BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech: Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand & Malaysia Startups, Founders & Venture Capital VC (English)

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#Igloo #PropTech #Entrepreneurship #SmartHome #Airbnb #StartupJourney #Innovation #HardwareStartups #RentalEconomy #BRAVEpodcast

BRAVE: Regulation VS. Startups, Monopoly Power, Regulatory Capture & Startup Strategy - E675

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 21:00:25 +0000

Jeremy Au explains how startups interact with regulation as they grow. He discusses how strong startups escape competition and gain monopoly-like advantages, which later trigger regulatory scrutiny. The conversation shows how incumbents shape regulation, how startups choose favorable jurisdictions, and why founders must decide whether to ask permission or ask for forgiveness. Examples from Uber, Airbnb, TikTok Shop, and DraftKings illustrate how regulation, politics, and customer mobilization shape startup outcomes.

02:07 Regulatory Capture: Jeremy explains how regulation often benefits incumbents, as large industries lobby governments to create rules that protect their position.

06:34 Regulatory Inaction as Opportunity: Many technologies expand faster than governments can regulate them, creating temporary windows for startups to grow.

07:32 Policy Testbeds: Startups often push for favorable regulation in startup-friendly jurisdictions first, then use those precedents to expand into other markets.

10:13 Uber’s Regulatory Playbook: Uber challenged taxi regulations by continuing operations, using the press, and mobilizing public opinion.

14:20 When Customers Cannot Vote: Platforms like Airbnb face political limits because their main users, tourists, cannot vote in local elections.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/regulation-capture

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#Startups #VentureCapital #TechPolicy #Regulation #StartupStrategy #MonopolyPower #RegulatoryCapture #InnovationEconomy #TechIndustry #BRAVEpodcast

JX Lye: Execution Is the Moat, Fintech’s Reset & Why Speed Beats Strategy – E674

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 21:00:26 +0000

JX Lye, Founder and CEO of Acme, joins Jeremy Au to unpack how execution compounds advantage in Southeast Asia fintech. They explore Acme’s journey from solving delayed bank reconciliation to becoming a core bank connectivity layer serving fintech platforms, direct debit infrastructure, and ERP systems across Singapore and the region. The conversation covers the hard realities of going from zero to one customer, the discipline required from one to five, and how scaling to 80 customers shifts growth toward retention and upsell. Joshua reflects on fintech’s COVID boom and 2023 reset, the Brex versus Ramp execution debate, and why Singapore rewards niche depth in financial services. He also shares how AI is shifting from model hype to vertical application, and why founder endurance, health, and signal reading matter more than chasing a visible summit.

03:12 Instant payments exposed a broken backend: FAST and PayNow moved money instantly, but apps waited days because reconciliation relied on end-of-day bank statements.

09:18 From one to five customers demands discipline: Founders must resist custom builds, stay product focused, and lead sales personally to avoid fragmentation.

13:08 Scaling to 80 customers shifts growth drivers: Upsells and retention begin compounding faster than new logo acquisition in Southeast Asia’s shallow markets.

17:24 Fintech’s COVID boom distorted reality: Easy capital and soaring markets fueled inflated valuations that later reset in 2023.

22:38 Execution beats first mover advantage: Ramp outcompounded Brex through speed, alignment, and focus rather than positioning alone.

25:42 Focus and alignment define execution quality: If teams describe different priorities, compounding slows and distraction spreads.

38:32 Founder stress never disappears, it evolves: Milestones do not remove pressure; resilience, health, and signal reading sustain long-term ambition.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jx-lye-compounding-execution

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#Fintech #SoutheastAsiaTech #StartupExecution #FounderJourney #BankingInfrastructure #B2BGrowth #AIinBusiness #SingaporeStartups #VentureBuilding #BRAVEpodcast

AI Workforce Compression, SGX Liquidity Gaps & Singapore’s Startup Reckoning with Adriel Yong – E673

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:00:31 +0000

Adriel Yong joins Jeremy Au to examine how AI is compressing organizations, thinning entry-level roles, and reshaping Singapore’s startup and capital ecosystem. They discuss the shift from pyramid to lean diamond teams, why CEOs increasingly use AI to bypass middle layers, and why Gen Z faces the sharpest labor reset. The conversation expands to SGX liquidity gaps, slowing seed funding, and structural flaws in angel investing incentives that threaten the startup pipeline. They also argue that AI literacy must become national infrastructure, not a short-term subsidy, if Singapore wants to keep pace with rapid technological change.

03:58 AI progress now feels pre crisis fast: New models self improve, agents coordinate, and experimentation mirrors the early pandemic moment when only a few sensed acceleration.

13:05 Companies are shifting from pyramid to diamond structures: Junior execution shrinks while experienced operators with taste and judgment gain leverage.

15:32 CEOs can bypass middle layers with AI: Strategic research, compliance planning, and structured analysis move directly to AI tools instead of finance managers or analysts.

20:42 Gen Z faces structural career compression: Entry roles thin out as AI replaces transcription, analysis, and support work that once trained fresh graduates.

33:15 Early stage capital is the real bottleneck: Growth financing rebounds, but seed funding weakens as angels feel burned and the startup funnel narrows.

41:05 Angel tax policy distorts participation: Large individual checks qualify for incentives while syndicates and smaller diversified investors receive weaker support.

47:12 AI literacy must become national infrastructure: Short term tool subsidies help, but broad ongoing access across NTUC, unions, and grassroots may matter more for long term workforce resilience.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adriel-yong-automation-first-era

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#AIWorkforce #FutureOfWork #StartupEcosystem #SGXLiquidity #VentureCapital #AngelInvesting #SeedFunding #SingaporeTech #OrgDesign #BRAVEpodcast

James Chai: Malaysia’s Chip Strategy, Rare Earth Leverage & The US–China AI Race – E672

Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:00:27 +0000

James Chai, Visiting Fellow at ISEAS and former policy advisor to Malaysia’s Ministry of Economy, joins Jeremy Au to unpack how Malaysia is repositioning itself in an era defined by AI, semiconductors, and geopolitical rivalry. They explore the country’s shift from oil, gas, and plantations toward advanced manufacturing, examine how decades of semiconductor clustering built a quiet but durable export engine, and discuss why Malaysia is now doubling down on data centers and rare earths. The conversation covers US China competition over chip supply chains, the strategic importance of fabrication and GPU ecosystems, and how rare earth processing may represent the most underappreciated leverage point in the global tech stack. James also explains why execution, not ambition, will determine whether Malaysia can capture long term value from these emerging industries.

02:30 Malaysia balances growth with redistribution: The strategy is to raise high value industries like semiconductors and rare earths while lifting the bottom 40 percent through social protection.

05:42 Semiconductor strength came from decades of compounding: Intel and other multinationals anchored early manufacturing, and local engineers accumulated expertise that later spun into globally competitive firms.

10:18 Clusters beat subsidies alone: Tight networks of engineers, spin offs, and long term continuity allowed Malaysia’s chip ecosystem to survive volatility and keep upgrading.

21:05 China uses constraint as strategy: By limiting access to high end Nvidia GPUs, Beijing forces domestic firms to innovate faster and close critical design gaps.

29:45 Chips are not oil: Frontier GPUs power model training, but most real world AI use relies on inference, meaning older chips retain value longer than markets assume.

37:22 Data centers create investment headlines but unclear spillovers: Billions flow into Malaysia, yet long term value depends on whether local firms capture supply chain and technology capabilities.

44:10 Rare earth processing is the real choke point: Deposits are global, but China controls the complex multi step processing chain, making chemistry and technology control more strategic than mining alone.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/james-chai-rare-earth-power

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#MalaysiaEconomy #Semiconductors #RareEarths #DataCenters #USChinaTech #Geopolitics #AIStrategy #SupplyChains #IndustrialPolicy #BRAVEpodcast

Ziv Ragowsky: Corporate Venture Myths, Why Innovation Fails & How Startups Survive Inside Conglomerates – E671

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:00:22 +0000

Ziv Ragowsky, Co-Founder of Wright Partners, joins Jeremy Au to unpack why corporate venture building remains one of Southeast Asia’s hardest but most misunderstood innovation strategies. They explore how large corporations chase growth under pressure, why many internal ventures fail before traction, and how misaligned incentives quietly destroy promising ideas. The conversation covers when companies should build instead of buy, how lean venture design keeps startups investable, and why founder equity must evolve as risk shifts over time. Ziv also shares how venture builders act as translators between corporate logic and startup execution, and why honest advice sometimes means telling a client not to build at all.

03:00 Early ventures look irrelevant inside giant corporates: Small pilot businesses struggle to survive because billion-dollar organizations cannot emotionally commit to tiny revenue bets.

03:55 Overpromising innovation creates failure incentives: Corporates exaggerate projections to justify programs, which pushes ventures into unhealthy growth behavior.

08:45 Build only when buying makes no strategic sense: Companies should create new ventures only when acquisition is overpriced or the problem is uniquely theirs to solve.

15:00 Lean venture budgets protect future funding: Startups that spend like corporates become uninvestable before reaching real traction.

18:10 Corporate-heavy cap tables scare investors: Excess ownership and control crush founder motivation and block external capital.

20:15 Founder-led governance attracts venture capital: Investors prefer startups structured for entrepreneurial control rather than corporate hierarchy.

22:10 Honest advice sometimes means refusing to build: Saying no to bad ventures preserves long-term outcomes even if it costs short-term business.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ziv-ragowsky-corporate-innovation-trap

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#CorporateInnovation #VentureBuilding #StartupStrategy #SoutheastAsia #VentureCapital #FounderIncentives #CorporateGovernance #InnovationStrategy #VentureStudios #BRAVEpodcast

Hiroki Kato: Leaving Corporate Japan, Exposing Fraud in Vietnam & Building Asia’s Expert Knowledge Network – E670

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 21:00:22 +0000

Hiroki Kato, Founder of Arches and Jeremy Au discuss how leaving a safe Japanese corporate career pushed Hiroki into Southeast Asia’s faster markets, where exposure to fraud, cultural contrast, and insider truth reshaped his view of risk and opportunity. They explore how Vietnam’s optimism expanded his ambition, why public data often hides reality, and how expert conversations became the foundation for building Arches. The discussion connects personal courage with business execution, showing how disciplined hiring, focused delivery, and human trust systems built a competitive expert network.

02:30 Leaving corporate Japan felt like social betrayal: Hiroki chose impact over security despite family pressure to stay inside an elite lifetime career track.

09:10 Vietnam rewired his ambition: A young, optimistic workforce expanded his belief in growth, risk, and personal upside compared to mature Japan.

12:45 Fake books exposed the limits of public data: Insider voices revealed hidden accounting manipulation and misuse of investor funds no spreadsheet showed.

15:05 Two expert conversations changed his life: Direct interviews overturned the company narrative and proved people beat reports in emerging markets.

18:10 Arches began as survival entrepreneurship: Freelance work funded the company while he built the expert network in parallel.

20:10 Overdelivery created early market wedge: Deep service to a few clients built trust and defensibility in a crowded expert industry.

26:00 Crisis permanently lowered fear of risk: Surviving near collapse reframed failure as damage, not death, unlocking bolder decisions.

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/hiroki-kato-inside-market-truth

#SoutheastAsia #StartupJourney #FounderStory #EmergingMarkets #VietnamBusiness #ExpertNetworks #EntrepreneurMindset #CorporateToStartup #RiskAndGrowth #BRAVEpodcast

Mike Mate: Philippine Startup Fog, Founder Grit & Betting on the Future – E669

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 21:00:25 +0000

Jeremy Au and Mike Mate connect personal career risk with the structural limits of the Philippine startup ecosystem. Mike explains how jumping from law into finance shaped his tolerance for uncertainty, why venture capital requires emotional endurance, and how AI mirrors past industrial shifts. They examine why Southeast Asia imports frontier technology, why Philippine consumer startups struggle to scale, and why grit remains the region’s unfair advantage. The discussion ties personal courage to ecosystem maturity, arguing that founders and investors both survive through disciplined risk.

05:10 Investment banking exposed the limits of deal work: Closing transactions felt empty because he never saw what happened to companies after.

10:00 Venture capital demands emotional endurance: Allocating high risk capital requires custody of LP money and deep founder trust.

12:20 AI mirrors the steam engine moment: Technology removes intellectual limits the way railroads removed physical limits.

14:50 AI growth is exponential not gradual: Decades of change now compress into a few years.

18:30 Consumer startups define the Philippine opportunity: Strong demographics exist but iconic exits remain missing.

21:20 The valley of death blocks late stage growth: Series C companies stall without foreign capital.

25:00 Filipino founders survive through grit: Cultural obligation to family and employees fuels persistence under pressure.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/engineering-soft-landings

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#VentureCapital #StartupEcosystem #PhilippinesStartups #FounderGrit #StartupFunding #SoutheastAsiaTech #AIandInnovation #StartupGrowth #InvestorMindset #BRAVEpodcast

Aik Chuan Goh: Uber Lessons, Search Funds & The Future of Southeast Asia SMEs – E668

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 21:00:24 +0000

Aik Chuan (A.C.) Goh, Founder of Singapore’s first traditional search fund, joins Jeremy Au to unpack how operators evolve from startup builders into long-term business stewards. They explore lessons from Uber’s Southeast Asia expansion, why localization determines platform winners, and how consulting shaped A.C.’s decision-making framework. The conversation covers the limits of venture capital in personalized industries like education, the hidden succession crisis inside Singapore SMEs, and how search funds bridge retiring founders with new leadership. Aik Chuan also shares why disciplined capital structures matter, how growth still exists in mature markets, and why conviction requires respecting experience without surrendering belief in your thesis.

07:00 Uber proved that small autonomous teams can build cities: Three strong generalists with a mission can launch operations faster than large centralized structures.

10:30 Uber lost Indonesia because localization came too late: Missing cash payments and motorcycles allowed competitors to lock in the market.

11:45 Regional winners depend on profit hub cities: Control of Singapore, KL, Bangkok, and Jakarta determines who funds expansion.

19:32 Consulting builds structured decision discipline: Senior leaders iterate assumptions just like junior consultants, only faster.

29:53 Venture capital struggles in personalized education: Edtech exposed the limits of scale when every student needs different content.

34:22 Search funds solve SME succession gaps: Retiring founders need both liquidity and leadership, which the model combines.

53:15 Conviction requires reframing criticism: Aik Chuan learns to respect experience while still backing his thesis.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/aik-chuan-goh-owning-the-future

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-survival-game

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#CorporateInnovation #VentureBuilding #StartupStrategy #SoutheastAsia #VentureCapital #FounderIncentives #CorporateGovernance #InnovationStrategy #VentureStudios #BRAVEpodcast

BRAVE: VC Ghosting, Portfolio Math & The Brutal Truth About Startup Survival - E667

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 21:00:23 +0000

Jeremy Au breaks down how venture capital really works after the check clears. He explains how VCs silently re-rank startups every year, why most companies get deprioritized, and how a tiny number of winners carry an entire fund. The discussion covers angel buyouts, secondaries, IPO strategy, and the tension between founders and boards during exits. It’s a candid look at portfolio math, hidden incentives, and the survival rules founders rarely hear out loud.

01:47 The Hidden VC Scoreboard: Investment does not end evaluation. Partners continuously judge companies and shift attention toward expected winners.

04:45 The Brutal Portfolio Math: Most companies fail, a few return small wins, and one or two generate the 50x outcomes that power the entire fund.

06:20 Every Round Is a New Test: Each funding round resets conviction as investors decide whether to double down or step back.

13:25 Founder Vision vs. Board Incentives: Acquisition decisions split control from economics founders want long-term vision while boards optimize for return timing.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#venturecapital #startupstrategy #portfoliomanagement #founderjourney #startuptruths #unicornmath #exitsandipo #vcinsights #startupgrowth #BRAVEpodcast

Kamil Pabis: Why Health Hits a Ceiling, Longevity Needs Drugs & Science Moves Too Slowly - E666

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 21:00:22 +0000

Kamil Pabis, a longevity researcher based in Singapore, joins Jeremy Au to unpack why extending a healthy lifespan needs systems thinking, not quick hacks. They define longevity as targeting aging itself, explain why academia both enables and constrains progress, and show how Singapore’s policy choices support longer lives. They also discuss the biohacker pipeline, the promise of drugs like rapamycin, and why regulation and trial design slow real proof in humans.

06:40 Longevity targets the underlying aging process: Kamil explains that doctors treat a disease, but longevity research aims at the shared driver behind many age-related diseases.

09:26 Academia runs on idealists, then burns them out: Kamil describes low pay, long hours, and boss dependence as structural issues that push researchers into burnout cycles.

16:08 Singapore extends lifespan through policy and environment: They link higher life expectancy to prevention, vice taxes, and public health rules, not just individual discipline.

21:42 Lifestyle upgrades hit a biological ceiling: Kamil argues that once basics are covered, health gains flatten and average lifespan still converges near the low 90s without slowing aging.

32:02 Biohacker communities create a flywheel for early tools: Kamil explains how Singapore meetups mix researchers, healthcare professionals, and biohackers, creating demand for imperfect but improving products.

46:34 Ethics and bureaucracy slow trials more than science: Kamil argues medical systems focus on risk avoidance and move slower than places like China, even when volunteers exist.

50:12 Personal longevity means basics first, then selective layering: Kamil advises covering sleep, exercise, nutrition, and medical basics first, then adding a small number of targeted interventions before diminishing returns set in.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kamil-pabis-extending-human-life

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#Longevity #AgingScience #Healthspan #Biohacking #Rapamycin #PublicHealth #AcademicResearch #SingaporeTech #FutureOfHealth #BRAVEpodcast

BRAVE: Founder Control VS. VC Governance, Exit Risk & Value Protection - E665

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:00:23 +0000

Jeremy Au discusses how value is created, preserved, and lost in Southeast Asian startups, focusing on governance, control rights, and exit risk. The conversation looks at real founder–investor breakdowns, regulatory shocks, and why weak structure often shows up only when things go wrong. It explains why growth alone is not enough, and how control, trust, and exit planning shape outcomes in emerging markets.

00:14 Investor Regret on Control Rights: Investors reflect on the downside of weak protections and wish they had negotiated stronger control measures earlier.

01:18 Exit Management Is a VC Skill: The discussion shifts to exits, emphasizing that building value and realizing value require different skills and planning.

06:09 Light-Touch Governance and Fraud Risk: How US-style light governance in Indonesia contributed to aggressive growth, weak oversight, and fraud issues.

09:07 Growth Pressure and Revenue Fraud: A direct link is drawn between growth-at-all-costs behavior and manipulation of revenue numbers in emerging markets.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/exit-risk-exposed

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#VentureCapital #StartupGovernance #FounderInvestor #EmergingMarkets #SoutheastAsia #StartupRisk #ExitStrategy #VCInsights #StartupLessons #BRAVEpodcast

BRAVE: Why Startups Fail: Power Laws, Failure Patterns & Being Too Early - E664

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 21:00:23 +0000

Jeremy Au breaks down why most startups fail even after raising capital and why failure is often misunderstood by founders, investors, and the media. Drawing from venture data and real startup case studies, the discussion unpacks common failure patterns, the role of timing and macro forces, and why economic failure does not always mean bad judgment. The episode reframes failure as part of innovation, while staying honest about incentives, power laws, and investor reality.

01:40 The Brutal Math of Venture Capital: Jeremy explains why only about 1% of startups become unicorns, with high death rates at every funding stage.

03:55 Are Failed Startups Really Failures?: The discussion reframes failure, asking whether founders are failures or pioneers who were simply too early.

06:10 Jibo and Being Too Early: Jeremy shares how a social robot startup failed due to high hardware costs and missing infrastructure years before AI and sensors were ready.

12:30 Six Common Startup Failure Patterns: Jeremy outlines repeatable failure modes, including bad teams, false starts, speed traps, and bad macro luck.

20:10 Bad Macro Luck and Market Cycles: The episode explains how funding winters and external shocks can kill startups that were otherwise doing fine.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/why-startups-fail-power

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#startupfailure #venturecapital #founderlessons #powerlaw #startuplife #VCinsights #techstartups #buildinpublic #learningfromfailure #BRAVEpodcast

BRAVE: VC Term Sheets VS. Founder Control, Valuation Myths, Governance & Deal Failure - E663

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 21:00:18 +0000

Jeremy Au breaks down how venture capital deals really close, why many fail after the term sheet, and how financial and control rights shape outcomes for founders and investors over a 10-year relationship. Drawing from real cases across Southeast Asia, he explains the hidden trade-offs behind valuation, governance, and trust, and why “good economics” can still destroy long-term value if handled poorly.

01:00 Due Diligence and Deal Risk: How reference checks, audits, and legal reviews can still miss fraud and derail trust.

03:30 Trust as a 10-Year Decision: Why fundraising is not just about price, but about choosing a long-term partner.

04:45 Valuation Disputes and Ego: How founders and VCs clash over worth, and why bad negotiations quietly kill companies.

09:00 Valuation vs. Hidden Clauses: How high headline valuations are offset by liquidation preferences and anti-dilution terms.

15:30 Exploding Term Sheets and Founder Regret: A case where aggressive terms improved investor economics but destroyed founder trust.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/power-plays-in-fundraising

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#VentureCapital #TermSheets #StartupFunding #FounderVC #Valuation #Governance #StartupDeals #ControlRights #Fundraising #BRAVEpodcast

Beatrice Lion: From No-Pay Intern to Global VC, Betting Early on AI & Blockchain – E662

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 21:00:12 +0000

Beatrice Lion, General Partner and CEO of True Global Ventures, joins Jeremy Au to unpack how early conviction, long cycles, and hands-on learning shaped her path from finance student to venture capital leader. They explore why blockchain and AI only look obvious in hindsight, how decentralization solves real risks created by centralized platforms, and why hype often masks weak demand rather than weak technology. The conversation covers building a venture fund from self-funded roots to institutional scale, navigating fundraising and regulation, and what it takes to grow as an investor across multiple market cycles. Beatrice also shares how staying in one firm for years can still mean many different careers, and why resilience and judgment matter more than timing.

02:52 A no-pay internship reshaped career direction: Shadowing a GP showed how small actions, like one introduction, could determine a startup’s survival.

04:11 Venture capital felt more meaningful than banking: Direct impact on founders and companies mattered more than prestige or salary.

13:20 Decentralization drove blockchain conviction: Seeing Animoca lose its business overnight to a centralized platform clarified the risk of single gatekeepers.

16:33 Technology does not create demand: Tokenization only works when real markets already exist, not when assets lack buyers.

22:22 Market crashes build resilient founders: Repeated crypto downturns filtered out weak actors and strengthened surviving teams.

29:00 Eight years in one fund meant many roles: Beatrice moved across portfolio support, fundraising, regulation, and investment decisions without stagnation.

41:20 Leadership required personal courage under scrutiny: As a young CEO, Beatrice led a long MAS licensing process while managing deep self-doubt.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/beatrice-lion-application-layer-advantage

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Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

#VentureCapital #AIApplications #BlockchainInvesting #TechCycles #EmergingManagers #FundraisingJourney #InvestorConviction #StartupEcosystem #RegulatedInnovation #BRAVEpodcast

Rocky Yu: Inside AGI House, Talent Density & Why AI Is Built by Communities – E661

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:00:23 +0000

Rocky Yu, Founder and CEO of AGI House, joins Jeremy Au to unpack how early curiosity in computer graphics led him from engineering and startups to building one of the world’s most influential AI communities. They explore why talent density matters more than scale, how AGI House emerged during the pandemic as a mission-first experiment, and what it takes to turn deep technical conversations into real companies. The conversation covers Rocky’s journey from academia to entrepreneurship, how dinners and hackathons sparked breakout AI startups, and why AGI should be understood as a system of applied intelligence rather than a single god-like model. Rocky also shares his views on resilience, uncertainty, and how young people and parents should think about work, purpose, and opportunity in an AI-shaped future.

02:00 Early fascination with computer graphics shaped Rocky’s path: Curiosity about how computers generate realistic images pulled him into computer science long before AI was mainstream.

06:06 The pandemic triggered a mission reset: Isolation and deep conversations about purpose and intelligence sparked the idea that later became AGI House.

08:12 Talent density became the core design choice: AGI House prioritized curating elite researchers and founders over scaling a broad, open community.

12:32 Invite-only dinners and open hackathons worked together: Private discussions built depth while hackathons surfaced raw, unproven talent who later broke out.

15:29 Resilience comes from knowing why you build: Rocky explains that founders who love status quit early, while those driven by curiosity endure hardship.

17:21 AGI is a system, not a single god model: Intelligence emerges from many specialized agents improving through real-world deployment.

29:02 Learning to live with uncertainty builds founders: Traveling the world with no money trained the mindset Rocky later relied on as an entrepreneur.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/rocky-yu-building-agi-together

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

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Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

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Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

#ArtificialIntelligence #AGI #AICommunity #TechFounders #StartupEcosystem #FutureOfWork #FounderMindset #TalentDensity #HumanPotential #BRAVEpodcast

Eldred Wee: Inside Southeast Asia’s SME Gold Rush, Double Books & the Roll-Up Playbook – E660

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 21:00:23 +0000

Eldred Wee, Founder of Edenity, joins Jeremy Au to unpack why corporate services and accounting firms sit at the center of Southeast Asia’s next wave of SME acquisitions. They explore how Eldred’s early career in Big Four audit shaped his ability to spot incentives, fraud, and double or triple books, and why these realities define investing in the region. The conversation covers the rise of roll-ups in accounting and corporate services, why organic growth is hard for B2B services in Southeast Asia, and how aging founders and low digitization are creating a narrow transition window for buyers. Eldred also shares why price arbitrage alone rarely works, how culture and trust determine post-deal success, and why relationship-driven execution matters more than capital in small business M&A.

04:33 Big Four audit trained judgment, not just rules: Eldred learned how incentives, weak controls, and human behavior enable fraud to persist over years.

09:21 Double and triple books are a regional reality: Separate records exist for tax, management, and true economics, shaping how investors must assess risk.

11:58 Accounting is at a transition point: AI and digitization are advancing fast while many traditional firms remain underprepared.

12:38 SMEs form the backbone of Singapore’s economy: Small firms drive close to half of GDP and most employment, making corporate services critical infrastructure.

14:20 Inorganic growth beats organic growth for B2B services: Fragmentation and regulation push buyers to acquire existing firms rather than scale from scratch.

18:47 Culture outweighs financials in small acquisitions: Employee loyalty and founder habits often determine post-deal success or failure.

29:12 Personal history shapes leadership and dealmaking: Eldred’s early life experiences reinforce his focus on trust, relationships, and long-term legacy.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/eldred-wee-inside-sme-deals

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

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Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

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Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

#SMEacquisitions #SearchFunds #SoutheastAsiaBusiness #MergersAndAcquisitions #CorporateServices #AccountingAndFinance #RollUpStrategy #FounderTransitions #TrustInBusiness #BRAVEpodcast

Florian Hoppe: Southeast Asia’s Digital Resilience, AI Infrastructure & the Next Growth Wave - E659

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 21:00:21 +0000

Florian Hoppe, Partner at Bain, joins Jeremy Au to unpack insights from the Bain Southeast Asia Digital Economy Report 2025 and explain why the region’s digital economy keeps growing despite global uncertainty and negative headlines. They explore the long-term forces behind this resilience, including consumer adoption, payments and logistics infrastructure, and sustained middle-class demand. The conversation covers the expansion from ASEAN six to ASEAN ten, how regional scale really works for founders, and why competition from China and global players continues to fuel innovation. Florian also explains why AI and data centers should be seen as foundational utilities, how local AI solutions create real value in healthcare and education, and what investors, policymakers, and parents should focus on as Southeast Asia enters its next digital decade.

03:03 Adoption drives resilience: Smartphone penetration, payments, logistics, and trust infrastructure enabled durable digital behavior over time.

05:52 ASEAN expanded from six to ten countries: New markets added population and long-term upside, even with limited short-term GMV impact.

08:51 Regional strategy depends on product depth: High-end offerings cluster in major cities, while mass-market products still scale across ASEAN.

14:18 AI growth starts with infrastructure: Data centers and talent form the base layer before real business value emerges.

15:52 AI in Southeast Asia prioritizes quality and access: Lower labor costs shift focus from cost cutting to better healthcare and education outcomes.

22:17 Digital economy reached policy relevance: It now represents a meaningful share of GDP and employs tens of millions across the region.

29:50 Preparing the next generation for an AI economy: Florian argues parents should train curiosity, abstract thinking, and learning ability, rather than over-optimizing for specific technical skills too early.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/florian-hoppe-compounding-southeast-asia

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

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Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1

Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

#SoutheastAsiaTech #DigitalEconomy #AIinAsia #StartupEcosystem #VentureCapital #ASEAN #FutureOfWork #DataCenters #TechTrends #BRAVEpodcast

BRAVE: How VCs Actually Think About Founders, Unicorns & Growth - E658

Sun, 04 Jan 2026 21:00:21 +0000

Jeremy Au breaks down how venture capitalists actually think about startups, founder selection, and long-term value creation. Drawing from real VC decisions, classroom debates, and emerging technologies, he explains why learning speed beats polish, why most “obvious” winners only look obvious in hindsight, and how founders navigate pivots, problem selection, and 10× breakthroughs. The conversation also explores how strange technologies move from science fiction to commercialization, and how VCs evaluate scale, network effects, and unit economics in practice.

01:19 Founder potential vs. founder today: The gap between who a founder is now and who they must become over ten years, shaped by grit, learning, timing, and luck.

04:38 Learning speed as a competitive advantage: Jeremy explains why the fastest learners outcompete both startups and incumbents.

07:00 From non-problems to startups: How ideas like AI companions turn situational pain into viable businesses.

09:13 Commercializing breakthrough science: How founders think about customer personas, regulation, and product-market fit for radical technologies.

12:21 Product stays, customer changes: How commercialization often means reframing who the technology is really for.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/how-vcs-pick-winners

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

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YouTube

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Apple Podcast

#VentureCapital #StartupLife #FounderMindset #UnicornBuilding #LearningFast #TechInnovation #ProductMarketFit #ScaleAndGrowth #SoutheastAsiaTech #BRAVEpodcast

Kelvin Chan: From Math to Google AI, Nano Banana, How It’s Built & Where It’s Headed – E657

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Kelvin Chan, an AI researcher at Google, joins Jeremy Au to unpack his unconventional path from mathematics in Hong Kong to applied AI research across Singapore and the United States. They explore how AI research differs from traditional academic work, why iteration and results often matter more than theory, and how scale has transformed research culture from small experiments to highly collaborative, compute-heavy systems. The conversation covers the rapid evolution of image and video models including Google’s Nano Banana model, the push toward world modeling and embodied AI, and how AI tools are reshaping daily productivity for engineers. Kelvin also reflects on choosing AI in 2018 before it was mainstream, and why he believes the long-term future lies in AI as a trusted partner that augments human work rather than replaces it.

03:18 Image processing redirected Kelvin away from finance: Hands-on work with visual data revealed a stronger pull toward applied problem solving than abstract financial paths.

06:00 AI research prioritizes iteration over proofs: Progress comes from training models, debugging failures, and refining results rather than deriving formal guarantees.

09:16 Nano Banana reflects Google’s applied AI approach: Large-scale models are used to speed up coding, debugging, documentation, and internal productivity.

11:00 Results matter more than explanations in applied AI: Kelvin focuses on whether models work in practice, not on fully understanding internal neural mechanisms.

16:12 Scaling models reshaped research culture: Moving from millions to billions of parameters forced deeper collaboration and reduced solo experimentation.

20:05 World modeling targets physical understanding: Researchers aim to teach AI how gravity, motion, and real-world constraints actually behave.

26:25 Choosing AI before it was mainstream required risk: Kelvin’s decision to pursue AI in 2018 became the most defining and courageous move of his career.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kelvin-chan-inside-google-ai

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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YouTube

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Apple Podcast

#GoogleAI #ArtificialIntelligence #AIResearch #FutureOfAI #TechCareers #MachineLearning #DeepLearning #AITrends #AIatScale #BRAVEpodcast

Jianggan Li: China vs. USA Tactical Pause, Moves vs. Countermoves & Rare Earths Leverage – E656

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 21:00:15 +0000

China analyst and Momentum Works founder Jianggan joins Jeremy Au to break down how US–China tensions evolved through a year of tariffs, rare earth leverage, supply chain shocks, and fast-moving geopolitical swings. They examine why both sides misread each other, how Chinese companies adapted faster than expected, and why the global system settled into a tactical pause instead of a decisive split. Their discussion shows how on-the-ground China differs from Western narratives, how product iteration and factory conditions changed under competitive pressure, and why neither side can force a quick victory. Jianggan also shares insights from thirteen trips across China as he tracks e-commerce exporters, shifting macro sentiment, and the emerging negotiation patterns that shape 2026.

02:28 US tariffs aimed to hurt China but failed to break its exporters: Chinese firms diversified markets, adjusted production, and kept shipping strong volumes even as analysts expected collapse.

03:08 China deployed rare earths and soybeans as leverage: Beijing used export controls, licensing rules, and supply pivots to respond in structured tit for tat moves that surprised US policymakers.

07:04 A tactical pause replaced escalation: Both sides realized they could not win quickly, creating a fragile equilibrium shaped by low trust but stable expectations.

10:06 Factory floors tell a different story: Air-conditioned warehouses, livestreamed food production, one dollar meals, and rising worker savings show a more complex China than what headlines describe.

21:12 Chinese product cycles sped up dramatically: Exporters improved quality within a year, added more features, and stayed cheaper, putting global incumbents under real pressure.

26:26 Narratives on both sides miss the nuance: Sensational media framing and echo chambers make Americans underestimate China and make Chinese underestimate America.

29:06 TikTok deal shows coexistence is possible: Restructuring turned adversaries into stakeholders and created a template for how cross-border platforms can operate under political pressure.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jianggan-li-chinas-counterplay

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/engineering-soft-landings

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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YouTube

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Apple Podcast

#USChinaRelations #Geopolitics #ChinaEconomy #TradeWar #RareEarths #GlobalSupplyChains #SoutheastAsiaTech #TariffTalks #MarketDynamics #BRAVEpodcast

Lance Katigbak: BCG Filipino Family Report, Overseas Foreign Workers & Health Shocks – E655

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 21:00:19 +0000

Lance Katigbak, Principal at BCG Manila, joins Jeremy Au to break down why Filipino households, not individuals, are the true drivers of economic decisions in the Philippines. Drawing from BCG’s large scale research on the Filipino family, they explore how family structures shape spending, saving, and borrowing behavior, and why health risk sits at the center of financial anxiety. The conversation covers multi earner and extended households, the role of informal lending, and how overseas Filipino workers remain deeply involved in family decisions from abroad. Lance also explains why most products miss the market by designing for individuals, and how companies can unlock real opportunity by building for the household instead.

03:25 Filipino families fall into six major structures: Nuclear families make up less than half of households, with one earner, dual earner, and multi earner families each representing about a third of the population.

09:07 Informal lenders understand households better than banks: Five six lenders assess family level ability to repay, unlike formal finance that underwrites individuals.

13:01 Debt is driven by medical necessity: Paying off debt is the top priority for the poorest families, with health emergencies as the main trigger for borrowing.

18:35 Overseas Filipino workers anchor household budgets: OFWs send home most of their income and remain actively involved in family decisions through constant communication.

23:17 The Filipino dream centers on family security: Top goals are financial protection against health shocks and starting small stable businesses.

29:16 Spending roles differ by gender: Women often manage savings and budgets while men more often handle investments and hardware purchases.

32:04 Families seek modest upgrades, not luxury: Aspirations focus on stress free groceries, affordable dining out, and daily stability rather than status.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/lance-katigbak-filipino-money-decisions

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

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YouTube

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Apple Podcast

#PhilippineEconomy #FilipinoFamilies #HouseholdDecisions #HealthRisk #OFWLife #FinancialBehavior #EmergingMarkets #FamilyFirst #SEATech #BRAVEpodcast

Annie Huang: Taiwan’s Succession Crisis, Search Funds & Returning to Win Locally – E654

Sun, 21 Dec 2025 21:00:21 +0000

Annie Huang, Harvard MBA and founder of Taiwan’s first traditional search fund, joins Jeremy Au to share how global exposure shaped her decision to return home and build in a market others overlook. She traces her journey from growing up outside Taiwan’s major cities to working across Southeast Asia, then studying at Harvard Business School before choosing entrepreneurship over a conventional prestige path. Annie explains how Taiwanese capital and talent move fluidly across China, Southeast Asia, and the US, why aging founders and overseas children have created a real SME succession crisis, and how search funds offer a practical solution. They discuss her experience fundraising from both global and local investors, what daily life looks like as a searcher speaking with founders nearing retirement, and how becoming a mother during her MBA unexpectedly strengthened trust with business owners. Their conversation explores why the biggest opportunities often sit in familiar markets, how autonomy and equity drive long-term wealth, and what it takes to build conviction while balancing family, risk, and leadership.

01:18 Growing up outside Taiwan’s major cities built independence: Annie shares how early freedom and family trust pushed her to explore work and life beyond her comfort zone.

04:43 Taiwanese investment focus shifted from China to Southeast Asia: She explains how investors followed growth momentum as Southeast Asia became more attractive over the past five to six years.

09:20 Younger Taiwanese professionals avoid China’s intense job market: Gen Z prioritizes lifestyle and flexibility, unlike older cohorts who once saw China as the top destination.

10:59 Harvard MBA expanded options but clarified where she could win: Annie pursued global exposure, then realized her biggest upside was in her home market.

17:38 Discovering search funds aligned past experience and future goals: She connects business development, fundraising, and investing into one coherent path.

18:55 Taiwan’s SME succession crisis created a clear opportunity: Aging founders, overseas children, and low birth rates leave strong businesses without successors.

31:28 Motherhood strengthened trust with founders: Having children helped Annie connect emotionally with older business owners and build credibility faster.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/annie-huang-taiwan-search-fund

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

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Apple Podcast

#SearchFund #TaiwanSMEs #SuccessionCrisis #Entrepreneurship #HomeMarket #HarvardMBA #AsiaInvesting #FounderJourney #Leadership #BRAVEpodcast

Violet Lim: Founding Asia’s Largest Matchmaker, Dating Stigma vs. Coaching and AI Romance Companions - E653

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:00:20 +0000

Violet Lim, Co-Founder & CEO of Lunch Actually Paktor Group, and Jeremy Au explore how dating, expectations, and technology have evolved across Southeast Asia over the past two decades. Violet traces her path from studying law in the UK to banking in Singapore, before leaving a stable career at 24 to start Lunch Actually, now one of Asia’s longest-running matchmaking groups. They discuss the early stigma around dating services, why lunch dating worked as a low-pressure solution for busy professionals, and the realities of expanding across markets like Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Their conversation digs into why some people find partners quickly while others repeat the same patterns, how coaching closes gaps in mindset and behavior, and why surface-level filters often block long-term compatibility. They also examine how dating apps reshaped expectations, how Gen Z, millennials, and Gen X approach dating differently, and how AI companionship is beginning to challenge traditional ideas of intimacy, loneliness, and commitment.

01:45 How she met her husband: Violet recounts meeting her university sweetheart through student society events, ICQ conversations, and a first lunch date that later inspired her business model.

03:35 Identifying the dating gap: While rotating through Citibank, Violet notices many eligible colleagues are single and constantly busy, realizing lunch is often the only time people can realistically meet someone new.

06:23 Quitting at 24 despite stigma: Violet explains why she chose not to practice family law, moved into HR and banking, and faced deep cultural resistance to matchmaking before deciding to go all in.

15:43 Overcoming early barriers: Advertisers refuse to run dating ads, landlords reject office rentals, clients hide to avoid being seen, and a bold half-empty newspaper ad becomes the breakthrough moment.

18:39 Scaling across Asia: Singapore and Malaysia grow naturally, Hong Kong requires language and cultural adaptation, and Taiwan fails when the team realizes the concept of dating does not yet exist in the market.

31:21 Coaching drives successful matches: Violet explains why some clients succeed quickly while others stall, leading to mindset coaching, image support, and WhatsApp critique to fix blind spots.

42:16 AI reshapes emotional norms: Violet describes how abundance, analysis paralysis, fear of better options, and AI companionship are changing how people define connection and commitment.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/violet-lim-modern-matchmaking

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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Apple Podcast

#DatingInAsia #ModernLove #Matchmaking #DatingApps #GenZDating #AIFuture #HumanConnection #Relationships #Loneliness #BRAVEpodcast

Caylee Chua: Singapore’s First Renaissance Fair, Creative Grit and How a 24-Year-Old Built a New Festival Culture – E652

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:39:07 +0000

Caylee Chua, multidisciplinary artist and founder of Strawberry Champagne Sparkles, joins Jeremy Au to share how she built Ren Faire SG: The Origin from a niche idea into Singapore’s first Renaissance Fair. She traces her journey from crafting fairycore jewelry to designing an immersive festival that blends artistry, performance, and community play. Caylee explains how early inspiration from overseas fairs sparked her vision, how months of quiet TikTok posts built the first wave of support, and how strict venue rules forced her to redesign logistics with precision. They discuss why Singaporeans crave spaces for imagination, how grassroots creativity grows when subcultures meet, and why young founders can move fast even without industry backing. Their conversation explores the mix of cosplay, crafts, DnD, book culture, and youth communities that shaped the fair, the emotional work behind cold outreach and rejections, and the courage required to keep building when early metrics stay small. Caylee also reflects on curating performers, choosing Fort Canning as her launch venue, and creating an accessible fairytale aesthetic that encourages families and newcomers to rediscover wonder through craftsmanship and play.

01:59 Discovering Renaissance Fairs through global festivals: Caylee explains how US and European fairs mix historical reenactments, fantasy costumes, live music, and immersive outdoor spaces.

07:35 Planning logistics under strict rules: She walks through tough constraints from the parks authority, including truck access limits, safety marshals, tree buffers, and weekday-only setup windows.

09:51 Choosing Fort Canning after venue rejections: Other parks blocked her plans, Marina Barrage felt too modern, and only one Fort Canning lawn delivered both ambience and affordability.

12:03 Designing a fairytale-first theme: She leans into approachable fairytale fantasy so families, casual fans, and newcomers feel welcome without needing deep fandom knowledge.

15:20 Curating performers with an open call: She reviews video auditions, selects musicians and street cast with the right energy, and balances skill, costume fit, and stage flow.

18:29 Building early marketing momentum: She starts socials early, grows an email list, mobilizes supporters to reshare posts, and uses community filming to power Instagram and TikTok reach.

28:48 Staying brave when early posts fall flat: She pushes through silence, posts daily despite tiny views, and keeps her conviction until the algorithm and word of mouth finally amplify her work.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/caylee-chua-magic-in-singapore

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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#RenaissanceFairSG #CreativeFounders #GrassrootsCulture #FestivalBuilders #ArtMeetsCommunity #YouthEntrepreneurs #BuildingInPublic #CreatorEconomySEA #SingaporeCulture #BRAVEpodcast

Paul Blackstone: Global EdTech Lessons, China’s Hypergrowth Era and Why Mindset Beats Curriculum – E651

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:24 +0000

Paul Blackstone, longtime education operator and founder of SummitLearn, joins Jeremy Au to unpack his path from running a small health-food shop in Australia to leading one of China’s largest English-learning organizations and advising education companies worldwide. He shares how early failures taught him to learn fast, why teaching adults unlocked his passion for human development, and how China’s boom years shaped his leadership approach. They discuss how culture and discipline drive scale more than perfect products, why schools struggle to build creativity and mindset, and how parents can raise independent kids in an AI-first world. Their conversation explores the tension between academic metrics and behavioral growth, the power of founder-led culture in scaling teams, and why entrepreneurship can thrive both inside companies and in startup life. Paul also reflects on world-schooling his children, building Curio to fill classroom gaps, and why resilient learners will define the next generation.

01:20 Teaching sparks purpose: Paul discovers a powerful energy exchange with adult learners which anchors his lifelong commitment to education.

03:42 Early founder hardship builds awareness: Running a health-food shop from age 24 forces him to confront gaps in knowledge and learn real operational discipline.

07:14 A mis-hire becomes a breakthrough: Rejected as a teacher, Paul is instead hired as center manager and sent to Barcelona which launches his education leadership journey.

12:05 China becomes the rocket ship: Beijing’s hypergrowth teaches him how culture, discipline and incentives scale teams faster than perfect pedagogy.

16:31 Performance culture drives results: Paul learns that resilient teams, strong habits and founder-aligned values matter more than any technical playbook.

22:21 Curio fills a missing layer: Seeing schools overlook mindset, creativity and curiosity, he creates a program that develops behavioral skills for children across multiple countries.

26:36 Independence shapes future learners: A year of world-schooling shows him that real-world exposure and discomfort accelerate resilience and academic growth.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/paul-blackstone-mindset-over-method

#EdTechLeadership #FounderJourney #ChinaHypergrowth #MindsetMatters #ParentingAndLearning #GlobalEducation #ScalingStartups #FutureOfLearning #EntrepreneurialMindset #BRAVEpodcast

Maged Harby: Inside Middle East EdTech, Egypt’s Talent Engine and How Localization Decides Startup Success – E650

Sun, 07 Dec 2025 21:00:13 +0000

Maged Harby, General Partner at VMS, joins Jeremy Au to share his journey from publishing to building one of the Middle East’s earliest EdTech venture programs, explain how Egypt and Saudi Arabia differ as innovation ecosystems, and guide founders on how to enter the region with cultural fit and strong partnerships. They discuss how EdTech adoption accelerated during COVID, why parents still steer children toward traditional fields, and how Gen Z is shifting toward entrepreneurship. Their conversation explores the contrast between Egypt’s talent depth and Saudi Arabia’s purchasing power, the need for localization in pricing and UX, and why Middle Eastern markets must be treated as distinct rather than homogeneous. Maged also outlines what he hopes to see next in personalized learning and why teacher training remains the region’s biggest unlock.

00:25 VMS: Corporate Venture studio based in Saudi Arabia and provide several program to help and support startup to grow such as Bridge program that support startups that need to expand their business to Saudi Arabia and other programs

03:00 Parents push traditional paths: Egypt’s university admissions are rigid and most families still guide children toward engineering or medicine.

07:00 EdVentures built from zero: Maged grew EdVentures into a major EdTech incubator and accelerator with more than 90 graduated startups and 23 investments.

14:00 Gen Z shifts to entrepreneurship: Young people are increasingly drawn to building startups and solving real problems instead of following traditional job tracks.

16:00 Localization defines success: Middle Eastern markets differ in pricing, UX, language and regulation which makes adaptation essential for expansion.

19:00 Competition varies by country: FinTech is saturated in Saudi Arabia while EdTech and health tech remain more open in Egypt and the UAE.

27:00 Teacher quality is the bottleneck: Universities must modernize teacher training so classrooms can match Gen Z and Gen Alpha digital habits.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/maged-harby-middle-east-playbook

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#MiddleEastTech #EdTechInnovation #SaudiArabiaStartups #EgyptEcosystem #GenZEntrepreneurs #LocalizationStrategy #VentureStudios #GCCExpansion #PersonalizedLearning #BRAVEpodcast

Chong Ing Kai: Chopstick Robots, ADHD Grit and Why Tinkering Beats Traditional STEAM – E649

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Chong Ing Kai Founder and CEO of Stick’Em joins Jeremy Au to unpack how tinkering shaped his early years, how ADHD influenced his learning journey, and why he built a chopstick robotics kit to make STEAM education affordable for all. They explore how schools struggle with hands-on learning, why teachers need flexible tools rather than rigid kits, and how students learn better when they build instead of follow instructions. Their discussion covers the rise of open-ended tinkering, the pitfalls of screen-first childhoods, and the structural challenges of selling innovation into schools. Kai also shares how Stick’Em grew from a hundred-dollar prototype to a company used by thousands of students and how winning the Hult Prize at 22 changed his plans for global expansion.

02:42 Schools lacked quality STEAM programs: While working as a robotics trainer, Kai notices that schools rely on vendors who are businessmen rather than educators, creating weak learning experiences.

04:54 Chopsticks unlock creativity for kids: Kai shares why Stick’Em uses chopsticks, how they are cheap, sturdy, and open-ended, and how kids build robots, weapons, helicopters, and costumes in early tests.

07:05 Teachers adopt Stick’Em when it fits their real lessons: He explains how teachers use Stick’Em inside core subjects like social studies, ICT, science, and mother tongue — not just in after-exam activities.

11:38 Modern dopamine loops hit ADHD harder: Kai goes deep into TikTok, gaming, poor sleep, and how dopamine addiction creates pitfalls for impulsive students — plus how he manages these triggers as a founder.

18:48 Shifting the business model to recurring school revenue: Kai explains why selling hardware once was unsustainable and how Stick’Em now targets booklist placement so every P3 student receives a kit yearly.

