Leaders Wiki

Masters of Business: Stories That Inspire

Patrick Grove, co-founder and CEO of Catcha Group
Entrepreneurs

Patrick Grove (Singapore): Co-founder & CEO of Catcha Group, Serial Tech Entrepreneur

Introduction

Patrick Grove is a prominent Singapore-based technology entrepreneur best known as the co-founder and CEO of Catcha Group, a digital media and internet investment company focused on Southeast Asia. A serial entrepreneur with decades of experience, Grove has played a significant role in shaping the region’s online media, e-commerce, and startup ecosystem. His work spans founding, scaling, and exiting multiple technology businesses across Asia-Pacific markets.

Early Life and Education

Patrick Grove was born in Singapore and spent part of his early life studying abroad. He earned a degree in Engineering from Imperial College London, followed by an MBA from Harvard Business School. His academic background in both technical and business disciplines laid a strong foundation for his entrepreneurial career and strategic leadership style.

Founding of Catcha Group

In 1999, Patrick Grove co-founded Catcha Group, initially as an internet portal company inspired by early digital media models. Over time, Catcha evolved into a diversified internet investment group, focusing on high-growth digital businesses in Southeast Asia, including media, marketplaces, and technology platforms.

Under Grove’s leadership, Catcha Group built and invested in several well-known brands across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. The company became particularly influential in online classifieds, digital advertising, and startup incubation.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Investments

Patrick Grove is widely recognized as a serial tech entrepreneur. Beyond Catcha Group, he has co-founded and invested in numerous companies, including:

  • iProperty Group, a leading online property portal in Asia
  • Rev Asia, a digital media company later acquired by Media Prima
  • iCar Asia, a regional automotive classifieds platform

Many of these ventures achieved successful public listings or strategic acquisitions, reinforcing Grove’s reputation as a builder of scalable digital businesses.

Leadership Style and Business Philosophy

As CEO, Patrick Grove is known for his long-term vision, data-driven decision-making, and ability to identify early-stage digital trends. He has consistently emphasized the importance of local market knowledge, strong management teams, and sustainable monetization models in emerging markets.

Grove is also an advocate for entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia and frequently shares insights on leadership, investing, and digital transformation.

Impact on Southeast Asia’s Tech Ecosystem

Patrick Grove’s influence extends beyond his own companies. Through Catcha Group, he has helped nurture startups, create employment, and accelerate digital adoption across the region. His work has contributed to the growth of Southeast Asia as a competitive hub for technology and internet-based businesses.

Conclusion

Patrick Grove stands out as one of Singapore’s most influential technology entrepreneurs. As the co-founder and CEO of Catcha Group, he has built a legacy of successful digital ventures and investments that continue to shape Southeast Asia’s internet economy. His career reflects a deep commitment to innovation, leadership, and long-term value creation in the tech sector.