,Rukita vs. Cove vs. Mamikost—reflect this shift, as investors favor asset-light models and AI-driven efficiency.
With IPOs unlikely, M&A and vertical integration are key exit paths. Will these strategies drive the next phase of growth, or isPropTech still seeking stability? This session explores the region’s future and emerging opportunities.
Interview / Fireside Chat