29:39 Winning the Hult Prize transforms the company’s scale: He recounts entering the competition for mentorship, making semifinals and finals, and ultimately winning the million-dollar global prize because of traction and clarity.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/chong-ing-kai-chopstick-engineering

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#STEMeducation #TinkeringMindset #ChopstickRobotics #GenZFounders #ADHDJourney #HandsOnLearning #EdTechInnovation #ParentingInTech #FutureOfLearning #BRAVEpodcast

Shan Han: Crypto Lessons, Boom Bust Belief and Funding Students the Web3 Way – E648

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 21:00:22 +0000

Portfolio Manager at Animoca Brands and former Chief Investment Officer at Node Capital, Shan Han joins Jeremy Au to trace his path from Hong Kong trading to fintech and Web3, discuss how early crypto grew from ideology, and explain why tokenizing assets like student loans can unlock education across Southeast Asia. They explore how customer urgency validates real problems, how global liquidity reshapes emerging markets, and how regulation and permissioned systems will define the future of crypto. Shan also reflects on leaving hedge funds to build companies that solve urgent needs.

06:00 First startup taught real founder lessons: Shan overbuilt the product and underinvested in speaking to customers, which he now sees as his biggest early mistake.

09:00 ICO wave created opportunity and chaos: Node Capital traded markets and backed early tokens as crypto cycles repeated with massive upside and sharp crashes.

10:00 SME lending proved a painkiller need: Borrowers called him for loans before a product even existed, showing that real demand always leads.

14:00 Tokenized student loans expand access: Global liquidity meets local underwriting so students in the Philippines and Indonesia receive financing they previously could not access.

14:55 Benefits emerge for investors, lenders, and borrowers: On-chain capital finds high-quality yield, local lenders scale faster, and students get more affordable financing.

17:15 Blockchain reshapes student loan markets: Unified liquidity, alternative credit models, and on-chain verification make lending systems more efficient and more inclusive.

22:00 Every major asset will become tokenized: Stablecoins lead the way, followed by T Bills and real-world assets as liquidity and tradability improve.

29:00 Courage means leaving comfort for impact: Shan left a hedge fund he loved to build companies because solving real problems mattered more than staying safe.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/shan-han-tokenize-real-life

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#Web3 #DeFi #Tokenization #StudentLoans #EmergingMarkets #CryptoEducation #FintechInnovation #DigitalAssets #FutureOfFinance #BRAVEpodcast

Jianggan Li: China vs. USA Tactical Pause, Moves vs. Countermoves & Rare Earths Leverage – E647

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 21:00:19 +0000

07:04 A tactical pause replaced escalation: Both sides realized they could not win quickly, creating a fragile equilibrium shaped by low trust but stable expectations.

21:12 Chinese product cycles sped up dramatically: Exporters improved quality within a year, added more features, and stayed cheaper, putting global incumbents under real pressure.

26:26 Narratives on both sides miss the nuance: Sensational media framing and echo chambers make Americans underestimate China and make Chinese underestimate America.

29:06 TikTok deal shows coexistence is possible: Restructuring turned adversaries into stakeholders and created a template for how cross-border platforms can operate under political pressure.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jianggan-li-chinas-counterplay

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#USChinaRelations #Geopolitics #ChinaEconomy #TradeWar #RareEarths #GlobalSupplyChains #SoutheastAsiaTech #TariffTalks #MarketDynamics #BRAVEpodcast

Kristie Neo: Middle East & China Partnership Acceleration, Secret Power Corridors Reshaping Global Markets & AI Megaprojects – E646

Sun, 23 Nov 2025 21:00:20 +0000

Jeremy Au and Kristie Neo break down how China, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia are forming new economic corridors that reshape trade, capital movement, and technology strategy. They describe how China and the Gulf now work together at a scale that surpasses Gulf–West flows, how the UAE and Saudi Arabia use bold planning to diversify their economies, and why Western reporting still misses the magnitude of this shift. They examine how Chinese overcapacity fuels Middle Eastern mega projects, how sovereign funds on both sides deepen cross investment, and how AI, data centers, and energy abundance position the Gulf as a future compute hub. Kristie also outlines the gap between vision and execution in projects like NEOM, while Jeremy reflects on how these moves echo earlier global cycles.

00:55 Trade flows flipped direction. China Gulf commerce surpassed Gulf West trade in 2024 because Chinese overcapacity met Gulf demand for infrastructure, construction, and technology.

02:18 Media exposure hides the scale of change. Western and Chinese outlets lack global reach in covering Middle East China ties, which keeps the shift underreported.

08:56 UAE applied the Singapore playbook. Pro business policies, low tax systems, and investor friendly rules drew global hedge funds, family offices, and operators to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

14:51 Qatar’s World Cup showed the model. Gulf capital combined with Chinese labor and construction speed to complete major stadium projects on compressed timelines.

25:32 Sovereign funds deepened two way flows. Middle Eastern allocators increased exposure to Chinese assets as both sides diversified away from US denominated risk.

40:12 AI infrastructure became a national priority. Gulf governments invested heavily in data centers and chip capacity by pairing cheap energy with large land availability.

54:23 NEOM revealed ambition and friction. The 120 kilometer enclosed city concept captured Saudi Arabia’s vision but faced delays that showed how difficult execution can be.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kristie-neo-accelerating-middle-east

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#ChinaGulfCorridor #MiddleEastTech #GlobalSouthShift #GeopoliticsAndTech #SovereignWealthFlows #AIEnergyFuture #DubaiSingaporePlaybook #ChinaOvercapacity #EmergingMarketTrends #BRAVEpodcast

BRAVE: The Startup 10x Strategy and the Moats That Keep You Winning - E645

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:00:19 +0000

Jeremy Au outlines why founders must choose a single 10x advantage and commit to it. He explains how products win by being better or faster or cheaper than the status quo and why unfair advantages are required to defend that lead. He also highlights the Southeast Asian invention of the USB thumb drive as a case where a first mover delivered a better experience but still lost when fast followers and scale overtook them.

01:00 Spotify provides 10x better quality: Unlimited access to any song in any order is a better experience than CDs or using Napster or Kazaa.

04:45 Uber creates a 10x faster experience: Seeing when a car will arrive removes waiting uncertainty and feels much faster than waving for taxis or calling for bookings.

06:00 SpaceX wins by being 10x cheaper: The cost of sending one kilogram to space dropped from about 30,000 dollars to about 500 dollars and continues to fall.

09:00 Six unfair advantages that protect a 10x lead: Startups defend their position through first mover advantage, network effects, economies of scale, intellectual property, regulatory protection, and scarce expert teams. These moats determine whether a company can keep its 10x advantage as competitors enter.

14:00 Thumb drive first mover but lost advantage: Henn Tan, founder of Trek 2000 and creator of the USB thumb drive, built a better file transfer experience but lost his lead because patents were not enforced globally, fast followers copied cheaply, and competitors gained scale and network effects.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/first-mover-loses

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#10xStrategy #StartupMoats #BetterFasterCheaper #FounderInsights #SEATech #InnovationFrameworks #FirstMoverVsFastFollower #TechCaseStudies #VentureThinking #BRAVEpodcast

Joe Lu: From Meta Layoff to HeyMax, Rebuilding Value, Miles & the Future of Consumer AI – E644

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Joe Lu, Co-Founder of HeyMax, joins Jeremy Au to unpack how layoffs, timing, and conviction turned a setback into a startup opportunity. They trace Joe’s journey from Shanghai to Michigan to Facebook Singapore, and how getting laid off in 2022 pushed him to co-found HeyMax. The conversation explores his reflections on building a consumer-first fintech, understanding mindshare arbitrage, and predicting how AI will reshape loyalty and value distribution between businesses and consumers. Joe also shares how fatherhood, risk-taking, and curiosity shaped his path as a founder.

00:45 From Shanghai to Silicon Valley engineer: Joe recounts growing up in China, studying in the U.S., and joining Expedia and Facebook during the golden age of software engineering.

06:27 Building Facebook Singapore’s tech office: He helped establish one of Facebook’s first Asia engineering hubs, seeing firsthand how global tech scales into the region.

12:17 Meta layoffs spark a new beginning: Losing his job in 2022 became the catalyst to start HeyMax with three co-founders instead of returning to corporate life.

19:15 Pivoting from AI-for-money to credit card tools: The team experimented with finance bots before hitting traction with a merchant category search tool that drew thousands of users.

23:50 Discovering the miles community: Joe realized that while few people care about miles, those who do care deeply, creating a niche with high engagement and clear demand.

30:37 Building a consumer-first value model: Joe envisions a future where AI helps people capture their own value directly from brands instead of intermediaries taking the largest cut.

46:42 Being brave as a founder and father: Joe shares how starting a company during a funding drought with two young kids taught him resilience, balance, and optimism.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/joe-lu-money-meets-ai

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#HeyMax #JoeLu #StartupJourney #AIFintech #MilesAndRewards #ConsumerEmpowerment #FounderLife #MetaLayoff #SoutheastAsiaTech #BRAVEpodcast

Larry Susanto: From Berkeley to Jakarta, Climate Tech’s Next Frontier & Indonesia’s Green Opportunity – E642

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 21:00:20 +0000

AVP of Investments at ACV Larry Susanto and Jeremy Au discuss Larry’s journey from a Berkeley-trained engineer to a climate-tech investor shaping Indonesia’s sustainability future. They trace how his career evolved across research, product management, and consulting, and how Southeast Asia’s climate ecosystem compares to Silicon Valley’s innovation-driven model. Their conversation explores Indonesia’s renewable potential, capital gaps, and the role of government policy in turning natural resources into long-term value creation. Larry also shares how courage, learning agility, and purpose guided each of his career leaps across industries and continents.

00:00 From lab to venture capital: Larry shares how curiosity for chemistry and sustainability led him from UC Berkeley to the Bay Area’s solar startup scene.

05:32 Choosing home over the U.S.: Larry reflects on returning to Indonesia to give back despite visa hurdles and more advanced R&D ecosystems abroad.

10:42 Strategy at Bain: Larry deepened his business acumen, joining sustainability projects such as EV strategy, plastic recycling, and Bain’s Green Economy Report.

15:12 Climate tech in context: He contrasts the West’s deep-tech innovation with Southeast Asia’s business-model adaptation and localization approach.

19:36 ACV’s five climate pillars: Renewable energy, electric mobility, energy efficiency, climate-smart agriculture, and waste circularity form their investment focus.

25:22 Indonesia’s EV and mineral opportunity: Despite abundant nickel and raw materials, the nation must improve downstream capacity to capture more value.

30:22 Untapped green potential: With 500 gigawatts of solar capacity and 120 million motorbikes ripe for electrification, Indonesia holds a massive opportunity.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/larry-susanto-indonesia-green-leap

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#ClimateTech #Sustainability #GreenEnergy #IndonesiaStartups #RenewableFuture #ElectricMobility #VentureCapital #CleanInnovation #SoutheastAsiaTech #BRAVEpodcast

Franco Varona: Philippines’ Startup Boom, Global Diaspora Power & Why First Movers Win – E641

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Franco Varona, Managing Partner of Foxmont Capital Partners and returning guest from episodes 357 and 516, joins Jeremy Au to unpack why the Philippines is fast becoming Southeast Asia’s next big investment and startup hub. They explore the country’s rapid digitization, growing middle class, and unique strengths like its global diaspora and English fluency. The conversation covers how Foxmont’s latest fund is backing local solutions to Filipino problems, the rise of accessible health and wellness ventures, and the government’s evolving role in supporting innovation. Franco also shares why first movers can dominate the Philippine market and how solving for price and accessibility unlocks massive opportunity.

01:34 Foxmont Capital’s journey and fund milestones: Franco shares how the firm built three funds since 2019, making 45 investments focused on the Philippines’ growth story.

04:53 Philippines’ digital leap fuels investment: From 30% digital wallet penetration pre-pandemic to 99% today, the country’s digitization and rising middle class are reshaping its economy.

08:00 Private capital surge matches Indonesia: Annual startup investments now top $1 billion, signaling growing global confidence in the Philippines.

16:46 Diaspora drives growth and return talent: Millions of overseas Filipinos send money home while second-generation entrepreneurs return to launch startups.

19:27 Language and cultural edge: The Philippines’ English fluency and global mindset make it an ideal second expansion market for regional startups.

22:58 First movers win big: Filipinos’ strong brand loyalty and investor collaboration help early entrants dominate categories like coffee chains and gyms.

25:23 Investing in accessible health and fitness: Foxmont backs BeFit, an affordable gym chain, and women’s clinics offering localized, comfortable care solutions.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/franco-varona-philippines-rising

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#PhilippinesStartups #SoutheastAsiaTech #VentureCapital #FoxmontCapital #DigitalEconomy #EmergingMarkets #DiasporaInnovation #AffordableGrowth #TechInvestment #BRAVEpodcast

Shao Ning: Southeast Asia’s Startup Winter, Founder Discipline & How Angels Are Shaping the Next Wave – E640

Sun, 02 Nov 2025 21:00:20 +0000

Shao Ning, Cofounder of AngelCentral and returning guest from Episode 267, joins Jeremy Au to reflect on Southeast Asia’s startup evolution from the fundraising highs of 2021–2023 to today’s disciplined recalibration. They unpack how founders, investors, and angels are adapting to longer fundraising cycles, stricter due diligence, and a renewed focus on cashflow and execution. Shao Ning shares lessons from building AngelCentral, how she balances investing and family life, and what she tells her four sons about navigating an AI-driven future. Their conversation spans shifting market dynamics, founder accountability, and why sustainable growth now matters more than rapid expansion.

06:00 Market highs turned to prolonged winter: After the 2021–2023 boom, the ecosystem faces a slowdown as valuations drop and LPs demand real returns.

10:00 Fundraising timelines doubled: Founders now need up to 18 months to close rounds, making cost control and financial discipline critical to survival.

15:00 Over-optimism gave way to realism: Southeast Asian startups once chased rapid growth across markets, but the focus is shifting back to fundamentals and measured scaling.

17:00 Founders must prioritize business over fundraising: Shao Ning reminds entrepreneurs to build traction and sustainability instead of chasing term sheets or inflated valuations.

19:00 Balance investor advice with founder instinct: Founders should listen but make their own calls, since they understand operations and timing better than their investors.

25:00 Investment discipline returns: AngelCentral halves its annual outflow and targets post-seed founders with real revenue and strong cashflow management.

32:00 Preparing the next generation: Shao Ning urges her sons to combine hard skills with soft skills, invest in themselves, and build adaptability as AI transforms the job market.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/shao-ning-surviving-startup-winter

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https://www.bravesea.com/blog/nathaniel-yim-startup-grit-growth

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#StartupWinter #SoutheastAsiaVC #AngelCentral #FounderDiscipline #CashflowStrategy #VCInsights #AIandEntrepreneurship #ResilientFounders #StartupRecovery #BRAVEpodcast

Nathaniel Yim: From Broke Founder to B2B Builder, Logistics Lessons & Why Human Creativity Still Wins – E639

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Nathaniel Yim, Founder of Nila Studios and former Co-Founder of Janio, joins Jeremy Au to share how he went from a fresh graduate to leading one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing logistics startups and later building a B2B marketing agency. They discuss how to earn trust in a mature industry, why human creativity remains vital in the AI era, and what resilience looks like when founders face real hardship. The conversation highlights lessons on credibility, adaptability, and building lasting value through learning by doing.

03:14 Startup leap over job offers: Right after graduation, Nathaniel turned down stable job offers to co-found Janio with friends after one pivotal conversation that reshaped his career path.

07:55 Cracking Southeast Asia’s logistics puzzle: Janio built a software-driven, asset-light platform to integrate fragmented cross-border supply chains and navigate customs.

14:22 Reverse logistics as a new frontier: He explains why product returns remain one of the region’s toughest and least profitable challenges in e-commerce logistics.

18:36 Wearing every hat as a founder: Nathaniel evolved from marketer to sales and operations leader, even managing warehouses to improve efficiency and execution.

23:48 Building credibility from zero: Without industry experience, he earned trust through partnerships, educational events, and consistent public storytelling.

28:55 From internal team to agency: After struggling with external vendors, he built Janio’s in-house marketing team, which later inspired his current venture, Nila Studios.

35:40 Defining bravery through scarcity: Nathaniel recalls surviving with only a few dollars before Janio’s first funding, learning that progress, not comparison, sustains founders.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#FoundersJourney #SoutheastAsiaStartups #B2BMarketing #LogisticsInnovation #StartupGrit #CrossBorderCommerce #HumanCreativity #AIandMarketing #EntrepreneurshipLessons #BRAVEpodcast

Li Hongyi: Defining Real Performance, Avoiding Burnout & Building Accountable Teams – E638

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 21:00:21 +0000

Li Hongyi, Director of Open Government Products, and Jeremy Au discuss how leaders can define, measure, and sustain real performance within organizations. They unpack why clarity of purpose matters more than ambition, how to design fair and motivating systems, and how to prevent burnout in high-performing teams. Their conversation bridges lessons from public service and startups, showing how structure, accountability, and empathy build lasting excellence.

00:56 What is performance: Hongyi explains that success begins with clarity. Teams fail when they skip defining what “high-performing” means before chasing results.

03:15 Why clarity matters more than profit: In the public sector, lacking a clear anchor like profit causes teams to chase noise instead of purpose.

06:43 Designing the right metrics: He suggests tracking three to five key metrics that collectively prevent failure while balancing usability, reliability, and cost.

12:44 Communication through signposting: Hongyi shares that being explicit with intent by saying “this is advice” or “this needs to be done” reduces confusion and builds trust.

14:15 Rethinking performance reviews: Self, peer, and manager evaluations should gather information for better decisions rather than serve as political rituals.

27:00 The danger of over-promotion: Advancing too quickly can destroy confidence and create anxiety. Steady, sustainable growth builds stronger leaders.

31:00 Burnout and sustainable success: True progress comes from building skills, not just adding hours. Leaders must create space for learning and recovery.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/li-hongyi-measure-what-matters

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#PerformanceCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalClarity #PublicSectorInnovation #BurnoutPrevention #MetricsThatMatter #AccountabilityInAction #TeamBuilding #WorkplaceGrowth #BRAVEpodcast

Dominic Law: Reviving Neopets, Nostalgia Economics & How Community Keeps Games Alive – E637

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 21:00:21 +0000

Dominic Law, CEO of Neopets and Jeremy Au dive into how a beloved millennial-era game evolved from early internet nostalgia into a modern revival story. They discuss the courage it took to spin Neopets out of its parent company, rebuild trust with long-time fans, and adapt a 25-year-old IP for new generations. Their conversation explores the challenges of updating old technology, the role of community-led development, and how emotional attachment can sustain a brand through decades of change. Dominic also reflects on leadership lessons from managing a turnaround, the balance between nostalgia and innovation, and why staying transparent keeps fans loyal for the long run.

00:45 Rediscovering Neopets sparked a new mission: Dominic found the brand’s hidden potential while restructuring NetDragon’s overseas business and proposed a management buyout to revive it.

03:30 Nostalgia and fandom kept the brand alive: A small but passionate community sustained Neopets through decades of inactivity, proving the power of emotional connection.

06:00 Missing the mobile era hurt growth: Neopets stayed static during key shifts to mobile and social gaming, losing younger audiences and momentum.

10:20 Collecting and trading define Neopets’ core: Digital ownership, customization, and item trading remain the game’s central appeal across generations.

13:45 Turning nostalgia into a family experience: Neopets now aims to become a shared parent–child game, offering safe, creative play and educational value.

26:00 Leadership shaped by transparency: Dominic learned that honesty, realistic timelines, and community dialogue rebuild trust better than overpromising.

38:20 Bravery defined the spinout: Taking the leap to lead Neopets independently was a high-risk, high-conviction move guided by belief in its legacy.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/dominic-law-rebuilding-neopets

#NeopetsRevival #GamingNostalgia #DigitalCollectibles #CommunityLeadership #GameReboot #TransgenerationalPlay #OnlineCommunity #IPTurnaround #NostalgiaEconomics #BRAVEpodcast

BRAVE: Three Generations, Three Revolutions: Walkman, Nokia, and ChatGPT - E636

Sun, 19 Oct 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Jeremy Au explains how human civilization remained mostly unchanged for nearly a million years before experiencing rapid economic and technological growth in just the last few centuries. He traces this transformation from basic survival to modern innovation, reflecting on how technology, trade, and governance reshaped human life and why Southeast Asia’s development tells a unique story.

00:42 A Million Years of Sameness: Jeremy describes how humans lived by farming, hunting, and foraging for generations, using the same tools and passing down the same skills over time.

02:00 Flat Growth for Centuries: He explains that for hundreds of thousands of years, the global economy grew only about 0.05% per year, with little change in productivity or living standards.

06:40 Francis Bacon’s Utopia: Jeremy shares how in 1626, Francis Bacon imagined a future where humans could create light and see distant or microscopic objects, which were once seen as miracles.

09:00 Three Generations of Technology: He compares the Walkman era, the Nokia phone generation, and today’s iPhone and ChatGPT world, showing how fast technology evolves within three generations.

20:10 Southeast Asia’s Economic Divergence: He highlights how Singapore’s GDP per capita now matches the United States, while Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines remain far lower.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/future-shock

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#HumanProgress #TechnologyEvolution #FutureShock #EconomicGrowth #InnovationJourney #SoutheastAsia #AIRevolution #GenerationalChange #DigitalTransformation #BRAVEpodcast

BRAVE: David’s Slingshot VS. Goliath, Oatly’s Rise & Southeast Asia’s VC Jungle - E635

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 21:00:47 +0000

Jeremy Au explained how startups evolve from chaos to clarity and how fragmentation in Southeast Asia creates both problems and opportunities. He used the jungle-to-highway model to describe startup growth, compared founders to David facing Goliath, and showed how innovation, like oat milk or vaping turns small experiments into billion-dollar revolutions. Jeremy also reflected on how VCs spot talent early and why mastering Southeast Asia prepares companies for global expansion.

00:00 Jungle to Highway: Startups begin lost in a jungle, then build a dirt road through early customers, and finally pave a highway once they master product-market fit and scale

02:10 VCs as Recruiters: The best investors act like headhunters, identifying and closing founders before others do, while Southeast Asia’s fragmentation turns inefficiency into opportunity

05:25 Fragmentation as Opportunity: Jeremy explains how logistics and fintech thrive amid Southeast Asia’s complex, inefficient regulations, where “somebody’s inefficiency is my opportunity”

08:10 David vs. Goliath: Startups win by speed and focus, using their “slingshot”—fast execution—to overcome slow, over-armored incumbents

11:45 Oatly’s Rise: The invention of oat milk in 1994 shows how a startup can build a billion-dollar category by rethinking existing markets

13:20 Experimentation Over Scale: Jeremy concludes that small experiments often spark global trends, and founders who navigate Southeast Asia’s “jungle” can later scale worldwide

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#startups #founders #venturecapital #SoutheastAsia #innovation #fragmentedmarkets #scaling #DavidvsGoliath #entrepreneurship #BRAVEpodcast

Jordan Dea-Mattson: Sci-Fi Futures, Rogue AI, and Why Meta-Skills Will Decide Who Thrives – E634

Sun, 12 Oct 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Jeremy Au and Jordan Dea-Mattson reconnect to explore how Vernor Vinge’s Rainbows End anticipated today’s world of accelerating technology, reskilling challenges, and demographic shifts. They examine which predictions came true, which fell short, and how these lessons apply to AI adoption, fragile digital systems, and the need for lifelong learning. Their conversation highlights why individuals must build meta-skills, why policymakers lack playbooks, and how Southeast Asia can prepare for a future shaped by both singularity and depopulation trends.

00:41 Tech change accelerates beyond generations: Vinge showed how skills like programming quickly became obsolete, leaving workers structurally unemployed.

07:27 Reskilling mirrors today’s digital divide: Characters were pushed back into classrooms, similar to how older workers struggle with cashless systems and SaaS adoption.

11:56 Rogue AI foreshadowed safety debates: Vinge hinted at AI bargaining to survive, connecting to current AI alignment concerns.

13:58 Belief circles resemble online echo chambers: Communities overlapped with reality, much like radicalization on forums and social platforms today.

18:29 Trust collapses with fragile systems: A single broken security certificate caused global chaos, resembling real-world failures like the CrowdStrike outage.

38:19 Singularity defined as break point: Jordan explains the mathematical roots of singularity as the moment when definitions collapse with exponential change.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jordan-dea-mattson-rogue-ai-rising

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Indonesia Protests, TikTok Suspensions & What Happens When Trust Breaks w/ Gita Sjahrir - E633

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Gita Sjahrir and Jeremy Au analyze Indonesia’s nationwide protests to uncover how economic frustration, political tone-deafness, and social media reshaped the country’s trust in government. They discuss how widening income gaps and stalled reforms triggered anger across generations, how empathy and governance broke down, and how technology became both a rallying force and a regulatory battleground. Their conversation highlights the urgent need for reform, the rise of citizen activism, and the lessons Southeast Asia can draw from Indonesia’s call for accountability and change.

02:00 Economic anger ignited mass protests: Gita recounts how outrage over parliamentary pay and weak economic growth led to demonstrations in 33 cities across Indonesia.

03:35 Lawmakers’ high pay exposed inequality: Parliament members earning over $200,000 a year contrasted sharply with citizens living on a $5,000 GDP per capita.

06:46 Empathy collapsed in leadership: Gita explains how tone-deaf remarks and government inaction during hardship revealed a lack of care for ordinary people.

11:20 Citizens demanded reform through “17+8 Tuntutan”: Protesters called for salary freezes, free speech protections, and limits on military involvement in civilian life.

15:00 Political shifts followed public pressure: A new finance minister emerged, promising transparency and empathy amid policy reshuffles.

18:48 Structural reforms proved elusive: Bureaucratic red tape, poor SME support, and a lack of deregulation trapped Indonesia in slow growth.

21:29 TikTok ban worsened SME struggles: A freeze on TikTok Live and Shop disrupted small businesses that relied on digital sales for survival.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/gita-sjahrir-indonesia-protests

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#IndonesiaProtests #EmpathyInPolitics #SoutheastAsiaReform #TikTokBan #EconomicInequality #CitizenAwakening #DigitalDemocracy #JakartaUnrest #PowerOfConnection #BRAVEpodcast

Persevere or Pivot, Netflix Lessons & Sports Team Culture - E632

Sun, 05 Oct 2025 21:00:22 +0000

Jeremy Au discussed the founder’s dilemma of when to persevere or when to pivot, and why company culture works better when treated as a sports team rather than a family. He illustrated the points with startup case studies like Instagram, Netflix, YouTube, and Rippling, showing how companies evolved by changing either product or customer. He also emphasized professionalism in managing team changes and exits.

01:45 Persevere vs. Pivot: Jeremy explains why founders must balance persistence with flexibility, using new data to know when to change direction.

03:20 Lean Canvas in Action: He shows how the tool helps identify whether to adjust the solution or customer, depending on what fails to fit.

05:05 Instagram and Netflix Examples: Case studies show how Instagram pivoted to photo sharing and Netflix shifted from DVDs to streaming and content creation.

07:10 YouTube and Play-Doh Pivots: YouTube evolved from a dating site to a universal video platform, while Play-Doh went from wall cleaner to toy.

09:02 Sports Team Culture: Jeremy stresses that companies should act like sports teams, not families, with honesty, performance focus, and fair exits.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/netflix-startup-playbook

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Philipp Renner: From McKinsey’s Golden Cage to Building Dr. Shiba, an Eight-Figure Pet Wellness Brand – E631

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 21:00:26 +0000

Philipp Renner, Founder & CEO of Dr. Shiba, joins Jeremy Au to share his journey from a global childhood to building one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing pet wellness companies. He reflects on how eight years at McKinsey, the personal challenges of long COVID, and the limits of corporate consulting led him to take the leap into entrepreneurship. They discuss the realities of product market fit iteration and the decision to pursue a semi-bootstrapped model rather than a VC-funded growth path. Philipp also shares how his toughest teenage year in Shenyang shaped his resilience and why focus on what truly matters became his personal north star, guiding him as he built Dr. Shiba from functional supplement treats into a wellness ecosystem now serving millions of customers across Southeast Asia and the UK.

02:00 Childhood across Germany, China, and Singapore built resilience and cultural fluency: Philipp recalls being the only foreigner in Chinese kindergarten, summers in Germany with extended family, and adapting to contrasting environments.

07:28 McKinsey years taught structure but came with high pressure: Philipp learned problem solving, investor communications, and performance systems, but he also faced unsustainable hours and a constant cycle of pressure.

14:23 Long COVID forced clarity and career reset: Contracting the virus in New York and suffering heart issues left Philipp fearful and uncertain, which led him to reassess his values and priorities in life.

18:54 Partnership revealed as a golden cage: Observing partners’ constant travel, endless client demands, and limited upside compared to entrepreneurship convinced Philipp to leave consulting.

22:21 Transitioning to founder life meant unlearning: Moving from slide decks to execution, Philipp raised funds, managed co-founder conflicts, and worked from a Manila coffee shop with no salary while building Tyger Brands.

27:36 Product market fit narrowed focus to Dr. Shiba: Starting with three consumer brands, Philipp and his team doubled down on the pet supplies line that scaled fastest, allowing the others to fade.

31:32 Bravery defined by survival in Shenyang: At 16, Philipp lived through minus 30 winters, two-hour commutes, and forgotten Chinese in an industrial city, which tested and built his resilience.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/philipp-renner-brave-brand-leap

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Kaizen VS. Boeing Failures, Lean Loops & Startup Learning - E630

Sun, 28 Sep 2025 21:00:22 +0000

Jeremy Au shared lessons from Toyota’s Kaizen model, Boeing’s safety lapses, and lean startup methods. He explained why small improvements, frontline empowerment, and rapid iteration matter for both manufacturing and startups. The discussion connected MVP thinking with divergence/convergence cycles and how faster learning beats the competition.

00:46 Kaizen as Learning Flywheel: Jeremy introduces Kaizen as a cycle of building, measuring, and improving that mirrors startup learning.

01:35 Toyota’s Frontline Empowerment: He highlights how Toyota empowered workers to suggest improvements and stop production to ensure quality.

03:10 Boeing’s Safety Failures: Jeremy shows how ignoring frontline mistakes caused costly recalls and damaged Boeing’s reputation.

05:00 Rate of Learning as Edge: He explains why startups win by learning faster than rivals, compounding insights into competitive advantage.

07:15 MVP by Stages: Jeremy uses the skateboard-to-car analogy and China’s EV path to show how MVPs accelerate learning at every stage.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kaizen-vs-boeing

#Kaizen #Toyota #Boeing #LeanStartup #MVP #ContinuousImprovement #Iteration #StartupLessons #ProductDevelopment #BRAVEpodcast

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Valerie Vu: Vietnam’s Tech Reforms, Energy Battles & Surviving Trump’s Tariff Shock – E629

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 23:14:31 +0000

Jeremy Au and Valerie Vu sit down in Singapore to examine how Southeast Asia’s private capital markets, Vietnam’s reforms, and regional politics are shaping investor sentiment and startup opportunities. They explore slower fundraising cycles, Vietnam’s push toward technology-driven growth, and how energy shortages and tariff shocks impact manufacturing. Their discussion also covers foreign investor trust, nuclear energy debates, and the rise of cybersecurity and AI as national priorities.

03:52 Vietnam steadies after political consolidation: New leadership pursues double-digit GDP growth, economic reforms, and technology-driven policies.

06:42 Electricity price hikes trigger crisis: EVN’s subsidy rollbacks risk $13 billion in renewable projects and damage foreign investor trust.

12:53 Nuclear energy returns to the agenda: Vietnam revives talks with Russia and Japan to build its first reactor by 2030.

20:47 Tariffs negotiated down to 20 percent: Vietnam avoided harsher 46 percent rates, keeping FDI inflows stable and competitive against India and China.

25:49 Supply chain transparency becomes critical: Firms must prove independence from China to avoid 40 percent penalties, creating opportunities for verification startups.

28:36 Startups align with government priorities: AI, cybersecurity, and data infrastructure ventures gain support through partnerships and favorable policy.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/valerie-vu-powering-vietnam

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Joshua Wang: Reprogramming Cancer, Biotech’s Funding Shift & Why AI Will Rewrite Biology – E628

Sun, 21 Sep 2025 21:00:19 +0000

Jeremy Au and Joshua Wang reunite after three years to explore how biotech startups navigate scientific breakthroughs, funding challenges, and leadership growth. They discuss Joshua’s work at VerImmune on repurposing the immune system to treat cancer, the shift in early-stage global biotech financing from founder-led ventures to the “professionalization of entrepreneurship” via venture studio models, and the lessons learned about resilience, communication, and leadership under pressure. Their exchange also touches on early detection, cultural attitudes toward disease, and how AI is reshaping biology into an engineering-driven field.

02:21 Tricking the immune system: Joshua explains how VerImmune’s therapy makes the body treat cancer like a past infection, using existing immune memory against viruses to stop recurrence.

05:56 Why cancer hides: Cancer disguises itself as “self” and builds immune-suppressive environments, preventing the body’s natural defenses from recognizing and eliminating tumors.

09:08 Marking tumors as threats: VerImmune adds viral-like markers to cancer cells, making them visible to the immune system as dangerous outsiders that must be attacked.

11:38 Toward earlier treatment: Although clinical trials begin with late-stage patients, the long-term vision is to bring the therapy earlier to prevent recurrence and keep cancer under control.

16:08 Cancer versus diabetes: Jeremy and Joshua compare today’s fear of cancer to how diabetes was once seen as fatal, arguing that science can shift cancer into a chronic, manageable disease.

20:38 Hard conversations matter: Joshua reflects on his growth as a founder, learning to confront underperformance directly and foster a culture of honesty and accountability.

30:20 Biotech funding shifts: Joshua describes how venture studios are reshaping early-stage biotech, with VCs creating companies in-house and founder-led startups facing tougher competition.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/joshua-wang-fighting-cancer-differently

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https://www.bravesea.com/blog/dmitry-levit-shiyan-koh-efishery-fraud-reset

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Dmitry Levit & Shiyan Koh: eFishery Fallout, Indonesia’s Growth Reset & Agritech’s Future - E627

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 23:36:21 +0000

Jeremy Au, Shiyan Koh, and Dmitry Levit dissect the collapse of eFishery, the breakdown of Indonesia’s growth narrative, and the systemic risks that resurface in Southeast Asia’s venture ecosystem. They explore how IPO failures and inequality capped consumer demand, why bad faith actors gained visibility, and how boom-era fads like embedded lending and play to earn unraveled. Their discussion highlights how funding has reset to 2016 levels, why board oversight is crucial, and where opportunities in agritech and supply chain digitization still remain.

06:07 Unicorn Religion and Reset: Dmitry explains how the belief in Southeast Asia’s consumer population created artificial unicorns, attracted global capital, and birthed a generation of investors dependent on unicorn rounds. With that narrative now broken, funding has reset to 2016 levels.

14:25 Indonesia’s Narratives Collapse: Once built on consumer growth and SME digitization, Indonesia’s investment stories unraveled after weak IPO results and late-stage funding pullback. This led to the retreat of corporates and VCs, shrinking available capital.

20:14 Redefining the Middle Class: Dmitry critiques World Bank definitions, pointing out that Indonesia’s true “digital middle class” is closer to 12–20 million spending users, not 70 million. This smaller but wealthier segment supports realistic billion-dollar outcomes.

23:24 Bad Faith Actors and Fraud: The eFishery scandal highlighted systemic risks in Indonesia’s ecosystem. Dmitry frames it as long-standing misaligned incentives—founders chasing salaries or secondaries—surfacing explosively rather than new corruption.

27:18 Embedded Fintech Debate: Jeremy calls out poorly governed lending arms disguised as platform metrics. Dmitry and Shiyan counter that embedded finance, if properly structured, remains one of the most capital-efficient models in Southeast Asia.

30:35 Capital Efficiency Lessons: Dmitry shares research showing the most efficient companies in Southeast Asia were fintech enablers or platforms layering financial services. These delivered 7x–12x returns on invested capital, shaping their core investment thesis.

37:49 Profitable but Overlooked Players: Despite noise about failed IPOs, Dmitry highlights a dozen Southeast Asian companies quietly positioned for billion-dollar exits, already attracting $300–400M investments from North Asia and Latin America.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at

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Talent Gaps, AI Adoption & Southeast Asia’s Startup Winter, China Subsidies & Sequoia’s Split - E626

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 21:00:20 +0000

Jeremy Au explored how talent, policy, and capital flows shape startup ecosystems across Southeast Asia, India, and China. The discussion covered talent strengths and weaknesses across countries, the role of industrial policy and government subsidies, the challenges of building large language models outside the US and China, and the impact of US China geopolitical tensions on venture capital flows.

01:18 Southeast Asia talent rankings: Jeremy explains Asia Partners’ view that Singapore and Indonesia rank higher in talent, while Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia sit in the middle, and Thailand lags.

04:01 Quick commerce lessons: He compares how India’s delivery startups slowed timelines to survive, showing why founders must adapt to market development levels.

05:10 TSMC and industrial policy: Jeremy highlights Taiwan’s deliberate investment in semiconductors as a case study of state-driven strategy creating global champions.

07:30 Policy shapes business: He outlines the chain: “Policy leads to law, law leads to business, and business leads to everything else.”

15:08 Sequoia’s split: Jeremy explains how US–China tensions and new rules like reverse CFIUS forced Sequoia to separate its US, China, and Southeast Asia/India arms.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/talent-gaps-rising

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Southeast Asia Unicorns VS. China’s Time Machine, Golden Age Thesis & Fragmented Markets - E625

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Jeremy Au explored why venture capitalists hunt unicorns and how Southeast Asia fits into this global race. He discussed the Asia Partners golden age thesis, the importance of technology stack progression, and how localization shapes billion dollar outcomes. The conversation compared the US, China, India, and Southeast Asia, broke down country strategies, and examined how ideas migrate across ecosystems.

03:10 Golden Age Thesis: Asia Partners argues Southeast Asia is entering a golden age as GDP growth enables tech ecosystems to flourish.

06:00 Technology Stack and Localization: China sped through decades of development, while Southeast Asia companies like Grab had to adapt ride hailing to local gaps such as drivers without smartphones.

09:20 Copy and Localize Models: Founders replicate proven ideas such as Uber or e commerce while tailoring them to Southeast Asia’s conditions.

12:15 Fragmented Markets: Southeast Asia is not a single region but a patchwork of cities and countries, making scaling strategies complex.

14:10 Three Paths to Unicorns: Indonesia only giants such as GoJek, regional players like Ninja Van and Shopee, and Vietnam conglomerates like VNG.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/capital-calls-vs-returns

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Anonymous Q&A: Moving to Silicon Valley from Southeast Asia, USA Hiring & Visa Roadblocks and Talent Ecosystems – E624

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Jeremy Au and an anonymous guest discuss the challenges of pursuing career opportunities in the United States from Singapore. They talk about how visa rules limit options, why overseas LinkedIn applications often fail, and the appeal of Silicon Valley’s innovation cycles. They also cover cultural differences that require stronger self-promotion, and why resilience is needed when adapting to life abroad.

03:03 LinkedIn job applications feel slow and ineffective: By the time roles are posted, they may already be filled, and rejections arrive quickly

12:52 Graduate programs bring uncertainty: Even Ivy League graduates face high unemployment, making MBAs and master’s degrees a risky bet

16:03 Financial expertise is a strength: Skills like FP&A and CFA provide a clear value proposition to startups seeking structured knowledge

17:40 Silicon Valley offers faster innovation cycles: It draws high-risk, high-reward talent, with constant new waves from VR to crypto to AI

27:42 Cultural norms are different: U.S. workplaces expect stronger self-marketing and bold salesmanship, unlike Southeast Asia’s modest approach

35:02 Relocation requires resilience: Those who prefer routine must adapt to chosen and unchosen struggles when moving abroad

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/southeast-asia-move-to-silicon-valley

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https://www.bravesea.com/blog/inside-lp-deck

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Portfolio Construction, Power Laws and Fund Differentiation in Venture Capital - E623

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:00:20 +0000

Jeremy Au broke down how venture capital funds design LP decks, allocate capital, and differentiate themselves in competitive markets. The discussion covered portfolio construction math, capital call strategy, the role of opportunity funds, and how funds highlight unique value-adds like founder wellness programs.

02:12 Capital Calls and Timing Funds usually deploy half their capital in the first two years, with follow-ons between years two to five, balancing liquidity with legal cost efficiency.

04:15 Marking Winners and Power Laws Most of a fund’s value, about 60 to 75 percent, often comes from one breakout company, driving the case for raising opportunity funds to double down.

07:27 Signaling with Follow-On Investors A strong follow-on rate signals quality to LPs. “If your companies are all Ds and shit, then nobody’s gonna come in.”

Watch, listen or read the full insight at

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Jianggan Li: China Price War Chaos, EV Subsidy Battles & Why Firms Flee Abroad – E622

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Jeremy Au and Jianggan explore why China business environment is locked in cycles of over-competition that destroy margins and push firms to seek growth abroad. They trace how JD, Meituan, and Alibaba’s food delivery war escalated into billions of yuan in subsidies, why regulators hesitate to intervene, and how clusters like Shenzhen and Hangzhou still thrive despite intense rivalry. Their discussion highlights collapsing product margins, subsidy-driven chaos in the EV sector, and the role of provincial governments in fueling excessive competition. They also examine how talent migration and generational shifts are reshaping workforce dynamics, with younger Chinese workers increasingly prioritizing lifestyle and aspirations over hardship-heavy careers.

00:24 Over-competition defined daily life in China: Companies copied each other’s hardware and burned billions on subsidies in food delivery, bubble tea, and coffee.

02:49 JD, Meituan, and Alibaba escalated into a price war: Subsidies wiped out profits and locked companies into a prisoner’s dilemma.

07:11 Government offered mixed signals: Some regulators praised subsidies for boosting consumption while others warned about disruption.

13:04 Hardware margins collapsed quickly: AI note-taking devices saw profits fall from 20 percent to 1 percent within a year as competitors rushed in.

15:35 EV industry showed subsidy-driven chaos: BYD slashed prices by 25 percent, alarming regulators who feared smaller firms would be wiped out.

18:58 Shenzhen and Hangzhou emerged as key clusters: They benefited from policy support, inertia, and government backing for overseas expansion.

23:59 Younger workers demanded balance: Unlike older generations, they sought personal aspirations and resisted hardship-heavy roles abroad.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jianggan-li-china-price-wars

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Gita Sjahrir: Indonesia Corruption Protests, eFishery Police Detention & Public Mistrust vs. Startup Governance – E621

Sun, 31 Aug 2025 21:00:19 +0000

Jeremy Au and Gita Sjahrir unpack Indonesia’s turbulence, from corruption scandals and startup economic uncertainty due to the collapse of eFishery. They contrast Singapore’s stability with Indonesia’s volatility, explore how weak rule of law erodes trust, and discuss how scandals damage both founders and investors. They also analyze the role of boards, GPs, and operating partners in strengthening Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem.

02:00 Corruption scandals seem to show political motivation: The Tom Lembong case introduced the charge of “potential loss to the state,” which was never proven, and targeted him while other ministers who made similar decisions were left untouched.

04:46 Public mistrust deepens: Indonesians question whether corruption cases are genuine, ploys, or selective prosecutions, and many view them as witch hunts that worsen the disconnect between government and citizens. This has resulted in street protests.

09:19 Economic data raises skepticism: Official growth figures of above 5 percent confused the public, as weak indicators like falling auto sales, rising unemployment, and declining foreign direct investment suggest economic hardship is the reality.

12:12 Central bank cuts interest rates: The surprise decision was a move to boost growth to increase domestic investments and spending. Observers argued that transparency and equal rule of law remain the true foundation for long-term capital flows.

15:07 eFishery founder detained by Indonesia police: The founder’s detention followed a public Bloomberg interview in which he admitted to misconduct, reinforcing concerns that the scandal severely damaged trust in Indonesia’s startup scene. Law enforcement may improve public trust and deter bad-faith actors

19:33 Investor reaction turns punitive: Indonesia founders are asked to show profitability very early, to hit one million ARR within their first year, and to give up more than 20 percent equity even before a Series A.

28:17 VC operating partner model is missing: Unlike private equity, Southeast Asian venture capital rarely employs experienced operating partners - to support founders directly or fill board seats, leaving a gap in hands-on help and corporate governance.

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DJ Tan: $4.2M Fundraise Flavor House, Bean-Free Coffee Product-Market Fit & Climate Change vs. Food Tech – E620

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 21:00:19 +0000

Jeremy Au and DJ Tan sit down to discuss how Prefer grew from a bold bean-free coffee experiment into a flavor house tackling climate-threatened ingredients. They explore the evolution from naive product launches to customer-driven adoption, why B2B positioning makes more sense than B2C in food tech, and how shifting investor expectations shaped their fundraising strategy. Their conversation covers product development cycles with baristas, the science of replicating flavors like coffee and chocolate, and how climate change is forcing businesses to rethink supply chains. DJ also shares lessons on storytelling, scaling options, and the importance of founder transparency when building trust with investors.

02:28 Founding Mission Expands: Prefer was co-founded in 2022 with the mission to make coffee without beans and has since expanded into chocolate while building towards a broader sustainable flavor house.

04:25 Customer Adoption Through Blends: Cafe partners showed reluctance to add a completely new menu item so Prefer gained traction by becoming part of blends such as cappuccinos with ten percent inclusion instead of selling as a separate bean-free option.

09:19 Messaging Shifts to Flavor House: Messaging evolved from pitching only bean-free coffee to presenting Prefer as a flavor house once traction with coffee and chocolate proved product market fit.

16:12 Designing for Applications: Coffee used in cocktails, tiramisu, iced cans or espresso requires different flavor formulations and the R and D team now designs products to fit specific applications.

19:38 Climate Change Disrupts Supply: Climate change has created volatility in coffee, cocoa, vanilla, hazelnut and citrus supplies with events like a blight wiping out most of Florida’s orange harvest and forcing shifts in supermarket juice offerings.

24:05 B2B Model Prevails Over B2C: The B2C experiments validated that consumers were unwilling to pay premiums but B2B customers valued Prefer for protecting margins, supply continuity and preventing shrinkflation.

37:30 Fundraising with Clear Milestones: DJ emphasized raising funds by starting with the end in mind asking investors what metrics will matter in 18 months and working towards those clear goals.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/dj-tan-brewing-without-beans

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Kristie Neo: Southeast Asia’s Mood Shift, Middle East Optimism & Gen Z’s AI Job Crunch – E619

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 21:00:09 +0000

Kristie Neo and Jeremy Au compare Southeast Asia and the Middle East, exploring how mood shifts, tariffs, scandals, and cultural codes are shaping technology and finance. They discuss Southeast Asia’s dampened atmosphere after 2021, the role of sovereign wealth in the Middle East, and how generational challenges meet an AI-driven job market. Their conversation unpacks scandals like eFishery, co-founder disputes in Vietnam, startup archetypes in Southeast Asia, and the global expansion of Chinese firms. They close by reflecting on how organizational cultures differ across regions and why code-switching leaders succeed.

04:20 Kristie reflects on returning from a year in the Middle East and noticing how Singapore’s CBD felt “like a wet blanket” compared to the optimism she had seen abroad. She explains that sovereign wealth still fuels Middle Eastern investments, while Southeast Asia is adjusting to the reality that 2021’s boom years were not normal.

07:59 Jeremy and Kristie discuss how tariffs and slipping oil prices weigh on both regions. Southeast Asia is forced into restructuring as global trade slows, while the Middle East faces pressure on sovereign wealth funds. They agree that uncertainty is dampening growth and making fundraising harder for local fund managers.

09:06 Kristie highlights how fund managers now avoid hiring fresh graduates, preferring experienced talent as AI tools allow smaller and leaner teams. She points out Gen Z’s overreliance on ChatGPT, while Jeremy adds that pandemic-era remote learning left many under-socialized and struggling with basic workplace norms and meeting etiquette.

33:27 Kristie recounts the Alterno co-founder dispute in Vietnam, where founder Kent Nguyen accused his partners of forcing him out after building a patented sand thermal battery. Legal battles followed, investors stepped back, and public allegations mounted on both sides. Jeremy frames this as part of the normal startup cycle where most companies fail through co-founder conflict and lack of governance, especially when investors hold only safe notes.

39:19 Jeremy outlines five main startup archetypes in Southeast Asia. The first are regional connectors that link countries. The second are local conglomerates building multiple businesses. The third are consumer plays for the rising middle class. The fourth are global-facing ventures with Southeast Asia exposure. The fifth are pure tech companies such as SaaS or crypto. Kristie observes that Chinese consumer brands are also pushing aggressively into Southeast Asia with marketing scale and price competitiveness.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/engineering-soft-landings

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Rob Liu: Bootstrapping to Millions, Why Venture Capital Is Credit Card Debt, and Learning Science for Impact – E618

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 21:00:27 +0000

Rob Liu, Founder of ContactOut, and Jeremy Au dive into the realities of building a profitable SaaS business, the myths of venture capital, and the role of lifelong learning. Rob shares how he scaled ContactOut by stacking insights from competitors, why bootstrapping gave him more control, and how he now invests in young founders. Their conversation also explores his shift from chasing wealth to pursuing impact, his family’s role in the journey, and the brave choice that defined his career.

05:23 Bootstrapping versus venture capital: By focusing on recruiter data, ContactOut secured a foothold and achieved 70 percent margins without outside funding. Rob contrasts this with VC-backed peers who scaled faster but gave up equity, comparing venture capital to credit card debt that adds confusion more than growth.

08:56 Wealth lessons from small businesses: Rob notes that many traditional entrepreneurs, like car dealership or farm owners, often end up wealthier than startup founders because steady profits compounded over years can match billion-dollar exits.

11:07 Early solo founding and first customers: After failed co-founder attempts, Rob pressed forward alone, with his wife later closing the first million in revenue. They grew sales through 500 Startups in Silicon Valley, while Rob taught himself to code to evaluate engineers and guide product development.

15:33 A disciplined approach to learning: Rob listens to audiobooks at triple speed while exercising, studies science and engineering textbooks on his phone, and uses AI tools for clarity. Inspired by Elon Musk’s method of self-education, he is spending two years building technical depth to explore deep tech.

21:28 Shifting from wealth to impact: Rob reflects on wasting much of his twenties chasing money, parties, and relationships. He now believes happiness plateaus after modest income and regrets not focusing earlier on science and impact, drawing inspiration from pioneers like Richard Feynman and John von Neumann.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/rob-liu-science-over-money

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Choosing Personal Success Before Professional Glory - E617

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Jeremy Au spoke about the dangers of chasing only professional success and why it can lead to emptiness despite external achievements. He explained the importance of balancing career ambition with personal happiness, introduced a shifting framework for finding purpose, and shared stories that highlight resilience, injustice, and the values that truly define a meaningful life.

02:45 Defining Personal Success: He urges listeners to think about health, love, and family as true measures of success, warning against sacrificing them for career ambition.

03:40 Ikigai Framework: Jeremy explains ikigai as the intersection of what you love, what you are good at, what you can be paid for, and what the world needs, stressing that this sweet spot shifts over time with career and life changes.

05:15 Career Shifts and Change: He shares his journey from Bain consultant to founder in the US to returning to Southeast Asia, illustrating how life choices evolve with circumstances and values.

06:00 Ray Jefferson’s Sacrifice: Jeremy recounts Jefferson’s bravery in holding a malfunctioning grenade, which cost him his hand but saved teammates’ lives, and his later struggles to rebuild his career.

07:30 Eight-Year Injustice: Jefferson fought for years to clear his name after false accusations during his public service career, showing the harsh realities of politics and unfairness.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/success-without-happiness

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Javier Lorenzana: Startup Failure to Social Media Star and Building Influence that Lasts – E616

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Javier Lorenzana, former EdTech founder turned content creator, joins Jeremy Au to revisit their first meeting during an On Deck podcasting course and trace his journey from startup building to social media success. They discuss the creation and shutdown of his pandemic-born company Upnext, the personal and professional fallout that followed, and how he rebuilt confidence through fitness, self-work, and creative risk-taking. Javi shares how his founder mindset shapes his content strategy, why authenticity is his biggest growth lever, and how he measures long-term success through influence and connection rather than vanity metrics. Their conversation covers building product market fit for a personal brand, handling public scrutiny, and creating viral formats that blend entertainment with personal values.

00:06 Meeting in an On Deck podcasting course during the pandemic led to early discussions about creator ambitions. Javi shares how he was building his EdTech startup Upnext while Jeremy was launching the BRAVE podcast.

02:36 Upnext began as a Southeast Asia version of On Deck for live online learning during lockdown. It grew to hundreds of students with seed funding before demand collapsed post-pandemic, prompting layoffs and eventual closure.

05:09 Shutting down caused sleepless nights, weight loss, co-founder disagreements, and deep self-blame. Javi describes dragging out the process before finally accepting the need for a reset.

07:45 Returning to the University of Toronto, he skipped classes and used ChatGPT while focusing on personal growth through reading, fitness, and diet—his “villain arc” to rebuild confidence.

10:17 Choose content creation over a traditional career after months of journaling and admitting it was a long-held personal goal. The first six months brought low views until the viral “shirtless book review” series.

15:40 The series gained millions of views by combining fitness and literature, sparking reposts and online jokes about ignoring the reviews for his physique. Javi refined his approach with a mix of original ideas and adapted formats.

24:13 Measures success through influence and real-world connection rather than follower counts, believing this has the highest leverage for future opportunities. His bravest moment was posting that first shirtless review despite fear of judgment.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/javier-lorenzana-viral-book-muscles

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Sang Shin: Startup Rebel, Investor Philosopher and Life in a Simulation – E615

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Jeremy Au and Sang Shin trace Sang’s journey from a privileged childhood in the Philippines to his evolution as an entrepreneur, investor, and philosopher. They unpack the pivotal moments that shaped his outlook, the hard lessons from building a privacy-first startup that challenged big tech, and his creation of Fafty, a belief system grounded in the idea that life is a simulation and the true goal is to elevate personal existence. Their conversation weaves together stories of youthful awakening, the realities of startups and investing, and reflections on AI, religion, and parenting as forces that guide self-transformation.

02:00 A street encounter in high school sparked gratitude and change: Seeing a boy his age pushing a cart barefoot on hot asphalt made Sang realize his privilege. He cut his hair as a symbolic reset, faced teasing and rumors at school, and used the experience as fuel to work harder, eventually earning straight As and getting into a good college.

08:35 Chose environmental science and economics at Tufts University to understand the conflict between economy and ecology: Realized there was no silver bullet to solving environmental problems and pivoted toward technology during the early internet era. Self-taught web skills allowed him to compete in a new field where there was no entrenched expertise.

16:52 Built a privacy-focused ad tech startup to give users control over their data: The product let people opt out of ad networks or opt in to get paid directly by advertisers. It went viral with millions of downloads but was later banned by Apple, which also revoked Sang’s developer access. This taught him the lesson that money always wins.

21:08 Moved to Singapore in 2016 believing the US had peaked: Saw Southeast Asia as an emerging startup hub and wanted to help founders and grow the entrepreneurial ecosystem from the investor side.

24:35 Realized startups are another kind of rat race: Founders still face systems, funding stages, boards, and oversight similar to corporate hierarchies, challenging the idea of full autonomy.

27:28 Created Fafty, a belief system rejecting centralization and canonization: Based on the belief that reality is a simulation, it encourages people to respawn as a fully conscious player rather than an NPC, gaining control over impulses and actions instead of following programmed behavior.

45:28 Parenthood and training AI shaped his views on intelligence and consciousness: Observed parallels in how his children and AI models learn but emphasized that AI lacks qualia, the subjective experience of sensations like sweetness or pain.

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Health, Purpose & Criticism Choosing Your Pain, Building Resilience and Leading for the Long Haul - E614

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 21:00:30 +0000

Jeremy Au shares why long-term career success depends on investing in health, cultivating purpose, and learning to handle inevitable criticism. He explains the link between purpose and happiness, why choosing your challenges makes them more bearable, and how treating yourself as your own best friend helps you grow despite setbacks.

02:00 The Role of Relationships: Research shows people with more high-quality relationships live happier and longer lives, and university is when most people have the largest friend networks.

04:15 Purpose Over Pure Happiness: Happiness is a fleeting biological reward; purpose sustains motivation even through tough times.

06:00 The Purpose–Happiness Trade-off: Some high-purpose jobs offer low day-to-day happiness but bring deep fulfillment over time.

08:00 Criticism Comes with Power: Greater influence brings more public scrutiny, and avoiding criticism by conforming means losing individuality.

10:00 Being Your Own Best Friend: Self-kindness turns criticism into useful feedback without damaging self-confidence, enabling long-term resilience.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/health-purpose-criticism

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Adrian Choo: Career Skeletons, AI Assistants & Why Singapore is Losing Jobs to KL and Bangkok – E613

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 21:00:20 +0000

Adrian Choo, CEO of Career Agility International, joins Jeremy Au to explore how AI, job insecurity, and shifting regional trends are reshaping the future of work in Southeast Asia. They discuss why Singapore is losing its dominance as a regional employment hub, how mid-career professionals are getting priced out, and why Gen Z graduates are entering the job market without marketable skills. Adrian shares how he sold skeletons to pay for university, how he pivoted from headhunter to coach, and why building career resilience is more urgent than ever. He also explains how his AI assistant "Becky" helps him think faster, make decisions, and stay ahead in a volatile job market.

02:00 Adrian bootstrapped university by selling ethically sourced skeletons: He imported medical-grade bones from Europe after a supply shortage in Asia and sold them to medical students, storing 30 sets in his bedroom when no one would rent him storage space. This experience taught him practical business skills before he even began his degree.

04:10 Career insecurity, not job insecurity, shaped his path from GE Plastics to headhunting: Adrian realized early that employees have no real control over their job stability. He pivoted into executive search to own the entire value chain, hunting, closing, delivering, and later into coaching to future-proof his impact and income.

12:47 He pivoted again after seeing LinkedIn disrupt headhunting: In 2012, Adrian began preparing to move into strategic career coaching, anticipating that LinkedIn would flood the market and erode differentiation. It took him six years to complete the transition, positioning himself as the only coach with C-suite search experience in Singapore.

16:50 Career coaching today is about adjacencies, vertical scaling, and AI integration: He explains that landing a job doesn't fix a sunset industry or outdated skill set. Instead, he focuses on helping client’s re-skill toward adjacent roles or industries. His in-house AI, Carol, is being trained to suggest such strategic pivots.

21:13 Adrian uses a personally trained GPT AI named Becky as a sparring partner: He trained Becky to match his communication style and decision logic, enabling her to summarize dense research, propose coaching content, and even argue against his ideas. This AI assistant has become a productivity multiplier and trend-spotting tool.

24:18 Singapore jobs are being offshored to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok: Due to high costs and tighter visa regulations, multinationals are moving regional functions out of Singapore. A returning Malaysian diaspora and strong expat interest in cities like KL and Bangkok are fueling this trend, making Singapore-based professionals less competitive.

30:48 Gen Z graduates are leaving school with skills employers do not want: Many lack coding, business, or AI skills. Adrian cites examples of graduates from top local universities who remain unemployed or underprepared. He urges them to lean into AI, gain real-world experience, and stop relying on paper qualifications alone.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adrian-choo-career-in-crisis

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Jianggan Li: China Rare Earth Power, Vietnam USA Fast Deal & Labubu's Global Rise – E612

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Jianggan Li, Founder of Momentum Works, joins Jeremy Au to unpack the evolving trade dynamics between China, Vietnam, and the United States. They compare Vietnam’s swift concessions with China’s calculated rare earth strategy, discuss the blurred lines of transshipment, and explore how Apple, Pop Mart, and Labubu reflect larger trends in global manufacturing and consumer behavior. The conversation also reveals how Chinese brands are outpacing global competitors in TikTok marketing and why luxury culture in China is undergoing a quiet transformation.

02:28 China used rare earths as a strategic trade weapon: Jianggan references a Deng Xiaoping quote from the 1980s highlighting rare earths as vital. China’s long-term planning turned these materials into a key negotiation tool, influencing American industry pressure and leading to relaxed US restrictions without an official announcement.

04:56 Vietnam offered zero tariffs on US goods to secure a deal: Faced with a sudden 46 percent US tariff, Vietnam’s leadership moved quickly. To Lam personally called Trump and agreed to a deal where Vietnam’s exports would face 20 percent tariffs, suspected transshipped goods 40 percent, and US imports would enter Vietnam tax-free.

08:41 Vietnamese factories feel pressure from China’s scale and efficiency: Mid-sized business owners in Vietnam, even those driving Porsches, admit they can’t compete with China on speed and cost. The concern is especially acute for standardized products without strong local customization needs.

13:20 Transshipment rules are hard to define and even harder to enforce: A Made in Vietnam label can apply if 40 percent of value is added locally but calculating that percentage is difficult. Inputs often come from China, and enforcement depends on both accounting practices and political discretion across borders.

17:25 US criticism of Apple’s China ties expands across party lines: A Daily Show clip highlights Apple training Chinese factories and hollowing out US jobs. This marks a shift in criticism from being Republican led to becoming bipartisan, with concerns about offshoring now voiced by Democrats as well.

29:22 China’s middle class shifts from luxury logos to quiet quality: Before the pandemic, wealth was flaunted through bags and status goods. Post-pandemic, that has changed. Consumers now see luxury as a stupid tax and prefer high-quality domestic brands that offer better value.

34:03 Labubu’s rise shows China’s edge in branding and execution: Pop Mart succeeded by combining designer signings, local manufacturing, and fast restocking strategies that undercut scalpers. The brand also leveraged deep operational know-how from Douyin, giving it a major advantage on TikTok over Western brands reluctant to invest in the platform.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jianggan-li-tariffs-and-toys

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Fairness Isn’t Real, Power Awareness & Small Fish Career Strategy – E611

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 21:00:22 +0000

Jeremy Au speaks about the uncomfortable truth that the world isn’t fair. He urges listeners to let go of idealism, understand real-world power dynamics, and make deliberate career choices. From decoding hypocrisy in leadership to choosing when to be a small fish in a big pond, he shares how to survive and thrive by thinking both outside-in and inside-out.

01:00 Life Isn’t Fair: Jeremy dismantles the idea that good things always happen to good people and explains why embracing life’s unfairness is key to strategic decision-making

02:15 Choose Your Battles: Understanding your advantages lets you pick domains where you are more likely to win rather than relying on the myth of a fair system

03:24 Power Isn’t a Dirty Word: Power will come with professional growth. Learn to use it consciously and ethically without being afraid of it

04:33 Say vs Do: Leaders often say one thing and do another. Learn to read actions not just words when assessing people or systems

06:00 Big Fish Small Pond: Jeremy breaks down how switching between being a big or small fish in a pond can serve different career stages with examples from his own path

09:36 Outside-In vs Inside-Out: Use outside-in logic like market size and trends and inside-out values like what you enjoy and who you want to work with together to guide your decisions

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/fairness-isnt-real

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Tiang Lim Foo: Start-Up Governance, VC Math Reality & How AI Is Rewiring SEA Startups – E610

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 21:00:21 +0000

Tiang Lim Foo, General Partner at Forge Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed how Southeast Asia’s tech and venture capital landscape is evolving through cycles of hype, correction, and AI-driven transformation. They unpack the eFishery scandal as a clearing event, reframe expectations around exits, and debate whether venture capital remains viable in a region where only one unicorn appears every four years. They explore the split between local and global-first startups, how AI is reviving SaaS through productivity gains, and why only a few VC funds will likely outperform. Tiang also shares how fatherhood shaped his leadership style and how delayed gratification builds better founders and better kids.

02:43 eFishery was a clearing event that exposed systemic gaps: The scandal’s late-stage exposure revealed weaknesses in due diligence from seed to growth rounds. Tiang and Jeremy discuss how this singular event damaged investor confidence and might risk Southeast Asia facing a “lost decade” unless the ecosystem regains trust and transparency through police investigations.

08:20 Power law math must shift for Southeast Asia: Tiang explains why assuming a unicorn every year is flawed. With only one home run in Southeast Asia every four years, only two to four VC funds will hit top-tier returns in the region. He outlines how funds must underwrite exits between $100 million to $500 million and reverse-engineer ownership, dilution, and ticket size accordingly.

14:32 The ecosystem is splitting into two startup types: Baskit is an example of a hyper-local play focused on Indonesia’s supply chain, while Mito Health began in Singapore and now earns more revenue in the US. Tiang shares how these two paths local capital efficiency versus global market scale require different underwriting logic and founder support.

21:04 AI is reviving SaaS by changing productivity math: SEA companies previously avoided SaaS due to low labor costs. Now, AI-powered tools like Vercel enable 10x productivity, allowing startups to reduce headcount and speed up delivery cycles. Boards and management are pushing AI pilots across conglomerates and tech companies.

26:08 ChatGPT’s viral growth unlocked new software models: Tiang highlights how its intuitive UI and cross-language support made it usable with zero training. Unlike older tools like Evernote that required localization, ChatGPT’s frictionless adoption signals a shift in how enterprise software scales globally.

29:03 AI is widening the power law: Some lean teams hit 15K to 20K MRR without fundraising. Others build toward massive ARR and attract large rounds. Tiang explains how AI-native startups either stay bootstrapped or scale explosively, polarizing outcomes and reshaping venture expectations.

37:47 Parenthood reshaped Tiang’s leadership and time discipline: With two kids and a hard stop at 5:30 p.m. daily, Tiang structures board meetings around decisions, ensures clear agendas, and enforces pre-reading. He also draws parallels between parenting and investing both require influence, not control.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tiang-lim-foo-sea-vc-reset

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Sudhir Vadaketh: Building Jom, Managing Fear & Publishing Bravely in Singapore – E609

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Sudhir Vadaketh, Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Jom, returns to BRAVE after four years to share how he built a long-form journalism outlet in Singapore. He and Jeremy Au discuss the journey from solo writer to team manager, the real risks and support systems behind independent media, and how Jom navigates Singapore’s evolving boundaries on speech. They unpack the emotional weight of managing editorial freedom, public fear of backlash, and what bravery looks like in today’s media landscape. Sudhir also explains how Jom could grow across Southeast Asia while staying rooted in local storytelling.

02:00 Sudhir founded Jom to fill a missing niche in literary journalism: After years of contributing to platforms like Mothership and RICE, Sudhir realized that Singapore lacked a long-form, English-language publication focused on literary, thoughtful reporting. He launched Jom with ambitions to serve not just Singapore but a growing English-speaking audience across Southeast Asia.

04:00 Building the team started with salary stability and trust: To attract good people and avoid early burnout, Sudhir promised his co-founders and first employee a two-year minimum runway with modest pay. He prioritized financial stability overgrowth, knowing many media ventures collapse when salaries can’t be sustained.

09:49 Collaborative journalism values shaped Jom’s internal culture: Sudhir brought the collaborative instincts from his journalism background into Jom’s management. Team members collectively weigh in on everything—from editorial language on sensitive topics to pricing event tickets—creating a shared sense of responsibility and editorial rigor.

12:25 The team’s reaction to POFMA exposed leadership blind spots: When Jom received three POFMA correction orders, Sudhir took it in stride, but his teammates—especially younger ones—were rattled. He learned that being a leader also means holding emotional space and directly addressing the team's concerns in moments of pressure.

22:53 Fear of online backlash affects contributors and limits open dialogue: Writers and interviewees are often hesitant to go public, even on non-political pieces, due to fears of doxxing, trolling, or professional retaliation. This culture of fear, fueled by social media and polarized discourse, creates challenges for independent media.

30:38 Jom’s expansion model will prioritize local content through decentralized teams: Sudhir envisions future Jom teams embedded in cities like KL, Bangkok, or Jakarta. Each would produce 80 percent local content and 20 percent regional stories, ensure relevance and avoiding a top-down, Singapore-centric approach to Southeast Asia.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sudhir-vadaketh-bravery-in-print

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Shiyan Koh: Singapore Studies Nuclear Energy, SEA Startup Pessimism & AI Waifus – E608

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 21:00:21 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner at Hustle Fund, joins Jeremy Au to explore Singapore’s exploration of nuclear energy, the Southeast Asia startup downturn, and how AI is changing both business and social behavior. They discuss how the government seeds long-term energy strategy, what optimism looks like in a bear market, and why human interaction must remain a priority as digital tools evolve. Together, they reflect on resilience, founder mindset, and parenting in an increasingly AI-driven world.

02:15 Singapore is quietly exploring nuclear power as an energy source: In 2024, Singapore signed a civil nuclear cooperation "123 Agreement" with America and launched the Singapore Nuclear Research and Safety Initiative (targeted ~100 researcher lab) at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

03:46 Hitting carbon net zero may require nuclear energy: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director-general Rafael Grossi: “When it comes to decarbonising, what are your options? Here, there is no hydropower. You have renewables, but you don’t have much territory... It’s a small country, so you cannot have wind parks for kilometres on end... In my opinion... Singapore could rightly (be) the most perfect example of a country that needs nuclear energy."

06:28 Nuclear acceptance may follow the NEWater playbook: They compare it to the early skepticism around NEWater, which underwent societal education, trial balloons, and gradual integration. Hurdles include nuclear safety, exploration of small modular reactor designs and concerns/ collaborations with neighboring countries.

13:59 Southeast Asia’s startup mood has soured post-boom: After years of hype and capital, many founders now face disillusionment. Shiyan calls it a hangover from the zero-interest era but also notes new AI-driven opportunities are emerging.

15:36 Founders can now build global-first with AI: Southeast Asia’s fragmented markets make regional scaling hard. Shiyan explains that founders can now launch globally from day one using AI tools, bypassing local limitations.

19:32 AI changes what’s possible, but customers, not VCs, decide: Even with better tools, Shiyan reminds founders that most startups still fail. What matters is whether customers are willing to pay, not just whether investors believe.

23:00 Real connection still beats AI companionship: They explore whether AI waifus can help people practice social skills or just create more isolation. Shiyan argues nothing replaces shared quirks, jokes, and emotional presence in real life.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/shiyan-koh-singapore-nuclear-energy

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Startup Failure Patterns, AI Job Risk & Founder-Problem Fit - E607

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Jeremy Au breaks down why most startups fail and what it really takes to succeed in the AI age. He explains the six patterns of startup failure, the tricky economics of service businesses, and why AI will wipe out average workers. He also explores how caring about a problem gives founders their edge and why listening, not output, is the real marker of a great marketer or executive.

00:59 Startup Failure Is the Default: Jeremy explains that failure is the norm in startups and outlines six common patterns including false starts, speed traps, bad luck, and weak founding teams.

03:30 Service Startups Need Tech to Scale: He shares how AI and automation can transform service businesses like call centers into high-margin ventures by replacing labor with scalable technology.

07:00 GPT Raised the Bar: Repeating what AI can do is not enough. The gap between average and exceptional performance has narrowed and effort alone is no longer a differentiator.

09:39 Founder Problem Fit Drives Impact: Success is easier when people work on problems they care about. Founder problem fit is just as important as product market fit.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/startup-failure-ai-takeover

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Daniel Thong: Bootstrapping AI, Spinning Out AI, and Surviving the VC Downturn – E606

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 21:00:18 +0000

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Daniel Thong, founder of Nimbus, returns to BRAVE to share how he built a profitable, tech-enabled service business without venture capital. He and Jeremy Au unpack the rise and fall of tech companies like Zilingo, examine the structural issues behind finance misconduct, and explore how AI is reshaping service operations. Daniel discusses why bootstrapping gave him more control, how he spun off a new AI startup from within, and what it takes to retain talent and stay healthy as a founder. The conversation offers a grounded look at sustainable growth, founder philosophy, and the realities of Southeast Asia’s startup landscape.

06:25 Bootstrapping helped Nimbus outlast VC-backed clients: Daniel avoided risky burn rates and pointed to Zilingo as a cautionary tale.

11:45 AI-enabled WhatsApp sales sparked a spinout: After AI sold painting services over the weekend, Daniel launched ChatAvocado with his tech team as co-founders.

13:50 Spinning off helped retain talent: Rather than cutting R&D, Daniel gave capital and ownership to the team and kept the business ecosystem strong.

16:27 AI now improves routing, HR, and customer service: Generative AI reduces headcount by handling job matching and admin tasks internally.

19:35 Survival beats ambition in Southeast Asia: Daniel emphasized Buffett’s rule to never lose money and stay close to revenue.

26:50 Retention comes from delivering promises: Daniel saw founders renege on ESOPs and vowed to be consistent, realistic, and trustworthy with his team.

35:37 Founding cost him family presence and health: Daniel admits he neglected the intangibles and is now trying to balance better.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/daniel-thong-bootstrap-beats-vc-collapse

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AI Companions, Unicorn Odds, and Southeast Asia’s Next 100 Years of Startups - E605

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Jeremy Au explores how exponential tech progress is reshaping the future, why Southeast Asia is positioned for a surge in unicorns, and how venture capitalists evaluate founders. From AI relationships to realistic startup odds, this discussion challenges assumptions about the next 100 years of innovation and entrepreneurship.

01:15 100 Years of Progress: Jeremy compares sampans to reusable rockets to illustrate the speed of change in the last century. He asks if anyone in 1924 could have predicted the internet and cat GIFs in 2024. The message is clear, by 2124, what feels absurd today may become normal.

02:26 AI Companions as Real Startups: Jeremy shares that the latest wave of venture-backed startups in California are focused on building AI-powered romantic partners. What started as a joke has become a funded reality, forcing us to consider how digital relationships could redefine human connection.

04:01 Unicorn Odds and Reality: Many students are surprised to learn that seed-stage startups have a 1 in 40 chance of becoming unicorns. Jeremy emphasizes that while the journey requires effort and resilience, the odds are better than most assume and worth pursuing with intent.

04:34 Southeast Asia’s Golden Era: Asia Partners believes the next 50 years will bring more unicorns in Southeast Asia. Jeremy highlights that local universities like NUS are producing many of these founders, signaling strong homegrown potential in the region.

10:00 VCs as Elite Talent Scouts: Jeremy explains that venture capitalists are not teachers or advisors, but high-performance coaches who are assembling winning teams. They focus on backing the best early, not out of charity, but to generate home runs that deliver massive returns.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/billion-dollar-futures

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Bernard Leong: How AI Is Reshaping Development, Business Models, and Startup Growth – E604

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 21:00:25 +0000

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Bernard Leong, founder of Dorje AI and host of Analyse Asia, joins Jeremy Au to explore how AI is transforming software development, business models, and professional roles across Southeast Asia. They break down why dev houses are losing ground, how AI accelerates coding and reshapes team structures, and why traditional SaaS and education models must evolve. Bernard shares how he replaced an outsourced dev team using AI tools, the dangers of hallucinated code libraries, and his vision for a new enterprise software model powered by prompt engineering and cloud-based trust.

00:42: Traditional software development can’t keep up with AI timelines: Bernard shares how he replaced a dev house that took five months with a feature he built in 20 minutes using 50 AI prompts during a flight. This led to firing the team and redesigning the internal workflow around speed and AI tools.

06:26: Frontend moves fast with AI, but backend demands real engineering: While vibe coding speeds up prototypes, Bernard highlights backend risks like hallucinated libraries from ChatGPT. He stresses the need for strong DevOps rules, audit trails, and secure infrastructure to prevent system vulnerabilities.

09:18: Dev houses need to reskill or become obsolete: Bernard criticizes dev houses for slow JIRA-based processes and poor QA. His lean team rebuilt what took five months in just six weeks by focusing on code quality, automation, and prompt engineering. He urges retraining junior developers to stay relevant.

20:43: AI is replacing repetitive junior roles across professions: Bernard sees AI displacing junior coders, lawyers, accountants, and consultants. He shares how his ex-lawyer wife saw this coming, and cites an MIT study where only senior professionals could spot and fix AI mistakes, while juniors added little value.

23:39: Education must shift from banning AI to measuring real thinking: Bernard describes showing students how ChatGPT completes their essays in seconds. He calls for testing reasoning and prompting skills rather than memorization.

31:57: Organizations will become lean, AI-native teams: Bernard predicts companies will move from pyramids to diamond-shaped org charts. He now trials contractors and only hires those who scale with AI.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bernard-leong-code-without-coders

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Saurabh Chauhan: From EF to YC, Beating the Hype & Building AI Finance Agents – E603

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 21:00:21 +0000

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Saurabh Chauhan, Co-founder and CEO of Peakflo, returns to BRAVE with Jeremy Au to reflect on their journey since first meeting at Entrepreneur First in 2020. They unpack how Saurabh identified pain points in finance ops during his time with Rocket Internet, how he structured his co-founder search, and how early customer interviews shaped Peakflo’s product roadmap. They explore why he rejected the social commerce hype, how Y Combinator reset his scale ambitions, and how Google’s AI Accelerator helped move Peakflo from traditional SaaS to agentic workflows. They also discuss startup fraud detection and how external stakeholders can cut through opacity.

02:40: Why Saurabh joined EF: He had identified cash flow and supplier payment issues in past startups and wanted to solve this. EF was attractive for its high technical founder density, which led to matching with Dmitry, a PhD in AI and former CDO at AirAsia.

10:02: Rejected social commerce despite hype: Saurabh entered EF with two ideas—cutting customer acquisition costs and finance automation. Interviews with 30 to 40 operators in social commerce showed no real CAC compression and surfaced product quality and platform leakage issues.

23:47: Peakflo started with accounts receivable automation: They built modules like collections, dispute management, customer portals, and payment reconciliation. It took over a year to fully build the AR stack from late 2020 to 2022.

25:40: Accounts payable followed based on demand: Customers didn’t want to use two systems. Peakflo added AP features like invoice capture, PO matching, and supplier payments, which took another year and launched by late 2023.

28:30: Google AI Accelerator pushed the move toward agentic workflows: Peakflo now builds AI agents to perform human tasks like logging into client portals, submitting invoices, and reconciling ERP systems.

30:26: Voice AI agents now handle collection calls: The agent knows invoice details, dispute history, and broken promises to pay. It engages clients like a collection officer, takes notes, and feeds updates into follow-up workflows.

36:32: Agentic workflows are the future of finance ops: Saurabh sees Peakflo evolving into a workflow engine powered by AI agents across back-office functions like lead qualification, collections, and month-end closing.

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Double Down or Walk Away: Instacart, Unicorn Portfolios, and Southeast Asia’s Exit Problem - E602

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 21:00:26 +0000

Jeremy Au breaks down the hidden math behind venture capital: why only a few startups matter, how VCs double down or walk away, and what real exits look like. Using the case of Instacart and Southeast Asia IPOs like SEA, Grab, and GoTo, he explains what separates paper value from cash returns, and why timing is everything.

01:07 VC Fund Economics and Decision Making: Covers how venture capitalists allocate time and support across their portfolio. Highlights the paradox where top performers need little help, while struggling startups consume the most resources.

04:04 Instacart IPO Case Study: Breaks down how early and late investors in Instacart performed. Shows how investment timing, conviction, and follow-on decisions shape actual returns.

08:34 Instagram vs. Snapchat: Acquisition Decisions: Compares two founders who faced billion-dollar buyout offers. One sold early and built long-term value inside a larger company. The other kept control but faced a bumpier ride.

11:20 VC Fund Performance and Metrics: Explains how to interpret MOIC and DPI. Focuses on the gap in Southeast Asia where paper returns look strong but real liquidity is still limited.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/paper-vs-profit

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Kelvin Subowo: 7 Failures, Cloud Kitchen Collapse & Building Indonesia’s F&B Avengers – E601

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:00:21 +0000

Kelvin Subowo, CEO of Daily Co., joins Jeremy Au to share how he built one of Indonesia’s fastest growing F&B groups after seven failed ventures. They talk through how Kelvin’s early failures taught him the realities of Indonesia’s price sensitive market, how cloud kitchens initially succeeded but quickly collapsed post-Covid, and how Daily Co. pivoted by acquiring and scaling offline food brands. They explore how founder retention, backend integration, and M&A discipline enabled sustainable growth. Kelvin also explains how Chinese brands are entering Indonesia with capital and speed, and why his team is doubling down on scale, team culture, and long-term local partnerships.

05:22 He failed seven times: His early startups included a potato chip brand, a HappyFresh-style grocery delivery, a classified forum, and an Instagram-era Etsy clone, all of which failed due to underfunding, misaligned business models, and reliance on customer subsidies

11:39 The cloud kitchen model collapsed post pandemic: Customer subsidies ended, delivery and platform fees remained high, and fuel prices surged, making unit economics unsustainable and causing Daily Co. to shut down over 200 outlets by mid-2022

16:09 Kelvin acquired Bread Life and shifted to central production: The team repurposed its delivery network to support offline brands, bought the mall-based bakery chain, centralized baking to lower costs, and reopened with a profitable retail model

21:58 Daily Co. now acquires profitable founder led brands: It targets three to five times EBITDA valuations, only acquires IP and assets to avoid legacy liabilities, retains founders to run operations, and integrates backend services like HR, finance, and supply chain

29:47 Kelvin believes team loyalty helped Daily Co. survive downturns: Many team members have been with him since 2011, and instead of layoffs, they pivoted together to scale new categories like bakery, aiming to build an ecosystem focused on staple food and "share of belly" consumption across meals and snacks

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kelvin-subowo-scaling-after-shutdown

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America's VC Wall, Singapore’s Job Crunch & How AI Is Rewiring Relationships with Adriel Yong – E600

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 21:00:20 +0000

Adriel Yong, Orvel Venture Partner, joins Jeremy Au to reflect on five years of career transitions from investing to building startups across Southeast Asia and the US. They unpack how American venture capital has turned inward, the unintended consequences of remote work, and why AI is upending both work and relationships. Through candid stories from fundraising dinners in San Francisco to AI-generated breakup scripts they explore how technology is transforming how we build companies, make decisions, and stay human.

03:12 American and Asian startup growth models differ: In San Francisco, startups often grow fast by selling to other startups and riding internal network effects, while Southeast Asian startups focus on capturing value chains and relationship-based sales.

06:05 Revenue in SF isn’t always real: Founders in SF can reach $10 million ARR by selling to friendly peers, but in LA or Southeast Asia, sales are slower and relationship-driven, especially in industries like entertainment.

08:53 US venture capital is becoming protectionist: Where American VCs once backed global founders, they now prioritize companies based in or from the US, making it harder for Southeast Asian startups to access funding.

11:49 AI is replacing VC advisory work: Founders now use large language models to flag red flags in term sheets before reaching out to VCs, shifting the VC’s role from explainer to final verifier and negotiation coach.

14:59 AI is eroding help-based relationships: As people ask ChatGPT instead of friends for advice, the everyday opportunities for give-and-take shrink, which could weaken social bonds especially in task-focused societies like Singapore.

18:13 Generative AI amplifies Western perspectives: Tools like ChatGPT default to American individualist values unless prompted otherwise, meaning users across Asia may unconsciously adopt Americanized ways of thinking and problem-solving.

20:53 Graduate employment in Singapore is dropping: Unemployment dipped below 80 percent as MNCs cut back due to trade wars and AI displaces entry-level roles. Many graduates prefer brand-name firms, leaving SME jobs overlooked despite being the bulk of local employment.

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Power Struggles in Southeast Asia: VC Rights, Founder Conflicts and the Return of Convertible Debt - E599

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Jeremy Au breaks down the evolving power dynamics between VCs and founders in Southeast Asia, diving into board control, investor rights, and why most startups fail despite support. He shares practical lessons from both sides of the table, highlights the return of convertible debt, and explains how founders should think about conflict, dilution, and boardroom politics.

00:54 Key Investor Rights and Control: Jeremy outlines the top 10 investor rights such as drag-along, tag-along, and anti-dilution. These clauses define how power and decision-making are structured in startup financing.

03:47 Conflicts of Interest in Startups: He explains how interests between founders, board members, and shareholders evolve over time. Alignment becomes harder as companies grow and stakes increase.

08:26 Convertible Debt and Financing Trends: Jeremy describes why convertible debt is gaining traction again. In uncertain markets, it offers downside protection and upside potential for investors.

10:22 Board Dynamics and Founder Control: Founders in Southeast Asia often lose control by Series A. Jeremy explains how board decisions work, how founders can push back, and what happens when alignment breaks.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/founder-vc-powerplay

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Janine Teo: How AI Empowers Youth, Reinvents Learning & Sparks Motivation – E598

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Janine Teo, CEO of Solve Education, returns to BRAVE after three years to explore how AI is reshaping education for marginalized youth. She and Jeremy Au unpack the double-edged nature of AI in learning, how Solve Education leverages gamification and AI coaching to drive motivation, and the shifting job market where entry-level roles are disappearing. They discuss how AI is widening access for underserved learners, challenging traditional career aspirations, and demanding new approaches to teaching foundational skills. Janine also shares how her team’s GAIN model: Gamification, AI, Incentives, and Network, tackles agency gaps and builds community-led learning environments for impact at scale.

02:29 AI made education more personal and accessible: Students can now learn at their own pace using AI tutors like Solve Education’s “Ad,” especially in low-resource environments where human teachers are scarce.

04:50 Students use AI to uplift their families: Many youth ask AI for advice not just for school but to help their parents, reversing traditional education roles in marginalized households.

07:42 AI reshapes career aspirations and challenges family expectations: With AI exposure, students begin to dream beyond their parents' limited career suggestions and request help from the AI to explain their goals back home.

10:29 Teaching must prioritize thinking over memorization: In the AI era, knowing how to analyze, ask questions, and apply knowledge is more important than storing facts or formulas.

13:07 Motivation is the biggest learning barrier: Solve Education focuses on building a learner agency through their GAIN framework, especially for youth surrounded by demotivating environments.

15:43 Junior jobs are being replaced by automation: With AI doing most low-level tasks, junior analysts and entry-level roles are disappearing, forcing fresh grads to upskill or pivot early.

18:08 Learning environments shape success: Solve Education combines online tools with local community leaders to create peer-driven, supportive ecosystems that keep learners engaged and progressing.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/janine-teo-educated-by-ai

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Leaked Power Calls, Cannabis Crackdown & Why Thailand’s Startup Scene Is Quietly Rebooting with Wing Vasiksiri – E597

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 21:00:33 +0000

Wing Vasiksiri, investor and ecosystem builder, returns to unpack the recent political upheaval in Thailand, the shifting startup landscape, and how these dynamics intersect. He and Jeremy Au explore the Prime Minister’s suspension, the ripple effects of leaked diplomacy, and what these events signal for foreign investment and local sentiment. They also discuss the country's cannabis policy reversal, new crypto tax breaks, and the comeback of early-stage incubation. Wing introduces “Project Thailand,” a new public resource and investor-backed report aiming to support Thai founders by mapping out the entire ecosystem. Their discussion offers a real-time pulse check on Thailand's path toward stability, growth, and tech-driven innovation.

00:22 PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra suspended after leaked audio call with Cambodia’s president: The clip revealed her use of informal language and criticism of Thailand’s military, which sparked a political backlash. Her comments raised concerns over national loyalty, leading to her suspension and a cabinet reshuffle that further destabilized the coalition government.

09:45 Seven Thai PMs in ten years erode investor confidence and stall economic reform: The pattern of court removals, protests, and reshuffled coalitions makes it harder for Thailand to project long-term policy stability. Investors hesitate to back sectors like infrastructure and data centers, where long planning cycles are incompatible with unpredictable governance.

15:10 Thailand cuts capital gains and crypto taxes to zero from 2025 to 2030: In contrast to Singapore’s stricter stance, this move signals a bid to attract crypto entrepreneurs and capital inflows. Wing suggests the tax break may position Thailand as a regional hub for blockchain innovation, while Singapore’s ban on token sales drives founders elsewhere.

19:01 Recreational cannabis re-criminalized despite 18,000 dispensaries nationwide: The sudden policy reversal now requires medical prescriptions for purchase and forces dispensaries to register under stricter controls. Wing explains how this ties to shifting political coalitions—particularly the exit of pro-cannabis Bhumjaithai—and hints that further policy flip-flops could follow.

24:07 Wing launches Project Thailand and updates startup report with MVP: The open-access Notion resource maps investors, accelerators, universities, and service providers to help Thai founders navigate the ecosystem. The new report shifts from data-heavy charts to a stakeholder-based framework, offering specific ideas for universities, corporates, and government bodies to strengthen startup formation.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thai-tech-in-the-crossfire

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The Funding Game: Mastering SAFE Notes, Board Seats & Control - E596

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Jeremy Au broke down the real stakes behind early-stage fundraising—where founders trade equity for survival, and investors negotiate for control. He explained how financing tools like SAFE notes, convertible notes, and priced rounds shape who gets rich, who gets a say, and who gets left behind. From legal traps to boardroom dynamics, this session reveals what every founder should know before signing a term sheet.

01:05 Understanding Startup Economics: Jeremy explains how startups face a "valley of death" where they burn cash before reaching profitability. He introduces the idea that funding always comes with tradeoffs in economic and control rights.

01:39 Debt vs. Equity: Key Differences: A breakdown of how debt requires repayment and protects ownership, while equity gives up a piece of the upside but doesn't need to be paid back if the startup fails.

03:23 Equity Financing: Preferred Stock, Convertible Notes, and SAFE Notes: Jeremy walks through the three common fundraising tools, how each works in early-stage rounds, and why SAFEs have become the global standard for speed and simplicity.

08:00 Control Rights and Board Dynamics: The discussion turns to how board control shifts as startups raise money. Jeremy explains why early governance decisions shape long-term power and influence over the company.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/equity-shapes-control

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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How Vietnam’s Economy is Rewiring for Tech & Trade Battles with Valerie Vu – E595

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 21:00:27 +0000

Vietnam’s rapid economic transformation is reshaping its future. Valerie Vu, General Partner at Ansible Ventures, joins Jeremy Au to explore how Vietnam is shifting from export dependence to a tech-driven, domestic growth model. They discuss the rollback of anti-corruption campaigns, intensified U.S. trade negotiations, and how food safety scandals are driving transparency reforms. Valerie also explains Resolution 68, a blueprint promoting private sector innovation and deep tech, and what this means for founders and investors.

03:00 The Anti-Corruption Campaign and Its Implications: The government quietly walks back its Burning Furnace crackdown by releasing powerful tycoons to restore stability and accelerate economic revival.

06:27 Tariff Negotiations and Their Impact on Trade: U.S.–Vietnam trade talks intensify, focusing on tariffs, defense cooperation, and pressure to enforce IP rights, block transshipments, and raise commercial standards.

10:09 Food Safety Scandals and Consumer Trust: Authorities expose counterfeit cooking oil and infant formula, prompting widespread crackdowns on fake goods to rebuild public confidence and meet international expectations.

13:53 The Shift Towards Domestic Consumption: As Vietnam faces an aging workforce and uncertain exports, it begins shifting to a consumption-led economy powered by local demand and entrepreneurship.

18:37 Resolution 68: A New Economic Model for Vietnam: This reform blueprint aims to elevate private enterprises, reduce state-owned dominance, and bet on AI, semiconductors, fintech, and data to power long-term growth.

25:23 Future Prospects: Infrastructure and Economic Growth: Valerie explains how Vietnam targets 8% GDP growth through credit expansion, zero-interest loans, and improved infrastructure while FDI remains on hold pending tariff clarity.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnams-new-frontier

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Demographic Collapse, Broken Visas & Why Global Talent Is Rerouting to Southeast Asia – E594

Sun, 29 Jun 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner at Hustle Fund, joins Jeremy Au to examine how geopolitical shifts, demographic decline, and education policy are reshaping global talent and innovation flows. They explore Japan and Korea’s push into Southeast Asia, the unexpected impact of smartphone culture on fertility, and how political actions in the US are disrupting the university pipeline and research ecosystems. They also critique bureaucratic inefficiencies in tech transfer and reflect on assimilation policies, academic flywheels, and the cultural nuances behind talent mobility.

06:57 Japan and Korea face demographic urgency: Fertility rates in South Korea have dropped from 800,000 births in the 1980s to just over 200,000 in recent years. Corporate leaders are looking to expand into Southeast Asia through joint ventures and partnerships, viewing Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines as key markets.

12:25 Smartphones may be suppressing fertility: Shiyan references an article arguing that smartphone penetration is highly correlated with falling fertility rates. Despite strong family policies in Scandinavia, birth rates continue to decline. The theory suggests that digital bubbles reduce real-life interaction and desire to form relationships.

18:21 Immigration and assimilation face friction: The US excels at integrating newcomers through education and culture, but places like Singapore struggle due to uncertain work visa policies. Students who attend local universities often don’t know if they can stay, making long-term integration difficult.

27:41 Political interference weakens academia: Harvard has faced withdrawal of federal research grants, student visa suspensions, and potential taxation of endowments. Shiyan compares it to a "cultural revolution" for US academia, where the cancellation of research funding disrupts entire projects and damages long-term scientific work.

38:44 Academic tech transfer often fails: Jeremy critiques the inefficiency of Asian university IP portals. Unlike MIT's open-access system, some institutions limit what patents are visible and make it hard to search or filter. Feedback on the issue was ignored, revealing a culture of bureaucratic avoidance that blocks commercialization.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/talent-without-borders

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Edtech's Real Buyers, Startup Law Traps and Why Founders Need Better Equity Deals - E593

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 21:00:27 +0000

Jeremy Au breaks down the hidden risks in Southeast Asia’s edtech sector and early-stage startup law. He explains why edtech often fails to scale, how founder disputes emerge without early agreements, and why choosing the right jurisdiction like Singapore matters for survival. From investor alignment to taxation nightmares, this episode guides founders through the hard truths of building legally sound and scalable ventures.

01:00 Misaligned Edtech Incentives: “Kids use it. Parents, schools, or governments buy it.” Jeremy explains how edtech startups suffer from a split between the user and the payer, complicating both growth and retention.

03:49 Passion Subsidy and Investor Challenges: The sector attracts too many well-intentioned builders, creating a surplus of talent and capital but fewer underpriced investment opportunities.

10:57 Founder Agreements and Equity Clarity: Jeremy outlines how early documentation, even in a simple Google Doc, can prevent future equity disputes, especially when teams evolve before incorporation.

12:37 Tax Burden in the Philippines: He warns that taxing startups on gross revenue instead of profit creates startup-hostile environments and pushes founders to incorporate in more favorable places like Singapore.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/edtech-roadblocks

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Olzhas (Oz) Zhiyenkul: From Soviet Collapse to Disrupting Global Wealth Tech - E592

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Olzhas (Oz) Zhiyenkul, CEO and co-founder of Investbanq, joins Jeremy Au to share how his journey from post-Soviet Kazakhstan to launching a full-stack wealth operating system was shaped by hardship, global education, and the inefficiencies he witnessed firsthand across Asia’s financial sector. They discuss how legacy systems fail family offices, why most wealth managers still operate on Excel, and how Investbanq aims to empower rather than replace relationship managers. Olzhas also recounts building boats from garbage on reality TV, reflects on cultural shocks from the UK to Singapore, and maps out his long-term vision for a digital-native wealth future.

06:21 He originally planned to become a nuclear physicist: His passion for math and physics drove dreams of commercializing cold fusion, but advice from a successful uncle led him to pivot toward finance for greater career stability and impact.

09:55 He moved to Singapore to manage a proprietary trading desk: A job offer brought him to Singapore, where he was initially overwhelmed by the heat but impressed by the country’s legal, economic, and governance systems, eventually calling it home.

11:42 He rose to CIO of a fund before founding multiple ventures: After working across trading, fund management, and private banking, he identified widespread inefficiencies and started several businesses, including a software studio and wealth firm with co-founder Damir.

17:45 Investbanq was built after failed attempts to digitize wealth management: Disappointed by market solutions that only solved narrow problems, he built a modular operating system with BPMS, CRM, portfolio management, and client reporting, integrated across workflows.

26:50 On reality show Meet the Drapers, he chose discomfort over comfort: During a survival challenge with ex-military participants, Oz gave up the warm seat on a garbage-built boat to join his team in freezing water, valuing full effort over taking the easy role.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/olzhas-zhiyenkul-legacy-systems-broken

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Henry Motte-de la Motte: AI Tutors, Global EdTech, and the $1M Parenting Dilemma – E591

Sun, 22 Jun 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Henry Motte-de la Motte, CEO of Edge Tutor, and Jeremy Au reconnect two years after their last conversation to discuss how global tutoring has evolved. They examine the rise of AI in education, differences in learner motivation, and how human connection and structure remain critical to learning. They explore Edge Tutor’s expansion into 30 countries, the decision to stay focused on English and math, and how demographic and economic shifts are transforming education into a premium service. Their conversation also touches on the societal role of parenting, immigration, and childcare policy as key levers to address falling birth rates and education equity.

02:03 AI expanded fast but motivation gaps remain: AI tools help motivated learners but most people, especially K-12 students, need structure and accountability that only human tutors provide.

03:11 Edge Tutor scaled to 30 countries to manage market risk: The company grew from 6 to 30 countries including North America, South America, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific to avoid overdependence on any single market.

04:10 English and math make up 80 percent of tutoring demand: Despite requests for other subjects, Edge Tutor remains focused on English and math, which dominate global tutoring spend.

05:05 AI works better for adult learners than K-12 students: Adults often use AI tools effectively when motivated, while K-12 learners benefit more from a consistent human relationship for emotional and social learning.

06:29 Scheduled sessions with human teachers drive learning: Learners tend to skip self-paced AI tools but show up when sessions are fixed and prepaid with real tutors, just like gym or personal training.

13:42 Falling birth rates are driving premium education: With fewer children, parents concentrate resources, creating demand for small-group or 1-on-1 formats and AI-enabled human tutors, especially in wealthy families.

22:30 Immigration and childcare policies affect national birth rates: Countries like France maintain higher birth rates through subsidized early childcare while Spain increases immigration to balance aging populations and support their social systems.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/henry-motte-de-la-motte-tutors-or-technology

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Ilya Kravtsov: Inside Indonesia’s Startup Meltdown, eFishery’s Hidden Fallout & How Real Founders Survive – E590

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 21:50:53 +0000

Ilya Kravtsov, Co-Founder of Ringkas, joins Jeremy Au to unpack the rise and fall of Indonesia’s lending wave, the ripple effects of the eFishery scandal, and the hard lessons founders must absorb to build sustainable startups. They examine how early hype misaligned business models, how fraud damages more than just a company, and why radical transparency is key to long-term leadership. Ilya shares how Ringkas scaled without lending, why developer partnerships unlocked bank adoption, and how he carefully built a diversified cap table to preserve founder control.

03:00 Indonesia’s VC ecosystem matured: In 2012, only three VCs wrote 20,000 dollar checks and most people used BlackBerrys. By 2021, founders raised 5 million dollar pre-seeds with no product.

05:24 Lending distorted metrics: Startups wrongly recorded loan disbursements as revenue and used inflated valuation multiples on their loan books.

08:27 Growth hacks vs. fraud: Ilya draws the line at legality and disclosure. He says growth hacks are common and acceptable only if transparent.

13:32 Ecosystem fallout from eFishery: Ilya dismisses the defense that fraud was standard practice. He says many founders now face reputational damage, blocked financing, and collateral damage from one high-profile failure.

14:10 Ringkas avoided lending: Rather than lend directly, Ringkas built infrastructure between banks and developers.

17:38 Banks adopted due to volume: Traditional banks opened up to Ringkas under pressure from digital banks and low mortgage penetration.

20:41 Cap table strategy: Ilya capped investor ownership below 10 percent, preferring a wide base of angel and neutral investors.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ilya-kravtsov-truth-over-hype

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Mohan Belani: Fatherhood as a Founder, Raising AI-Ready Kids & Balancing Marriage with Startup Life – E589

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Mohan Belani, Co-Founder of e27, and Jeremy Au reflect on what it means to be a tech leader, startup founder, and modern dad raising Generation Alpha. They explore how parenting rewires identity, the mental load of fatherhood, and how decision-making feels like startup building in a world flooded with information. They discuss the tension between being an attentive partner and a present parent, how childhood memories shape parenting choices, and how to raise children with curiosity and resilience in an AI-saturated future.

01:22 Becoming a father changed how they saw themselves: Both Mohan and Jeremy share how fatherhood wasn’t just a lifestyle change, it rewired how they viewed their purpose, relationships, and future selves.

04:03 Parenting choices are shaped by childhood memory: Disagreements on toys, schools, and routines often trace back to each parent’s own upbringing and unspoken childhood needs.

06:41 Too much parenting data creates anxiety: With Google, AI, and peer pressure, small decisions like which stroller to buy feel high stakes. They learned that many choices are symbolic, not essential.

18:14 Startup skills helped them approach parenting: They used frameworks, product-thinking, and planning cycles, treating the transition to parenthood like building a company.

24:27 They prioritized marriage over parenting perfection: Both couples intentionally put their relationships first, believing that strong partnerships make for better parenting despite outside judgment.

34:00 Preparing kids for an unpredictable future: Rather than fixate on grades or jobs, they aim to instill values like resilience and curiosity to navigate a world dominated by AI and shifting norms.

50:06 Curiosity is the most important trait to teach: They agree that teaching kids to ask questions and stay open-minded matters more than pushing achievement or obedience.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/mohan-belani-fatherhood-in-the-ai-era

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Dr. Gerald Tan: AI Dentistry, Business Betrayal & Rebuilding Trust – E588

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Dr. Gerald Tan, founder of Elite Dental Group and the first Singaporean dentist to graduate from Harvard Business School, joins Jeremy Au to share how dentistry blends science, art, and entrepreneurship. They explore his journey from being one of 30 students in NUS Dentistry to leading an AI-driven public health initiative and surviving a devastating fraud by trusted business partners. Gerald unpacks how AI is reshaping oral health diagnostics, how public and private dental sectors have evolved in Singapore, and why legal protections alone aren’t enough in business. His story is a powerful look into what it means to lead with resilience and foresight in healthcare.

01:25 He chose dentistry after a biology teacher’s influence and secured one of 30 spots at NUS Dentistry: entry was highly competitive with over 900 applicants

10:19 Singapore’s public dental sector has improved significantly: however, private clinics remain more agile in adopting cutting-edge technologies

11:53 Private dental practices leverage AI for 3D imaging, smile reconstruction, and robotics: public clinics face slower tech adoption due to red tape

15:10 Gerald leads a national AI project to screen elderly oral health via smartphone photos: the tool supports Singapore’s Healthier SG initiative and preventive care agenda

20:04 He bought a retiring dentist’s practice to found Elite Dental Group: the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted patient volumes and highlighted business model vulnerabilities

25:41 A joint venture with ex-bankers collapsed after they forged financial documents and fled to China: Gerald relied on contract clauses to unwind the deal but says trust is more important than paperwork

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/gerald-tan-tooth-tech-betrayal

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Jiezhen Wu: CEO Struggles, Leadership Lessons from Parenthood, and Why 5-Year Plans Fail – E587

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 21:00:29 +0000

Jiezhen Wu, leadership coach and community builder, joins Jeremy Au to explore how identity, leadership and parenting intersect in shaping purposeful careers. They trace her journey from nonprofit work and Harvard to coaching C-suite leaders across Asia. Together, they reflect on living by design rather than default, the trade-offs of relocating from the US to Singapore, and the internal clarity needed to define true success. Jiezhen unpacks how becoming a mother reshaped her professional lens, why Southeast Asia holds untapped potential for leadership development, and how frameworks can guide but not dictate growth. The episode blends candid stories, cultural nuance and practical reflection for anyone navigating career and life transitions.

01:29 Identity evolves across life stages: Jiezhen shares how becoming a parent, moving countries and shifting careers reshaped how she introduces herself and lives more intentionally.

04:28 Leadership coaching creates systemic impact: Coaching senior leaders unlocks broader ripple effects across organizations, communities and even family systems.

10:08 Parenting clarified her values and time choices: Her decision to integrate work she loves with being present for her children guided her career shift and focus.

14:10 Returning to Singapore aligned purpose and place: While the US offered development, Asia felt like home with stronger roots and a clearer sense of impact.

19:09 Flexible playbooks work better than fixed plans: She encourages leaders to replace rigid five-year plans with adaptive playbooks that evolve with life’s seasons.

20:42 Success requires clarity and courage: Coaching often helps people articulate what they truly want and take steps toward it instead of staying stuck or self-sabotaging.

28:31 Tools are useful when customized to the individual: Jiezhen uses coaching frameworks, leadership dialogues and self-designed models like the Possibly Playbook to support reflection and change.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jiezhen-wu-playbook-over-plan

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Vikram Sinha: Telco Merger Playbook, AI Bets & The Risk Most CEOs Avoid – E586

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Vikram Sinha, CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, speaks with Jeremy Au about his personal journey, the power of distribution, and why AI is not just another wave of telecom innovation. They retrace his career from selling mobile plans to leading a successful merger, discuss why distribution is still the biggest driver of growth in emerging markets, and unpack how AI must be localized, inclusive, and protected from bad actors. Vikram explains why telcos should stop blaming regulators, focus on customer experience, and build sovereign infrastructure to stay competitive. He shares how his leadership is shaped by integrity, purpose, and prioritizing people over process even when facing fear and uncertainty.

01:33 Career pivot from engineering to business: Vikram switched paths after his mother's passing and landed his first job at Coca-Cola while selling mobile plans during a summer break.

09:16 Learning integrity through a mistake: A personal audit error at Coca-Cola taught him to separate mistakes from dishonesty and to lead with transparency.

13:56 Distribution is telecom’s real advantage: Vikram used FMCG distribution playbooks to build direct rural reach in India, Africa, and Indonesia.

19:01 4G fulfilled 3G’s promises, AI will fulfill 5G’s: He believes AI paired with low-latency 5G will unlock scalable breakthroughs in health, education, and productivity.

25:47 Early AI investment is essential: Vikram urges telcos to move beyond comfort zones and lead national infrastructure efforts to ensure sovereign digital capability.

26:57 Customer experience over excuses: Telcos must stop blaming regulators and instead deliver seamless service that earns long-term user trust.

44:06 Brave leadership in a merger turnaround: Despite industry odds, Vikram led a successful telco merger by focusing on mission, mindset, and team strength.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vikram-sinha-signal-to-scale

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Pav Gill: Wirecard Whistleblower, Murder Threats & Building Confide Platform After Billion-Dollar Fraud – E585

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 21:00:19 +0000

Pav Gill, ex-APAC Head of Legal at Wirecard, joins Jeremy Au to share how he uncovered one of the largest financial frauds in Europe. They discuss Pav’s early career shift from traditional law to fintech, the moment red flags at Wirecard became undeniable, and how an internal whistleblower’s plea led him to launch a covert investigation. Pav reveals how management retaliation escalated into threats, fake HR cases, and even potential physical harm. With support from his mother, he connected with investigative journalists, leading to Financial Times exposés and Wirecard’s collapse. Pav reflects on the limits of legal privilege, the challenges of systemic fraud, and how founding his governance startup, Confide, helps companies act on misconduct before it spirals.

03:00 Pav joined Wirecard for Fintech exposure: He left a low-paid legal role at GoBear and was attracted by Wirecard’s billion-dollar scale and regional autonomy.

07:00 Subsidiary financials didn’t match reported earnings: Pav noticed Asia’s books were consistently late, loss-making, and inconsistent with group-level EBITDA claims.

08:15 A junior employee blew the whistle to Pav: She feared for her life and refused to carry out forged transaction requests, trusting him as a neutral legal party.

13:00 Pav found fake invoices and logos in inboxes: Wirecard staff had blatantly doctored client documents—indicating round-tripping and money laundering.

17:30 Management shut down the investigation and targeted him: Pav faced office intimidation, HR setups, and was asked to travel to Jakarta under suspicious pretext.

33:35 Pav’s mother connected him to journalists: She contacted Clare Rewcastle Brown, who referred them to the Financial Times and helped spark public investigations.

Pav Gill: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pavgill

Confide Platform: https://www.confideplatform.com

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/pav-gill-exposing-the-lie

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https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-impact-on-founders

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Founder Patterns, VC Tiers and Southeast Asia’s Undervalued Talent – E584

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 21:00:21 +0000

Jeremy Au unpacks the real value add of venture capital beyond just funding. Using data and founder behavior patterns, he explains how investor type, timing, team building and university background shape outcomes. The conversation highlights what actually helps founders succeed, how top tier funds scout talent and where undervalued opportunities lie across Southeast Asia.

00:34 Research Insights on Angel Investments: Jeremy shares how angel backing increases startup survival by 14 percent, hiring by 40 percent and exits by 10 percent. The early investor effect is real and measurable.

01:36 Key Components of Successful Entrepreneurs: Success tends to repeat when founders launch at the right time, attract high quality resources and execute well.

02:28 Impact of Top Tier vs Lower Tier VCs: First time and failed founders see more benefit from top tier VCs. Successful founders already have momentum and get less marginal value.

05:39 University Influence on Startup Success: Southeast Asia's top unicorn founders often come from NUS and UI. Meanwhile, Ivy League founders get higher funding but often at higher valuations, limiting upside.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at

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Jackson Aw: The Collectibles Boom, AI-Driven IP & Founder Growth from Dreamer to Builder – E583

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 21:00:16 +0000

Jackson Aw, founder of Mighty Jaxx, joins Jeremy Au after three years to reflect on his leadership journey, the evolution of the global collectibles industry, and how personal growth reshaped his business decisions. They discuss the shift from creative spontaneity to strategic discipline, the emotional psychology behind collectibles, and how AI and tariffs are changing how physical products are made and consumed. Jackson also shares how fatherhood made him more patient, why trust in the next generation is now a core business strategy, and what it takes to stay relevant in a fast-moving market driven by youth culture and fragmented IP.

01:29 Downturns forced a new leadership mindset: Jackson shifted from high-velocity experimentation to a more cautious, calculated approach to survive the macro climate.

04:20 Collectibles meet emotional and nostalgic needs: Consumers seek affordable joy and identity through physical items tied to their childhood and passions.

09:00 Young women are reshaping the collectibles market: 70% of Mighty Jaxx’s 18–25-year-old customer base are female, a reversal from the male-dominated past.

11:16 Parenthood created better discipline and empathy: Jackson became more intentional with his time and temperament after becoming a father of two.

14:15 The future of IP is fast, digital, and creator-led: New intellectual properties now emerge in weeks via community platforms, flipping the traditional studio-first model.

24:31 Operational agility gives Mighty Jaxx an edge: The company delivers products in as little as three months, unlike legacy players that plan years ahead.

35:25 Founder growth means delegation and resilience: Jackson now invests in mentoring lieutenants, separating personal identity from business outcomes, and accepting that scale requires letting go.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jackson-aw-built-to-collect

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Jianggan Li: US-China Trade Chaos, Vietnam Caught in the Middle & Why Everyone’s Diversifying – E582

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Jianggan Li, Founder of Momentum Works speaks with Jeremy Au to unpack how the US-China trade conflict is reshaping global manufacturing, trust in international trade, and Southeast Asia’s role in the crossfire. They explore why businesses are stuck in limbo, how Vietnam and Cambodia became unintended casualties, and what diversification looks like when no one trusts the rules anymore. The two dive into historical analogies, business strategy, and what Chinese multinationals might do next to weather the storm.

01:01 Tariffs surprised both sides and confused manufacturers: China and the US escalated their trade war with aggressive tariffs, leaving factories unsure whether to pause, relocate, or wait.

02:33 Vietnam and Cambodia were hit despite trying to stay neutral: US tariffs targeting Vietnam shocked businesses who had just begun shifting supply chains there, triggering rapid reassessments.

05:21 China prepared a response toolkit in advance: The central government had studied scenarios and released policies, stimulus packages, and papers to manage the impact without acting impulsively.

13:32 The bond market backlash exposed real risks: Rising interest rates from global uncertainty threaten America’s ability to maintain its debt-fueled spending, raising fears across both sides.

17:52 Diversification became a necessity, not a strategy: Both Chinese exporters and Southeast Asian governments are now exploring more trade partners, not relying solely on China or the US.

24:32 New markets are opening up for cross-border trade: With the US less predictable, Chinese firms are turning to Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia to grow exports and presence.

30:04 China’s domestic consumption still lags behind: Without boosting local confidence and spending, China’s manufacturing surplus will continue spilling into foreign markets and intensifying competition.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jianggan-li-when-trade-trust-breaks

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How Founders Avoid False Starts & What VCs Actually Add - E581

Thu, 29 May 2025 21:00:20 +0000

Jeremy Au unpacks how startup failure patterns often begin with charisma unchecked by execution. He explores how founders can avoid false starts, the real reason repeat founders succeed, and why the value of VCs and angels depends on founder maturity. The episode draws parallels between entrepreneurship and professional disciplines like medicine, stressing the need for coaching, humility, and peer learning to improve success odds.

00:54 The Yin-Yang of Founding Teams: Jeremy emphasizes that founding success hinges on pairing sales charisma with product execution, using Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak as archetypes.

04:14 Founder Failure Patterns: Founders fail early when they believe their own hype; trial-and-error has now been replaced by codified frameworks like Lean Startup and Zero to One.

10:13 Repeat Founder Advantage: Successful founders are more likely to succeed again due to better market timing and resource magnetism.

13:57 VC Value Hierarchy: Borrowing from Maslow, Jeremy outlines a VC value pyramid capital, reliability, reinvestment, governance, networks, and coaching.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/avoiding-founder-failure

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Elena Chow: Southeast Asia Talent Reset, Malaysia’s Rise & How AI Is Reshaping Hiring – E580

Tue, 27 May 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Elena Chow, Founder of ConnectOne and Jeremy Au reconnect after three years to examine how Southeast Asia’s hiring landscape evolved from rapid expansion to cautious, AI-aware decision-making. They explore how employer expectations have become more structured, why talent strategies now vary across the region, and what individuals must do to stay employable in the decade ahead. Their discussion covers the rise of Malaysia as a hiring hub, Vietnam’s growing edge despite language challenges, and how automation is reshaping job functions. Elena also shares her “skills, markets, and industries of the future” framework, helping professionals make better career moves through strategic alignment.

02:00 Hiring shifted from urgency to intentionality: Employers now plan roles more carefully, focusing on outcomes and cost rather than headcount.

04:30 Fractional and contract talent went mainstream: On-demand expertise has become more accepted as startups look to stay lean and agile.

06:43 Malaysia emerged as a sweet spot for tech hiring: Its talent pool is multilingual, well-educated, and more cost-effective than Singapore’s.

08:54 Indonesia's talent bubble burst post-unicorn boom: Average workers were overpaid during the boom and are now facing tough salary corrections.

22:02 AI adoption is redefining job replacement logic: Firms are evaluating AI tools before rehiring, making automation the first line of action.

12:00 Vietnam’s talent quality rises despite English gap: With strong work ethic and improving tools, Vietnam’s engineers are becoming regionally competitive.

29:34 Future-proof careers need 3-point alignment: Elena urges jobseekers to evaluate roles through the lens of future-ready skills, growth markets, and promising industries.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/elena-chow-hiring-vs-ai

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David He: E-Fishery Scandal Breakdown, Investor Red Flags & Legal Risk Lessons for Southeast Asia – E579

Sun, 25 May 2025 21:00:24 +0000

David He, partner at Gunderson Dettmer sits down with Jeremy Au to dissect Southeast Asia’s shifting startup and legal terrain. From the fallout of the eFishery scandal to the rise of ESG compliance and convertible notes, they explore how investor behavior and founder strategies are evolving. The discussion highlights governance gaps, tougher diligence, and why regional funding optimism may have stalled again.

07:12 E-Fishery Scandal as a Southeast Asian Theranos: David compares eFishery’s collapse to Theranos—highlighting financial mismanagement, weak controls, and how one scandal can shake an entire region’s credibility.

10:25 Due Diligence Now Takes Months, Not Weeks: Term sheets are no longer quick investors stretch due diligence timelines, run legal and commercial checks in parallel, and uncover more issues late in the process.

12:38 Surge in Use of Convertible Notes: Investors increasingly prefer convertible notes for their downside protection and maturity leverage, especially during uncertain market conditions.

19:15 ESG & Compliance Burden Rising for Founders: Startups now face investor-mandated ESG, AML, and governance standards originally meant for large institutions—often without the internal capacity to manage them.

24:32 Tariffs Trigger Global Uncertainty, Slow Exits: Trump-era tariffs hit Indonesia and Vietnam, affecting investor confidence and delaying IPOs and M&A despite startups themselves not being directly impacted.

27:11 Philippines Up, Indonesia Down: The Philippines is gaining momentum with underexposure and English fluency, while Indonesia cools down from overinvestment and post-eFishery fallout.

30:05 Down Rounds Are Less Stigmatized: Founders and investors alike are more open to valuation markdowns, with flexible deal terms helping break the deadlock in difficult fundraising climates.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/david-he-scandal-shakes-trust

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The 6 Startup Failure Patterns, Why 90% Die & Jibo Burned $73M - E578

Thu, 22 May 2025 21:00:19 +0000

Jeremy Au breaks down why most startups fail and why it’s rarely just one thing. Backed by funnel data and battle-tested case studies, he reveals six patterns that repeatedly kill ventures, no matter how visionary the founders are. From premature scaling to bad macro timing, this talk shows how failure is often structural, not personal.

00:05 Startup Funnel Reality: Out of 1,100 seed-funded U.S. startups, only 12 reached unicorn status. Failure happens at seed, Series A, Series B and beyond.

01:26 Case Study: Jibo’s $73M Fall: The world’s first social robot died from engineering overruns, leadership disruption, and Amazon’s cheaper, voice-only Echo.

03:53 Defining Failure: A startup fails when early investors don’t get their money back regardless of user love, media buzz, or product quality.

08:00 Six Killer Patterns: Startups fail from co-founder misalignment, building without validation, misreading early traction, scaling too fast, bad timing, or relying on too many risky bets—all seen in cases like Quincy Apparel, Triangulate, Baroo, Fab.com, and Iridium.

22:40 Rebound & Revenge: Failed founders often bounce back—some become professors, others launch billion-dollar revenge startups like Rippling and Anduril.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/anatomy-of-startup-failure

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Joanna Yeo: Wall Street to ClimateTech, Biochar Carbon Credits & 50% Farmer Revenue Share – E577

Tue, 20 May 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Joanna Yeo, founder and CEO of Arukah and former institutional investor, speaks with Jeremy Au to explore how Southeast Asia’s agri-waste can be transformed into a global carbon credit engine. They unpack how her education at Harvard, Cambridge, and Stanford shaped a mission to connect vulnerable communities to opportunity, and how she learned from finance, blockchain, and rapid tech scaling to build a climate startup grounded in data, incentives, and farmer equity. Joanna shares why embedded finance failed to scale in agri, how she discovered the commercial viability of biochar and biogas, and why her company commits 50 percent of carbon revenue to participating farmers. The conversation highlights how Southeast Asia’s agriculture base, low-cost advantage, and digital infrastructure can lead the world in transparent, high-trust climate solutions if builders focus on real data, real problems, and real upside sharing.

05:05 The Impact of Education on Joanna's Career: Gratitude and exposure to global inequality led her to a clear goal to connect vulnerable people to markets at scale.

10:46 First Steps in Finance: Private Equity and Morgan Stanley: She learned how capital shapes the world, how sustainability can be measurable, and how investment logic is structured.

20:38 Reflecting on a Rapid Growth Journey: Joining a unicorn gave her a close look at how top tech firms manage speed, tracking, and execution discipline.

22:28 Addressing Poverty in Southeast Asia: Joanna links her mission back to the post-pandemic data showing up to 100 million people falling below $2/day.

23:16 Founding a Climate Tech and Agritech Startup: She founded Arukah to bring embedded financing and carbon monetization to underserved farming communities.

28:50 Building Sustainable Business Models: After embedded finance proved unreliable, she pivoted toward waste conversion with high verification standards.

36:49 Commitment to Farmers and Long-Term Vision: Bravery means holding the line on fairness Arukah gives farmers 50% of carbon revenue and builds with long-term trust.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/joanna-yeo-turning-farm-waste-to-wealth

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Felix Collins: 20 Million Black Soldier Fly Farming, Food Waste Insights & Low Carbon Future - E576

Sun, 18 May 2025 21:00:28 +0000

Felix Collins, founder of Full Circle Biotech, speaks with Jeremy Au about how biology, not machines, is transforming the future of food. Felix shares how his company turns agricultural waste into affordable, high-quality protein using insects, fungi, and bacteria. They unpack why SEA farmers care more about savings than slogans, how superstition meets pragmatism on shrimp farms, and how skipping big feed mills unlocked faster scale. Felix also opens up about building alone in a basement with buckets of waste, and why cost, not carbon credits, is the real key to decarbonizing food systems. It's a candid look at resilience, innovation, and why Southeast Asia may lead the next global food revolution.

02:22 Insect Farming as a Protein Solution: Early efforts to teach contract farmers in Kenya failed; he shifted to centralized operations to reduce complexity and improve scale.

05:11 Farmers Adopt Cost-Saving Tools, Not New Habits: Felix found that Southeast Asian farmers don’t chase productivity—they adopt tools that reduce cost and keep daily routines intact.

13:20 Scaling Without Feed Mill Support: With no guaranteed offtake from large feed companies, Full Circle started producing and selling its own pellets to collect farmer data and grow sales.

24:35 Southeast Asia is Agritech’s Edge: Fragmented supply chains and extreme price sensitivity make the region ideal for fast adoption of low-carbon, affordable feed solutions.

29:00 Carbon Credits Are Unreliable: Felix explains that while carbon credits are theoretically valuable, their volatility and complexity make them less effective than carbon taxes or direct market incentives for driving real change in food systems.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/felix-collins-feed-from-waste

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Power Law, Unicorn Hunting & Jungle to Highway: How VCs Bet on Southeast Asia’s Future - E575

Thu, 15 May 2025 21:00:22 +0000

Jeremy Au pulls back the curtain on Southeast Asia’s high-stakes venture capital world where 5,000 startups fight through the jungle, but only 10 reach the expressway. It’s a ruthless game of asymmetric bets, power-law outcomes, and make-or-break timing. He reveals what really happens inside VC firms: how general partners juggle investor pressure with founder bets, why a single breakout startup matters more than dozens of average ones, and how the best founders move faster than anyone expects. You’ll hear about billion-dollar exits, internal prioritization dynamics, and why follow-on capital is often more political than rational.

01:11 GPs Must Master Dual Survival Skills: Jeremy explains that general partners in VC funds must do two high-cost, high-stakes things: invest in the right startups, and raise capital from limited partners like sovereign funds and endowments each with different return horizons and motivations.

03:57 Real Case Studies: 50x in 3 Years, 10x in 1: He shares two explosive examples: Sequoia’s $60M investment in WhatsApp returned $3B (a 50x return in 3 years), and a Danish startup acquired by Sonos returned 10x in one year without ever launching a product.

07:00 VC Funnel: Brutal Qualification from 5,000 to 10: A sample Southeast Asia VC sees ~5,000 startups a year. 3,500–4,000 are immediately disqualified. 300 are prioritized. 100 get diligence. 10 get funded. Most never get a meeting, let alone a check.

10:32 Exit Scenarios: Billion-Dollar Choices & Regret: Jeremy breaks down how VCs navigate exits via shutdowns, talent acquisitions, or full IPOs. He contrasts Instagram (sold early to Facebook) vs. Snapchat (held out), and shows how Sea Group, Goto, and Grab all exited differently.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/southeast-asias-startup-gauntlet

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Raagulan Pathy: Stablecoin Revolution vs. Struggling Currencies, USDC Circle GM to Founder & The Future Of Borderless Banking – E574

Tue, 13 May 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Jeremy Au speaks with Raagulan Pathy, founder and CEO of Cast and former APAC head at Circle, to break down the structural shift underway in global finance. They explore how stablecoins, particularly USD-backed ones like USDC, offer a new digital foundation for cross-border banking, especially in economies plagued by inflation, capital controls, and financial instability. The conversation unpacks why traditional banks are failing globally mobile users, how dollarization is accelerating through crypto rails, and why sovereign currencies in smaller nations may not survive the next wave of financial decentralization. They also debate the long-term tension between U.S. crypto regulation and dollar dominance, and why Southeast Asia must build self-sustaining economies instead of relying on exports. Raagulan shares his vision for a flatter financial world where anyone, anywhere, can participate in a global economy without being constrained by local systems.

05:32 Stablecoins Enable Global Financial Access: Stablecoins like USDC give users a secure, borderless way to hold and move dollars especially valuable in countries facing inflation, devaluation, or banking instability.

11:41 Global Dollarization Is Accelerating: Raagulan forecasts that stablecoin-driven dollarization will peak around 2040 as smaller national currencies struggle to compete with the liquidity and reach of the U.S. dollar.

10:00 Traditional Banks Struggle with Global Customers: Even in advanced economies, traditional banks are ill-equipped to handle globally mobile users, leading to compliance headaches and service breakdowns.

25:05 Crypto Rails Will Power the Future of Finance: The conversation separates the role of crypto as currency from crypto as infrastructure, emphasizing that universal crypto rails will underpin all global financial transactions.

20:35 U.S. Crypto Policy Is Conflicted, but Will Evolve: The U.S. government's stance on crypto has swung between crackdown and support, but Raagulan sees a middle-ground policy emerging that balances innovation and control.

38:30 Southeast Asia Must Shift from Export-Led Growth: Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia can’t rely solely on exports to the U.S.; they must modernize governance, stimulate local demand, and grow service industries.

27:00 A Freer Financial World Is the Endgame: Raagulan envisions a financial system where opportunity isn’t tied to birthplace. Crypto and stablecoins could flatten the playing field for billions globally.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/stablecoins-vs-broken-banking

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Indonesia Gangsters VS. BYD & VinFast, Preman Rent-Seeking & Law & Order Reform - E573

Sun, 11 May 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Jeremy Au and Gita discussed the challenges of doing business in Indonesia, particularly the issue of "preman" (gangster) culture, its effects on businesses, and potential ways to mitigate this issue. They also addressed systemic corruption, the importance of legal reforms, and how emerging markets can better integrate informal sectors.

02:55 Understanding Preman Culture: Gita explains the origins and persistence of "preman" (gangster) culture in Indonesia, which has been affecting businesses since the colonial era.

06:25 Challenges in Emerging Markets: The conversation delves into the systemic challenges businesses face in emerging markets, focusing on rent-seeking behavior and law enforcement inefficiencies.

13:53 Public Sector and Corruption: Gita discusses the impact of low wages in Indonesia's public sector, which fosters rent-seeking behavior and creates a corrupt environment, affecting businesses of all sizes.

16:27 Taxation and Revenue Challenges: The difficulties of implementing effective tax systems in Indonesia are explored, highlighting inefficiencies in tracking citizens and businesses, further complicating the economic landscape.

18:50 Empowering Local Leaders: Gita proposes a solution to collaborate with local citizenry groups by offering them formal roles and contracts to integrate them into the formal economy.

20:29 Fragmented Organizations and Turf Wars: Gita explains how Indonesia's informal preman groups are fragmented, with turf wars between different factions and some being backed by political entities, making it hard to address the issue centrally.

24:13 Fraud Confession and Its Implications: The discussion touches on the eFishery founder's fraud confession and its wider implications for the Indonesian startup ecosystem, where systemic issues of dishonesty and lack of legal consequences persist.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/indonesia-gangsters-vs-byd-vinfast

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Why Founders Win or Lose: Inside VC Sourcing, Competition & Fund Tactics - E572

Thu, 08 May 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Jeremy Au breaks down how Limited Partners shape the Southeast Asia venture capital landscape and why founders should care. He explores the hidden motivations of sovereign wealth funds, endowments, corporations, and family offices, and how they quietly influence funding decisions. Jeremy reveals how startups move through brutal funding stages, why VCs compete fiercely at the same stage yet collaborate across them, and how different VC fund strategies from index portfolios to venture builders change founder outcomes. Finally, he dives into the race for proprietary information, sharing how top VCs win deals before competitors even know they exist. This conversation is essential for founders navigating opaque markets and VCs fighting to stay sharp in a crowded field.

00:00 LP Motives Shape VC Bets: Jeremy reveals how sovereign funds, endowments, and corporates invest with different goals that impact founders' funding journeys.

01:54 Hidden Pressures Behind LP Capital: LP expectations for returns, diversification, and learning create invisible forces that shape VC-founding dynamics.

04:11 Brutal Startup Journey & Death Valleys: From FFF to IPO, Jeremy explains why early-stage founders face tough gaps and why VCs step in selectively.

08:41 Four VC Fund Playbooks Explained: Jeremy breaks down index portfolios, concentrated bets, multistage giants, and venture builders and what each means for startups.

14:23 Winning in the Sourcing Race: Why speed, proprietary information, and reference checks separate top VCs from the rest in Southeast Asia's fast-moving markets.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ventures-invisible-war

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Maria Li: Tech in Asia Acquisition by Singapore Press Holdings, Startup Winter to AI Spring & The Future of Startup Media - E571

Tue, 06 May 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Jeremy Au reconnects with Maria Li to explore how Tech in Asia is navigating Southeast Asia’s startup winter, generative AI disruption, and corporate acquisition pressures while maintaining community-first values. Together, they discuss AI experimentation, acquisition integration, leadership dynamics, and balancing the demands of modern media and parenthood. The discussion highlights lessons in adapting to rapid change, staying transparent, and making intentional choices in business and life.

01:36 Tech Winter and Paywall Strategy: Maria explains how Southeast Asia’s startup slowdown pushed Tech in Asia to loosen its paywall, balancing revenue with keeping the community informed during tougher times.

03:51 Navigating AI and Market Changes: AI disrupted the media landscape. Maria shares how they are experimenting with AI-generated content and new product ideas to stay relevant and useful for their audience.

05:20 The SPH Acquisition Experience: The acquisition brought benefits but also slower corporate processes. Maria highlights protecting startup culture by selectively opting into SPH’s systems while keeping focus on core operations.

10:15 Reflections on the COO Role: Maria describes how market pressures shifted her COO role towards sales, HR, and nimble operations, emphasizing clear communication and alignment with CEO Willis.

19:01 AI’s Impact on Media and Proprietary Data: With AI commoditizing general news, Maria sees proprietary startup data and scoops as key advantages that keep Tech in Asia essential and differentiated.

27:54 The Role of Media in Information Distribution: Media reduces opacity in Southeast Asia’s tech scene. Maria cites Glass Wall as a tool that surfaced hidden industry knowledge, helping founders avoid bad actors.

40:27 Parenting in the Digital Age: Maria shares her parenting approach limiting social media, allowing moderated screen time, and using AI for productive learning while delaying harmful exposure.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/maria-li-parenting-publishing-and-ai-panic

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BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast: PAP Vote Surge & Workers’ Party Corporate Candidates – E570

Sun, 04 May 2025 21:00:20 +0000

Jeremy Au and Shiyan discuss Singapore’s election outcomes, unpacking voter behavior, opposition growth, independent candidates, and future policy challenges. They reflect on global trends, local issues like housing and education, and how politics, tech, and business intersect in a rapidly changing world.

01:27 Surprising Election Results: PAP exceeded expectations, rising above 66% vote share. Workers' Party retained voter support in key wards. Analysts underestimated incumbency and voter desire for stability.

06:10 PAP's Communication Strategy: Lawrence Wong and other leaders used podcasts and longer formats effectively. Jeremy highlights how this humanized the PAP and resonated with younger, thoughtful voters.

15:50 Independent Candidate Jeremy Tan: Jeremy Tan stood out with tech-forward and well-researched policies. His CPF Bitcoin idea drew mixed reactions but sparked debate. Other proposals, like scam prevention, were seen as creative.

22:15 Future Challenges and Hopes: Jeremy and Shiyan express concerns about AI, education readiness, and global trade risks. Singapore faces the challenge of adapting its economy if East-West trade tensions become permanent.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/incumbents-hold-strong

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VC Fundamentals: Blue vs Red Oceans, Power Law Returns & Fund Structures – E569

Thu, 01 May 2025 21:00:26 +0000

Jeremy Au shares how venture capital evaluates startups, using examples from crypto confusion, post-WWII VC history, and power law returns. He explains why founders often misunderstand their market type, how tech repeats old cycles, and how VCs structure investments. Speaking practically, he highlights why founders must communicate clearly and how VC math rewards big winners and tolerates many losses.

1. Founders often believe in Blue Ocean, but many are in Red Oceans. Almost all founders think their idea is unique, but many just add features.

2. Red Ocean founders should expect slower, efficient growth. VCs advise Red Ocean founders to grow carefully, accept slower returns.

3. Blue Ocean founders must clearly explain their differentiation. VCs become jaded and need clear explanations to believe in new categories.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-judgement-patterns

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Jed Ng: Angel Syndicate Strategy, Venture Winter Advantage & Fixing Angel Education - E568

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Jeremy Au chats with Jed Ng, founder of AngelSchool.vc, about why he chose angel syndicates over VC funds as a faster, more flexible path to financial freedom. They discuss the current venture downturn as a rare opportunity, the gaps in angel education, and how Jed scaled his 1,400-member syndicate globally. Jed also shares how he evaluates founders and the hard truths of building solo in Southeast Asia’s venture scene.

1. Syndicate over fund by design: Jed explains why syndicates offer faster execution, greater flexibility, and more personal freedom compared to the 10-year commitment of VC funds.

2. Angel investing as a freedom strategy: He views angel investing not just as a financial play, but as a path to independence through systematic access to outsized returns.

3. Downturns are entry points: Jed frames the current venture slowdown as a rare opportunity—where long-term investors can “buy the dip” and build for the next upcycle.

4. Angel education is broken: While founders and VCs have support systems, angels don’t. Jed built Angel School to give new investors real tools—not just theory—to operate effectively.

5. Built global from day one: His syndicate scaled to 1,400 LPs across 14 countries using digital tools and inbound growth, proving that solo-led syndicates can operate at global scale.

6. Diligence isn’t just data: Jed looks beyond pitch decks to assess founder-market fit, sweat equity, and grit—focusing on long-term behavior over short-term polish.

7. Founder romanticism is risky: Not everyone should raise venture. Jed calls for filtering out hobbyist founders and backing only those who demonstrate true commitment and resilience.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/syndicates-over-funds

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Rachel Wong: eFishery Fraud Founder Confession, Self-Justification vs. Excuses, & Civil vs. Criminal Startup Ecosystem Consequences – E567

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Jeremy Au and Rachel Wong unpack eFishery's founder’s public confession to systematic fraud. They dive into how cultural pressures, ecosystem gaps, and misplaced investor trust contributed to the fallout. They discuss the challenges of cross-border enforcement, the limits of traditional due diligence, and the real-world consequences for Southeast Asia’s startup reputation. Together, they reflect on how founders, investors, and regulators must learn from these failures to rebuild trust and resilience in the next cycle.

1. Founder confessed openly: The eFishery CEO admitted in a Bloomberg interview to falsifying numbers, directly exposing himself to criminal and civil legal risks.

2. Cross-border enforcement is weak: Rachel explains that without strong local enforcement or overseas assets, penalties against founders in emerging markets are hard to execute.

3. Culture of normalized fraud: The founder justified faking numbers by claiming it was common practice among Indonesian startups, though Jeremy and Rachel reject this excuse.

4. Investors and auditors missed the fraud: Despite hiring PwC and visiting farmers, due diligence failed because the founder orchestrated systematic deception through subsidiaries and coached farmers.

5. Utilitarian morality used to rationalize: The founder defended his actions by claiming the fraud helped fishermen and employees, which Rachel critiques as dangerous self-gaslighting.

6. Civil lawsuits unlikely: They points out that expensive litigation, low recovery odds, and coordination problems among investors make civil action improbable.

7.Southeast Asia’s startup credibility at risk: Both argue that if regulators fail to act on this clear case, it will cause long-term damage to trust and investment in the region.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/efishery-fraud-founder-confession

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Milan Reinartz: Founder to Platform Builder, Community-Led Angel Investing & Scaling Private Access – E565

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Jeremy Au reconnects with Milan Reinartz to explore how angel investing evolved into a community-led platform, why Southeast Asia’s VC math doesn’t work, and how late-stage private markets offer new opportunities for retail millionaires. They talk through founder quality, opaque incentives, and the need for real diligence in a fragmented region. It’s a grounded take on what needs to change in early-stage investing and what’s already shifting.

1. From solo investing to a platform: Milan started out deploying his own capital but realized he needed to pool investors to access better rounds.

2. Backing experienced founders only: He avoided pre-revenue startups and focused on tier-one operators with track records and strong fund backing.

3. Bundling small checks to access big rounds: The club combined smaller investments into a single vehicle to meet the $100K+ minimums of top-tier deals.

4. Vetting with the right experts: The community cross-checks deals with vertical operators like SaaS leaders or commodities experts to assess traction and founder integrity.

5. Southeast Asia’s exit math problem: Milan explains how capital raised outpaces available exit value, making traditional VC returns nearly impossible at scale.

6. Filtering out bad faith actors: Milan and Jeremy discuss how investors can use networks and peer validation to spot red flags early.

7. Giving accredited investors better access: Milan’s platform opens up late-stage private tech companies like SpaceX and OpenAI to “retail millionaires” without large ticket sizes.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.braves ea.com/blog/rebuilding-venture-capital

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Anthea Ong: Saying No to Nominated Member of Parliament (At First), NMP Scheme Reforms & Majoritarian vs. Nonpartisanship - E564

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Jeremy Au reconnects with Anthea Ong for a candid conversation on what it means to lead with integrity, empathy, and independence. They trace her journey from corporate leadership into the social sector and eventually into Parliament as a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP). Anthea shares how she first declined the NMP role, then later accepted it after realizing that structural change especially around mental health and vulnerable communities required policy influence. She recounts her unconventional first speech in Parliament, starting with three collective breaths to bring mindfulness into the chamber. They discuss how debate still matters in a supermajority system, why recent mid-term resignations have damaged the credibility of the NMP scheme, and the need to rethink Singapore’s political structures in light of global democratic shifts. Anthea also talks about her current work leading WorkWell Leaders, a nonprofit that helps CEOs prioritize employee wellbeing and lead more sustainably.

1. Anthea declined the NMP role in 2011 but said yes in 2018 after realizing that structural change, not just grassroots work, was needed to support mental health and social equity.

2. Her nomination came through the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre, and she was selected despite thinking she had performed poorly in the final interview.

3. She made history by starting her first Parliament speech with a short breathing exercise to center presence bringing mindfulness into a space built for debate.

4. She used her platform to speak against discriminatory hiring practices, particularly those that asked job applicants to disclose mental health history.

5. She argued that even in a supermajority Parliament, debate still matters because it influences implementation, sets public tone, and archives dissent for future accountability.

6. She criticized the recent mid-term resignations of two NMPs who joined political parties, warning that it erodes public trust and turns the scheme into a talent pipeline.

7. Today, she leads WorkWell Leaders, where she works with over 80 companies to show how a CEO’s personal wellbeing is directly linked to employee health and business performance.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.braves ea.com/blog/human-centered-governance

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Valerie Vu: Vietnam’s 46% Tariff Shock, US Trade Fallout & Multipolar Diplomacy Moves – E563

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Jeremy Au speaks with Valerie Vu about Vietnam’s sudden shock from the 46% US tariff under Trump. What started as optimism turned into panic factories collapsed, partners pulled out, and even personal tragedies occurred. The government acted fast, but trust with the US was damaged. Vietnam is now shifting toward multipolar trade, owning more of its value chain, and exploring new diplomatic lanes with countries like China, Singapore, and the UAE. They also explore how digital platforms like TikTok are emerging as tools of modern diplomacy.

Vietnam was blindsided by the 46% tariff, causing financial losses, factory shutdowns, and even suicides from sudden business collapse.
The government responded immediately with emergency meetings and a direct call from the General Secretary to Trump.
The US refused to reverse tariffs without demanding currency reform, trade surplus reduction, and blocking Chinese transshipment.
Vietnam expanded trade talks with China, UAE, Australia, and others, while strengthening regional ties with Singapore and Indonesia.
Factory owners are now investing in branding, design, and IP to move up the value chain and reduce reliance on OEM contracts.
Cambodia and Malaysia are also recalibrating as China freezes infrastructure investments and US tariffs shake regional trade flows.
Singapore’s PM Lawrence Wong went viral in Vietnam through TikTok, showing how soft power now runs through short-form media.

Jeffrey Lonsdale: US Tariffs as Policy, Taiwan Risk Calculus & Southeast Asia’s Supply Chain Opportunity - E562

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 21:00:24 +0000

Jeremy Au sits down with Jeffrey Lonsdale to unpack the US-China trade standoff, the Taiwan flashpoint, and how Southeast Asia is adapting to global shifts. They explore how tariffs are reshaping supply chains, the risk of trade wars escalating, and the difficult position countries like Vietnam and Singapore now find themselves in. The conversation also looks ahead at how governments, investors, and founders should think about resilience in a volatile world.

1. Tariffs as a political and economic tool - Trump uses tariffs not only to protect US industries but as a form of domestic consumption tax, shifting behavior and revenue like a GST or VAT.

2. Escalation breeds popularity - Politicians in countries like Canada, Mexico, and parts of Europe gain domestic support by opposing Trump era tariffs, encouraging confrontational stances.

3. Two futures for the US economy - A positive outcome involves cutting red tape and reindustrializing; a negative one sees trade wars, inefficiency, and geopolitical instability, especially if China moves on Taiwan.

4. China-Taiwan conflict would ripple globally - Supply chains are tightly linked—any flashpoint could halt key components, expose Western dependency on Chinese manufacturing, and cripple downstream industries.

5. Southeast Asia’s mixed upside - Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia benefit from the “China plus one” shift, but they’re also at risk if rerouted exports from China trigger new US tariffs.

6. Neutrality may not last - Singapore’s attempt to stay neutral could break down in a Taiwan crisis; facilitating trade with China could be interpreted as taking sides.

7. Southeast Asia’s long-term growth hinges on reform - Vietnam and Indonesia need policy upgrades, power reliability, legal trustworthiness, and governance improvements to fully capitalize on global shifts and avoid investor skepticism after scandals like eFishery.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.braves ea.com/blog/tariffs-shape-trade

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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BetterHelp Controversy: Therapist Burnout, AI Substitution & Financial Red Flags – E560

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 21:00:26 +0000

Blue Orca Capital’s allegations against BetterHelp and highlights growing tensions in tech-enabled labor platforms. BetterHelp is accused of using AI to replace human therapists, driven by cost pressures and incentive structures. The case reflects broader risks as AI begins to reshape trust, quality, and business models in two-sided marketplaces.

Therapists allegedly use AI to engage patients: Customers reported robotic replies and confirmed AI usage through detection tools, raising concerns about trust and ethics in mental healthcare.
Incentives and burnout drive AI reliance: Therapists are paid by word count and overloaded with 60+ patients per week, making AI an easy shortcut to meet performance targets.
Business slowdown exposes deeper cracks: BetterHelp’s user base, revenue growth, and profit margins are all declining, while Teladoc faces accounting scrutiny and leadership turnover.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ai-therapist-problem

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Li Hongyi: Google PM to GovTech Leader, Scaling Digital Infrastructure & Fighting Scams with Systems - E559

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 21:00:27 +0000

Jeremy Au sits down with Li Hongyi, director of Open Government Products, to explore his journey from aspiring physicist to building digital tools for public service. They discuss agency, leadership, and the realities of driving change in government—from the impact of a Google internship to lessons in management and building systems that protect against fraud.

1. Dreaming in equations: As a kid, Hongyi wanted to be a physicist—he loved thinking in systems and solving puzzles like the resistor cube challenge in secondary school.

2. Systems over subjects: He saw physics, economics, and computer science as different languages for modeling how things work and how people behave.

3. Google made it real: His internship showed him that his work could help real users, shifting his focus from theory to practical impact and leading him to computer science.

4. Agency isn't given—it's taken: He realized in university that waiting for the “next step” wasn’t enough. A friend pushed him to apply to Google, which changed his mindset.

5. Becoming a manager meant unlearning: Early on, he micromanaged engineers. Over time, he learned that great managers remove roadblocks instead of redoing others' work.

6. Empowerment beats control: Inspired by his Google boss, he now sees leadership as creating the right conditions for others to thrive—not just setting direction.

7. Parking.sg was the easy part: Coding the app took 3 months, but aligning agencies, digitizing data, and syncing with enforcement took 8–9 months.

Jordan Dea-Mattson: Indeed Singapore Product Center Rise, Navigating Tech Layoffs & Healing Career Trauma – E558

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Jordan Dea-Mattson, a veteran tech leader, and Jeremy Au discussed how Jordan built developer tools at Apple and went on to lead engineering teams at Adobe and Indeed. They explored how he witnessed Apple’s transformation under Steve Jobs, the often unseen dynamics behind major tech layoffs, and what it takes to grow and scale high-performing teams in Southeast Asia. Jordan also shared how he led the rapid expansion of Indeed Singapore, navigated its unexpected closure, and helped his team transition. He also opens up about overcoming personal trauma, leading with integrity, and why real bravery means acting in the face of fear.

1. From curious teen to Apple product manager: Jordan fell in love with computers in middle school, studied computer science, and hustled his way into a job at Apple by fixing bugs and thinking like a product owner.

2. Building early developer tools: He managed key tools like ResEdit and Max bug, and worked on making Apple software usable in Japanese, Arabic, and Hebrew—shaping his global product thinking.

3. Seeing Apple with and without Jobs: Jordan lived through Apple's lost years and felt the seismic shift when Steve Jobs returned—cutting the product line, raising the bar, and restoring focus.

4. From Apple to Adobe: At Adobe, Jordan worked on Acrobat's SDK, then led a cross-product team to improve interoperability—laying the groundwork for what became the Adobe Creative Suite.

5. Layoffs, politics, and unintended consequences: He was laid off during Adobe’s merger with Macromedia, learning firsthand how internal politics often decide who stays and who goes.

6. Helping Adobe’s products play nice: His team standardized core components like fonts and color management, turning a “preschool” of incompatible products into a cohesive offering.

7. Building Indeed Singapore from scratch: In 2018, Jordan set up the Indeed product center in Singapore, growing it from 4 to 250 people—emphasizing diversity, speed, and engineering quality.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.braves ea.com/blog/engineering-soft-landings

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Behind the VC Pitch: Signal vs Substance, Support in Downturns - E557

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Jeremy Au breaks down what founders should really look for in a VC—beyond branding. He shares a practical framework for value-add, highlights how VCs behave in failure, and urges founders to dig deeper than surface signals. The conversation also looks at why older founders often perform better, even if they raise less, and the dynamics of VC incentives.

VCs show true value in failure: Founders often overlook how a VC behaves when things fall apart—but that’s when reputation is earned.
Most “value-add” claims are surface-level: Using a pyramid model, Jeremy explains that real value lies in basics like capital, governance, and reinvestment—not flashy perks.
Some VCs actively destroy value: He shares how one VC blocked a cents-on-the-dollar exit, leading the startup to shut down completely.
Support goes beyond capital: A VC offering a personal loan during a tough time stood out more than any platform or pitch.
Reference-check your VC: Don’t just talk to winning startups—learn how the VC acted when things went badly.

Raising Capital: Team, Product, Economics Filters & Investor Psychology - E566

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Jeremy Au shares insights into how venture capitalists evaluate early-stage startups in Southeast Asia. Speaking directly to aspiring founders, he breaks down how investors assess potential through three core lenses: exponential growth, clarity of thinking, and personal trust. Drawing on personal stories, failed bets, and breakout wins, he explains that execution matters more than the idea itself, and that successful fundraising often comes down to preparation, communication, and timing. He also demystifies how power shifts when founders build momentum moving from pitching for approval to choosing among term sheets. The conversation is a practical roadmap for anyone serious about turning a startup into a venture-backable business.

1. VCs bet on growth and execution: Investors look for startups that can grow 4–9x in two years, led by 10x teams solving painful problems with strong economics. Execution beats ideas.

2. Pitching is a clarity test: A good pitch clearly shows the problem, market, and revenue model. Demos work better than words. VC money is high-risk, high-reward—founders must know the trade-offs.

3. Trust drives fundraising leverage: Founders earn trust through credibility and results. When momentum builds, investors compete—like Rewind AI’s 170 term sheets via Google Doc.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/outperform-or-fade

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Startup False Starts, Founder vs. VC Perspectives & Scaling Challenges - E556

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 21:00:22 +0000

Jeremy Au unpacked why most startups fail and how failure is often misunderstood especially in Southeast Asia’s tech landscape. He pointed out that failure isn’t just about poor execution or bad luck. It’s often structural, recurring across funding stages, and rooted in deeper issues like team mismatches, market timing, or scaling too fast. He also drew a clear line between economic failure and personal failure, reminding founders that not hitting a return target doesn’t mean they’re bad leaders or people. He shared recurring patterns and what comes next for those who’ve been through it.

1. Good Idea, Wrong Team: Some startups never get off the ground because the team can’t execute—either due to weak dynamics or the wrong mix of skills.

2. False Starts: Products built in a vacuum without real user insight often flop, no matter how technically sound they are.

3. False Positives: Early traction can be misleading—what works in one market or segment may fail in another if context isn’t deeply understood.

4. Speed Trap: Fast growth and big funding can set unrealistic expectations, creating pressure to scale beyond what the team or model can handle.

5. Bad Macro Luck: External events—like funding winters or shifting investor focus—can kill momentum even for strong companies.

6. Cascading Miracles: Some ambitious startups crash despite big raises and press hype, only to see others succeed later with the same core idea.

7. The Second-Time Edge: Founders who’ve succeeded before have better odds next time around, thanks to sharper timing, stronger networks, and better-hiring instincts.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.braves ea.com/blog/startup-false-starts

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Gita Sjahrir: Market Crash Fallout, Government Communication Breakdown & Investor Uncertainty – E555

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Jeremy Au talks with Gita Sjahrir, an Indonesian economist and entrepreneur, in a deep dive on Indonesia’s current macroeconomic conditions and policy landscape. They analyze how inconsistent government communication, executional shortcomings, and short-term policymaking have contributed to uncertainty among investors and the public. The discussion also explores infrastructure priorities, the structural incentives behind recent decisions, and the enduring resilience of Indonesian citizens and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). This episode offers a pragmatic assessment of an economy with strong fundamentals navigating through complex challenges.

1. Market turmoil triggered by poor policy communication: Stock prices dropped, and the IDX temporarily halted trading after inconsistent government messaging on taxes and royalties.

2. Investor confidence shaken by opacity: The lack of clear direction and unified communication made both local and foreign investors wary of the policy environment.

3. Layoffs highlight deeper weaknesses: Mass layoffs by a major garment company raised concerns about weakening consumer demand and employment trends.

4. Sovereign wealth fund rollout lacks transparency: The introduction of DARA, a new sovereign wealth fund, failed to clarify how infrastructure or job creation goals would be met.

5. Execution—not intent—is the policy bottleneck: While school lunch programs and stimulus plans aim to help, flawed rollout and budget tradeoffs create new public dissatisfaction.

6. Budget cuts send mixed signals: Programs for small and medium businesses have seen funding reduced, undermining growth for the sector that employs millions.

7. Controversial military law revision sparks unrest: The lack of draft transparency triggered fears over potential authoritarian shifts, adding to market and public anxiety.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.braves ea.com/blog/crisis-of-confidence

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Startup Fundraising: Crafting the Pitch, Building Trust & Ownership Auction – E554

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 21:00:18 +0000

Jeremy Au discussed how pitching, trust, and fundraising work. He explained that pitching is about expressing a future others can believe in, not just raising money. He shared how traction builds trust, why capital must be chosen carefully, and how great founders turn investor interest into leverage. Drawing on examples like Rewind.ai and BenchSci, he laid out what separates good pitches from great businesses.

Pitch to clarify thinking: Saying your plan out loud invites feedback and sharpens your logic.
Traction builds trust, not slides: Focus on customer milestones first—VCs only glance at decks.
Trust is built, not assumed: Show credibility, deliver reliably, be warm, and care beyond yourself.
Keep small promises: Reliability grows when you do what you say, even with tiny tasks.
Say yes to help: Accepting offers like coffee builds closeness and rapport.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.braves ea.com/blog/pitch-with-purpose

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Vikram Bharati: Draper Startup House Expansion, Global Team Building Challenges & Startup Ecosystem Design - E553

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Vikram Bharati, founder of Draper Startup House, and Jeremy Au talked about how the startup world has shifted since their last conversation. They explored how Draper Startup House has expanded across continents while wrestling with the challenge of scaling both physical spaces and community-driven programming. They discussed how remote and hybrid work are evolving post-pandemic, and how startups are adapting faster than large corporations. They also reflected on parenting and preparing the next generation for a fast-changing world, where original thinking and adaptability may matter more than credentials. Vikram also shared his growing interest in “digital nations,” a concept that could reshape how governments serve people and how individuals relate to borders and institutions.

1. Scaling Draper Startup House globally: Vikram shares that Draper Startup House has grown to 15 locations across South America, India, and Korea, focused on building startup communities in adventurous and underserved places.

2. Finding the right people as a challenge: The model combines real estate ("hardware") and startup programming ("software"), which requires local leaders who can do both—something that's tough to find consistently.

3. Remote work is here to stay: Vikram believes the post-pandemic world has made flexible work a permanent reality, especially for startups and global teams like his, which now span the US, Brazil, India, Portugal, and more.

4. Hybrid models work best: The trend he sees is a mix of in-person and remote work—typically two or three days in the office—which balances productivity and employee satisfaction.

5. Parenting in a changing world: Both Jeremy and Vikram reflect on raising young kids today, and how future success may depend more on adaptability and creativity than traditional credentials or schooling.

6. Unique perspectives come from unplugging: Vikram suggests that stepping outside the common information feed is one way to build original thinking—especially as everyone now consumes the same digital content.

7. Digital nations as the next frontier: Vikram outlines his interest in building “digital nations”—online systems that provide government-like services and community without being bound to geography, potentially expanding opportunity beyond borders.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.braves ea.com/blog/scaling-startup-communities

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Singapore: AI Job Disruption, Hiring Shift & Youth Unemployment with Shiyan Koh - E552

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 00:00:24 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au explored the growing challenges of youth unemployment in Singapore and how AI is fundamentally changing the job market. They discussed how the rise of automation is making entry-level roles less necessary, leading companies to prioritize experienced hires who can work with AI rather than train fresh graduates. They also examine how AI amplifies the gap between high and low performers, making adaptability and self-motivation more crucial than ever. They also talked about the need for educational reforms that focus on problem-solving and real-world applications, as well as how young professionals can position themselves for success in an AI-driven economy.

1. Youth unemployment rates are increasing – In 2022, 94% of Singapore university graduates were employed within six months, but by 2024, only 87% of fresh graduates had secured full-time jobs.

2. AI is displacing entry-level jobs – AI tools are replacing tasks traditionally done by junior employees, reducing the need for new hires, especially in roles like market research, legal functions, and writing.

3. Companies prefer experienced hires – Businesses are opting for experienced workers who are comfortable using AI tools, reducing the reliance on entry-level hires due to the high cost of training and managing juniors.

4. AI benefits top performers – High performers in companies are already leveraging AI, while low performers are falling behind, highlighting that AI does not necessarily level the playing field.

5. The challenge of learning through apprenticeships – Entry-level positions have traditionally been apprenticeships where workers learn the craft. With fewer junior roles available, the next generation of workers may lack the experience needed for senior positions.

6. Education needs to change to foster agency – Shiyan suggests that education should focus on helping students develop agency and problem-solving skills by working on open-ended real-world problems, rather than simply memorizing facts.

7. The importance of finding passion and adaptability – As AI changes the job landscape, young professionals must be passionate about their work and adaptable to new tools like AI to remain competitive in the evolving market.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ai-job-disruption

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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VC Decision Making: Growth Expectations, Biases & Fast Deals – E551

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 21:00:20 +0000

Jeremy Au talked about how venture capitalists assess startups based on their ability to scale rapidly, led by strong founders with a clear strategy and market fit. However, their decisions are shaped by heuristics, biases, and time constraints. The best founders move fast, refine their pitches, and demonstrate exponential growth potential. He also discussed how VCs evaluate startups, the common pitfalls in fundraising, and why speed and conviction matter.

1. VCs bet on exponential growth – Investors look for startups that can double or triple revenue yearly. “If you start at $10K, triple it, then double—you’re at $100M in nine years.”

2. Founders are the first filter – VCs assess character, skill, and drive. A great founder learns fast and executes relentlessly.

3. Strategy must be clear – Investors back ideas that are logical and practical. A strong strategy directly addresses market demands.

4. 10x thinking defines winners – Great startups offer a product that is 10x better, target a massive market, and have strong unit economics.

5. Speed wins in venture capital – The best deals close fast, often within hours.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.braves ea.com/blog/venture-capital-decision-tree

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Benjamin Loh: Polarizing Thought Leadership, Social Media Hard Truths & Family Commitment Learnings - E550

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:27 +0000

Benjamin Loh, Certified Speaking Professional and Jeremy Au discussed public speaking, thought leadership, and leadership growth. They reflected on Benjamin’s journey from public speaking to training financial advisors and running a thought leadership agency. They explored how social media amplifies voices, how leaders can shape industry narratives, and the challenges of managing perception online. Benjamin also shared personal reflections on balancing ambition with personal commitments and learning from past mistakes.

1. From speaker to trainer to agency leader: Benjamin started as a public speaker, transitioned into training financial advisors, and eventually launched a thought leadership agency to scale his impact.

2. The power of storytelling in leadership: He sees himself as a teacher, believing great speakers don’t just inform but create change through compelling narratives.

3. Public speaking and consulting have shared DNA: Both require deep understanding of people, but agency work demands managing teams, systems, and fast-changing industry trends.

4. Thought leadership must be polarizing: To stand out in a noisy world, leaders must take clear, sometimes divisive stances that attract their audience while pushing away others.

5. Social media rewards boldness, not neutrality: The best content sparks conversation, and platforms amplify strong opinions over safe, middle-ground messages.

6. Managing criticism is part of the game: Benjamin shares how he handles online negativity, including personal attacks, and reframes them as opportunities to engage and build credibility.

7. Balancing ambition and family is tough but necessary: He opens up about past mistakes in prioritizing work over family and the effort it takes to rebuild relationships.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.braves ea.com/blog/polarizing-thought-leadership

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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US-Vietnam Trade Risks, Chinese Factory Relocation & Government Reforms with Valerie Vu - E549

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:00:25 +0000

Jeremy Au and Valerie Vu discussed Vietnam’s evolving role in global trade, the impact of US-China tensions, and the country’s sweeping internal reforms. They explore how foreign investments are reshaping Vietnam’s industries, how the government is navigating trade uncertainties, and how local businesses are adapting to increased competition. They also covered Vietnam’s efforts to modernize infrastructure, attract high-tech industries, and balance relationships with global powers. With a strategic mix of diplomacy, economic reform, and foreign direct investment, Vietnam is positioning itself for long-term growth despite short-term challenges.

1. Vietnam is bracing for US trade policies – Holding a $124 billion trade surplus with the US, Vietnam is under watch for potential tariffs. However, its penalties are expected to be lower than China’s, preserving its competitive edge in exports.

2. Chinese companies are relocating to Vietnam – One in three new investments comes from China, as manufacturers shift production to avoid US tariffs. Initially focused on final assembly, these companies are now moving entire supply chains to Vietnam.

3. Vietnam’s infrastructure boom is attracting foreign capital – The government is launching high-speed rail, metro lines, and road projects to boost logistics. Chinese, Japanese, and Korean firms are competing for contracts, making infrastructure a key driver of economic growth.

4. The government is restructuring for efficiency – In its largest administrative reform since 1986, Vietnam is cutting 20% of its public sector workforce and merging ministries. While aimed at reducing corruption, these changes are causing short-term business disruptions.

5. Foreign investors are competing in Vietnam’s growing economy – China and Hong Kong lead with 1,300 new projects, outpacing Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the US combined. While Vietnam welcomes all investors, proximity gives Chinese businesses a logistical advantage.

6. Vietnam is maintaining the “bamboo policy” strategy – The country balances relations with the US, China, and Russia through strategic trade deals. A $1.5 billion Trump-branded golf resort highlights Vietnam’s pragmatic approach to foreign investment.

7. Tourism and real estate are major economic drivers – Vietnam’s travel market is projected to more than double to $42 billion by 2030, driven by domestic and Chinese visitors. Meanwhile, real estate demand remains high, with a full market rebound expected by 2027.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnams-trade-shift

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Startup Economics: Blitzscaling Pitfalls, Market Strategy & Funding vs. Execution - E548

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Jeremy Au breaks down the fundamentals of unit economics, customer acquisition, and blitzscaling in startups. Using real-world examples, he explains how different business models—like SaaS versus consumer goods—affect profitability and marketing strategies. The conversation explores the challenges of scaling aggressively, the importance of timing in venture capital, and how execution often matters more than funding. This discussion offers a clear look at how startups grow, succeed, or fail based on financial discipline and strategic decisions.

1. Unit economics drive business strategy – Startups need to understand their customer lifetime value (LTV) and cost structures to determine if they can scale profitably. A SaaS business with an LTV of $100,000 operates very differently from a low-margin consumer product.

2. Marketing depends on customer value – High-LTV products like Rolex watches justify brand marketing at events like F1, while low-margin goods rely on last-minute impulse purchases at checkout.

3.Blitzscaling can be a gamble – Uber scaled by putting $1 in to get $5 back, while Gojek spent $200 million in Vietnam but had to exit. Scaling fast can create market dominance or lead to massive losses.

4. Execution beats funding – Anywheel, a Singaporean bike-sharing startup, outperformed VC-backed competitors by staying lean and efficient, proving that strategy often matters more than capital.

5. Timing is everything in venture capital – A 21-year-old AI founder secured funding within hours by moving fast. Jeremy hesitated for eight hours and lost the opportunity, highlighting the importance of quick decision-making in competitive markets.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/blitzscaling-pitfalls

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Sadaf Sultan: eFishery Scandal Breakdown, Startup Financial Shenanigans & VC Fraud Detection - E547

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Sadaf Sultan, Founder of Finprojections, and Jeremy Au analyzed the eFishery financial scandal and discuss broader issues of financial fraud in startups. They talked about why eFishery was appealing to investors and how the fraud unfolded and shared their insights into detecting fraud effectively. They explore the challenges faced during investor due diligence, overlooked warning signs, and practical suggestions for strengthening investor safeguards.

1. A promising vision: eFishery attracted investors by presenting itself as a solution for fragmented markets through vertical integration and improved efficiencies.

2. Start small, grow big: Initial minor revenue inflation escalated rapidly under pressures from ambitious fundraising goals.

3. Behind closed doors: The founders executed fraud through round-tripping transactions using shell companies to create artificial revenue.

4. Hard to detect: Auditors struggled to identify fraud due to heavy dependence on founder-provided information.

5. Overlooked red flags: Large bonuses to the finance team and sudden departures of key financial staff were early, but ignored, warning signals.

6. Strengthening investor checks: Investors need to leverage local expertise, perform forensic audits, and set up clear whistleblowing channels.

7. Recognizing red flags: Common fraud tactics include confusing GMV with revenue, overstating recurring revenue, aggressive credit offerings, and misclassifying discounts as marketing costs.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sadaf-sultan2

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Why Startups Fail: Common Mistakes, VC Perspective & Founder Comeback - E545

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 21:00:20 +0000

Jeremy Au discussed common startup failure patterns, and emphasized that failure is frequent and often inevitable even for companies that make it to later funding stages. Many startups fail to deliver financial returns for investors, regardless of how innovative or pioneering they might be. He also talked about various reasons for failure, from team issues to premature scaling, providing real-world examples to illustrate these patterns:

1. Good Idea, Bad Bedfellows: A strong idea can fail due to poor team dynamics, such as co-founders unable to agree on leadership or lacking the right expertise.

2. False Starts: Startups that build products without understanding customer needs often fail.

3. False Positives: Early customer success can mislead founders into scaling too quickly, leading to failure when they target the wrong market.

4. Speed Trap: Startups that achieve product-market fit but expand too quickly into new products or markets can burn through capital unsustainably.

5. Help Wanted: Sometimes external factors like market shifts or bad luck cause failure, even when product-market fit is achieved.

6.Cascading Miracles: Some startups that fail despite raising large sums of money or low customer traction later spark similar successful ventures.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/startup-failure-patterns

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Kwok Jiachuan: COVID-19’s Impact on Nonprofits, Conjunct’s Shift in Business Model & The Role of Capacity Builders - E544

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 21:00:21 +0000

Jeremy Au reconnects with Kwok Jiachuan, his first-ever podcast guest, to reflect on their journey from school friends to army roommates to co-founders of Conjunct Consulting. They talked about the challenges of starting and scaling a social impact consultancy, from early skepticism to securing funding and navigating the evolving nonprofit landscape. They also discuss leadership lessons, the importance of sustainability, and how their work has shaped the next generation of social impact leaders. The conversation is a candid look at what it takes to build something meaningful and why community matters.

1. From friends to co-founders: Jeremy and Kwok first met at 15 in a creative arts camp, later became army roommates, and eventually teamed up to build a pioneering social impact consultancy.

2. Solving a gap no one else saw: They realized nonprofits lacked strategic help while young professionals wanted to contribute, so they created a platform that connected both.

3. Facing doubt and rejection: People dismissed their idea, fundraising was tough, and they had to figure out everything from legal structures to convincing nonprofits to trust them.

4. Turning a passion project into a real business: What started as a volunteer effort had to evolve into a structured, financially sustainable social enterprise to survive long-term.

5. Adapting to a changing landscape: The social sector professionalized with more government funding and consulting firms entering the space, forcing Conjunct to evolve its role.

6. A legacy that lives on through people: Alumni have gone on to lead impact-driven initiatives, and Tribe Consulting, founded by former members, continues the work they started.

7. Lessons for future changemakers: Passion alone isn’t enough—build for sustainability, find allies in the ecosystem, and focus on long-term impact.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/social-entrepreneur-wisdom

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Mike Michalec: $1B+ Edtech Investments, Market Due Diligence Failures & Real-World Education Gaps - E543

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 21:00:22 +0000

Mike Michalec shares his journey from molecular research to outdoor adventure guiding and eventually into education consulting in Southeast Asia. He discusses the region’s diverse education landscape, the challenges of scaling edtech businesses, and the impact of China’s regulatory crackdown on the sector. He explains why many education startups fail, how funding and business models shape the industry, and why Chinese companies are now expanding into Southeast Asia. He also shares his thoughts on technology and children, emphasizing the importance of balancing screen time with real-world learning experiences.

1. Mike’s career pivots: Mike started in molecular research but left the lab for outdoor adventure guiding before becoming a science teacher and later moving into international development and education consulting.

2. Why he moved to Southeast Asia and stayed: He first came to Bangkok in 2007 for a short-term UNESCO assignment, initially expecting to be in Paris, but decided to stay in 2009 due to the region’s diversity and opportunities in education.

3. Education in Southeast Asia: A fragmented but dynamic market: The region has vastly different education systems, from strong public education in Singapore to accessibility issues in rural Indonesia, with a mix of public, private, and international models.

4. Why Edtech startups struggle to scale: Many Edtech founders enter the market without realizing similar solutions already exist, and education’s highly localized nature makes scaling across countries far more difficult than in other sectors.

5. How China’s crackdown changed its edtech sector: In 2021, China’s Double Reduction Policy forced major tutoring firms like TAL Education and New Oriental to go nonprofit, leading some Chinese edtech companies to expand into Southeast Asia.

6. The impact of AI and technology in education: Mike believes edtech is already "solution-saturated" and that the industry should focus on improving existing products rather than creating new ones, citing research he contributed to from the World Bank and Omidyar.

7. Technology and kids: He supports limiting screen time for young children, noting that many Silicon Valley tech founders do the same, emphasizing the importance of real-world learning and human connection.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-education-tech-gamble

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VC Decision Making: Sequential Bets, Navigating Market Exits & Addressing Regulatory Challenges - E542

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Jeremy Au discussed key aspects of venture capital decision-making and tech regulation including how VCs make sequential investment choices, navigate acquisition offers and public listing routes, and address regulatory challenges. He also examined how customer advocacy and jurisdictional differences shape tech policy, while debating the trade-offs between asking for permission versus seeking forgiveness.

1. Sequential Investment & Timing: VCs re-evaluate decisions over time, balancing past rejections with new opportunities.

2. Acquisition Offers & Public Listings: Companies with similar acquisition terms can choose different paths, and public offering routes vary widely.

3. Regulatory Environment & Legal Lag: Laws only regulate what exists, leaving tech companies to navigate gaps in regulation.

4. Permission vs. Forgiveness: Startups must choose between seeking approval or risking later consequences based on local rules.

5. Customer Advocacy & Jurisdictional Impact: Mobilizing customers can influence regulators, and success depends on local political and legal climates.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-decision-making-playbook

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Yuying Deng: Esevel's Product Iteration Strategy, Mastering Delegation & Parent Founder Learnings - E541

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 21:00:19 +0000

Yuying Deng, CEO of Esevel, and Jeremy Au talked about Esevel’s IT service business evolution over the past few years. They trace the journey from handling simple device procurement in Southeast Asia (with a focus on Singapore, India, and Indonesia) to offering full IT life cycle management and cybersecurity support. They also discussed how customer feedback and real pain points drive service expansion, the importance of a targeted sales approach, and the need for clear leadership and delegation, especially for companies with 200–300 employees. They share personal insights on balancing startup life with parenting, noting that Yuying started her first company when her daughter was just two.

1. From Procurement to Full IT Support: Esevel began by helping teams in the APAC region procure IT devices and later expanded to include device setup, repair, offboarding, and cybersecurity support.

2. Customer-Driven Service Expansion: Feedback from clients in regions like Singapore, India, and Indonesia pushed the business to grow step by step beyond simple procurement, meeting broader IT management needs.

3. Targeting Clients at Their Peak Pain Points: The most effective sales approach emerged by reaching out when companies faced high-stress moments such as during rapid overseas hiring or critical IT issues.

4. Building Trust Through Incremental Engagement: Clients initially engage with low-risk services and, over time, entrust the company with more complex IT functions, proving that trust is built gradually.

5. IT & Cybersecurity Standards: Yuying emphasizes the importance of certifications like ISO 27001, SOC2, and GDPR to secure client trust, satisfy insurers, and mitigate risks.

6. Effective Leadership Through Delegation: Yuying learned that trying to do everything herself was unsustainable. For companies with 200–300 employees, delegating to trusted team members is key to growth.

7. Balancing Startup Life & Parenthood: Drawing a parallel between raising a child and building a company, Yuying noted that starting her first company when her daughter was two taught her the value of clear goals and simple focus.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/yuying-deng2

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Southeast Asia Startup Evolution, eFishery’s $100M Capital Burn Lessons & Private Equity Style VC Insights with Mohan Belani - E540

Sun, 23 Feb 2025 21:00:23 +0000

Mohan Belani, CEO and Cofounder of e27, and Jeremy Au talked about how the Southeast Asia startup scene has transformed over the past decade, including the shift from early-stage exuberance to a more cautious, capital-efficient mindset, and citing specific cases like eFishery and Carousell. They touched on regional challenges, with markets as different as Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, while urging investors to adopt a more hands-on, private-equity approach. They highlighted the importance of personal growth, and they advocate for curiosity and balance in leadership.

1. Southeast Asia Startup Ecosystem Evolution: The early days (2010–2015) were marked by wild “what if” dreams and a Silicon Valley mindset. By 2014–15, that excitement had given way to healthy skepticism.

2. Investor Caution: Cases like eFishery, which raised over $100M, show that excessive capital without sustainable growth can backfire.

3. Founder Maturity: Founders now, often serial entrepreneurs, are more experienced, with clear goals, as seen in companies like Carousell.

4. Regional Challenges: Scaling is tough when starting in a strong market like Singapore and expanding into countries where purchasing power drops (e.g., to Indonesia where GDP per capita is 10× lower, or Malaysia where GDP per capita is 5× lower).

5. Shift to a PE-Style Model: There’s a growing call for VCs to be more hands-on and adopt a private-equity approach to drive liquidity and realistic exit strategies.

6. Exit Realities: While VC valuations can be 10–20× revenue, public listings in Southeast Asia often fetch around 1× revenue, highlighting a significant exit gap.

7. Personal Growth & Leadership: There’s a need for curiosity and balance—staying childlike in innovation while being pragmatic—to solve problems and build great companies.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/southeast-asia-startup-evolution

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English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

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Blitzscaling: Uber vs. Lyft, First-Mover Traps & VC Power Laws - E539

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:25 +0000

Jeremy Au explored the strategic dynamics of venture capital, network effects, and first-mover risks in technology markets. He illustrated how Uber outmaneuvered Lyft by aggressively raising capital to fuel network effects, while Airbnb achieved superior capital efficiency through globally pooled inventory. Using the case of Henn Tan, the Singaporean inventor of the USB thumb drive, he highlighted the vulnerabilities of weak patent enforcement and the unintended benefits of fast followers in driving mass adoption. He also examined how VCs allocate capital, using Instacart’s funding history to demonstrate the high returns of early investors versus the diminishing gains of late-stage backers. Through the lens of blitzscaling, he emphasized the importance of understanding unit economics—where strategic capital deployment can lead to market dominance, while miscalculations, as seen in the failed bike-sharing boom, can result in rapid collapse.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/blitzscaling-strategic-capital-deployment

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Jeraldine Phneah: Journalism to Tech Sales, Enterprise Sales vs. Content Creation Gender Bias & Building an Authentic Online Persona - E538

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:30 +0000

Jeraldine Phneah, Content Creator & Account Director of one of the top AI SaaS companies, and Jeremy Au discussed:

Journalism to Enterprise Tech Sales: Jeraldine studied journalism and public policy but pivoted to enterprise tech sales in 2016 for financial stability, future-proofing, and work-life balance. Initially hesitant, she realized B2B SaaS focused on problem-solving and improving efficiency and saw how technology streamlined workflows and freed up time. Her role involved research, contract negotiations, and internal coordination. The job provided autonomy and senior client exposure but came with high pressure, performance scrutiny, and a drinking culture. Sales remains an unconventional career in Singapore, where government and engineering roles are more common. Establishing credibility was an added challenge, as leadership and client interactions were largely male-dominated.

Sales Gender Bias & Online Scrutiny: She encountered gender biases ranging from inappropriate client remarks to doubts about her competence in tech sales. Raised by a father who championed gender equality, she expected fewer barriers but found workplace realities different. While tech firms promoted inclusivity, biases emerged in external client interactions. Sales leadership remained male-dominated, making credibility harder to establish. Content creation brought harsher gendered criticism, with scrutiny often shifting from ideas to appearance, something male creators rarely faced. Adjustments like neutral-toned attire and refined messaging helped manage perceptions. Unlike in sales, where company policies offered some protection, content creation left her exposed to unfiltered public backlash.

Online Discourse Shifting Norms & Content Creation: A 2015 blog post about Lee Kuan Yew’s legacy sparked backlash due to timing and tone, shaping Jeraldine’s approach to content. She learned that framing and sensitivity mattered as much as the message. The digital landscape made past content permanent, increasing scrutiny on young creators. Singapore’s online discourse favors diplomacy over confrontation, unlike Western norms. She and Jeremy reflected on how younger generations now curate their digital presence more carefully and how content creation remains a powerful tool, but requires balancing authenticity with audience perception and societal expectations.

They also discussed Singapore’s rising cost of living, the shifting housing market, workplace well-being, the role of private universities in career progression, and how cultural norms influence leadership and communication styles.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jeraldine-phneah2

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Trump’s Trade War Acceleration, $100M DeepSeek Ban Proposal & Grab-GoTo Merger Talks - E537

Sun, 16 Feb 2025 21:00:28 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Trump’s Economic Policies, Tariffs & Crypto Initiatives: They examined the economic impact of Trump’s 2025 return, including a 10% tariff hike on Chinese imports and new tariffs on Canada and Mexico. The administration also ended the de minimis exemption for low-cost e-commerce imports, affecting platforms like Temu and Shein, which had relied on duty-free shipping to US consumers. These changes disproportionately impacted lower-income Americans, despite cost-of-living concerns being a key election issue. Canada and Mexico secured a 30-day tariff delay, while Trump also launched Trump Coin and proposed a US Bitcoin reserve, signaling a pro-crypto stance that could draw US crypto firms back onshore.

2. DeepSeek & US-China AI Dynamics: They discussed the launch of DeepSeek-V3, a Chinese AI model matching GPT-4 but with lower training costs, which Jeremy called a “Sputnik moment”. The model’s success exposed the limits of US chip export bans, as Chinese engineers developed efficient AI training methods despite NVIDIA H100 restrictions. DeepSeek’s open-source availability via Hugging Face complicated regulatory enforcement, leading US Senator Josh Hawley to propose severe penalties, including 20-year prison terms for users and $100M fines for corporations. Meta’s AI lead, Yann LeCun, framed the issue as a debate between open-source and closed-source AI rather than a purely U.S.-China rivalry.

3. Grab-GoTo Potential Merger: They revisited ongoing Grab-GoTo (Gojek) merger talks, noting that Grab’s stronger financial position made it the likely acquirer. While Singapore’s regulators were expected to approve the deal, Indonesian authorities might impose conditions such as fare caps or job guarantees to prevent monopolistic practices. Reduced competition could push ride-hailing fares higher, with some Singaporeans already shifting back to public transport as Grab’s peak-hour prices reached $40. SoftBank, a major investor in both companies, had long pushed for consolidation, and with Gojek’s founding team no longer involved, negotiations had become more financially driven.

Jeremy and Shiyan also discussed Waymo’s self-driving taxis and their potential impact in Southeast Asia, Singapore’s emphasis on “future-proofing” careers versus the US culture of embracing disruption, and how US trade and AI restrictions are accelerating Chinese firms’ shift towards Southeast Asia and the EU.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/deepseek-and-us-china-ai-race

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How eFishery Fooled Investors, Informal Business Practices, Agritech Future – E536

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 21:00:26 +0000

Adriel Yong, Orvel Venture Partner, and Jeremy Au discussed:

How eFishery Fooled Investors: They examined the elaborate scheme that allowed eFishery to inflate revenue and mislead major investors. They broke down the warning signs, such as financial irregularities, CFO departure (similar to Zilingo failure signal) and too-good-to-be-true business model that were ignored until it was too late.

Informal Business Practices: They discussed how informal business practices in Indonesia contribute to the perpetuation of fraud by senior executives. Adriel shared stories of where kickbacks, inflated supplier numbers, and fraudulent financial reporting were common. They noted that many investors struggle with due diligence in Southeast Asia because operational transparency is often low, and cash-based businesses make fraud harder to detect. They contrasted the startup environment with family-owned businesses, where profitability and dividend payouts serve as stronger incentives for financial discipline. Jeremy explored why foreign founders often exit Indonesia due to ethical dilemmas.

Agritech Future: With eFishery’s implosion leaving a gap in the market, they analyzed whether competitors will rise or if investor confidence in the sector has been permanently damaged. They debated whether eFishery can stage a recovery similar to Luckin Coffee in China, or whether the board will write off the investment. They acknowledged the chilling effect the scandal has already had on future investments in Indonesia, agritech and Southeast Asia.

Jeremy and Adriel also discussed prior fraud cases, ethical business executives and board governance.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/efishery-agritech-implosion

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Viktor Kyosev: Navigating Startup Failure, Greenhouse Founder to Docquity Chief of Staff & Southeast Asia Startups Integrity Risks - E535

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 21:00:26 +0000

Viktor Kyosev, Chief of Staff at Docquity, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Navigating Startup Failure: Viktor shared his experience as a founding team member of Greenhouse, a premium coworking space startup in Indonesia. Faced with declining performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company went through layoffs and failed pivots before he made the difficult decision to shut down operations. He reached consensus with co-founders and investors, stressing the need for clear decisions and good communication with all involved. The closure process, prolonged by Southeast Asia’s regulatory hurdles requiring up to five years for dormancy and proper shutdown, highlighted the challenges of operating in emerging markets.

2. Greenhouse Founder to Docquity Chief of Staff: Following Greenhouse’s closure, Viktor joined Docquity as Chief of Staff, and leveraged relationships built while Docquity was Greenhouse’s largest customer. He shaped his role based on his entrepreneurial background, given the trust between both sides. The transition from founder to employee required him to adapt to organizational dynamics, build internal credibility, and lead without formal authority. He highlighted the challenge of managing his ego and shifting focus from individual decision-making to team-oriented contributions by aligning with larger organizational goals and applying lessons from his startup experience.

3. Southeast Asia Startups Integrity Risks: They examined how competitive pressures and Southeast Asia’s complex regulatory environment create opportunities for ethical compromises. Viktor discussed how unchecked ambition and overconfidence can lead founders to bend rules, especially when faced with financial constraints or performance targets. He also emphasized that long-term success depends on strong governance, trust with investors, and adherence to ethical boundaries. His experiences underscored the importance of balancing innovation with integrity to maintain sustainable growth.

They also discussed the role of external-facing positions in building strategic networks, the impact of serendipity in career transitions, and how understanding personal insecurities can help leaders navigate challenges and maintain resilience.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/viktor-kyosev

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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Indonesia eFishery Unicorn Scandal Q&A, Fraud, Due Diligence & Governance Failures & Toxic Founder Pressure & Temptations - E534

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 00:00:23 +0000

BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast: Indonesia eFishery Unicorn Scandal Q&A, Fraud, Due Diligence & Governance Failures & Toxic Founder Pressure & Temptations - E534

Jeremy Au and Gita Sjahrir discussed:

1. Indonesia eFishery Unicorn Scandal Q&A: Jeremy and Gita analyzed the fraud involving eFishery’s co-founders, including Gibran Chuzaefah, who allegedly falsified financial statements to show $750 million in revenue for the first nine months of 2024, when actual revenue was only $157 million. They also fabricated metrics, such as reporting 400,000 active fish feeders, though only 25,000 were verified. The fraud hid over $35 million in losses, falsely portraying profitability and attracting high-profile investors like Temasek and SoftBank. Gita highlighted that the damage was not limited to eFishery, as the scandal undermined investor confidence in Indonesia’s agritech and broader startup ecosystem. A listener argued that many investors lacked an understanding of agritech’s technical and hyper-local challenges, leading them to misjudge risks. Jeremy agreed, pointing out that the scandal is reshaping how international investors view the region, with many pausing future investments.

2. Fraud, Due Diligence & Governance Failures: The discussion explored how due diligence failures allowed the fraud to go undetected through several funding rounds, despite the involvement of seasoned investors. Gita noted that the lack of on-the-ground validation—such as direct visits to rural fish farms and checks on vendors—created blind spots. Fraudulent activities, including round-tripping funds through multiple shell companies, could have been caught with stronger local diligence. Jeremy dismissed this as unlikely, explaining that the inflated metrics were so extreme that many investors were likely unaware until whistleblowers raised the alarm. Both agreed that hiring and training local talent, along with a focus on hyper-local checks, are critical to preventing future scandals.

3. Toxic Founder Pressure & Temptations: Jeremy and Gita discussed how the pressure to achieve unicorn status creates dangerous incentives for founders. The inflated valuation of eFishery, which had raised hundreds of millions of dollars, pushed its founders into unsustainable growth strategies and ultimately fraudulent behavior. Gita explained that many founders, particularly younger ones, struggle to handle large amounts of funding and the accompanying expectations. Jeremy reflected on his own early startup experiences and how founders often conflate their personal worth with their company’s success. He emphasized the need for emotional resilience, disciplined governance, and mentorship to help founders navigate the pressures of high-growth environments.

Gita and Jeremy also discussed the role of whistleblowers and internal audits in uncovering the fraud, media investigations led by DealStreetAsia that brought the scandal to light, the failures of Series A and B investors to identify risks during early funding rounds, Indonesia’s evolving legal framework and how it could impact future cases, and advice for agritech founders to prioritize profitability and operational transparency to rebuild trust with investors.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/efishery-scandal-qa

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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Southeast Asia Series B Valley of Death & VC Bet Market Timing - E533

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 21:00:22 +0000

Jeremy Au discussed three key insights on Southeast Asia venture capital. First, he highlighted the "Series B Valley of Death," where local funds support pre-seed to Series A, and global investors focus on later stages, but Series B and C funding gaps force startups into aggressive cost-cutting or revenue expansion. Second, he emphasized the importance of timing in venture bets, arguing that startups must be positioned in the right economic window—neither too futuristic nor too late—illustrating with examples like AI-driven call centers in the Philippines and Vietnam’s emerging luxury goods market. Third, he discussed how VCs balance two roles—judging founder potential and adding value—to maximize the likelihood of building unicorns - where startups adapt and learn quickly using the Lean Startup and OODA loops, with examples from sectors like HR tech, AI call centers, and consumer goods.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/series-b-valley-of-death

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Jingjing Zhong: AI Impact on Service Businesses, CRM vs. RAG Reality, Founder Productivity Lifestyle - E532

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:31 +0000

JingJing Zhong, the Co-founder and CEO of Superbench and Jeremy Au discussed:

AI Impact on Service Businesses: JingJing explained how AI advancements have transformed traditional service industries. Previously, AI struggled with logic and calculations, making it unreliable for tasks like generating service quotes. Now, improved reasoning allows AI to think through multi-step processes, reducing human workload and increasing efficiency. Superbench helps businesses like cleaning and plumbing services scale without needing more employees. She shared how her former company, Helpling, reduced its sales team from five agents to one while increasing conversion rates from 30% to 70%.

CRM vs. RAG Reality: JingJing pointed out that traditional CRM systems don't integrate well with AI-driven customer support. She introduced Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) as a way to improve AI accuracy by linking responses to verified business knowledge before generating answers. Many AI chatbots still struggle with anything beyond FAQs and simple transactions, particularly in handling complaints. She predicts AI will advance even faster in the next two years, further reshaping service industries. Customers now assume AI agents are human because AI responses feel more natural than scripted templates used by actual employees.

Founder Productivity Lifestyle: JingJing reflected on how managing stress as a founder led her to restructure her daily habits. She quit alcohol, shifted to a healthier diet with more vegetarian meals, and committed to consistent journaling. She noted that these changes had a direct impact on her business performance, saying that after quitting alcohol, her sales "went crazy." She emphasized the importance of therapy for founders, citing YC President Gary Tan’s advice: “Do therapy before you start a company.” She believes founders should address their fears and anxieties early to avoid making poor decisions under pressure.

Jeremy and JingJing also talked about startup fraud cases like eFishery, the effects of investor ghosting in Southeast Asia, and cultural differences in venture capital practices between the U.S. and Southeast Asia.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/service-industry-ai-transformation

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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YouTube

English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1

Apple Podcast

Startup Unicorn GDP Per Capita Time Machine & VC as Olympic Coaches - E531

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:25 +0000

Jeremy Au referenced Asia Partners’ report predicting a surge in Southeast Asian unicorns based on macroeconomic fundamentals, and discussed the GDP per capita “time machine” phenomenon where Chinese and American founders enter Southeast Asia to replicate proven business models in frontier markets. He also shared an LP’s perspective on Southeast Asia's underperforming VC funds, questioning whether it was due to fund selection or broader market dynamics, e.g. Vietnam’s struggle to produce a successful tech IPO and high U.S. interest rates that have constrained regional Series B/C capital. He compared VCs to Olympic coaches, explaining that top investors prioritize 10x teams, product, and defensible economics—but competition is fierce for the best startup teams, e.g. Rewind AI receiving 170 term sheets via a Google form auction as an extreme case of a bidding war where VCs fight to get into the round.

===

Jeremy Au (区汉辉) hosts BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech, the region’s #1 tech podcast and global top 10% podcast with 50,000+ monthly listeners. He cofounded Orvel Ventures (network-driven VC fund), leads the Harvard Business School Alumni Angels for Southeast Asia and is an angel investor in 24 startups. Jeremy teaches venture capital fund strategy and entrepreneurship at National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University.

Previously, Jeremy was a VC investor and Chief of Staff at Monk's Hill Ventures, Southeast Asia’s leading pre-A and Series A investor. Jeremy founded and led CozyKin, an early education marketplace to Series A and acquisition by Higher Ground Education. The startup was recognized for winning Harvard Business School's New Venture Competition and the MassChallenge grand prize. Jeremy also cofounded and bootstrapped Conjunct Consulting, an impact consulting platform, to profitability, 100+ clients and thousands of trained impact leaders. He was a Bain management consultant and an infantry sergeant in Singapore.

Jeremy is a keynote public speaker on entrepreneurship, leadership and community engagement for thousands across Harvard, Deutsche Bank, e27 Echelon, Singapore Global Tech Network, Boston SPARK Council, Institute of Policy Studies, Civil Service College and many others. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Prestige 40 Under 40 and LinkedIn Top Voice. Author of BRAVE10, showcasing the top 10 journeys of Singapore tech leaders.

Harvard MBA and UC Berkeley honor degrees in Economics & Business Administration. Jeremy enjoys science fiction, hiking and being a dad of two daughters.

===

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/gdp-per-capita-time-machine

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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#VentureCapital #StartupFunding #SoutheastAsiaTech #PowerLawReturns #UnicornHunting #TechInvestments #InnovationEconomy #EntrepreneurshipInsights #TechGrowth #BRAVEpodcast

Startup Customer Personas & Long Game Marketing– E530

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:00:21 +0000

Jeremy Au explored the intricacies of understanding customer personas and the challenges of market research. He emphasized the importance of creating nuanced personas for effective marketing, distinguishing them from harmful stereotypes by grounding them in real customer behaviors and needs. He shared insights on the pitfalls of traditional survey methods, particularly how timing and context can lead to inaccurate data, as seen in an example where sober participants misrepresented their preferences for draft beer. Jeremy also analyzed the economic mechanics of customer lifetime value, citing a Southeast Asian SaaS company that generated $100,000 per customer lifetime by charging $1,000 monthly with a 75% margin and a 10-year average retention. Additionally, he discussed Disney's long-term marketing strategy to cultivate lifetime loyalty across generations, contrasting it with the scarcity-driven luxury branding of Hermès and its Birkin bags.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/marketing-personas-loyalty

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

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YouTube

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Apple Podcast

Nicolas Bivero: 8-Year Side Hustle to Full-Time Founder at 44, Japan Intern to Philippines Director and PEO Industry for Filipino Talent - E529

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:25 +0000

Nicolas Bivero, CEO & Co-Founder of Penbrothers, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Japan Intern to Philippines Director: Nicolas Bivero shared his journey as a Venezuelan-German, transitioning across continents and industries. His early exposure to Japanese culture through karate and aikido, influenced by his father, inspired his eventual move to Japan. Initially planning a six-month stay, Nicolas secured an internship at a 160-year-old Japanese logistics company after a chance connection through his uncle. This role evolved into an 18-year career, focusing on replicating Japanese logistics operations across Southeast Asia. Nicolas detailed his adjustment to Japan’s hierarchical corporate culture, his unique position as one of the few foreigners in the company, and his extensive travel across Southeast Asia to develop new business opportunities.

2. 8-Year Side Hustle to Full-Time Founder at 44: In 2014, Nicolas co-founded Pen Brothers with his best friend to address the challenges of global talent shortages by leveraging the Philippines’ vast pool of skilled professionals. Starting as a side hustle, Pen Brothers initially supported startups by hiring remote Filipino teams for roles like software development and business development. Nicolas emphasized the importance of retaining Filipino talent locally to combat brain drain, reflecting his observations of Venezuelan and Portuguese migration trends. By 2022, after eight years of part-time involvement, Nicolas transitioned to leading Pen Brothers full-time. He highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on enabling remote work nationwide, allowing skilled professionals in provinces like Mindanao to work with global clients without relocating.

3. PEO Industry for Filipino Talent: Nicolas dispelled misconceptions about the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) industry, noting its ability to provide high-quality, long-term roles. He cited examples of senior engineers and specialized staff hired through Pen Brothers, including one who earned a competitive U.S. salary while working for a startup remotely from the Philippines. Nicolas also shared his optimism for Filipino talent, emphasizing their English proficiency and adaptability. He stressed the need for continued government support for education and the importance of positive feedback loops in fostering globally competitive talent. He also discussed the return of some Filipino diaspora members, who bring valuable international experience back to the country.

Nicolas also reflected on Japan’s hierarchical work culture, how his father’s passion for martial arts influenced his professional journey and the challenges of scaling remote teams.

GDP Per Capita vs. Unicorns, Interest Rate Liquidity Lever & Localized Approached - E528

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 21:00:22 +0000

Jeremy Au explored the evolving venture capital landscape in Southeast Asia by linking GDP per capita thresholds (US$5K in Vietnam, Indonesia & Philippines vs. US$94K Singapore) to the rise of unicorns like Gojek and Grab. Jeremy also explored the implications of high global interest rates, which have reshaped venture capital deployment, shifting focus toward early-stage investments while reducing late-stage funding. Lastly, he analyzed the diversification of startup models, such as Vietnam's localized mini-conglomerates and Singapore’s globally focused virtualized teams, emphasizing adaptability as a key driver for success in a fragmented yet promising ecosystem.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/gdp-per-capita-vs-unicorns

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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Product-Market Fit, Persevere vs. Pivot & Lean Build, Measure and Learn - E527

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 00:00:28 +0000

Jeremy Au examined the evolution of technology marketing and communication, emphasizing the transformative impact of AI, the importance of addressing consumers' primary problems, and the iterative nature of innovation in startups. Jeremy stressed the necessity of solving consumers' most pressing problems at the right moment to achieve product-market fit, illustrating this with real-world scenarios where timing dictated success. Additionally, he underscored the iterative principles of the Lean Startup and Kaizen, which prioritize rapid building, measuring, and learning cycles to meet evolving consumer needs while minimizing errors. The discussion also touched on notable examples like Netflix’s shift from DVDs to streaming and the development of reusable rockets by SpaceX to illustrate these principles in action.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/product-market-fit-pivot

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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Kristie Neo: Channel News Asia to DealStreetAsia VC Editor, Investigative Journalism, Unicorn Mismanagement (Revolution Precrafted) - E526

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:35 +0000

Kristie Neo, VC (Southeast Asia) Editor at DealStreetAsia, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Channel News Asia to DealStreetAsia VC Editor: Kristie began her journalism career at Channel News Asia (CNA), working in documentaries and later transitioning to business news. She emphasized CNA’s commitment to telling stories through an “Asian perspective,” which shaped her approach to reporting. Later, Kristie also joined DealStreetAsia (DSA) as a venture capital and startup reporter, contributing to its growth from a small team. She highlighted the challenges of establishing credibility as a startup newsroom, including building relationships with key stakeholders and securing access to major press events.

2. Investigative Journalism: Kristie spearheaded the use of Singapore’s ACRA database to access private company filings, uncovering financial insights that shaped investigative reporting at DealStreetAsia (DSA). Her work involved analyzing complex financial reports, connecting the dots between stakeholders, and leveraging this data to produce in-depth reports. Over time, these efforts evolved into Data Vantage, a proprietary tool offering comprehensive company data and insights across Southeast Asia, becoming a critical resource for DSA’s operations.

3. Unicorn Mismanagement (Revolution Precrafted): Kristie led an exposé on Revolution Precrafted, a Philippine unicorn valued at over $1 billion, revealing fraudulent activities. Through on-ground investigations in Manila, she uncovered unfulfilled development projects and inconsistencies in financial operations. Her findings triggered a national government investigation, highlighting the risks of informal structures in Southeast Asia’s startups and emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in the ecosystem.

Jeremy and Kristie also discussed ethical challenges in journalism, declining media trust, technology's impact on storytelling, and Southeast Asia’s cultural nuances in startup reporting.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kristie-neo

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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#InvestigativeJournalism #SoutheastAsiaTech #MediaInnovation #StartupEcosystem #DigitalStorytelling #AsianNarratives #VentureCapitalInsights #TransparencyMatters #TechJournalism #BRAVEpodcast

Indonesia: eFishery’s $1B Valuation Collapse, 2024 Fraud Allegations, and Sovereign Fund Exits with Shiyan Koh - E525

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:32 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. eFishery Fraud Allegations: Once an Indonesian agritech darling, eFishery’s end-to-end aquaculture solutions were lauded for their potential to improve farmers’ productivity and incomes. eFishery had achieved a $1 billion valuation in 2023, backed by investors like Temasek, Sequoia, Northstar, and GGV Capital. Whistleblower allegations against the founders surfaced despite significant financial oversight, including audited accounts and reputable due diligence processes. Shiyan emphasized the trust deficit such incidents cause, and drew parallels to Zilingo’s earlier downfall which caused a chilling effect on Southeast Asia’s growth-stage investments.

2. Early Exits Signals: Jeremy highlighted the divergent strategies of eFishery’s investors during its Series D round. Notable exits included Ideasource, which achieved a 40x return over a decade, and Sui Ling Cheah from Wavemaker, who bought in via secondaries in 2019 and accomplished a similar return in five years. These moves showcased varying approaches—early-stage investors seeking liquidity versus late-stage investors balancing signaling effects. They also discussed the challenges of timing exits in Southeast Asia’s market context, balancing growth ambitions with prudent capital recovery.

3. Ecosystem Red Flags: Jeremy and Shiyan debated how weak financial governance impacts Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem. Citing eFishery’s CFO resignation and earlier signals as red flags, they stressed the need for stricter board oversight and robust due diligence practices. Jeremy noted how fraud incidents strain ecosystem trust, making diligence processes longer and more expensive. Drawing parallels to the U.S., Shiyan emphasized how trust and long-term reputation are critical for founders aiming to sustain multiple ventures. They discussed how practices like misreporting revenue—common in sectors like e-commerce—distort valuations and create cascading governance failures.

Additional topics included Southeast Asia’s funding culture, revenue-quality metrics, exit dynamics for early employees, and honest advice to founders.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/efishery-unicorn-fraud

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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Unicorn & Blockbuster Hunting, Emerging Fund Returns & Southeast Asia VC Landscape - E524

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:00:28 +0000

Jeremy Au discussed the financial returns of venture capital. Firstly, he explored the concept of power law returns, emphasizing that only 4% of startups generate 10-50x returns, with examples like WhatsApp achieving 50x and Zoom delivering 22x even at later stages. He highlighted this phenomenon's prevalence in industries such as Hollywood (blockbusters vs. average films) vs. aviation (budget airlines). Secondly, he explained the three-fund trajectory for venture capitalists to become established, while noting that Fund 1 and Fund 2 for emerging managers often outperforming due to industry veterans leveraging insider insights—citing crypto as an example where early adopters thrived in the 2010s. Lastly, he underscored the importance of governance, pointing out how founder-investor relationships hinge on balancing control rights and trust. He used examples such as the OpenAI coup attempt vs. Sam Altman and Southeast Asia’s reputation for financial mismanagement to stress the implications of governance misalignment and regulatory challenges in the region.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-power-law-bets

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Yudara Kularathne: D*ck Pics for Science, Child Emergency Doctor to AI Founder & Model Training vs. Regulatory Affairs - E523

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 21:00:26 +0000

Yudara Kularathne, CEO & Cofounder of HeHealth, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. D*ck Pics for Science: Yudara described the progress of HeHealth, an AI-powered men’s health app launched in 2022. The app helps users detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by analyzing images. Within two weeks of its release, the app received over 20,000 downloads globally, including from countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Yudara recounted a case where a user with monkeypox contributed 150 detailed images documenting his condition over two weeks to help improve the app’s diagnostic accuracy. This approach leveraged community contributions to create robust, annotated datasets while adhering to ethical guidelines.

2. Child Emergency Doctor to AI Founder: Yudara reflected on his journey from managing over 10,000 cases as a pediatric emergency doctor to founding HeHealth. During his time at Sengkang General Hospital, he built a dedicated pediatric emergency department with support from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted hospital workflows and inspired him to address healthcare gaps. He cited a personal encounter in 2019, when a friend mistakenly believed he had HIV and considered suicide, as the moment that fueled his commitment to bridging stigma-driven healthcare disparities through technology.

3. Model Training vs. Regulatory Affairs: Yudara emphasized the balance between building AI models and navigating regulations. HeHealth used incremental data collection and synthetic data to improve accuracy and reduce biases, particularly for underrepresented groups. In 2023, HeHealth faced a $50 million FTC lawsuit in the U.S., citing privacy concerns about sensitive user data. Using AI tools for legal strategy and transparent communication, Yudara successfully resolved the case within two months. He highlighted how innovation often outpaces regulation and the importance of proactive collaboration with regulators to mitigate risks.

Jeremy and Yudara also talked about the role of synthetic data in addressing racial biases in AI healthcare tools and the challenges of scaling health tech in emerging markets.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/yudara-kularathne

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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Whaling Power Law, LP Incentives & VC 2 & 20 - E522

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 21:00:25 +0000

Jeremy Au explored the nuances of venture capital through three lenses. He described how LPs, such as sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors, pursue diversification and long-term returns, often seeking a 25% net IRR to justify the high risks of VC, as seen in Southeast Asia's emerging tech ecosystem. Using the "2 and 20" model, Jeremy explained that a. general partners commit 1% of the fund size (e.g., $1M for a $100M fund) as skin in the game while limited partners provide 99% of the capital. b. GPs spend 2% of the fund size on operations for 10 years and c. GPs receive 20% of the fund exit upside and LPs 80%. He shared examples like Sequoia's $100M investment in Zoom, yielding 22x returns, and Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp, which turned a $60M investment into $3B. Lastly, he likened VC to 19th-century whaling, where only 6% of deals produce 60% of returns, drawing parallels to how power-law distributions shape the industry’s focus on rare, high-value investments.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-vs-whaling-power-law

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VC Selection Edge vs. Startup Fraud, Local Expertise & Whaling Power Law - E521

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 02:00:41 +0000

Jeremy Au discussed the nuanced challenges faced by venture capitalists in assessing startups, emphasizing the importance of local expertise and first-principles thinking. For example, he shared how his understanding of Singaporean founders—gained through years of personal interactions—provided him with an edge over Silicon Valley VCs. He highlighted the risks of fraud in Southeast Asia, citing cases like Zilingo and comparing them to global examples such as Theranos and FTX, which underscore the need for robust due diligence. He explained how VCs use strategies like hiring fraud analysts or leveraging local networks to address these risks. Drawing parallels to the 19th-century whaling industry, Jeremy illustrated how power law dynamics dominate VC returns, with only about 6% of investments producing 60% of total returns, as seen in analysis from Horsley Bridge. This perspective frames VCs as high-performance scouts navigating a market where a single unicorn, like Grab or Gojek, can make or break a fund’s success.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-edge-vs-fraud

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Pinn Lawjindakul: Bain Consultant to Grab Head, Tiger Global to Lightspeed VC Partner, Southeast Asia vs. China & India - E520

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 05:43:11 +0000

Pinn Lawjindakul, Partner of Lightspeed Southeast Asia and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Bain Consultant to Grab Head:

Pinn recounted her shift from Bain & Company, where she started as an intern in 2011, to joining Grab in 2015 during its rapid expansion. She highlighted the operational and cultural differences between consulting in San Francisco and Southeast Asia, noting the latter’s more hierarchical and less mature environment. At Grab, Pinn tackled challenges such as competing with Uber, Easy Taxi, and Rocket Internet, emphasizing the importance of localized operational advantages.

2. Tiger Global to Lightspeed VC Partner:

Pinn reflected on her pivotal time at Tiger Global (2016–2019), where she immersed herself in growth-stage investments like Flipkart. The fast-paced environment and exposure to trend-driven, data-backed decision-making helped her realize the impactful nature of venture capital. This experience solidified her passion for working closely with entrepreneurs and shaping transformative businesses. Transitioning to Lightspeed Ventures, she embraced a focus on early-stage startups in Southeast Asia, drawn by the opportunity to guide founders from the outset and help them adopt a regional mindset critical for success

3. Southeast Asia vs. China & India:

She highlighted Lightspeed’s report, which debunked the longstanding comparisons of the region to China and India. The report argued that Southeast Asia’s fragmented markets, diverse consumer profiles, and smaller economic scale require a unique approach, defying the traditional narratives borrowed from larger, more homogenous markets. They also championed Singapore's underestimated potential as a key driver of economic growth, countering the conventional wisdom that focuses almost exclusively on larger markets like Indonesia, e.g. Gojek vs. Grab. Pinn also highlighted the need for a more rational approach to capital allocation, underscoring how sustainable growth requires founders and investors alike to balance ambition with market realities.

Jeremy and Pinn also discussed her perspective being a parent has changed her perspective on startups, what they learned as Bain interns and what advice she would give her younger self.

Pinn is a founding member of Lightspeed Southeast Asia, a global early-stage investment fund. Prior to Lightspeed, she was at Insignia Venture Partners and Tiger Global Management, where she focused on consumer and financial technology across SEA, India and China. She worked closely with Flipkart (sold to Walmart), Ola, Policybazaar, Hike, Games 24x7, Razorpay, Uxin (IPO exit). Pinn started her career as a management consultant at Bain & Company and also founded Grab’s motorcycle-on-demand in Bangkok, Thailand. Pinn graduated from Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania with a double degree in Psychology and Finance.

===

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/navigating-sea-markets

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Spotify

English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ

Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR

Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

Jianggan Li: China Exporters vs. Trump, Expansion to Saudi Arabia & Middle East, Electric Vehicle Wars - E519

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:37 +0000

Jianggan Li, Founder & CEO of Momentum Works, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. China Exporters vs. Trump:

Jianggan Li shared his experiences from nine trips to China, highlighting how exporters are stockpiling goods to mitigate U.S.-China trade tensions amid 2025 Trump-era tariffs. Discussions in Hangzhou emphasized the limits of the “China Plus One” strategy, with countries like Vietnam and Indonesia struggling to match China’s scale and supply chain efficiency. The conversation also covered China’s cross-border logistics innovations, including the Xi’an-to-Budapest rail route, and the integration of Chinese labor into global supply chains, such as assembly work in Italy’s luxury goods sector.

2. Expansion to Saudi Arabia & Middle East:

Saudi Arabia’s energy surplus, social contract with foreign labor and government openness to tech and e-commerce firms, such as Talabat and Bytedance, create market expansion opportunities for China exporters and manufacturers. Jeremy and Jianggan noted Saudi Arabia’s interest in Singapore’s industrial policies as a model for economic transformation and compared this approach to Southeast Asia’s more protectionist policies.

3. Electric Vehicle Wars:

Jianggan provides a candid look at the competitive landscape of China’s EV sector, from the collapse of smaller players to BYD's dominance. They discuss how scale, innovation, and investment strategies are reshaping the industry. They discuss the implications of the price war vs. consolidation for both domestic and global producers and consumers.

Jeremy and Jianggan also discussed startup drone delivery tests in Dubai, Vietnam VNG’s struggles and competition vs. Chinese platforms, and the implications of U.S. 2025 “reverse CFIUS” regulations.

===

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/chinaexportersvstrump

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Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/chinaexportersvstrump

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ

Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR

Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

YouTube

English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1

Apple Podcast

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Edric Poon: Podcaster Buddy Truths - E518

Fri, 03 Jan 2025 14:23:09 +0000

In this lighthearted episode, Jeremy Au sits down with fellow podcaster Edric Poon, host of Podcaster’s Playground, for a unique twist on the usual format. Armed with a deck of “Truth or Drink” cards, the duo tackles unexpected and hilarious questions that reveal surprising insights about their lives and quirks. Highlights include:

- Edric sharing his passion for the iconic Elvis-inspired Super 55 microphone and how it became a symbol of his podcasting journey.

- Jeremy confessing his love for the bizarrely catchy jingle, Baby Monkey Riding on a Pig, as his undergrad alarm clock anthem.

- A debate on tights, "mantyhose," and how functional fashion changed Edric’s perspective on masculinity.

- Reflections on dogs and personalities, where Jeremy introduces his Shiba Inu, Keiko, as his perfect companion.

- A heartfelt moment as Edric recounts the best compliment he's received from his wife, inspiring a deep dive into self-acceptance.

- Jeremy’s journey of overcoming procrastination and the personal growth sparked by understanding the science behind habits.

The conversation takes poignant turns as the duo reflects on love, loss, and resilience, including Jeremy’s emotional story of grieving a past relationship and finding healing in love. With humor, vulnerability, and unexpected wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, a good laugh, or an inside look at the personal lives of two seasoned podcasters.

===

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/podcaster-buddy-truths

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/podcaster-buddy-truths

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Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/podcaster-buddy-truths

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ

Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR

Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

YouTube

English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1

Apple Podcast

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Dave Overton: Philippines Humanitarian Commitment, Serendipity at Geeks On A Beach Community, Cebu Serial Founder - E517

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 16:06:20 +0000

Dave Overton, Founder of Symph.co & Geeks On A Beach, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Philippines Humanitarian Commitment:

Dave recounts moving to the Philippines in 2003 with his wife, a midwife-turned-doctor, who co-founded a nonprofit delivering over 7,000 babies in the past two decades. What began as a temporary three- to five-year plan evolved into a long-term commitment to creating impact in Southeast Asia. Supporting the nonprofit’s growth to a team of 50 medical professionals, Dave reflects on sustainable impact, sharing lessons learned about transforming lives and communities.

2. Serendipity at Geeks On A Beach Community:

Co-founded by Dave and Tina Amper in 2012, Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) was inspired by 500 Global’s Geeks on a Plane and aimed to unite startups, investors, and ecosystem players in a collaborative setting. Dave shares the financial hurdles faced during GOAB’s early days and how the event became a platform for significant deals, including an investor funding five startups at a single event. He emphasizes the importance of creating “gravity” to foster collaboration and serendipitous connections within the startup ecosystem.

3. Cebu Serial Founder:

He discusses his ventures: Symph.co, a software development company with 88 team members, and Flying Tigers Express, a logistics startup shortening delivery times from 12 days to just 24 hours in cities like Cebu and Davao. Dave also reflected on Cebu’s IT Park evolution from a single building in 2003 to a thriving tech hub, illustrating the broader transformation of the local ecosystem. . They explored challenges of balancing Cebu’s regional development with larger hubs like Manila and Singapore

Dave and Jeremy also discussed the lessons learned from stepping back to let new leaders drive community growth, the importance of nurturing students into the next generation of founders and community vs. ego systems.

===

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/geeks-on-a-beach

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ

Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR

Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

YouTube

English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1

Apple Podcast

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Franco Verona: Foxmont Capital VC & BCG Report, Philippines Startup Opportunities, 10 Year Predictions - E516

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 05:06:42 +0000

Franco Verona, Managing Partner of Foxmont Capital Partners and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Foxmont Capital VC & BCG Report:

Franco recounted Foxmont Capital Partners’ journey since its founding in 2018, highlighting 40 investments across fintech, deep tech, and consumer goods. Their Philippine Venture Capital Report in collaboration with BCG has been instrumental in attracting global attention to the Philippines’ potential as an emerging market. Analysis includes the rise of the middle class, which grew from 12% to 48% of the population within a decade, alongside consistent 6% GDP growth. This economic momentum has driven demand for local consumer brands like Pickup Coffee and Colourette.

2. Philippines Startup Opportunities:

They explored how startups can address gaps between generational low-cost products and premium U.S. imports by targeting the young, experimental population with an average age of 25. Franco emphasized prioritizing profitability and creating Filipino solutions for Filipino problems. Examples included TPG’s investment in BillEase, IFC’s funding of Salmon, and the rise of B2B solutions like Sprout Solutions addressing HR and payroll inefficiencies.

3. 10 Year Predictions:

Franco forecasted that the Philippines would mirror Indonesia’s growth trajectory from a decade ago, with fintech, e-commerce, and logistics driving the next wave of investments. While trends like AI and crypto dominate globally, foundational sectors where the Philippines lags 5–10 years behind peers present the most immediate opportunity. Key investments such as General Atlantic’s involvement in Kumu and MUFG’s funding of GCash signal ecosystem maturity. They also discussed how geopolitical tensions with the U.S. and China could shape future growth and relations. The influx of Chinese goods and EVs was also noted as shaping competition and local demand.

Additionally, they touched on the Philippines’ dual colonial history and its cultural impact on business, the economic implications of the recent POGO ban, and the rise of tech-driven business models replacing BPO-led operations

===

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/philippine-startups-rising

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/philippine-startups-rising

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ

Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR

Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

YouTube

English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1

Apple Podcast

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Jay Fajardo: Philippines Founder Exit, Startup Community Hubs, AI Disrupting BPO & Services - E515

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 00:00:24 +0000

Jay Fajardo, Executive Director of IdeaSpace & QBO and Jeremy Au discussed

1. Philippines Founder Exit: Jay’s journey into tech began in 1983, when his father gifted him a Sinclair ZX81 computer, inspiring him to teach himself programming. By 15, he developed payroll software that he sold to a distributor, marking his entry into entrepreneurship. In the late 1990s, as technology director at BusinessWorld, he led its transition to the web, making it the first Philippine news outlet online. He later founded Airborne Access in 2002, deploying Wi-Fi to over 700 locations across the Philippines. The company was acquired by PLDT in 2008, demonstrating Jay’s ability to innovate and scale in an emerging market.

2. Startup Community Hubs: They discussed the Philippines’ potential as a tech hub, supported by its 114 million population and strong English fluency. Despite these advantages, the country struggled to attract venture capital in its early days compared to Indonesia. Jay highlighted foundational efforts like Roof Camp (2009) and the first Startup Weekend (2011) in Manila, which helped create a vibrant startup community. Initiatives such as IdeaSpace Ventures (founded in 2013) and Kubo fostered innovation through funding and education. The diaspora played a crucial role, with Filipino professionals from Silicon Valley returning to share global expertise, while challenges like brain drain persisted.

3. AI Disrupting BPO & Services: AI emerged as a pivotal theme, with its potential to disrupt the $30 billion BPO sector, which employs 1.3 million people. Jay advocated for local startups to develop AI-driven solutions to replace and improve existing systems. The conversation also touched on the pandemic’s impact, which accelerated digital payment adoption and fostered hyperlocal businesses such as cloud kitchens. Despite challenges like limited middle-management talent and ongoing migration of skilled workers abroad, Jay remained optimistic about the ecosystem’s ability to adapt and innovate.

Jeremy and Jay also touched on the increasing focus on follow-on funding for mature startups, niche applications of AI, and opportunities for local startups to exit through acquisitions or stock exchange listings. They reflected on early-stage startups as key to reinvigorating the ecosystem and Jay’s experience balancing entrepreneurship with family life.

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Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/philippines-startup-community

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TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ

Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR

Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

YouTube

English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1

Apple Podcast

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Carlo Chen-Delantar: PH 2025 Challenges, Trump Geopolitical Tensions, Corporate vs. Independent VCs - E514

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 02:28:55 +0000

Carlo Chen-Delantar, Co-founder of Gobi-Core Philippine Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Philippines 2025 Challenges:

Carlo highlighted the 2024 Philippine Horizons Report, calling for the full implementation of the Innovative Startup Act of 2019 to address gaps in visas, taxes, and funding. Ambitious goals, such as creating four unicorns by 2030 (with GCash and Maya leading), face challenges from bureaucratic inefficiencies like the six-month minimum timeline for establishing businesses. The BPO sector, a significant economic driver, faces disruption from AI-driven automation. Incomplete infrastructure projects, promised under the Duterte administration, also hinder the country’s competitiveness.

2. Trump Geopolitical Tensions:

Under the Trump administration, U.S.-China decoupling in global trade policies will impact the Philippines’ reliance on Chinese imports, which dominate platforms like Lazada. Carlo noted that over 50% of cars sold in 2024 were Chinese EV brands, reflecting this dependence. The West Philippine/ South China Sea dispute can also increase tensions with China.

3. Corporate vs. Independent VCs:

Corporate venture capital (CVC) dominates the Philippines, similar to Thailand, while independent VCs remain limited. Conglomerates like Ayala and Aboitiz support talent development, but the ecosystem lacks robust support for independent startups. As the Philippines approaches middle-high-income status by 2026, it must emulate successful pro-local policies in Indonesia, such as fostering unicorns like GoTo, to stimulate long-term growth. Carlo highlighted the risks of CVC dominance in curbing the broader multiplier effects independent startups offer.

Jeremy and Carlo also discussed how AI adoption could disrupt traditional workflows while benefiting startups, the need for improved visa policies to retain diaspora talent, and opportunities to enhance the Philippines’ service industries for global competitiveness.

===

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/philippines-challenge

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ

Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR

Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

YouTube

English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1

Apple Podcast

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

5 Predictions & 5 Wishes in 2025 for Southeast Asia Tech with Shiyan Koh - E513

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:31 +0000

Join Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, as they share 5 bold predictions about Southeast Asia's tech ecosystem, including how VCs continue to shift their strategy, silent death of funds and the second-order impact of US-China decoupling on regional markets. Balancing optimism with pragmatism, they also discuss 5 wishes for the region, including overhauling financial accounting operating standards and supporting "failed" founders to bounce back into the talent network.

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Shiyan Koh is the Managing Partner at Hustle Fund, a venture capital fund that invests in pre-seed software startups in the U.S., Canada and Southeast Asia.

Prior to that she was VP Business Operations and Corporate Development at NerdWallet, a Fintech Startup that helps users with a range of financial decisions through content, community and tools. Over the course of six years at NerdWallet, she led product teams, ran business operations and corporate development, and helped grow the company from US$1M to US$150M in revenue.

===

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/

5-predictions-5-wishes

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5-predictions-5-wishes

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5-predictions-5-wishes

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5-predictions-5-wishes

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Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ

Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR

Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

YouTube

English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1

Apple Podcast

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

#DeepTechSingapore #SoutheastAsiaTech #USChinaDecoupling #VentureCapitalTrends #TechInnovationHub

Sean Ang: NUS Alumni Ventures, University Unicorn Founders, USA vs. Singapore Angels - E512

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:34 +0000

Sean Ang, Chairman of NUS Alumni Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. NUS Alumni Ventures: Sean shared how NUS Alumni Ventures (NAV), established in 2020, connects NUS alumni to startups across Southeast Asia for partnerships and investments. Inspired by Stanford Angels, NAV focuses on matchmaking rather than direct funding, organizing four major events annually to link startups with alumni in various industries. The platform engages both seasoned professionals and students, teaching investment analysis and fostering connections. Sean emphasized NAV’s role as a facilitator rather than an investment firm, focusing on SaaS, B2C, and B2B startups.

2. University Unicorn Founders: Sean highlighted NUS’s role as a key entrepreneurship hub in Southeast Asia, citing successful alumni-led companies like Carousell (Siu Rui, Lucas, and Marcus) and PatSnap (Jeffrey Tiong and Guang Tian). Programs like NUS Overseas College (NOC) and research initiatives such as GRIP drive innovation, although more commercialization of deep tech is needed. NUS attracts top talent through its strong academic programs, which create an environment for entrepreneurship and research to thrive.

3. USA vs. Singapore Angels: Sean discussed the distinct cultural landscape of Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem compared to the U.S., where angel investors often reinvest from successful exits. In Singapore, most angels come from traditional industries—banking, consulting, and law—recycling high incomes. This difference impacts startup funding dynamics. Sean noted NAV’s role in bridging gaps, activating alumni, and helping early-stage startups navigate this unique landscape through targeted, quality connections.

Jeremy and Sean also touched on the role of Block71 in connecting students with startups, the cultural importance of warm introductions and his new project to connect business angels and family offices across the region.

===

Sean Ang is the Chairman of NUS Alumni Ventures (NAV), a society that seeks to connect the NUS Alumni network to businesses in SEA for business matching opportunities (partnerships or investments). NAV is a value-driver to two different categories: senior NUS alumni and junior NUS alumni. Besides the core mission of helping people to reconnect with the alma mater, facilitating the interactions of these two distinct generations is another core mission that NAV has been very proud of enabling since our establishment 4 years ago.

Besides the alumni community, NAV is also committed to training the next generation that is passionate about being significant future contributors to the innovation industry. We recruit a batch of 50 new students (undergrads, masters, PhDs) every year, trained by retained senior NAV associates. On the backdrop of this committed resource, we organize 4 demodays quarterly interspersed with smaller networking events to grow the ecosystem.

Driven by his passion for connecting people, Sean is co-founding SEADS—a people-first platform transforming how entrepreneurs and investors navigate Southeast Asia’s fragmented early-stage investment ecosystem. Featuring a meticulously curated database of business angels, venture capitalists, and family offices, SEADS empowers entrepreneurs and investors alike by fostering meaningful connections and streamlining access to regional funding opportunities. Sean is starting SEADS with a fellow NAV alumni member.

===

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/

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Cheryl Lau: Law & PHD Dropout, Side Hustle to Thought Leadership Podcaster, Asian Childhood Beliefs vs. Personal Growth - E511

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 00:00:45 +0000

Cheryl Lau from “Edit History” Podcast and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Law & PHD Dropout: Cheryl reflected on leaving law school in Hong Kong in 2018 despite earning a scholarship due to self-awareness gained during internships and to focus on a research degree instead. She later had to choose to drop out of her Hong Kong PhD during the pandemic in order to join her now-husband in Singapore. She shared her mixed emotions about leaving academia and choosing love. Although her parents initially disapproved, they came to respect her independence and ability to take responsibility for her choices.

2. Side Hustle to Thought Leadership Podcaster: Cheryl described her podcast’s transformation from “The Side Hustle Club” to “The Thought Leadership Club” and now “Edit History.” This latest iteration critiques and reflects on past works, showcasing personal and professional growth. Cheryl, as a solopreneur, manages every aspect of production, emphasizing storytelling and thought-provoking content. She highlighted the importance of meaningful long-form content, which she finds more resonant than short-form media in today’s AI-driven landscape.

3. Asian Childhood Beliefs vs. Personal Growth: Growing up in Canada as the child of Asian immigrants, Cheryl internalized the value of hard work but later questioned whether diligence alone ensured success. Leaving law school was a pivotal moment, prompting her to focus on aligning her career with her strengths. Cheryl also overcame insecurities about her appearance and public speaking by committing to daily Instagram video stories, building confidence and refining her ability to connect with others. These experiences now shape her work as a coach and content creator, helping others build meaningful bodies of work.

Additionally, Cheryl shared her thoughts on balancing short-form and long-form content, her childhood aspiration to edit textbooks and how the pandemic profoundly shaped her career transitions and personal life.

===

Cheryl Lau is a podcaster who helps entrepreneurs and creators around the globe build a substantial and compelling body of work that matters. Cheryl believes that your impact isn’t defined by your audience size, your business revenue, or whether you have a LinkedIn Top Voice badge. Instead, it is measured through whether you’ve built something that matters to you and your people. This is precisely what your body of work does.

Her podcast is the Thought Leader Club (previously called Side Hustle Club). The podcast was shortlisted for the 2024 Asia Podcast Awards (by Radioinfo Asia) in the “Best Money and Business Podcast” category and won the 2023 Golden Crane Award (by the Asian American Podcasters Association) in the “Best Entrepreneur/Solopreneur Podcast” category.

Cheryl has quit graduate school twice - Law school in 2018 and PhD in 2022. Both times, it felt like she went from being the Asian parent’s dream child to their biggest disappointment overnight. But since starting to build a body of work in 2019, Cheryl has created new business and career opportunities that not only make her proud… But it also makes her parents proud.

Today, Cheryl’s work empowers entrepreneurs and creators to stay committed to pursuing what they truly believe in and always take full responsibility for their decisions and actions - And it all starts with building a body of work that matters.

===

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/

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Indonesia: Apple’s $1 Billion Investment in Indonesia, Traveloka and the Middle-Class Economy, Cultural Barriers and Financial Literacy in Startups - E510

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 00:00:28 +0000

Jeremy Au and Gita Sjahrir discussed three key themes during their conversation:

1. Apple’s $1 Billion Investment in Indonesia and Local Content Policies:

Indonesia’s regulation requiring local components in imported products initially banned iPhone 16 sales, sparking public frustration. The government negotiated with Apple, escalating from a $10 million offer to a $1 billion investment. Gita highlighted President Prabowo Subianto’s role in global diplomacy, marking a shift from Indonesia’s traditionally insular policies. They also explored the broader context of deglobalization, where nations prioritize domestic production, and discussed how similar strategies could be applied in other markets like Vietnam.

2. Traveloka and the Middle-Class Economy:

Traveloka, founded in 2012 by Ferry Unardi, Derianto Kusuma, and Albert Zhang, represents a scalable digital-first platform in Indonesia. Despite this potential, economic insecurity among the middle class limits its growth. Indonesia’s GDP grew 5% in 2023, but discretionary spending remains low due to middle-class vulnerability. Traveloka also faces competition from Agoda, part of Booking Holdings, and new entrants from China. Jeremy and Gita stressed that stabilizing the middle class is crucial not just for Traveloka but for consumer-driven industries across the region.

3. Cultural Barriers and Financial Literacy in Startups:

Gita discussed how Indonesia’s “shame culture” prevents founders from addressing their weaknesses, particularly in financial literacy. She noted that one in three founders struggles with basics like distinguishing GMV, revenue, and contribution margins, which often leads to poor decision-making. Jeremy and Gita emphasized the importance of personal growth to overcome these challenges, encouraging founders to “do it scared” and take action despite fear.

Jeremy and Gita also discussed the challenges of navigating the “messy middle” in startups, often spanning over a decade; lessons from the 2014–2015 tech boom, which highlighted the risks of overfunding and rapid scaling; the transition from physical to digital industries, with Indonesia’s digital economy growing 16% in 2023; Prabowo Subianto’s efforts to position Indonesia as a neutral geopolitical player; and how founders can reassess their long-term priorities and time investments in startups.

===

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ

Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR

Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

YouTube

English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1

Apple Podcast

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

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#AppleInvestment #IndonesiaEconomy #TechPolicy #MiddleClassChallenges #StartupCulture

Ron Baetiong: PH Basketball Jock to Founder Exit, Startup Failure Lessons, Podcast Network Asia-E509

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 03:04:31 +0000

Ron Baetiong, Founder of Podcast Network Asia, and Jeremy Au discussed:

Philippines Basketball Jock to Founder Exit:

Ron shared his early life as a basketball jock raised in a lower-middle-class Filipino household by his single mother. Determined to achieve the Filipino dream of owning a house, Ron worked in a call center at 18 while studying at the University of Santo Tomas. Ron’s time at Groupon (2011) taught him foundational sales skills that later became pivotal. He launched his first startup, a nightlife app called Partyphile, inspired by his personal pain points as a clubgoer. Despite initial traction with 50,000 users, the business struggled with monetization. By 2016, Ron pivoted to Chatbot.ph, leveraging the emerging chatbot market. Within a year, the company was acquired by Sterling Paper Group, allowing Ron to fulfill his dream of buying his mother a house.

2. Startup Failure Lessons:

His journey revealed key lessons about being a solo founder and the importance of monetization strategies. Ron shared how missing opportunities to sell club tables—a lucrative revenue stream—hindered growth. The business faced a turning point in 2016, following a tragic incident at a major rave event and political shifts under Duterte’s presidency that dampened the nightlife scene. Transitioning to Chatbot.ph, Ron capitalized on timing and his ability to build quick MVPs. By mid-2017, the company generated over $10,000 in monthly revenue and attracted investors, leading to its acquisition. Ron highlighted how this pivot taught him to prioritize building strong teams and focusing on cash flow.

3. Podcast Network Asia & Serye FM

In 2019, Ron founded the podcast HustleShare to document startup journeys and give back to the Philippine ecosystem. He expanded this passion into Podcast Network Asia (PNA), which grew to manage 320 shows, including exclusive collaborations with Spotify, paying $20,000 per show annually. However, Spotify’s strategic pivot in 2023—ending exclusivity deals—led to significant financial strain for PNA. In response, Ron launched Serye FM to address the growing demand for localized audio content. Serye FM adopted a paywall model within Spotify, enabling Filipino listeners to access serialized audio series. With 100% month-on-month growth over five months, Serye FM has emerged as a rising star. Ron’s teaming with co-founder Rexy Dorado, formerly of Kumu, reinforced the platform’s potential to replicate its success.

Jeremy and Ron also talks about the grief of losing his co-founder in 2023, managing platform risks with Spotify, and his plans to scale Serye FM from the Philippines to the U.S.

===

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ

Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR

Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

YouTube

English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1

Apple Podcast

English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Tony Pang: Veteran EdTech Founder Journey, Rise of Chinese Language Learning, Risk vs. Resilience - E508

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 00:00:38 +0000

Tony Pang, founder of IME International Mandarin Education, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Veteran EdTech Founder Journey: Tony shared his evolution from a Boston University graduate to a seasoned entrepreneur. After working at Toshiba in Japan during its economic peak, he returned to Hong Kong in the 1990s to launch eSchool, a corporate e-learning platform during the dot-com boom. Despite the bubble burst, he bought back his shares and sold the company to a larger firm. In 2005, he sold his Mandarin training company—the largest in Hong Kong—to The Washington Post. Tony also broke new ground in 2001 by collaborating with Disney to design the world’s first Disneyfied mobile phone, rebuilding hardware and software from scratch. This experience highlighted his focus on innovation, calculated risks, and leveraging partnerships for success.

2. Rise of Chinese Language Learning: Tony explored the growing demand for Mandarin as a second language, driven by China’s global influence, particularly in ASEAN countries. He contrasted Eastern cultures’ preference for assessment-driven learning with the West’s more relaxed approach. Through IME, Tony uses edtech to make HSK assessments accessible, affordable, and engaging globally, addressing challenges like fragmented demand and the Ministry of Education’s reliance on outdated models. He noted that improving accessibility can unlock significant latent demand, even in regions where Mandarin is not traditionally popular.

3. Risk vs. Resilience: Tony emphasized the importance of calculated risks and identifying a unique competitive edge. He shared lessons from his Disney mobile phone project, showing how entrepreneurs can thrive against larger competitors by focusing on niche markets and innovative solutions. He encouraged resilience through perseverance, leveraging resources, and aligning strategies with long-term goals.

Jeremy and Tony also touched on the role of luck in entrepreneurial success, generational shifts toward multilingualism and geographic trends in Mandarin language adoption.

===

Tony Pang, based in Hong Kong and founder of International Mandarin Education (IME), is an accomplished entrepreneur with a proven track record in education and e-learning. With over 20 years of expertise in Mandarin education, he specializes in information systems and assessment. His strong connections with the Ministry of Education of China (MOE) underscore his pivotal role at the intersection of education and technology.

===

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Spotify

English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ

Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR

Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1

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Apple Podcast

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Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Clement Pang: Google Engineer to $400M Exit, “Diamond Age” Education AI, Gen Z Future - E507

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 02:19:48 +0000

Clement Pang, cofounder of Lirvana Labs and Jeremy Au explored:

1. Google Engineer to $400M Exit

Clement detailed his journey from a computer science graduate at Rice University in 2004 to starting at Google during its IPO phase and later GLMX in 2007 to build a financial trading platform as a founding engineer. In 2012, he co-founded Wayfront, an observability SaaS company that filled a gap in system monitoring. Early customers included Workday, Yammer, and Lyft, and the platform eventually scaled to serve companies like Reddit and DoorDash. Wayfront’s acquisition by VMware in 2017 for $400 million provided Clement with invaluable lessons about scaling cross-functional teams and handling millions of data points per second. He emphasized minimizing dependency on external factors, a lesson learned from GLMX’s reliance on interest rates, and aligning teams with a clear vision—a skill he honed while managing 2,000 engineers at VMware.

2. “Diamond Age” Education AI: Drawing inspiration from Neil Stephenson’s The Diamond Age, Clement envisions AI as a tool to democratize education and approximate human tutors. In 2021, Clement co-founded Livano Labs with his sister to transform early childhood education using generative AI. Their app, Yeti Confetti Kids, launched in 2022, targets children aged 3 to 9, teaching math, English, and social-emotional skills. AI designs personalized learning experiences instead of relying on pre-set algorithms. Feedback loops enabled the AI to improve its outputs by analyzing real-world usage data. He emphasized curriculum alignment for classroom settings, where AI must adhere to structured learning goals.

3. Gen Z Future: Clement reflected on how tools like ChatGPT are changing interpersonal communication, particularly for Gen Z. He drew parallels to the introduction of calculators in education, noting how technological tools shift norms and practices. He discussed AI’s role as a sounding board for personal and professional problem-solving, encouraging users to engage critically with its outputs while leveraging its strengths.

They also discussed lessons from Clement’s experiences managing cross-functional teams during Wayfront’s rapid growth, how decreasing costs are enabling scalable applications like Yeti Confetti Kids, and the role of AI in enhancing collaboration and decision-making.

===

Clement Pang is a serial entrepreneur (400MM in exits) and current co-founder and co-CEO of Lirvana Labs, a startup that created an AI Learning Companion to teach children the critical literacy and reasoning skills that change lives and destinies. With over 17 years of experience in software engineering, architecture, and leadership, Clement is passionate about building purposeful products that leverage the power of AI and data to solve real-world problems and improve human well-being.

===

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/

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Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ

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China: Trump vs. BRICS & Exporters, Singles' Day 11/11 eCommerce, Suzhou Industrial Parks - E506

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 02:14:10 +0000

Jianggan Li, Founder & CEO of Momentum Works, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Singles' Day 11/11 eCommerce: Jianggan shared his recent immersion trip to Hangzhou, where he observed China’s vibrant e-commerce and live commerce sectors. With Singles’ Day on November 11 approaching, he noted how this biggest shopping holiday in China has influenced shopping behaviors across Southeast Asia. Major platforms like Lazada and Shopee now promote Singles’ Day regionally and have inspired monthly events like 10.10 and 9.9 sales, reflecting how Chinese shopping culture has permeated the region’s markets. These frequent sales resonate with local consumers, and the rise of “payday promotions” as SEA brands continually invent new reasons to engage consumers between big sale events. This trend has raised demand for popular Chinese products, which occasionally leads to counterfeit goods, such as longjing "dragon well" tea.. He also highlights a visit to a logistics center in China, where human workers sort 3.5 million parcels daily, which rise to 8 million at peak periods, significantly contrasting Southeast Asia's relatively lower volume.

2. Trump vs. BRICS & Exporters: Reflecting on the US-China trade war, they outlined how supply chain shifts began during the 2016 Trump administration when tariffs on Chinese exports pushed some manufacturers to relocate to Vietnam and Cambodia. Although challenging, this diversification trend was essential for reducing tariff exposure and mitigating political risk. Chinese founders had to overcome frauds and scams in these frontier markets. The recent BRICS summit, with Southeast Asian nations like Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand joining as partners, highlights a shift toward a multi-polar economic strategy. A handshake between Xi Jinping and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the summit indicated efforts to ease border tensions while China maintained its role as India’s largest trading partner.

3. Singapore Suzhou Industrial Parks & Hangzhou: They examined the role of regional industrial parks, with a focus on the Suzhou Industrial Park, a collaboration with Singapore that set a model for attracting FDI and spurred local development. Both Jiangsu (Suzhou) and Zhejiang (Hangzhou) provinces now lead China’s wealthiest regions, each with a GDP per capita of about $20,000, double the national average. Suzhou’s FDI-driven approach contrasts with Zhejiang’s privatized clusters, where private entrepreneurs, such as those in Yiwu, naturally formed their own industries. This economic contrast highlights how both regions have fostered complementary ecosystems, with distinct founder “vibes” reflecting diverse business cultures.

Jeremy and Jianggan also discussed why China is holding off on a fiscal stimulus till America's election results, how Singaporean brands are entering America's “affordable luxury” niches which align with America’s higher GDP per capita, and the expansion of Chinese brands like Luckin Coffee and Chagee into the US market.

===

Jianggan Li is the Founder & CEO of Momentum Works, a Singapore-headquartered venture outfit.

Prior to founding Momentum Works, he co-founded Easy Taxi in Asia, and served as Managing Director of Foodpanda. He is also the co-author of the book Seeing the Unseen: Behind Chinese Tech Giants' Global Venturing.

He holds an MBA from INSEAD and a degree in Computer Engineering from Nanyang Technological University. Apart from English and his native Mandarin, he is also fluent in French and conversational in Cantonese & Spanish.

===

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Xiaoyin Qu: Facebook Product Manager to Stanford MBA Dropout Founder, Heeyo.AI Gen Alpha Educ - E505

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 02:03:02 +0000

Xiaoyin Qu, founder and CEO of Heeyo.ai, and Jeremy Au discussed:

Facebook Product Manager to Stanford MBA Dropout Founder: Xiaoyin shared her journey from Shandong, China to studying at Pomona College in 2009, part of an early wave of Chinese students pursuing U.S. undergraduate degrees. Initially focused on economics, her career pivot to computer science was inspired by an internship at Atlassian, then a small startup. Her subsequent Product Manager role at Facebook with Instagram’s early product management team of 20–30 members in 2014 introduced her to Silicon Valley’s dynamics of scaling tech platforms. Xiaoyin reflected on reconciling cultural differences, including her Confucian upbringing and Silicon Valley’s fast-paced, innovation-driven ethos. She shared why she joined Stanford MBA, and why she dropped out to be a founder

Run The World Pandemic Learnings: Xiaoyin recounted founding her virtual events startup in 2019 with a term sheet from Andreessen Horowitz. Launching the platform in February 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the company experienced explosive demand, scaling from 10 to 50 employees by year’s end. A viral TechCrunch article highlighted their services, drawing hundreds of clients daily. However, Xiaoyin noted the high churn rates in the events industry and the challenges of sustaining growth post-pandemic. Reflecting on the “zero interest rate policy” (ZIRP) era, she discussed the pressures of over-hiring and subsequent layoffs, lessons that now guide her to focus on strategic agility and resource efficiency, particularly as economic conditions evolve.

Heeyo AI Generation Alpha Education: Xiaoyin’s current venture, Heeyo.ai, focuses on AI-driven interactive education for children aged 3 to 11. Inspired by her upbringing and fascination with technology, the platform uses text-to-speech and large language models to support over 30 languages, serving users in 100+ countries. Heeyo.ai allows parents to customize educational content, incorporating values and interests like STEM, social-emotional learning, and cultural heritage. This design ensures the platform resonates with Gen Alpha, a tech-savvy generation naturally integrating AI into their daily lives. Xiaoyin emphasized safety, age-appropriateness, and ethical AI interactions, supported by child psychologists and educators. She also highlighted AI’s potential to democratize education globally, addressing disparities and providing personalized learning experiences.

They also discussed the role of AI in fostering creativity as a key skill for the future, cultural customization of AI tools to reflect personal values and evolving educational approaches that emphasize emotional intelligence and social learning.

In addition to these main points, Jeremy and Xiaoyin briefly explored several other themes:

- The role of AI in fostering creativity as a key skill for the future.

- Cultural customization of AI tools to reflect regional and personal values.

- The impact of “zero interest rate policy” (ZIRP) on startup hiring practices during COVID-19.

===

Xiaoyin Qu is the founder and CEO of heeyo.ai which provides interactive AI tutor and playmate for kids aged 3-11 and is funded by OpenAI. Prior to Heeyo, Xiaoyin Qu founded Run The World, a leader in virtual events software and was awarded Inc's Top 100 Female Founder and Fast Company's Most Innovative Company in events. She was a Stanford MBA dropout. She co-founded Stoooges Education, a leading College Admissions Consulting firm in China when she was 19.

===

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Vietnam Likes Trump, China Factory Relocation, Startup Protectionism & Opportunities - E504

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 01:48:06 +0000

Valeri Vu, Founding Partner at Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Vietnam Likes Trump Win: Valerie analyzed the positive local sentiment towards Trump’s recent U.S. presidential win in 2024. She highlighted the $100 billion trade surplus Vietnam holds with the U.S. which brings potential American tariff risks, with a potential Vietnamese counterproposal to balance the trade relationship by purchasing defense and technology goods, such as aircraf. Trump’s hawkish stance on China indirectly benefits Vietnam by encouraging manufacturing shifts, but also brings challenges for maintaining stable trade relationships. Valerie highlighted Vietnam’s “bamboo diplomacy,” referencing recent efforts by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to engage with both the U.S. and China.

2. China Factory Relocation: The discussion focused on Vietnam’s growing role as a manufacturing hub, fueled by U.S. tariffs of up to 60% on Chinese goods. Valerie detailed how relocations, including consumer electronics factories, are concentrated in industrial parks in Bac Ninh (North) and Binh Duong (South), benefiting Vietnam’s manufacturing share, which currently stands at 2–3% globally. However, challenges persist, such as workforce skill gaps, rising coal consumption, and environmental concerns like air pollution. Vietnam is targeting growth in high-tech sectors, such as AI and software, to diversify its economic base. She also predicted that domestic consumption in Vietnam, currently sluggish due to lingering effects of a real estate crisis, will recover in 2025 as the economy stabilizes.

3. Startup Protectionism & Opportunities: Valerie outlined how local startups struggle to compete with international e-commerce giants like Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Temu, which dominate Vietnam’s market through aggressive pricing and logistics advantages. Local platforms such as Tiki and Sendo have seen their market shares eroded, a stark contrast to Indonesia, where protectionist policies like banning Temu have shielded domestic players. She highlighted the rise of Vietnamese diaspora founders, like Pham Nhat Vuong of Vingroup, who are returning to Vietnam with global experience to build competitive ventures. Valerie stressed the need for startups to go global to thrive, citing successful Vietnamese brands like Trung Nguyen Coffee. She noted that SMEs face significant challenges as global competition intensifies, but startups targeting cross-border opportunities, especially in Southeast Asia, show promise.

===

Valerie founded Ansible Ventures, a seed fund dedicated to Vietnam in 2022. Previously, she served as Vietnam Country Head for Venturra Capital, where she led over a dozen investments from 2020 to early 2022. From 2016 to 2019, she worked at Deloitte U.S. as a senior consultant where she advised hedge funds, private equity funds and other investment management clients. Valerie graduated magna cum laude in 2016 from Temple University’s Fox School of Business with a major in accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Pennsylvania. She also founded Career Opportunities in Vietnam (COVN), providing advice to aspiring professionals and co-hosted Forward Vietnam Podcast.

===

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ZQ: Sustainable Energy Passion, Thai Social Dynamics & EV Adoption Roadblocks - E503

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 01:42:02 +0000

ZQ, Cofounder of Sleek EV, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Electric Vehicle Founder Passion: ZQ shared his unconventional path from university studies to co-founding Sleek EV. Pivotal milestones include being inspired by his parents’ entrepreneurial roots and self-discovery traveling in a self-renovated solar-powered van and a NUS Overseas Colleges internship in New York. Two years after launching, the company has grown to 90 employees and deployed over 3,000 electric motorcycles across Southeast Asia, with its operations hub based in Bangkok.

2. Thailand EV Market Selection: ZQ chose Thailand over other Southeast Asian markets like Indonesia and Vietnam, due to the centralized market, strong motorcycle culture, and rapid adoption of new technologies making it an ideal entry point. ZQ highlighted the challenges of competing with established brands like Honda, which dominates 80% of the local market, and the importance of designing an affordable and reliable product to meet consumer demands. He also discussed the evolving EV ecosystem, emphasizing partnerships with local manufacturers, the role of CATL batteries, and the complexities of developing a standardized charging infrastructure.

3. Balancing Fatherhood & Entrepreneurship: ZQ reflected on the challenges of managing his dual roles as an entrepreneur and a father to his two-year-old daughter. He candidly shared the sacrifices his family has made, including long periods away from home and financial uncertainties. Despite the difficulties, ZQ emphasized that fatherhood has enhanced his leadership skills and emotional resilience, helping him grow personally and professionally. He also discussed his belief in allowing his child the freedom to choose her own path, supporting her dreams—whether entrepreneurial or otherwise.

They also discussed the role of ESG values in driving Sleek EV’s mission, challenges in scaling a hardware vs. software startups and the future of EV charging infrastructure for mass adoption.

===

Zhang Quan (ZQ) is the co-founder and COO of Sleek EV, one of the fastest-growing electric motorcycle companies in Southeast Asia. With over five years of experience in the electric motorcycle industry, ZQ has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of sustainable transportation. Before launching Sleek EV, he co-founded companies that distributed various electric motorcycle brands and developed Thailand's first digital financing platform for electric motorcycle hire purchase.

A passionate advocate for the startup ecosystem, ZQ has held positions at tech companies such as Klook in Singapore and collaborated with pioneering Spotify team members in New York City to establish a social networking app, which attracted over 300,000 users within just six months. Currently, he balances his professional commitments with family life, shuttling between Bangkok and Singapore.

===

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Edward Booty: Healthcare: Why Healthcare is Still Inaccessible to Billions - EP502

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 01:35:24 +0000

Edward Booty, Founder of reach52, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Health Access For 6M Lives: Edward Booty, CEO of reach52, shared how the company addresses healthcare gaps in rural and underserved regions across Asia and Africa. Initially conceptualized during Edward’s travels in India, reach52 shifted from a tech-heavy model reliant on shared kiosks to a comprehensive platform empowering local health workers. The organization uses data-driven tools to map community health needs and deliver targeted interventions, improving access to essential medicines and education. By 2023, reach52 had impacted over 6 million lives across seven countries, aiming to expand further into Africa due to extreme medication price disparities—sometimes 30 times higher than in the UK.

2. reach52 Business Model: Edward detailed the complexities of balancing impact and profitability as a social enterprise. reach52 operates on dual funding—corporate sponsorships and distribution margins from affordable medicines. He highlighted systemic challenges like fragmented impact measurement frameworks and vested interests in rural markets, which can hinder scale. Edward underscored the importance of embracing market complexities, such as regulatory engagement and supply chain management, to achieve scalable impact without diluting the mission.

3. Social Enterprise Perceptions: The conversation explored how perceptions of social enterprises have evolved over the past decade. While “social business” was trendy in the 2010s, health equity has become the focal point in global discourse. Edward reflected on navigating fluctuating funding priorities, avoiding inauthentic rebranding to chase trends, and staying committed to Reach 52's mission of health access for underserved communities.

They also discussed the role of training in empowering unpaid health workers, collaborative models with governments and NGOs to scale local health solutions and the economic impact of health expenditures on poverty in rural regions.

===

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Singapore: 6M Population, Anti-Immigration vs. Education Assimilation, & $230M Bitcoin Theft - E501

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 00:00:45 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. 6 Million Population: Singapore’s population reached 6 million in 2023, up from 5 million in 2010. Shiyan noted the population was 2.7 million when she left two decades ago in 1990, highlighting rapid growth. Increased density has boosted economic diversity, comparable to New York City’s business environment. Unlike USA or the EU, Singapore’s population growth is driven by legal immigration due to strong border enforcement. International events like the F1 Grand Prix and Token 2049 contribute to an influx of expatriates, reinforcing Singapore’s role as a global business hub.

2. Anti-Immigration vs. Education Assimilation: With Singapore’s GDP per capita at USD 88,000, which six times higher than neighboring Malaysia, Shiyan highlighted that Singapore naturally attracts workers from ASEAN countries. She emphasized that immigration often fills jobs that the local population does not. Jeremy noted that immigration, while necessary for economic growth, is controversial globally, especially when people feel its benefits aren’t equally shared. They both suggested that schools should serve as platforms for integrating immigrant children, given Singapore’s declining birth rate. They also discussed how international schools, equal government funding across local schools, socio-economic factors, tuition, and parent self selection drives competition across families for local school slots.

3. US$230M Bitcoin Theft Lessons: 20-year-old Singaporean Malone Lam was arrested in Los Angeles for stealing 4,100 Bitcoin, worth USD 230 million. He partied hard with the proceeds, gave away Birkin bags at nightclubs, and bought luxury cars. Prioritizing long-term thinking and value creation leads to sustainable success, rather than chasing short-term career gains that sacrifice integrity.

Jeremy and Shiyan also touched on fostering "kampung community spirit”, the impact of alumni networks and socioeconomic background on local school performance, and the role of expatriates in Singapore's business ecosystem.

===

Shiyan Koh is the Managing Partner at Hustle Fund, a venture capital fund that invests in pre-seed software startups in the U.S., Canada and Southeast Asia.

===

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VC Advantages: Market Expertise, Due Diligence vs. Fraud & LonelyTech Case Study - E499

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 22:00:22 +0000

Jeremy Au examined the key advantages for venture capital judgment, with a focus on local market expertise in Southeast Asia. VCs must confront the limits of their knowledge and not be overconfident, especially in frontier markets. Global funds have been burned by high-profile and hidden cases of unchecked fraud (e.g., Theranos, FTX, and Zilingo), illustrating how localized due-diligence analysts. He discusses how VCs are evaluating and investing in “lonelytech” AI companionship, exemplified by companies like friend.com, which offers on-demand AI friends for those seeking constant companionship. Reflecting on his experience with Professor Howard Gardner’s work on multiple intelligences and the "Good Citizen Project," Jeremy underscored the societal shift from traditional support systems to commodified relationships, now facilitated by technology. He highlighted the VC’s responsibility in distinguishing sustainable value from fleeting trends while navigating the ethical terrain between investment potential and societal impact.

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Kheng Lian Ho: Law to Turn Capital Managing Partner, Buying Flash Coffee Thailand & Turnaround & Emerging Fund Manager Advice - E498

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 21:00:15 +0000

Kheng Lian Ho, Managing Partner at Turn Capital, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Law to Turn Capital Managing Partner: Kheng’s disciplined childhood as a 11-year old Singapore national badminton athlete laid the foundation for her early legal carer For six years, she practiced restructuring and cross-border litigation in Singapore and Hong Kong, drawn to the intellectual challenges but stifled by routine and limited personal connection. Seeking more impactful, people-centered work, Kheng left her law career to do angel investing, be a venture partner at Vectr Ventures in Hong Kong, facilitated deal sourcing and capital markets, and founded the Open Circles community to connect entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia. Building on her extensive network and operational expertise, Kheng co-founded Turn Capital alongside Joseph Phua and Shang Koo. With a focus on acquiring and transforming underperforming consumer tech companies, Turn Capital leverages 40 combined years of experience to revitalize these businesses and guide them back to profitability.

2. Buying Flash Coffee Thailand & Turnaround: Her fund strategy is a. acquired former VC-backed startups plagued by high costs and inefficiencies in social, entertainment, media, and e-commerce sectors b. limited number of acquisitions for deep hands-on business engagement and c. balanced goal of 3-5x returns over five years. Their first acquisition, Flash Coffee Thailand, showcases this method: by reducing the original 46 outlets by half, the team swiftly brought operations to break-even, paving the way for sustainable expansion and long-term growth. Acquiring majority operational control is key to execute rightsizing and achieve profitability within nine months. She shares that they bring an external, objective eye, vs. founders, board and executives that may not be able to reach a consensus to execute the turnaround internally.

3. Emerging Fund Manager Advice: By 2023, Turn Capital successfully raised over $20 million, backed by prominent investors such as Kee Lock from Vertex Ventures, Peng Ong from Monk’s Hill Ventures, and Twitch cofounder Kevin Lin. Kheng underscored the importance of a distinct and well-defined investment strategy to stand out in the competitive market. Kheng leveraged her established network to attract high-profile investors, emphasizing the value of relationships cultivated over time. She recommends first-time fund managers tap into their existing networks, especially those who have financially benefited from past collaborations, as they often become key supporters during fundraising. Unlike her prior advisory roles where rejection felt indirect, leading as a general partner made setbacks personal, demanding strong emotional resilience. To maintain balance amidst the pressures of high-stakes investing, Kheng incorporates daily hot yoga, meditation, and the support of close friends into her routine.

Jeremy and Kheng also discussed how her personal identity has shifted over time, what it meant to turn away from the legal career ladder and what she likes about being a fund manager.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kheng-lian-ho

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Trump 2028 Tariffs, iPhone Ban Protectionism vs. Globalization & ASEAN Unity & Peace with Gita Sjahrir - E497

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 22:00:13 +0000

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investment at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Trump 2028 Tariffs: With Trump’s return to the presidency and Republican dominance in the Senate, House, and Supreme Court, the stage is set for new tariffs on Chinese imports. This is likely to redirect manufacturing to Southeast Asia, positioning countries like Vietnam and Indonesia as key beneficiaries, particularly in sectors such as electronics and textiles. However, this move will also lead to an influx of low-cost Chinese exports into Southeast Asia, challenging local markets and putting pressure on SMEs. Concurrently, rising US labor costs fueled by stricter immigration policies are driving American companies to ramp up automation while also making Southeast Asia an attractive hub for labor-intensive industries. In aggregate, the region's business mix is likely to move from local SMEs & conglomerates to more US and China MNCs.

2. iPhone Ban Protectionism vs. Globalization: Indonesia has imposed device manufacturing local content requirements, thus leading to a ban on the Apple iPhone 16 and Google Pixel. While these policies provide temporary leverage, Gita noted that sustainable growth requires more than protectionist measures, Indonesia needs to build private-sector capacity and improve its business environment. China manufacturers are also building more local joint-venture partnerships to comply with Indonesia's proposed 200% anti-China import tariffs. This is similar to Japan’s relocation of factories to Southeast Asia during the 1970s and 1980s in response to US trade barriers. In contrast, Singapore continues to keep borders open to to Chinese and global capital - with the goal of becoming the regional talent hub vs. Hong Kong.

3. ASEAN Unity & Peace: Diplomacy across the region is vital to maintain regional stability and cohesion to address external pressures. Jeremy and Gita praised ASEAN’s ability to maintain peace despite diverse political systems and cultures. This multi-party relational resilience has underpinned decades of peace and economic growth since the Vietnam War, even in an era marked by rising protectionist policies. Remarkably, they noted how ASEAN leaders continue to come together annually for a group photo and joint communiqué — a symbolic gesture to cooperation among 700 million people across the region’s vastly different nations, cultures and languages.

Jeremy and Gita also talked about Indonesia’s EV & nickel battery market potential, Malaysia’s new proactive foreign direct investment approach, and growth vs. redistribution-focused economic policies.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trump-and-indonesia-tariff

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Trump Win vs. Southeast Asia Trade, China Talent Flows & Silicon Valley Divided with Shiyan Koh- E496

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 21:00:14 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Trump Win vs. Southeast Asia Trade: Trump’s 2024 landslide election victory across the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, will reshape Southeast Asia’s economic landscape. His proposed “global 10% tariff” on all US imports and a targeted 60% tariff on Chinese goods may severely disrupt Southeast Asia’s trade flows. Singapore could face challenges for export-driven industries and its role as a key transit hub for US-China trade. Chinese-funded products manufactured in Southeast Asia—such as solar cells produced in Vietnam— may now face similar tariffs as those directly from China. Biden-era “reverse CFIUS” restrictions, which limit US investment in Chinese firms across sectors such as AI and advanced manufacturing, coupled with Trump's new China hawk administration will further accelerate American LPs and MNCs to redirect foreign direct investment (FDI) towards Southeast Asia instead of China.

2. China Talent Flows: Known as the “Delaware of Asia,” Singapore stands to benefit as both US and Chinese firms seek a neutral and stable base for regional Asia operations (versus Hong Kong). As US-China tensions deter many Chinese families and professionals from pursuing American education and career paths, Singapore has become an appealing alternative. Singapore, a nation built by immigrants, has long maintained a social contract that includes national service (NS) obligations as a cornerstone of fostering social cohesion among its diverse population. However, the country has historically faced complex challenges in determining which types of immigrants to accept, how best to integrate them into society and to improve income inequality. Jeremy shared a story about a former Thai employee who had to leave America after her H-1B visa renewal was denied during Trump’s first term, illustrating how Trump’s immigration policies could drive talent to return to the regional tech ecosystem.

3. Silicon Valley Divided: Opinions remain split, with Trump’s pro-deregulation stance sparking optimism in some corners, evidenced by a surge in Bitcoin prices and positive reactions from equity markets. Supporters point to potential gains for sectors like crypto and tech equities, alongside corporate tax cuts that help maintain profits, boost R&D, and provide attractive exit opportunities for venture capitalists. Concerns were raised that while deregulation under Trump may fuel market growth, higher tariffs could exacerbate economic disparities and be the wrong solution for the middle class.

Jeremy and Shiyan also talked about how China exporters like BYD electric cars will now increasingly focus on Southeast Asia markets, Singapore’s low birth rate like Japan and the growing number of startups building digital AI companions.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trump-win-vs-se-asia

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Charles Ormiston: Founding Bain Southeast Asia, Reengineer Your Career & Angsana Council on China vs. USA Rivalry - E495

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 21:01:39 +0000

Charles Ormiston, Founding Partner of Bain Southeast Asia, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Founding Bain Southeast Asia: Charles established Bain's office in Singapore, which initially faced major skepticism from Bain’s leadership who favored Hong Kong as the regional hub. Believing Singapore’s strategic location to be better suited for Southeast Asia, Charles stood firm - even at the risk of his career. His bet paid off when the Singapore office flourished and became the regional leader. He pursued a unconventional hiring strategy for that time: prioritizing local talent over international hires and avoiding expatriate perks like housing allowances. This talent core cultivated a leadership pipeline deeply committed to the region’s long-term growth, with key figures like Edmund Lin rising from the office's second employee to Chairman today.

2. Reengineer Your Career: After a health wake-up call, he decided to hand over to Till Vestring and move to an advisory role. His successor led Bain to new heights by expanding to a regional footprint with Bangkok, Jakarta and other offices. After a 14-month break working with nonprofits, Charles returned to focus on "transformation" projects which aligned with his strengths. This pivot allowed him to achieve a new "capstone" level of career impact and personal satisfaction.

3. Angsana Council on China vs. USA Rivalry: Charles co-founded the think-tank with Peng T. Ong of Monk's Hill Ventures to improve global understanding of Southeast Asia’s high-growth markets. Their research is powered by prominent members like former Indonesian trade minister Gita Wirjawan and former Singaporean foreign minister George Yeo and partnership with Bain & DBS Bank. Charles shared how many business and political leaders had once underestimated China's ability to rise as a global innovation leader. ASEAN countries must navigate the increasingly complex global rivalry in order to maximize benefits and reduce risk from this trade & research decoupling.

Charles and Jeremy also discussed being inspired by in-person meetings with Lee Kuan Yew and Bain's Chairwoman Orit Gadiesh, how consulting has evolved in the era of hybrid work, and his personal passion for cycling.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/charles-ormiston

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Silicon Valley Talent Vortex, Southeast Asia Time Machine & Sea Turtle Migration with Adriel Yong - E493

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 21:00:11 +0000

Jeremy Au and Adriel Yong discussed whether Southeast Asian founders should move to Silicon Valley, and why "sea turtle" professionals are returning from America (and China) to Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. San Francisco and New York are global tech talent vortexes, where non-American founders are attracted to their deep VC funding pools and a multi-generational legacy of founder support since the 1950s, e.g. the "father of VC" Georges Doriot of America Research & Development Corporation (ARDC). America's large ecosystem also holds transformative appeal for deep tech and frontier tech founders, as well as higher pricing power for both SaaS and consumer brands. In contrast, Singapore has the same GDP per capita (US$88K) as America, with a better quality of life for families looking for healthcare, public safety, education and housing. Southeast Asian diaspora returning to their home countries should be realistic about Asia's higher number of working hours compared to America and EU, fragmented markets, regulatory challenges and less mature economies. Savvy international founders have a "time machine" mindset: visualizing the country's future in 10-20 years, seeing the industry as it actually is and then building the companies that make sense for this decade and geography.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/silicon-valley-talent-vortex

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Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/silicon-valley-talent-vortex-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Adrian Tan: Laid-Off To HR Founder, Writing “No More Bosses” & Solopreneur Work-Life Challenges - E492

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 21:00:18 +0000

Adrian Tan, Author of “No More Bosses” & Chief Marketing Strategist at Marketing Sumo, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Laid-Off To HR Founder: Adrian’s career in HR began as he navigated the volatile job market of the early 2000s. After layoffs from tech companies during the dotcom bubble and another setback in 2003 with the SARS epidemic, he sought greater stability by starting his own recruitment business in 2004. Over the next 11 years, he grew this business through multiple economic cycles, worked hundred-hour weeks, and learned on the job. He reflected on a missed opportunity during a lucrative growth phase to scale his business, which he now views as a turning point that could have changed his career path. This built his resilience and industry insights, which later shaped his journey as an independent HR consultant.

2. Writing "No More Bosses": Adrian’s new book, No More Bosses: The Journey to Sustainable Self-Employment, draws from his own pivot to freelancing. He received a LinkedIn message from a Penguin editor, which he initially believed to be a scam. He wrote the book to inspire mid-career professionals, especially in high-cost cities like Singapore, to explore independence. Real-life case studies include Nancy Lai who launched a D2C baby products business, showing that solopreneurship can be successful with strategic planning.

3. Solopreneur Work-Life Challenges: Adrian shared the ups and downs of self-employment, noting that while independence provides autonomy, it demands discipline and structure. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he struggled with maintaining boundaries as he worked from his dining table, often working late into the evening. To maintain work-life balance, he set smartwatch reminders like “World’s Greatest Dad” at 7pm to ensure he prioritized family time. However, he stressed that the goal in self-employment is not just income, but optimizing time and flexibility, which he values more than the financial stability offered by corporate roles.

Jeremy and Adrian also talked about the importance of fully outlining chapters before beginning to write, the role of perseverance in professional development, and how personal branding landed him multiple opportunities.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adrian-tan

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adrian-tan-id

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adrian-tan-cn

Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adrian-tan-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Indonesia: 109 Member 48 Ministry Cabinet Coalition, Temu Ban, TikTok & Bukalapak & VC Investments with Gita Sjahrir - E491

Sun, 27 Oct 2024 22:00:16 +0000

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investment at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. 109 Member 48 Ministry Cabinet Coalition: With the inauguration on October 20, 2024, President Prabowo Subianto expanded the cabinet from 34 to 48 ministries, the largest since 1966. Prabowo's coalition-building strategy is to accommodate political allies and unify the seven-party coalition behind him. They drew comparisons to Germany’s coalition politics, emphasizing the importance of coordination between Indonesia’s national and regional leaders for effective governance.

2. Temu Ban, TikTok & Bukalapak: In early October 2024, Indonesia banned Chinese social commerce platform Temu, similar to TikTok Shop which then had to acquire Tokopedia. The Indonesian government also requested Apple and Google to block the Temu app to prevent local downloads. Other nations, including the United States and EU, are scrutinizing Chinese exporter practices, with the US tightening tax exemptions on low-cost imports in 2023. Gita explained that while such protectionism shields MSMEs, Indonesia’s core issues (e.g., complex bureaucracy, high business costs, lack of raw materials and a multi-year backlog for trademarks) remain unaddressed. She argued that easing these foundational barriers would create a fairer, more sustainable advantage for local businesses, rather than just temporary protection from foreign competition.

3. VC Investments: Indonesia has already attracted interest in green joint ventures (JVs), particularly with China. Jeremy highlighted MAKA Motors, founded by former GoJek CTO Raditya Wibowo, as a local player advancing EV production, while Gita mentioned Toba’s push for renewable energy. They underscored the cultural importance of home ownership, noting that many Indonesians aspire to own land despite its often low financial returns, which drives prop-tech startup Rukita. Rekosistem is also a key startup addressing waste management in Indonesia’s growing urban areas. They also discussed the pressures faced by Indonesia’s “sandwich generation,” who often support both aging parents and their own families, and how these dynamics shape housing affordability and socio-economic mobility.

Jeremy and Gita also talked about the film “Home Sweet Loan, which explores Indonesians’ struggle with housing affordability, the influx of green investments into EV battery production and the regulatory challenges surrounding the rise of online gambling among youth.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/prabowo-48-ministry-cabinet

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/prabowo-48-ministry-cabinet-id

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Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/prabowo-48-ministry-cabinet-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Arthur C. Clarke’s “Crazy” 1974 Prediction, 10X vs. Status Quo & Tech Marketing Principles - E490

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Jeremy Au explored the evolution of technology marketing and how marketers have adapted to communicate complex innovations effectively. He began by referencing sci-fi writer Arthur C. Clarke’s 1974 “crazy” prediction about how their room-sized computers would eventually shrink to the size of briefcases and that people would eventually be able to work from anywhere in the world. Early software marketers like WordStar focused on explaining and promoting “groundbreaking” features, such as moving text blocks—capabilities that were previously unimaginable with typewriters. Jeremy emphasized that while technology continues to advance, the core human desires for status, security, and convenience remain unchanged. Companies like Apple, with products like the augmented reality Vision Pro and Apple Watch, and Dyson have mastered the art of blending functionality with premium status to appeal to early adopters and affluent consumers. He concluded by noting that despite the shifting landscape of technology -from floppy disks to cryptocurrency and AI companions - the fundamental marketing strategy endures: simplify the message and prioritize solving immediate consumer needs, a timeless approach evident in both historic and modern claims of achieving 10x disruptive improvements vs. the pain of the status quo.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/arthur-clarke-1974-prediction

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Tina Amper: Geeks on a Beach, 12M Filipino Diaspora Reverse Culture Shock & Burnout to Community Leader - E489

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 21:00:16 +0000

Tina Amper, Strategic Director of Geeks on a Beach, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Burnout to Community Leader: Tina shared her experience of migrating from the Philippines with an engineering degree from the University of San Carlos to California’s booming tech industry in the 1990s. She excelled in product marketing and business development roles, but ultimately burned out after years of travel and high-intensity work. By 2010, her mother's declining health prompted her to take a sabbatical and return to her hometown Cebu, which was being transformed by the growing business process outsourcing (BPO) industry. This proved to be fertile ground for her exploration and cultivation of a thriving local tech community.

2. Geeks on a Beach: Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) launched in 2013 and started as a casual idea between Earl Valencia, cofounder of IdeaSpace and QBO, and Paul Pajo, a Filipino tech evangelist, to create a tech conference blending work and leisure on the beach. With participants ranging from 400-500 people annually, GOAB has become a key platform for fostering collaborations between startups, investors, and business leaders. Tina emphasized the importance of support from government bodies like the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

3. 12M Filipino Diaspora Reverse Culture Shock: Tina's return to her motherland after living in the US involved overcoming reverse culture shock while also reconnecting with her roots. She shared her advice for the 12 million strong Filipino diaspora considering a return home. She discussed how she personally found her purpose by contributing to the local tech community through initiatives like TechTalks.ph.

Jeremy and Tina also explored various community archetypes of lurkers vs. champions, paid membership communities vs. casual tech meetups and financial sustainability strategies.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tina-amper

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tina-amper-id

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Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tina-amper-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

You don't want to miss Geeks On A Beach, the unique premier startup conference in the region! Join us from November 13 to 15, 2024, at JPark Island Resort in Mactan, Cebu. This event brings together tech enthusiasts, investors, and entrepreneurs for three days of workshops, talks, and networking. Register at geeksonabeach.com

Singapore Vetoes Allianz $4.4B Insurer Acquisition, NTUC 1961 History & Income Cooperative Mandate & Trump vs. Kamala Impact on Southeast Asia with Shiyan Koh - E488

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:00:27 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Singapore Vetoes Allianz $4.4B Insurer Acquisition: They discussed the Singapore government’s veto of the NTUC Income and Allianz merger, primarily over concerns of an undisclosed plan for $2B capital withdrawal post-merger. This case illustrated the delicate balance required between pursuing financial strategies and adhering to a social mission, especially in a cooperative structure transitioning to a corporatized entity.

2. NTUC 1961 History & Income Cooperative Mandate: They expanded on the broader historical role of National Trade Unions Congress with the People’s Action Party since 1961, vs. the now-defunct leftist Singapore Association of Trade Unions (SATU). The central workers' union is the parent organization of NTUC Enterprise, which is a holding entity of multiple cooperatives and mission-based corporations like NTUC Fairprice (supermarkets), First Campus (childcare) and Income (insurance). They referenced analysis on other successful single-country insurer cooperatives benchmarks from former NTUC Enterprise & NTUC Income CEO Tan Suee Chieh.

3. Trump vs. Kamala Impact on Southeast Asia: Jeremy and Shiyan debated how the US election’s potential outcomes could lead to dramatically different White House policies on free trade, capital gains and China relations - leading to significant ripple effects on Singapore & Southeast Asia. This highlights the deep interconnectivity of American political decisions with regional economic outcomes.

Jeremy and Shiyan also touched on the impact of US interest rate cuts on global markets, the acceleration of Chinese companies entering Southeast Asia, and Singapore's higher number of work hours vs. America and the EU.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-vetoes-allianz-acquisition

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Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-vetoes-allianz-acquisition-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

David vs. Goliath: Startup Disruption, Incumbent Scale & Asymmetric War For Customers - E487

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:00:22 +0000

Jeremy Au breaks down the "David vs. Goliath" dynamics of startups challenging industry giants. Startups face unique marketing challenges but can thrive by focusing on experimentation and innovation, creating entirely new market categories. Just like the rise of oat milk and nicotine vapes, disruptive marketing turned once-unknown products into billion-dollar industries. He covers the case study of Southeast Asian unicorns Grab and Gojek who leveraged their agility to outmaneuver Uber and local taxi fleets in Singapore and Indonesia.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/david-vs-goliath

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Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/david-vs-goliath-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Michael Chua: Consultant to Award-Winning Actor at Age 50, AI Disrupting Filmmaking & Climbing the 'Third Mountain' - E486

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 21:00:15 +0000

Michael Chua, Award-Winning Actor, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Consultant to Award-Winning Actor at Age 50: Michael had a a long and successful career as a technology consultant traveling across Europe. At the age of 50, he was talent-scouted through a Facebook photo to become an actor. His curiosity exploring a new creative field quickly blossomed into a successful career, with over 400 acting credits and several awards, including Best Actor and Best Film at the Singapore International Film Festival. He shared his experience learning to act in films like Ilo Ilo which won the prestigious Camera d'Or award at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival and the 50th Golden Horse Awards in 2014. He also discussed his experience acting in popular YouTube shows like Titan Academy led by JianHao (7.5 million subscribers).

2. AI Disrupting Filmmaking: Michael spoke about AI’s productivity improvements, e.g. LED backdrops replacing traditional green screens and automating processes such as color grading and sound editing. However, he emphasized that AI avatars of actors are truly disruptive, which raises the bar for all human actors. He warned that mid-tier actors who can't convincingly convey emotion may be replaced by AI, while top-tier performers will continue to thrive as their unique human qualities become more valuable. He also reflected on how the need for authenticity in performances becomes even more critical in the director’s role, especially in a world increasingly swamped by AI-generated content.

3. Climbing the 'Third Mountain': Michael described his transition from consulting to acting as climbing the "second mountain" and to directing as the most difficult "third mountain." Directing requires a broader skill set, balancing logistics with creative vision. His earlier career in technology consulting prepared him for this, giving him the ability to manage large, complex projects. As a director, he now oversees not just the actors but also the entire production, from lighting and sound to camera work and set design. Michael is determined to create films that resonate deeply with audiences while balancing the technical complexities of filmmaking.

Jeremy and Michael also talked about the pressures of privacy that come with being a public figure, the difference between influencers and actors, and the pros and cons of staying in Southeast Asia to tell culturally specific stories (vs. moving to Hollywood).

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/michael-chua

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

China: US$1.1 Trillion Monetary Stimulus, Temu & Shein vs. USA De Minimis Tariffs & YouTube & Shopee Anti-TikTok Shop Alliance with Jianggan Li- E485

Sun, 13 Oct 2024 21:00:13 +0000

Jianggan Li, Founder & CEO of Momentum Works, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. US$1.1 Trillion Monetary Stimulus: Jianggan and Jeremy examined China’s recent monetary measures (equivalent to 6% of nominal GDP) boosting consumer confidence and stabilizing the housing and stock markets. The Politburo launched a $114 billion lending pool to support stock buybacks by asset managers and insurers, lowered the policy interest rate by 0.2% and reduced mortgage interest rates by 0.5%. They speculated that fiscal stimulus, including broader consumption voucher programs like the $72 million initiative in Shanghai, is likely to follow. These efforts are intended to stabilize China’s real estate market and restore confidence after a prolonged period of economic slowdown.

2. Temu & Shein vs. USA De Minimis Tariffs: They focused on the de minimis rule, which currently allows imports under $800 to enter the US tariff-free. Jianggan explained how Chinese platforms like Temu (Pinduoduo) and Shein have benefited from this loophole by shipping small goods directly to American consumers. The Biden administration’s efforts to close this loophole will harm low-income American consumers, reducing welfare benefits by $12-14 billion USD. Chinese exporters, particularly smaller ones, may also face challenges, though large platforms are adapting by increasing inventory stored in the US to mitigate this new tariff.

3. YouTube & Shopee Anti-TikTok Shop Alliance: They discussed China’s growing influence on Southeast Asia’s cross-border trade, with Vietnam emerging as a key hub for Chinese companies. Warehouses along the Vietnam-China border are facilitating live-stream sales directly to Vietnamese consumers. Additionally, the conversation touched on YouTube’s partnership with Shopee, which is seen as a strategic move to counter TikTok Shop. This partnership is expected to expand across Southeast Asia, with Indonesia positioned as a critical battleground in the e-commerce space.

Jeremy and Jianggan also touched on other relevant topics, including the impact of US interest rate cuts on global markets, the role of the Chinese Yuan in export competitiveness, and Vietnam’s strategy to navigating the USA-China rivalry.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-monetary-stimulus

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-monetary-stimulus-id

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-monetary-stimulus-cn

Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-monetary-stimulus-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

8 Ways to Build a Unicorn with 1 in 40 Roulette Odds - E484

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 21:00:16 +0000

Jeremy Au defined startups as newly established businesses bringing future technologies to the present, with unicorns being those valued at over $1 billion. These valuations are typically driven by revenue generation of around $100 million annually and market confidence in future profitability, eg. Palantir and Salesforce. Private markets apply valuation multiples based on future growth potential, with speculative booms in sectors like crypto, where revenue valuation multiples went as as high as 1000x due to bull markets. The odds of achieving unicorn status (about 1 in 40 for USA startups with venture funding) and outlined eight strategies for building a unicorn (Christoph Janz). These include models like “whales,” serving high-value clients, and “rabbits,” scaling by targeting many smaller customers. He emphasized that becoming a unicorn requires long-term execution, strategic positioning, and navigating indirect competition, particularly in Southeast Asia’s fragmented markets.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/8-ways-to-build-a-unicorn

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Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/8-ways-to-build-a-unicorn-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Johann Wah: Student Founder Beginnings, Amazon to Nika.eco Founder & Climate Change Perspective - E483

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 21:00:13 +0000

Johann Wah, President & Cofounder of Nika.eco, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Student Founder Beginnings: While attending Yale-NUS, Johann founded a sustainable apparel company to pay for his university expenses and dates with his now-wife. The business started gaining traction after a Straits Times article featured their eco-friendly fabrics, but the COVID-19 pandemic led to canceled orders and an overwhelming inventory. Faced with financial challenges, he borrowed money from friends and family to meet his Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for the fabrics. When B2C sales dried up, he pivoted to B2B, cold calling and knocking on doors of corporations with sustainability mandates. After three months of high risk, he secured contracts with Western multi-national corporations headquartered in Singapore that allowed him to clear his debts and pay for his university fees.

2. Amazon to Nika.eco Founder: Johann landed a role as on AWS’s startup team after three attempts. Despite achieving his dream of working at Amazon, he felt compelled to explore climate tech, motivated by a conversation with his best friend and co-founder who had already left Amazon to pursue the same vision. Together, they launched Nika.eco to democratize climate and geospatial modeling, making it more accessible to smaller universities, researchers, and consultants. Their product simplifies climate modeling by offering a one-click virtual machine that automates setup, cutting down the typical three-day setup process to mere minutes. This solution addresses the cost and complexity barriers that smaller institutions face in accessing high-end cloud computing resources.

3. Climate Change Perspective: His passion for climate tech is deeply rooted in his childhood experiences in Chiang Mai, Thailand where his father, a part-time missionary, worked closely with indigenous farmers. The farmers were reliant on deforestation and monoculture farming practices to sustain their livelihoods, which sparked his interest in environmental sustainability. His wife, the cofounder of Thryft.sg, Southeast Asia’s largest secondhand bookstore, shares his commitment to sustainability. They frequently discuss the future of the planet and their hope for raising children in a better world. Johann remains optimistic that human innovation will help mitigate the effects of climate change. He also believes that although the world faces significant ecological challenges, technology and adaptability can pave the way for a brighter future.

Jeremy and Johann also discussed how spatial analytics transform insurance risk pricing, how his time in the oil and gas industry shaped his sustainability approach, the importance of public-private partnerships, and Southeast Asia’s potential to become a hub for climate-focused solutions.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/johann-wah

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Thailand: New Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Founder Failure Stigma & Electric Vehicle (EV) Manufacturing with Wing Vasiksiri - E482

Sun, 06 Oct 2024 21:00:08 +0000

Wing Vasiksiri, General Partner & Founder of WV Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Founder Failure Stigma: They compared how failure is perceived by founders and society in Southeast Asia versus the US, focusing on Thailand and Singapore. In Thailand, failure carries a strong stigma, making it harder for failed founders to reintegrate into the ecosystem, while in the US, failure is seen as part of the entrepreneurial journey, with founders often wearing it as a badge of honor. They noted that the lack of a talent recycling system in Southeast Asia makes it riskier for founders to fail, as there are fewer opportunities for them to be absorbed back into other startups, VC firms, or incubators. In contrast, Silicon Valley provides a more robust safety net for failed founders, who are quickly reabsorbed into the ecosystem.

2. New Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra: They discussed the recent political shift in Thailand with the appointment of Paetongtarn Shinawatra as Prime Minister, replacing Srettha Thavisin. Srettha, a former business executive, was removed from office after appointing a convicted cabinet member, which violated the Thai constitution. Paetongtarn, the daughter of former pro-business Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is expected to maintain many of the previous administration’s policies, including the digital wallet program, which offers financial handouts of 10,000 baht (USD 300) to 50 million citizens to stimulate economic growth. While the stock exchange of Thailand reacted positively, with a sharp rise of over 11%, the long-term fiscal impact of such handouts remains a concern, particularly with potential inflationary pressures.

3. Electric Vehicle (EV) Manufacturing: They explored Thailand’s rapid adoption of electric vehicles, supported by strong government subsidies ranging from 20,000 to 100,000 baht per vehicle. In 2023, EVs accounted for nearly 10% of new car sales, and the government aims for 30% of vehicle production to be electric by 2030. This shift is largely driven by partnerships with Chinese manufacturers, positioning Thailand as a key player in the regional EV market. They contrasted this with Singapore, where the government’s reliance on gas tax revenues limits its incentive to push for EV adoption, despite favorable infrastructure conditions. Indonesia was also mentioned as a key player in the EV sector, particularly due to its rich nickel reserves essential for battery production.

Jeremy and Wing also discussed the rise of the cannabis industry in Thailand, the minimum wage increase, and the lack of B2B SaaS success stories in the region.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thailand-new-prime-minister

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APAC VC Panel: India Early-Stage Recovery, Emerging Markets Cross-Border Challenges & Deep Tech Boom - E482

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 21:00:11 +0000

Jeremy Au moderated a panel of venture capitalists to unpack the key trends shaping APAC’s investment landscape. Nruthya Madappa emphasized India's rapid recovery in early-stage VC, driven by second and third-time founders and $600 million deployed across 80+ companies at 3one4 Capital. She outlined how India's growing consumer class now outpaces China’s, creating new market opportunities. Brent Ogilvie highlighted Pacific Channel's 98% IRR over 14 years, investing in health, food, and environmental startups, while spotlighting the growing role of AI in deep tech. Ashwin Raguraman pointed to India’s Semiconductor Policy as a key driver of innovation in deep tech. The panelists also noted macroeconomic shifts, including capital moving from China due to geopolitical tensions, and how India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) is transforming fintech. They reflected on the broader shift toward sustainability and economic independence, reshaping how VCs allocate capital across the region.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/apac-vc-trends

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Borko Kovacevic: Serbia Childhood to Singapore, 17 Years at Microsoft & Podcast Founder Poddster - E480

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:00:17 +0000

Borko Kovacevic, Cofounder of Poddster, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Serbia Childhood to Singapore: Borko reflected on his childhood in Serbia during the 1980s and 1990s, witnessing both Yugoslavia's prosperity and the hardships of the Bosnian and Kosovo wars. Economic instability and rising crime taught him street smarts and resilience, values he now aims to instill in his children, who are growing up in Singapore’s safety. He stressed the importance of teaching gratitude and perseverance despite their comfort, helping them appreciate hard work and innovation. Borko contrasted his challenging upbringing with his children’s blessings, focusing on how to nurture their development without fostering complacency.

2. 17 Years at Microsoft: Borko recounted his Microsoft career, which began in the early 2000s in Serbia as one of the first employees in the post-war region. He described the culture shock of transitioning from a formal corporate environment—where suits and daily shaving were required—to Microsoft’s casual jeans-and-t-shirt culture. Over the years, Borko worked across Europe, including Munich, before settling in Singapore. He witnessed key leadership transitions, such as Bill Gates stepping down and Steve Ballmer taking over, which shaped the company’s evolving culture. Mentorship played a crucial role in helping him navigate these changes. After receiving tenure crystals at the five, ten, and fifteen-year marks, Borko chose to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations instead of waiting for the twenty-year crystal.

3. Podcast Founder Poddster: Borko discussed founding Poddster, a podcasting studio business born from conversations with his co-founder, a UX and MVP expert who saw a market gap for fully equipped podcasting spaces. Starting with one studio in Dubai, Podster grew to 12 studio sets in Dubai and 4 in Singapore. The rise of video podcasting and short-form content, driven by platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, has fueled its success. He also highlighted the importance of scalability and the development of Podyx, a SaaS platform to streamline operations for Poddster and other studios worldwide.

Jeremy and Borko also discussed how his early career influenced his leadership style, the potential of AI to automate and enhance podcast production, and the future of content creation.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/borko-kovacevic

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Vietnam: $3.3B Super Typhoon Disaster, VNG Police Raid & GoJek Market Exit with Valerie Vu- E479

Sun, 29 Sep 2024 21:00:17 +0000

Valerie Vu, Founding Partner of Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. $3.3B Super Typhoon Disaster: Super Typhoon Yagi caused over $3.3 billion in damage and resulted in more than 300 deaths in northern Vietnam. The typhoon was one of the worst in 30 years, which significantly disrupted Vietnam’s economy with power outages in factories and offices for over a week. As a result, the country's GDP growth forecast was reduced by 0.15%. They also highlighted Southeast Asia's susceptibility to natural disasters which are often underappreciated by global investors.

2. VNG Police Raid: Vietnam’s police raided VNG, Vietnam's first unicorn for a sudden investigation. The board appointed Kelly Wong as interim CEO, with little news regarding the status of founder Le Hong Minh. The regional investor community has raised concerns about regulatory uncertainty and startup exit conditions, as VNG had been seen as Vietnam’s frontrunner and pioneer for an IPO in the US.

3. GoJek Market Exit: They also covered Gojek’s exit from the Vietnamese market after six years of operations and over $200 million in investment. Gojek’s departure follows the earlier exits of Uber and Didi, leaving Grab and domestic players like Be and Green SM (owned by VinFast) to dominate the market. Valerie suggested that a future collaboration between Be and Green SM could emerge to challenge Grab’s market position.

Jeremy and Valerie also discussed Vietnam’s stock market status upgrade to "emerging market", Singapore’s stock exchange challenges, and regional tech startup consolidation.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-super-typhoon-disaster

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Audra Pakalnyte: Lithuania To Malaysia, Adapt & Localize (Groupon Malaysia, KFit & Fave) & First Move VC Partner - E478

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 21:00:20 +0000

Audra Pakalnyte, Partner at First Move, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Lithuania To Malaysia: Growing up as the youngest of three daughters, Audra's childhood was shaped by Lithuania's national post-Soviet transformation. Her parents' dinner table conversations about multiple entrepreneurial ventures taught her first lessons in business dynamics and the necessity for adaptability. These early experiences instilled a deep understanding of market dynamics and the entrepreneurial resilience required to navigate them. With serendipity and seeing the right opportunity, she moved to Malaysia and begun her startup journey with Khailee Ng and Joel Neoh at the first generation of local startups.

2. Adapt & Localize (Groupon Malaysia, KFit & Fave): Audra helped adapt and localize daily deals, exercise class subscriptions (KFit) and consumer payments to Southeast Asia. Says was acquired by Groupon and KFit pivoted to Fave which eventually bought back Groupon Malaysia. As an early employee and executive, she led teams to meet diverse market demands across the region's intended audiences. She shares her top learnings for founders looking to execute this strategy.

3. First Move VC Partner: In her transition to venture capitalism, Audra shared insights into establishing a VC fund that primarily targets early-stage consumer tech startups. With investments in over 16 early-stage companies, she underscored the critical role of understanding local consumer behaviors and market conditions. This knowledge guides her investment decisions and helps support her portfolio companies in scaling successfully across the diverse and fragmented Southeast Asian landscape.

Jeremy and Audra also discussed her digital detox sabbatical, emotional resilience required for entrepreneurship and thinking through the right technology stack.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/audra-pakalnyte

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Joseph Mocanu: PHD MedTech Founder, Global Healthcare VC & Emerging Manager Investor Myths - E477

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 21:00:08 +0000

Joseph Mocanu, Managing Partner at Verge HealthTech Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. PHD MedTech Founder: Joseph shared his educational journey from studying molecular genetics at the University of Toronto where he initially focused on aging and cancer research, to realizing the essential role of business skills in bringing scientific advancements to market. This prompted him to pursue an MBA, which catalyzed his early entrepreneurial ventures, including co-founding a medical device startup at the age of 22, specializing in real-time brain imaging.

2. Global Healthcare VC: Joseph explains the ethos behind Verge Fund - impactful health technologies that enhance accessibility and efficiency in underserved emerging markets. The fund's global approach is not just about investment but also about spotting great founders regardless of product-market fit.

3. Emerging Manager Investor Myths: He explains the importance of patient capital and strategic foresight in venture capital, especially crucial in the volatile healthcare sector. His experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 illustrate the challenges of fundraising amidst global economic uncertainties. Reflecting on his dealings with different healthcare systems, he notes the significance of tailoring investment strategies to local healthcare environments.

Jeremy and Joseph also discussed emerging fund manager dynamics, investment hurdles during economic downturns, and the challenges facing global investment strategies.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/joseph-mocanu

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Indonesia: Pope Visit, Shrinking Middle Class & Policy Reforms & Financial Literacy with Gita Sjahrir - E476

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 21:00:10 +0000

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investment at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Pope Visit: They reflect on Pope Francis’ recent visit to Indonesia, emphasizing its significance as a beacon of positive media influence. The visit was part of a broader Asia Pacific tour and marked the first extensive travel of the Pope to the region. Gita noted the massive turnout, with events drawing large crowds, celebrating Indonesia's commitment to diversity and religious tolerance.

2. Shrinking Middle Class: Gita and Jeremy examined the significant decline in Indonesia’s middle class, which has fallen from 57 million to 48 million people. Macro factors such as the pandemic, global inflation and supply chain disruptions exposed structural weaknesses within the Indonesian economy, making it difficult for many individuals to maintain their middle-class income.

3. Policy Reforms & Financial Literacy: They stressed the need for more inclusive economic policies to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They discussed the logistical and infrastructural challenges faced by businesses in Indonesia’s decentralized geography. While the population is digitally savvy, many Indonesians are caught in cycles of predatory loans due to a limited understanding of financial literacy. They contrasted the ease of obtaining consumer credit vs. the hurdles small businesses face in securing productive loans.

They also talked about redefining economic metrics to better reflect modern realities, the critical role of vocational education in economic empowerment, and the challenges of implementing equitable economic policies.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/indonesia-shrinking-middle-class

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Sherry Jiang: Founder Poker Strategy, Navigating Product-Market Fit Pivots & Big Tech Career Advice- E475

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 21:00:18 +0000

Sherry Jiang, CEO & Cofounder of Peek, and Jeremy Au explored three key topics:

1. Navigating Product-Market Fit Pivots: Crypto winter forced Sherry to pivot from her original idea—an algorithmic stablecoin protocol for Southeast Asian currencies. This shift led to the creation of Peek, an AI-powered platform for managing net worth. She highlighted the challenges of gaining traction, facing ambiguous customer demand, and maintaining deep customer engagement. Sherry emphasized how adaptability is essential when an original business model fails to fit the market. She candidly discussed the emotional and logistical hurdles of steering a company through such changes, underscoring the need for transparent communication with both internal teams and external stakeholders, especially investors.

2. Founder Poker Strategy: Drawing on her poker experience, Sherry likened the entrepreneurial journey to poker, focusing on the importance of making informed decisions in the face of uncertainty. She discussed the psychological resilience required in both poker and startups, stressing that founders, like poker players, must manage risks and accept losses—even when decisions are strategically sound. The conversation tied this mindset to the essential founder skill of evaluating risks with the best available information and confidently making decisions amidst ambiguity.

3. Big Tech Career Advice: Sherry offered advice to tech professionals, particularly those considering a shift from stable corporate roles, such as Google, to startups. She encouraged them to assess their career paths in relation to their personal values, risk tolerance, and the volatility of startup life. Sherry urged introspection, advising individuals to reflect on what they truly value—be it autonomy, innovation, or stability—and how those values align with the inherent risks of entrepreneurship. For those contemplating the leap, she suggested carefully considering if their motivations and desire for autonomy align with the unpredictable nature of startup life.

Jeremy and Sherry also discussed the tactical challenges of communicating business pivots to stakeholders, the emotional toll of leaving secure corporate environments, and the importance of staying authentic when explaining business shifts to investors.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sherry-jiang2

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Oscar Jesionek: Austria Digital Nomad to Vietnam Founder, Audio Learning Product-Market Fit & Trust Your Gut - E474

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 21:00:10 +0000

Oscar Jesionek, CEO & Cofounder of Fonos, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Austria Digital Nomad to Vietnam Founder: Oscar traces his entrepreneurial path, starting from his academic background in economics in Austria to his diverse professional experiences in headhunting, healthcare, and finance. His early career was a period of self-discovery, where he evaluated various sectors and geographies before narrowing his focus to roles that aligned with his values and desire for social impact. Oscar shares how these experiences, along with a growing dissatisfaction with conventional industries, led him to Vietnam, where he found a deeper sense of purpose through entrepreneurship.

2. Audio Learning Product-Market Fit: Fonos began with a simple goal to provide accessible non-fiction audio content, inspired by Oscar’s spouse’s learning preferences. Recognizing a gap in Vietnam’s market for educational non-fiction, Fonos initially focused on audiobooks, leveraging copyright advantages. As Vietnam’s digital payments evolved and consumer demand for educational content grew, Fonos expanded its offerings to include guided meditations, book summaries, and courses. This pivot transformed the platform from a niche audiobook provider into a comprehensive educational hub tailored to local needs.

3. Trust Your Gut: Oscar shares personal stories of navigating the uncertainties of entrepreneurship, from moving to Asia with limited financial resources to making strategic pivots in response to market demands. His journey underscores the importance of trusting your gut when making key decisions in unfamiliar environments, highlighting the balance between research and intuition in business growth.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/oscar-jesionek

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Singapore: Johor Special Economic Zone, US Anti-China Reverse CFIUS & Regional Trade Diversification with Shiyan Koh - E473

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 21:00:10 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Johor Special Economic Zone (SEZ): They explored the potential impact of the upcoming Johor-Singapore SEZ agreement, scheduled for signing in November. The SEZ, which is more than 4 times the size of Singapore, is seen as an opportunity to deepen economic ties between the two regions by leveraging Singapore’s capital, technology, and skilled workforce alongside Johor’s land and infrastructure. They noted regulatory challenges such as Johor’s year-long permit approval process, which contrasts with quicker timelines in other Malaysian states like Selangor. Both emphasized that political cooperation across Malaysia's federal government, Singapore and Johor's state government & king would be essential to the SEZ’s success, particularly in attracting multinational corporations (MNCs) and improving labor mobility across the border.

2. US Anti-China "Reverse CFIUS": The discussion covered the upcoming introduction of America's "reverse Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)" legislation, which restricts US citizens, entities and LPs from investing in Chinese funds or companies involved in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and microchips. These measures are expected to reduce China VC investments as US LPs steer clear of the compliance risks associated any funds that invest into China-linked companies. Reverse CFIUS reflects a broader change in global capital flows, signaling the end of the globalization era that had previously driven much of the world's economic integration. This shift could redirect capital towards Southeast Asia, offering opportunities for local investors but also presenting serious challenges.

3. Regional Trade Diversification: They examined Southeast Asia’s growing significance as part of the “China Plus One” strategy, where MNCs diversify operations beyond China due to rising trade tensions. The SEZ’s strategic location and proximity to Singapore’s financial and skilled labor markets could become a key hub for industries such as electronics and automotive manufacturing. They noted that improved infrastructure like direct international flights would enhance the region’s connectivity and attractiveness for global businesses. They also underscored that seamless collaboration and regulatory improvements to streamline bureaucratic processes are critical to fully capitalizing on these emerging opportunities.

Jeremy and Shiyan discussed several emerging topics including diabetic horses healthcare, Singapore's longevity, crypto and VC conferences and the challenges of maintaining balanced diplomatic and economic strategies amidst global policy shifts.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/johor-singapore-sez

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Rob Snyder: McKinsey to Harvard MBA Founder, Cracking Product-Market Fit & Accelerate Or Die - E472

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 23:42:18 +0000

Rob Snyder, Founder of Reframe, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. McKinsey to Harvard MBA Founder: Rob detailed his initial career moves from political philosophy to starting at McKinsey, where he developed critical analytical skills and professional discipline. His time at Harvard Business School was shaped by the “Founder's Journey” course, which provided a realistic portrayal of the challenges in entrepreneurship through case studies and alumni insights, preparing him for the unpredictable startup environment.

2. Cracking Product-Market Fit: Rob's strenuous two year journey to identify product-market fit was marked by numerous strategy pivots. Direct customer feedback led to a streamlined product offering and catalyzed a growth spurt, increasing revenue from zero to $4 million ARR. He shared on how and why psychological barriers like confirmation bias were harder to overcome than the actual pivots.

3. Accelerate Or Die: Rob reflected on his parents’ traditional career paths and his aspiration to do more with his life and opportunities. The intense pace and high stakes of startup culture are both the norm and the reward for high-performers.

Rob and Jeremy also explored the psychological resilience required for startup success, the influence of family history on risk-taking, and the significant learning moments derived from near-failure experiences.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/rob-snyder

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Serena Lam: Vietnam Refugee Inspiration, IBM to SaaS Founder & Sales Automation Consequences - E471

Tue, 10 Sep 2024 21:00:11 +0000

Serena Lam, CEO & Founder of Fuzzy Sequence, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. IBM to SaaS Founder: Serena described her seven-year tenure at IBM, where she tackled diverse strategic roles across the U.S., China, and India. This experience provided her with a robust foundation in technology and business strategy, crucial for her later ventures. She emphasized the comfort and security of a well-structured corporate environment, noting how it fostered her ability to save and enjoy a reliable income, which contrasted with the uncertainties of startup life.

2. Sales Automation Consequences: She elaborated on the creation of Fuzzy Sequence, a sales AI platform that integrates multiple tools to optimize sales processes. She highlighted how her own frustrations with booking meetings and enhancing sales productivity led her to develop a solution that now facilitates these tasks for other sales professionals. The platform automates and personalizes client interactions, which optimizes sales strategies and enhances meeting bookings. She discussed the complexities of scaling startups from small teams to larger operations, and elaborated on the need for adaptive leadership as startups grow

3. Vietnam Refugee Inspiration: Reflecting on her family's history, Serena recounted her grandparents' and parents' escapes from China and Vietnam. These experiences of survival and new beginnings in the face of adversity instilled in her the values of courage and resilience. These personal stories are also a continuous source of inspiration, driving her perseverance in the face of business challenges.

Jeremy and Serena also explored the implications of AI in sales, the necessity of authenticity in customer relations, and the integration of technology in traditional business environments.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/serena-lam

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China: Black Myth Wukong $1B AAA Game, $86B Tencent Publisher (League of Legends, SEA Group & VNG) & Real Estate Bubble Burst with Jianggan Li - E470

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 21:00:07 +0000

Jianggan Li, Founder & CEO of Momentum Works, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Black Myth Wukong $1B AAA Game: Jianggan and Jeremy examined the reinterpretation of 'Journey to the West' in the gaming blockbuster 'Black Myth: Wukong'. The developers overcame huge skepticism, incorporated complex cultural narratives into gameplay and overcame technical challenges to balance traditional storytelling with modern gaming technology. They also discussed the parallels with Indian and Southeast Asia mythology.

2. $86B Tencent Publisher (League of Legends, SEA Group & VNG): Tencent owns League of Legends (Riot Games), PUBG Mobile, Arena of Valor, as well as WeChat. They also inspired and invested in the game, chat, ecommerce & payments structure of Sea Group (Shopee, Garena Free Fire) and Vietnam’s VNG (Zalo, Zalopay).

3. Real Estate Bubble Burst: They analyzed the causes of property price inflation and subsequent market corrections with Evergrande & Country Garden debt. The confidence crisis has had ripple effects into the consumer and adjacent markets, spurring outflows of talent, capital and companies.

They also discussed the importance of cultural understanding in global business strategies, how multinational companies leverage local consumer insights, and the complexities of managing large-scale economic shifts in the Southeast Asia tech scene.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/wukong-aaa-game

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Jesse Choi: Bain Capital & Stanford MBA, Moving To Indonesia For Love & Founding Reku Investment Platform - E469

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 21:00:07 +0000

Jesse Choi, Cofounder of Reku, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Bain Capital & Stanford MBA: Jesse shared his journey from an operations research and economics student at Columbia University to an early career at Bain management consulting and Bain Capital private equity. His Stanford MBA experience also expanded his professional network, deepened his analytical skills and broadened his career horizons.

2. Moving To Indonesia For Love: Jesse articulated his decision-making process behind relocating to Indonesia for the love of his life. His methodical approach to life's risks and opportunities focused on his assessment of Southeast Asia's potential, his professional strengths and long-term personal goals.

3. Founding Reku Investment Platform: Jesse recognizing the growth potential within Indonesia and founded Reku, an investment platform initially centered on cryptocurrency. He strategically broadened Reku's offerings to include US public equities to enhance accessibility, diversify investment options and tap new opportunities for Indonesian investors.

They also touched on the leadership and entrepreneurship courses at Stanford's MBA program, personal philosophy on life, and how he assessed risk in shifting geographies, industries and roles.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jesse-choi

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Raditya Wibowo: Gojek Chief Transportation Officer, Founder MAKA Motors & How Hard Can It Be? - E468

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 21:00:24 +0000

Raditya (Dito) Wibowo, CEO & Founder of MAKA Motors, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Gojek Chief Transportation Officer: Raditya describes his seven-year tenure rise from managing a nascent on-demand transportation service from the modest two-story home HQ with only 2 toilets to becoming Chief Transport Officer. Developing Gojek's first dynamic pricing algorithm was key to beating competition from traditional and emerging tech players. His strategic thinking was pivotal in navigating these emerging problems, including how to navigate the demand vs. supply aspects of Ramadan.

2. Founder MAKA Motors: Dito shared how he founded an electric motorcycle startup nd the transition challenges from software to hardware. He detailed the design principles tailored to meet Indonesian market demands and consumer behaviors. Strategic decisions include customer personas, in-house R&D vs. outsourcing and managing component assembly logistics. His industrial engineering background has also influenced his approach to solving complex problems at the company.

3. How Hard Can It Be?: The phrase "How hard can it be?" encapsulates his entrepreneurial spirit, strategic planning and resilience. He shares how his early consulting experiences at McKinsey shaped his later thinking, as well as how he has had to think on his feet to overcome multiple startup challenges.

Jeremy and Dito also explored the importance of adapting business models to changing market conditions, continuous learning for consumer needs, and the personal commitment to become comfortable with uncertainty.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/raditya-wibowo

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Vietnam: New President Tô Lâm, Immediate China State Visit & USA Rejection "Non-Market Economy"- E467

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 21:00:14 +0000

Valerie Vu, Founding Partner of Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. New President Tô Lâm: The death and state-mandated mourning period for Vietnam's former Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong culminated in the swift elevation of Tô Lâm from the Ministry of Public Defense to President. This transition exhibited the controlled and planned nature of political leadership where political changes are orchestrated to ensure continuity and stability within the government.

2. Immediate China State Visit: Tô Lâm's chose his first official international visit to be China, where he and his delegation signed 16 key agreements spanning commerce and logistics. Vietnam's strategic "bamboo" diplomatic posture aims to strengthen ties with China amidst regional geopolitical tensions. The agreements also reflect a deepening of ties in areas critical to Vietnam’s economic and infrastructural development.

3. USA Rejection "Non-Market Economy": The U.S. Commerce Department disappointed Hanoi by continuing to classify Vietnam as a non-market economy country subject to punitive anti-dumping duties. Only 12 other economies are labeled as non-market by Washington, including China, Russia, North Korea and Azerbaijan. This status hampers Vietnam’s ability to absorb foreign direct investment and engage fully in international trade, especially with its largest trading partner, the U.S.

They also discussed local cultural influences on business practices, regional infrastructure developments and the relocation of manufacturing from China and other countries to Vietnam.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-new-president2

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Avik Ashar: Zilingo Ethical Dilemmas, India vs. Southeast Asia Startups & Market & Consumer Diversity - E466

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 21:00:14 +0000

Avik Ashar, Principal at Artha Venture Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Zilingo Ethical Dilemmas: Avik reflected on his experiences at Zilingo where rapid expansion led to questionable practices such as buying and selling Apple watches on their fashion lifestyle platform just to meet monthly sales targets, in order to achieve founder and board expectations of non-stop growth. He warned that crossing ethical lines for short-term gains, like funding or fame, is difficult to reverse over the medium term. Adhering to ethical standards is key to decisions that might push the boundaries of integrity, with the option of walking away from the job.

2. India vs. Southeast Asia Startups: Avik explained the similarities and differences between Southeast Asia and India, particularly the diverse and non-homogeneous nature of the two. In Southeast Asia, the cultural diversity within countries like Thailand and Indonesia requires tailored management strategies for each locale, much like in India where the cultural landscape changes dramatically over short distances. A deep understanding of local nuances is crucial for effective business operations. With examples from his management experience, he noted the distinct approaches needed in cities like Bangkok versus rural Thailand, and the cultural shifts encountered when traveling from metropolitan centers like Mumbai to smaller towns within India.

3. Market & Consumer Diversity: Avik explored the complexities of the Indian market, the stark economic disparities and varied consumer behaviors. He described the high spending power of urban elites compared to the rising middle class’s evolving consumer expectations. He also discussed the integration of technology in traditional sectors like textile manufacturing, and the transformative impact of digitization on industries traditionally lacking in infrastructure and capital expenditure.

They also covered the critical importance of stringent due diligence in financial dealings, especially in emerging markets like India, the nuances of ethical leadership within rapidly scaling startups and socio-economic stratification with distinct spending behaviors in India.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/avik-ashar

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Huiting Koh: Solo General Partner (GP) Experience, Gen Z vs. Generation Alpha & Blueprint's Distinctive Strategy - E465

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 21:00:14 +0000

Huiting Koh, Founding Managing Partner of Blueprint Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. Solo General Partner (GP) Experience: Huiting discussed her journey as a solo GP, emphasizing the complexities of establishing Blueprint, her venture fund. She shared insights into the initial setup, overcoming challenges, and the decision-making processes involved. She also highlighted the critical learning curve she navigated, making strategic choices without complete information and trusting her instincts.

2. Gen Z vs. Generation Alpha: They analyzed evolving consumer behaviors and expectations, especially how these demographics are shaping consumer technology. They also underlined how the youngest cohorts are accustomed to artificial intelligence and digital interfaces from an early age. This also differs by country within Southeast Asia, for example, the unexpected discovery that the majority of users for an English learning platform in Vietnam were women (rather than men) across all job levels, with distinct referral patterns,

3. Blueprint's Distinctive Strategy: Huiting articulated what sets Blueprint apart: consumer-focused investment mandate, targeted Asa verticals, and robust consumer behavioral analysis. She elaborated on the fund’s approach to creating value by placing human-centric insights at the forefront of investment decisions while aiming for substantial social impact alongside financial returns. Huiting illustrated how to find sticky and impactful solutions across multiple markets.

Jeremy and Huiting also talked about the influence of digital technologies on cognitive and social skills among children, the evolving definition of digital natives, and the importance of understanding gender-specific consumer behaviors.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/huiting-koh-2

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Disney+ Arbitration PR Crisis, Good vs. Bad Startup Sci-Fi Ideas & Defence Tech Rise with Shiyan Koh - E464

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 21:00:19 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main points:

1. Disney+ Arbitration PR Crisis: A woman died from an allergic reaction after eating at a Disney-affiliated restaurant. The husband sued Disney for "wrongful death" and $50,000+ of damages. Disney in May 2024 alleged that the husband accepted a forced arbitration agreement when signing up for Disney Plus in 2019. This caused a firestorm of public criticism about the company's accountability. The hosts discuss the broader implications of such legal strategies on public trust and branding, and Disney's withdrawal of this legal case serves as a cautionary tale about balancing tactical legal defenses with keeping a broader strategic eye.

2. Good vs. Bad Startup Sci-Fi Ideas: Shiyan stressed the importance of personal dedication to a business idea, given the substantial time commitment involved. They also explored how sci-fi plays a role with simultaneous innovation, the concept of "founder-problem fit" and the critical need to align personal interests with the entrepreneurial venture. They also discussed the suitability of ideas for venture capital investment, distinguishing between good business ideas and those that are venture-backable.

3. Defence Tech Rise: Jeremy discussed the role of startups like Anduril and Palantir in transforming defense technologies. YC-backed startup Ares Industries is producing cruise missiles that are 10X cheaper and more effective than existing models. Private sector innovation is increasingly crucial to government budgets looking to buy large volumes more cost-effectively.

Jeremy and Shiyan also touched on topics like longevity and sleep quality, biohacking amongst tech enthusiasts, and the importance of market validation.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/good-vs-bad-startup-ideas

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Jingjing Zhong: UC Berkeley to Investment Banking, General Manager Firefighting & Superbench Services AI Founder - E463

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 21:00:07 +0000

Jingjing Zhong, CEO & Cofounder of Superbench, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. UC Berkeley to Investment Banking: Jingjing reflected on her time at UC Berkeley where the competitive environment introduced her to the high-stakes world of investment banking. She shared her initial motivation for joining Houlihan Lokey, which was to make money (influenced by societal expectations from her upbringing in China). Her experience in the financial sector led to a significant reevaluation of her definition of success and steered her away from banking despite its financial allure.

2. General Manager Firefighting: Jingjing’s entrance to high-growth startup Helpling and eventual promotion to General Manager brought immediate challenges of operational management without initial support (a sharp contrast with the structured world of finance). She navigated intense periods of firefighting and strategic planning and learned to balance immediate problem-solving with long-term strategic thinking. Her experiences emphasized the importance of adapting to market and consumer trends and the transformative impact of effective coaching on her leadership skills.

3. Superbench Services AI Founder: Jingjing leveraged her experiences to cofound Superbench, an AI-driven platform aimed at optimizing operations for home service businesses. She detailed the transition from manual operations to AI-enhanced processes, which significantly improved sales conversions and operational efficiency. She discusses the nuanced applications of AI, where it complements human effort rather than replacing it, along with the practical benefits and challenges of integrating advanced technologies in traditional SME clients.

Jeremy and Jingjing also talked about Jingjing’s cultural adjustments when she moved from USA to Singapore, the critical role of mentorship, and the role of data in strategic decision-making within service businesses.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jingjing-zhong

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Htay Aung: Anywheel Founder Struggles, Winning The Bike-sharing War & Rejecting VC & Acquisition Offers - E462

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 21:00:08 +0000

Htay Aung, CEO & Founder of Anywheel, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Early Inspiration and Challenges: Htay detailed his journey from an immigrant student facing cultural and language barriers in Singapore to becoming the founder of Anywheel. His initial inspiration came from dealing with traffic in Sydney and Singapore, which led to the idea of a bike-sharing service during his studies at the University of Sydney in 2017. He recounted the early challenges of integrating into a new culture and educational system, which shaped his entrepreneurial mindset.

2. Operational Learning Curve: Htay described the initial operational challenges of starting Anywheel including assembling the first bicycle at his home to navigating supply chain challenges like sourcing the initial 500 bicycles from manufacturers reluctant to deal with a small startup. He shared insights into early mistakes, such as ordering unassembled bikes, which led to significant logistical challenges. He also detailed how the company integrated IoT technology to enhance operational efficiency and meet regulatory compliance, particularly in response to Singapore’s licensing regulations implemented by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in 2018.

3. Strategic Market Expansion: Htay emphasized strategic and financial decisions made during difficult period and his choice to reject venture capital funding to retain control over the company's strategic direction. He also discussed market expansion strategies and regulatory navigation and how the company adapted to changes and acquired competitors following the LTA’s new rules in 2018. He also detailed that the acquisition of SG Bike was not only a business expansion but also a move to consolidate the market and enhance the overall industry reputation by assuming responsibility for its customer commitments. He discussed maintaining ethical business practices, particularly his decision not to charge user deposits—a decision made to foster trust and differentiate Anywheel from competitors like Mobike and Ofo.

Jeremy and Htay also talked about the challenges in navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of trust, transparency, and hard work within the workplace, and his strategic plans for scaling operations while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and community impact.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/htay-aung

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Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.

Indonesia 39% Debt to GDP Ratio vs. Singapore, Free School Lunch Program & Capital City Move from Jakarta to Nusantara with Gita Sjahrir - E461

Sun, 18 Aug 2024 21:00:19 +0000

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investment at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Indonesia 39% Debt to GDP Ratio vs. Singapore: Jeremy and Gita delved into the policy debate behind Prabowo's decision to increase Indonesia's debt-to-GDP ratio from 39% to 50%, and invest towards achieving an aggressive growth rate of 8% through a nickel-led industrial strategy coupled with expansive public spending. They tackled the broader implications of borrowing for a developing nation and the importance of maintaining fiscal credibility. Gita critiqued common misconceptions about national vs. personal debt and highlighted the international double standards in debt perception. They also compared Indonesia's fiscal strategy against USA, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines.

2. Free School Lunch Program: They discussed Prabowo's popular school lunch program initiative that seeks to address childhood malnutrition, reduce growth stunting and improve educational outcomes for Indonesian children. Despite its potential, the program's implementation and funding mechanisms have ignited political debate. The potential to significantly boost student health and learning capabilities are contrasted against the risks of inefficiency and potential corruption. They deliberated on whether the anticipated improvements in public health would justify the public spending, with lessons from America and Japan's programs.

3. Capital City Move from Jakarta to Nusantara: The planned relocation of Indonesia's capital from Jakarta to Nusantara faces logistical and political challenges, which are natural for the extensive infrastructural developments. The discussion underscored the strategic necessity of such a move, considering Jakarta’s environmental and congestion issues. However, the media's critiques of overly-optimistic timelines and potential underestimations of required investments should be compared with the 30-40 years that it took for Washington DC to become the new capital city of America.

Jeremy and Gita also covered the role of global trade flows, protectionist policies’ implications on economic growth, and the critical role of accountability in government spending.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/indonesia-free-school-lunches

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.

DJ Tan: Prince of Fermentation, Coffee Without Beans & Government Food Scientist - E460

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 21:00:08 +0000

BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast:

DJ Tan, CTO & Cofounder of Prefer, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics:

1. Government Food Scientist: DJ recounted his early fascination with science and his studies in chemistry at UCL, leading to a focus on food science at Singapore's ASTAR government lab. He shared how his academic and laboratory experiences shaped his decision to experiment at the frontier of what humans eat and drink and merge rigorous scientific methods with innovative culinary practices. He discussed the challenges that novel food products face, particularly in achieving cost parity and consumer acceptance regarding taste.

2. Prince of Fermentation: Transitioning from a chemistry enthusiast to a fermentation expert, DJ detailed his journey from organic synthesis to leveraging his expertise to transform flavor profiles in partnership with alcohol mixologists and chefs. Fermentation is a strategic solution that enhances and creates new flavors while potentially reducing production costs. He also shared how his title was accidentally coined, and how he feels about this personal brand today.

3. Coffee Without Beans: DJ discussed the inception of Prefer, a startup aimed at creating sustainable food solutions, beginning with bean-free coffee. He outlined the strategic positioning in the market, focusing on consumer benefits and business challenges. Prefer's goal is to revolutionize the coffee industry by offering an environmentally friendly alternative that maintains taste and convenience. The conversation also touched on scaling production, sustainable packaging, and the impact of their business model on the food industry’s adaptation to climate change.

Jeremy and DJ also talked about the technical challenges in food science, consumer trends towards innovative food products, and the impact of global environmental changes on agricultural practices.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/dj-tan

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/dj-tan-id

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/dj-tan-cn

Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/dj-tan-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.

Patrick Linden: Dealguru $34M Acquisition, Southeast Asia Roll-Up Strategy & Match.asia M&A Marketplace - E459

Tue, 13 Aug 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Patrick Linden, Cofounder & Managing Partner of Match.Asia, and Jeremy Au discussed three main points:

1. Dealguru $34M Acquisition: Patrick shared his journey beginning from a small village in Germany to moving to Singapore and building iHipo, a platform to connect European students with opportunities in Southeast Asia. This early experience ignited his entrepreneurial passion, and he recounted the inception of Dealguru, an e-commerce platform inspired by the Daily Deal model. He described a strategic marketing stunt involving Starbucks vouchers that catapulted the platform into the public eye, which quickly established it as a key player in Singapore’s e-commerce sector.

2. Match.asia M&A Marketplace: Patric's new platform aims to facilitate M&A activities by connecting sellers and buyers in the lower mid-market, focusing on transactions below $100 million. Patrick also outlined the challenges and strategies of M&A and the importance of creating a well-integrated market ecosystem to support transactions. Streamline M&A searches would make it more affordable and accessible vs. inefficient brokers, and was inspired by the challenges he faced.

3. Southeast Asia Roll-Up Strategy: Patrick detailed his experience with roll-up strategies where multiple smaller companies in similar sectors across different markets are merged to form a larger entity, which improves market presence and operational efficiency. He discussed how this strategy has been effective in sectors like online food delivery and e-commerce, particularly in a fragmented market like Southeast Asia. He also shares his personal experience doing this with Dealguru vs. Groupon.

Jeremy and Patrick also touched on Patrick's early experiences adapting to life in Singapore, the nuances of navigating different business cultures, and the importance of resilience in the face of entrepreneurial challenges.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/patrick-linden

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/patrick-linden-id

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.

Singapore: USA Civilian Nuclear Deal, Politicians vs. Technocrats & Allianz Insurance Acquiring NTUC Income with Shiyan Koh - E458

Sun, 11 Aug 2024 21:00:10 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main points:

1. Allianz Insurance Acquiring NTUC Income: Jeremy and Shiyan dissected the business logic and new facts that have emerged, especially regarding the current competition and performance challenges facing NTUC Income. They addressed the confusing public communications, emphasizing the need for transparent messaging to maintain stakeholder trust and societal confidence. They also reflected on the lessons for nonprofits and social enterprises regarding the importance of the constitution to safeguard social objectives.

2. USA Civilian Nuclear Deal: Singapore signed a thirty-years long “123” agreement to access US nuclear energy technologies and expertise that are under export controls. 95% of Singapore’s electricity is powered by fossil fuels, with low opportunities for solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable sources. Nuclear modular reactors would be one of the few ways to achieve Singapore’s ambitious 2050 net zero carbon emissions pledge. America signed similar deals with Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam - with implications for energy security, diplomatic alliances and optionality for national defense.

3. Politicians vs. Technocrats: They explored the contrasting leadership styles and political approach of Tim Walz, JD Vance, and Mitt Romney. With different experiences as teacher, veteran, venture capitalist, management consultant and community organizer, they exhibit the difference in skillsets between governance and winning votes. They compare this to Singapore’s policy and political landscape, and whether technocrats or retail politicians better serve their communities.

Jeremy and Shiyan also discussed the role of regulatory oversight in corporate transitions, the influence of legal structures on organizational missions, and the cultural implications of business practices across different regions.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-usa-nuclear-deal

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-usa-nuclear-deal-id

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Why I Joined Lucence: Personal Loss, Atomic Building & Being the Dumbest Person in the Room - E457

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 21:00:08 +0000

Jeremy Au listed the 3 reasons for joining Lucence, a startup leveraging next-generation sequencing AI for early cancer detection with a single blood test. He reflected on his teenage years grieving over a personal loss due to lymphoma. He contrasted the builder role with the job of a VC, with a different set of “atomic” work outcomes. He appreciates being "the dumbest person in the room” and learning from experts in genetics, medicine, and data science. This role fulfills his entrepreneurial energy with a strong sense of purpose: getting revenge on cancer, improving patient treatment outcomes and saving lives globally.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/why-i-joined-lucence

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jwhy-i-joined-lucence-id

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Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/why-i-joined-lucence-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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Jeremy Tan: Cambridge Engineer & Harvard MBA, Founding Tin Men Capital & Fatherhood Insights - E456

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 21:00:13 +0000

Jeremy Tan, Managing Partner and Cofounder of Tin Men Capital, and Jeremy Au talked about three main points:

1. Cambridge Engineer & Harvard MBA: Jeremy Tan shared his journey from a playful student to getting into a life-changing education at Cambridge. His early life goal of becoming a refinery chemical engineer shifted after a pivotal internship, which propelled him into finance with Morgan Stanley investment banking and later private equity. Getting an MBA at Harvard Business School opened up many doors for him, especially in building a global alumni network that later allowed him to secure essential early LP funding for his VC fund.

2. Founding Tin Men Capital: Jeremy shared what catalyzed his inspiration to finally make a leap of faith and launch a VC fund focused on B2B technology startups in Southeast Asia. Raising the first fund in a nascent VC market was challenging, and he shared his perspective on how to be successful as an emerging manager. He also shared the importance of understanding local industries and maintaining a tight, selective portfolio.

3. Fatherhood Insights: Jeremy reflected on how becoming a parent influenced how he now manages partnerships in business. He noted the importance of communication and empathy, and advocates for a balance between personal and professional aspirations. Just as it did in his own personal transformation journey and relationship with his children, directive approaches often fail when collaborating with founders.

They also discussed his initial challenges of settling in at Cambridge, the influence of childhood experiences on leadership styles, and his personal coping mechanisms for stress.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jeremy-tan

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jeremy-tan-id

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jeremy-tan-cn

Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jeremy-tan-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co

China: Indonesia & Trump Tariffs, Manufacturing Dominance & Involution 内卷 & Education Labor Mismatch with Jianggan Li- E455

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 21:00:11 +0000

Jianggan Li, Founder & CEO of Momentum Works, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Indonesia & Trump Tariffs: Indonesia's new tariffs target imports like China-manufactured footwear, clothing, and ceramics to protect 65M local micro, small and medium enterprises employing 109M people. These trade barriers have negatively impacted local customers, e.g a hotpot restaurant struggling to get custom-branded plates. Similar measures include Brazil's quota for steel products, South Africa's tariffs on solar panels, and Trump's proposal to increase US tariffs to 60% on Chinese goods.

2. China Manufacturing Dominance: Manufacturing efficiency is driven by specialization, scale and agglomeration, e.g. Zhejiang dominates specific industries such as fishing rods, while Zhongshan (Guzhen) is known as the "lighting capital of the world." Historical precedents are Germany and Japan's post-WWII industrialization surge that resulted in global trade wars, UK protectionism and USA enacting the Plaza Accords to protect their manufacturers.

3. Involution 内卷 & Education Labor Mismatch: Intense competition in China's manufacturing sector has resulted in low profit margins and thus low salaries for workers. Fierce competition among workers for limited gains leads to significant burnout, a phenomenon known as "involution" (内卷, nèijuǎn). Chinese workers heavily invest in gaokao (高考) education for their children as a ticket to a better life, but too many families doing so has led to an oversupply of university graduates vs. the actual labor market - further exacerbating stress and pressure. Overseas consumers benefit the most by enjoying low prices and high-quality goods, which contribute to low inflation in their own countries.

Jeremy and Jianggan highlighted Singapore and Malaysia's collaboration challenges on data centers, Germany's vocational education system, and the long-term benefits of Chinese businesses setting up operations abroad.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-trade-wars

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-trade-wars-id

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-trade-wars-cn

Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-trade-wars-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co

Algostorm: Algorithm Storm Social Manipulation, Trendjacking Botnets & Government Countermeasures - E454

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 21:00:10 +0000

Jeremy Au discussed the increasing intensity of "algostorms" - unpredictable social media “weather systems” driven by algorithms that prioritize engagement over truth. The Internet’s transition from human-centric, chronological forums to a volatile online environment where individuals are caught in fluctuating must-discuss trends manipulated by botnets, corporations, and professional influencers. He also drew parallels to the stock market, where algorithm-driven trading can cause flash crashes, leading to rapid market drops and recoveries. Some people trendjack to push their agendas, others unconsciously follow what seems to be majority opinion, and some seek refuge in genuine human interactions. He pointed out government actions to regulate content platforms and deploy Internet “circuit-breaker” blackouts, across Singapore, India, Myanmar, Indonesia, Iran and Bangladesh. Acknowledging the power of online influence is the first step to taking back control over one’s reactions and gaining intentionality in the digital sphere.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/algostorm-survival

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/algostorm-survival-id

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Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/algostorm-survival-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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Founder Frauds, Startup Accounting Tricks (GMV, Revenue, Gross Margin, Contribution Margin) & Revenue Bundling & Valuation Multiples with Adriel Yong - E453

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 22:47:31 +0000

Adriel Yong, Head of Investments at Ascend Network, and Jeremy Au discussed three major topics:

1. Startup Accounting Tricks (GMV, Revenue, Gross Margin, Contribution Margin): Local VCs have often confused Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) with actual platform revenue, and gross margins with actual unit profitability. Startups have also split reporting contribution margin into CM1, CM2, CM3 and CM4. This has caused investor misunderstandings, accusations of misleading financial reporting and startup boards to focus on the wrong metrics. Prevalance is high due to inexperienced finance teams, emerging VCs and poor market norms/ incentives.

2. Revenue Bundling & Valuation Multiples: Jeremy and Adriel addressed how one-stop-shop/ superapp startups may bundle multiple revenue streams under a single total "revenue" term: one-off sales, onboarding fees, GMV-based revenue, direct material sales, SaaS subscription, and lending revenues. VCs may mistakenly apply the same "tech valuation multiple" to all of these different revenue streams, leading to inflated valuations and later misunderstandings of the actual growth rate. For example, many VCs failed to understand net interest margins for lending startups, thus failing to account for non-performing loans.

3. Founder Frauds: Jeremy and Adriel discussed real-life anonymized examples of theft, misrepresented financials, inflated invoices, related party transactions without proper disclosure and fake school credentials. They noted that these practices are common in markets with less rigorous due diligence processes or less professional founder / executive business norms. VCs face challenges in detecting fraud, such as spot-checking large-scale operations or non-existent offices, underscoring the need for thorough due diligence to verify data accuracy.

Jeremy and Adriel also talked about the impact of bribery and kickbacks on market operations, effective methods for verifying company operations, and the importance of appointing neutral CFOs to oversee transparent financial practices.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/startup-tricks

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/startup-tricks-id

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Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/startup-tricks-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co

Kamala vs. Trump USA Election, NTUC Income Insurance Privatization by Allianz & Indonesia D2C & Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG) - E452

Sun, 28 Jul 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Kamala vs. Trump USA Election: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed Kamala Harris stepping into the presidential race, and speculated on her potential policy directions and how her leadership might influence relations with Asia. The excitement around her candidacy and the shift in political dynamics were key points, along with how both parties still view being tough on China as beneficial.

2. NTUC Income Insurance Privatization by Allianz: Jeremy and Shiyan explored the implications of selling a majority stake of NTUC Income, Singapore's insurance cooperative, to Allianz. Allianz CEO's “We're not in Asia to buy top line; we want to build a resoundingly profitable business” reflects how this acquisition will transfer wealth from policyholders towards current shareholders. They debated the public policy rationale behind the decision, in light of the complexities of balancing profitability with social benefits in the insurance sector.

3. Indonesia D2C & Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG): Jeremy and Shiyan talked about the income distribution and purchasing power disparities in Indonesia, and shared about a founder who pivoted from a B2B SaaS model to a direct-to-consumer retail business called Lucky Bundle, which focuses on serving the lower-income 80% of the population. They also discussed the productivity solutions grant (PSG) in Singapore, discussing how government subsidies can impact market competitiveness. The implementation approach of these subsidies may accidentally support sub-standard vendors, thus hindering the development of globally competitive businesses.

Jeremy and Shiyan also covered the challenges of building in different GDP per capita zones, differences between public and private healthcare costs, and the role of cooperatives in balancing market dynamics.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-insurance-cooperative-privatization

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-insurance-cooperative-privatization-id

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Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-insurance-cooperative-privatization-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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BRAVE's Secret Learnings: Seeing The Future, High-Conviction Bets & Personal Narrative Mental Models - E451

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 21:00:14 +0000

Jeremy Au reflects on the most important insight that he learned from interviewing hundreds of tech leaders across the region. Every secret has a shelf life, as private information diffuses into the public markets and becomes known by everyone. Leaders who discern emerging patterns before they become common wisdom can take action and make high-conviction bets while others mock them. He also underscores the value of understanding other's personal narratives to uncover motivations and predict future actions in a rapidly-evolving web of relationships.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/brave-secrets

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/brave-secrets-id

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/brave-secrets-cn

Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/brave-secrets-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Parin Mehta: Google & Airbnb GM Career, Tech Executive to Founder Coach & Leadership Advice - E450

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 21:00:11 +0000

Parin Mehta, Venture Partner & Board Member at Menyala, and Jeremy Au talked about three main points:

1. Google & Airbnb GM Career: Parin's journey began with his parents' migration from Uganda to the UK. Moving to Japan to teach English was a transformative experience that spurred his desire to return to Asia one day. He shared how he made the jump in 2007 from management consulting to Google rapidly scaling across USA, Europe, Africa, and eventually Singapore. He then stepped up as Airbnb's Asia-Pacific General Manager to lead the division for growth and through the pandemic.

2. Tech Executive to Founder Coach: Initially, coaching was a necessity because he led teams with more qualified individuals (which made directing them less effective) and thus focused on asking questions and removing blockers. This naturally evolved into a coaching style, which he has refined over the years through practice, certification and intentional development into a more reflective approach. He shared the joy and power of asking the right question at the right time.

3. Leadership Advice: Executives and founders are often lonely, stuck with difficult decisions, and actually responsible for the company challenges they now face. People seeking coaching will eventually come to understand that it’s not about getting answers but discovering insights through thoughtful questions. He stressed the importance of creating a safe environment for reflection and deep thinking, which leads to more meaningful actions.

Jeremy and Parin also discussed the importance of chemistry between coach and coachee, the misconceptions about coaching vs. consulting or mentoring, and COVID-19’s impact on team dynamics.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/parin-mehta

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/parin-mehta-id

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/parin-mehta-cn

Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/parin-mehta-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co

Vietnam: Putin Bamboo Strategy, Data Sovereignty & 49% Foreign Ownership Limit & Investment Landscape with Valerie Vu - E449

Sun, 21 Jul 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Valerie Vu, Founding Partner of Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes:

1. Putin Bamboo Strategy: Vietnam’s “bamboo strategy” foreign policy involves maintaining strong roots while being flexible, which allows Vietnam to navigate relationships with global superpowers like the US, China, and Russia. Valerie highlighted that in less than a year, Vietnam hosted visits from Presidents Xi Jinping, Joe Biden, and Vladimir Putin. This balancing act is crucial for Vietnam given its historical ties with Russia for military supplies and Vietnam war support, and its growing economic connections with the US and China. Valerie also pointed out that while the US expressed disappointment over Putin’s visit, Vietnam’s neutral stance is essential for its strategic, political, and economic interests.

2. Data Sovereignty & 49% Foreign Ownership Limit: Vietnam's new data sovereignty laws require tech giants like Amazon and Google to store data locally, similar to China and USA. They also discussed the foreign ownership cap, which limits foreign entities to 49% ownership in sensitive sectors like banking to safeguard national interests. However, insufficient local data capacity has led Vietnam to now allow 100% foreign ownership in data centers to attract more data center operators.

3. Investment Landscape: Valerie shared insights into the sectors thriving in Vietnam despite global financial uncertainties. She mentioned that consumer goods, healthcare, and education are performing exceptionally well. She discussed the challenges faced by fintech startups in Vietnam, particularly due to the lack of an open regulatory sandbox and the dominance of well-established banks.

Jeremy and Valerie also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions on FDI in Vietnam, the importance of infrastructure development for sustained economic growth, and the shift in educational trends.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-bamboo-strategy

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co

Don't Ask Stupid Questions vs. High Performer Learning & Humility - E448

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 21:00:13 +0000

Jeremy Au reflects on the transformative power of asking questions by sharing his personal career experiences. He reveals how an early experience in the army working for a boss who discouraged questions shaped his initial approach to leadership and masculinity. He had to face a pivotal internship experience where not asking questions nearly derailed his career in order to learn the importance of transforming feedback into growth. Acknowledging what we don't know and being brave to confront social vulnerability is key to eventually reaching high performance.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/dont-ask-stupid-questions

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co

Karl Mak: Viral Memes Founder, Price of Fame & Hepmil Media Evolution - E447

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 21:00:11 +0000

Karl Mak, Cofounder & CEO of Hepmil Media Group, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Viral Memes Founder: Karl shared the story of how SGAG was born out of boredom during his university days at Singapore Management University (SMU) where he and his co-founder Adrian spent time creating side businesses. The breakthrough came in 2012 when Singapore's McDonald's ran out of curry sauce, a rare headline that inspired them to create a viral meme. This led to the creation of SGAG, a Facebook page where they posted memes that quickly gained popularity. They realized the potential of their reach when they saw that their memes were engaging millions of Singaporeans weekly. They initially monetized by selling t-shirts but soon found it unsustainable. They got inspired by BuzzFeed and Vice and shifted to integrating brands into their content, leading to their first big break with Scoot Airlines.

2. Hepmil Media Evolution: Despite challenges, such as a failed M&A with a large media company in 2018, they persisted and reimagined the business, leading to significant growth, with the company now employing 200 people across six offices in Southeast Asia. Karl described how they expanded both geographically (from Singapore to Malaysia and Indonesia, reaching 15 million young people) as and with new verticals like Hepmil Creators Network to support young content creators on platforms like TikTok. This led to a successful Series A funding and by 2021, they ventured into social commerce, leveraging their network for live streaming sales in Vietnam and the Philippines.

3. The Price of Fame: Karl reflected on why people want to be famous and the challenges that come with it. He categorized people into three groups: artists with a creative itch, those who become famous accidentally, and those seeking recognition for vanity reasons. He highlighted the downsides of fame, such as loss of privacy and the pressure to constantly post content, leading to burnout and identity crises. He also stressed the importance of mental and physical well-being, advising creators to take breaks and maintain a clear separation between their personal and online personas. He shared his own coping mechanisms during COVID-19, such as running and cycling, which helped him manage stress and maintain his mental health.

Jeremy and Karl also discussed the impact of accidental fame, the evolving nature of media consumption, and strategies for mental health and well-being for content creators.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/karl-mak

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/karl-mak-id

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/karl-mak-cn

Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/karl-mak-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co

Indonesia: 200% China Import Tariffs, Ransomware Attacks 282 Agencies & 27,000+ Government Apps Consolidation with Gita Sjahrir - E446

Sun, 14 Jul 2024 21:00:13 +0000

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investment at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed:

1. 200% China Import Tariffs: Jeremy and Gita explored Indonesia's recent imposition of up to 200% tariffs on Chinese imports like footwear, clothing, textiles, cosmetics, and ceramics. Indonesia's trade minister's remarks "I told my colleagues not to be afraid or hesitant. America can impose tariffs of up to 200 percent on ceramics and clothing; we can too" show that America is serving as a role model for further trade decoupling and is no longer a champion for free trade. They discussed the rationale of "protecting MSMES" - with varied impacts on different sizes and types of local businesses. Gita highlighted Indonesia's historical tendency towards protectionism and the broader implications of such policies on the country's business environment. Jeremy and Gita agreed that while tariffs might provide short-term relief, they do not address the underlying systemic problems around industrial policy or "ease of business" reforms.

2. Ransomware Attacks on 282 Agencies: Jeremy and Gita discussed the recent ransomware attack that compromised the data of millions of Indonesian citizens. Gita explained that hackers held government data hostage and later returned the key due to the government's unpreparedness. She mentioned that ministers and heads of security showed a lack of responsibility and accountability, which highlights the urgent need for improved cybersecurity measures. Gita and Jeremy also discussed the broader implications of such lapses on public trust and governance. They emphasized the importance of having knowledgeable leaders in charge of technology and security to prevent future breaches.

3. 27,000+ Government Apps Consolidation: Jeremy and Gita touched on the Indonesian government's initiative to consolidate over 27,000 government apps into a more efficient system. President Jokowi's directive aimed to reduce redundancy and improve cybersecurity. Gita mentioned that one ministry alone could have over 500 apps, and the government spent around $386 million in the past year creating new apps. They explained that the consolidation effort is intended to streamline operations and enhance security by reducing the surface area vulnerable to attacks. They also discussed the challenges of implementing such a consolidation and the resistance from those benefiting from the current inefficiencies. They emphasized the importance of political will and effective communication in driving these large-scale changes. They also added that the agency responsible for this initiative would be called GovTech Indonesia, similar to Singapore's successful model.

Jeremy and Gita also discussed the potential relocation of Chinese companies to Indonesia, Indonesia’s private sector’s resilience despite governmental challenges, the need for cybersecurity improvements following recent data breaches, and strategies for reducing bureaucratic red tape to foster a better business environment.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-import-tariffs

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Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-import-tariffs-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co

Lonelytech: Isolation Epidemic, Digital Companions & Manufacturing Pretend Empathy - E445

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 21:00:24 +0000

Jeremy Au examines the rise of 弱者営業 ("jaku-sha eigyō") "lonelytech" - the emerging AI companion industry. His observation of a man on a train openly interacting with an AI girlfriend highlights the rapidly increasing prevalence of digital companionship, e.g. Rosanna Ramos and Scott, who have formed intimate relationships with AI companions who offer consistent emotional support without the complexities of flawed humans. He discusses why societal shifts in family structures and community are driving the "loneliness epidemic" - and how startups are looking to serve, commercialize and medicalize this market gap. He warns about the potential societal consequences, including the displacement of messy real human connections. Jeremy advocates for building genuine communities, maintaining moderation in AI interactions and emphasizing the importance of intentionality in using technology to support, rather than replace, human relationships.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/digital-girlfriend-industry

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/digital-girlfriend-industry-id

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/digital-girlfriend-industry-cn

Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/digital-girlfriend-industry-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co

Roy Ang: Grab Executive to D2C Founder, Evo Commerce Consumer Secrets & Overcoming Pivot Challenges - E444

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 21:00:06 +0000

Roy Ang, CEO & Cofounder of Evo Commerce, and Jeremy Au talked about three main points:

1. Grab Executive to D2C Founder: Roy began his professional journey in banking but soon realized it wasn't his calling. After a year, he shifted to the tech media industry, landing a job at E27 through a bold cold call to Mohan Balani, E27’s founder. Roy thrived at E27, organizing tech conferences across Asia. This experience ignited his passion for tech and startups, leading him to Grab in 2016. He also helped build Grab’s financial services division which scaled from a team of five to a 2000-person operation and created payments and rewards programs for millions.

2. Evo Commerce Consumer Secrets: Roy's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Evo Commerce in 2020, just as COVID-19 began. He and his co-founder initially started a live-streaming software for celebrities and influencers. However, they found the market for live streaming limited and non-recurring, prompting a pivot to direct-to-consumer (D2C) products. He launched Evo Commerce with a hangover supplement called bback, capitalizing on his personal experience and market demand. He transitioned to personal care products like hairdryers and curlers, leveraging their digital marketing expertise to achieve rapid growth.

3. Overcoming Pivot Challenges: Roy openly discussed the personal and professional challenges of entrepreneurship. He explained that the initial pivot from live streaming to direct-to-consumer(DTC) met with skepticism from investors and his team. However, Roy’s strong conviction and adaptability were key to navigating this transition. He highlighted the loneliness and mental strain of being a founder, emphasizing the importance of support systems, including family and a network of fellow entrepreneurs. He stressed the significance of maintaining a work-life balance, time-blocking for family, and seeking positive energy from the community.

Jeremy and Roy also touched on the contrasting experiences of working in startup ecosystems vs. large tech companies, the personal challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, and maintaining a balanced family life.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/roy-ang

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观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/roy-ang-cn

Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/roy-ang-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co

Singapore Port Traffic Jam From USA Tariffs & Middle East Conflict, Climate Change Creating Arctic Shipping Route & Trump 10% Global & 60% China Tariffs with Shiyan Koh - E443

Sun, 07 Jul 2024 21:00:09 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main points:

1. Singapore Port Traffic Jam From USA Tariffs & Middle East Conflict: Shiyan and Jeremy examined the severe traffic congestion at Singapore's port, now at unprecedented levels. Yemen's Houthi rebel attacks on Red Sea commercial shipping (in support of the Gaza conflict) has diverted container ships from the Suez Canal to the Cape of Good Hope route, thus forcing ships to refuel and unload cargo in Singapore instead of Middle Eastern ports. The USA Biden administration's increased tariffs on China have prompted Chinese exporters to expedite shipments before the tariffs take full effect, further exacerbating the congestion. The broader manufacturing "China Plus One" decoupling strategy has also compounded the supply chain management issues.

2. Climate Change Creating Arctic Shipping Route: Global warming is melting the Arctic North Pole ice, thus empowering ships to soon bypass traditional shipping routes through the Straits of Malacca and thus Singapore. They discussed why Russia and China are interested in overcoming the substantial infrastructural and financial challenges to establish viable northern ports, and why this is a negative for Singapore’s shipping industry over the course of the next 100 years - similar to the fall of the Venetian empire due to shifting trade routes.

3. Trump 10% Global & 60% China Tariffs: Jeremy noted that if Trump wins the 2024 election, his proposed tariffs could dramatically alter global trade dynamics, with tariffs as high as 60% on Chinese imports. They discussed how this trade war scenario would force Chinese companies to accelerate relocating to Southeast Asia or other regions. Shiyan shared insights from her recent trip to China, emphasizing the country’s robust infrastructure capabilities and the strategic responses of Chinese companies.

Jeremy and Shiyan also talked about Singapore’s historical role as a deep-water port, technology’s role in shaping future economic landscapes, and the potential for increased domestic manufacturing in the US.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/global-supply-chain-disruptions

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog//global-supply-chain-disruptions-id

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Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog//global-supply-chain-disruptions-vn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co

Mohan Belani: Founding e27 & Echelon, Media Business Myths & Angel & Orvel VC Investing Journey - E442

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 21:00:21 +0000

Mohan Belani, Cofounder & CEO of e27, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Founding e27 & Echelon: Mohan discussed his early career decisions as a computer engineering undergraduate with the NUS Overseas Colleges (NOC) program, failed founder and startup executive. He shared how he juggled his studies and his founding role in e27, often receiving warning letters for his grades. He and his co-founder Thaddeus faced significant challenges, including resetting the brand, cleaning up the cap table, and attracting investors from Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, and Indonesia between 2012 and 2013. Despite these challenges, e27 has developed into a leading player in the region’s tech ecosystem.

2. Media Business Myths: Mohan highlighted the profitability potential of media and events businesses, despite common misconceptions. He emphasized avoiding vanity metrics and focusing on real ROI. During the COVID-19 pandemic, e27 pivoted from physical events to online channels, resulting in significant growth in media and webinar revenues from 2021 to 2023. This strategic shift resulted in the three best years in the company’s history. He also discussed the tough decisions, such as canceling events instead of postponing them and making hard choices around salaries and compensation. He underscored the importance of navigating partnerships with government agencies, which often have different operating metrics and objectives compared to for-profit companies.

3. Angel & Orvel VC Investing Journey: Mohan recounted the lessons learned from his 30 angel investments that begun in 2013. He shared how founding Orvel Ventures with Milan Reinartz and Jeremy Au required a new systematic approach to evaluating companies, including analyzing gross margins and exit opportunities. His experience as an LP in funds like Golden Gate Ventures and Rebel Fund provided insights into the importance of localized GPs and focused investment strategies. He also stressed the need for funds to support local ecosystems and avoid overly ambitious scaling plans.

Jeremy and Mohan also talked about effective onboarding practices, the evolution of the tech ecosystem in Southeast Asia and the use of OKRs to plan and assess personal and professional progress.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/mohan-belani

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/mohan-belani-id

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co

Thomas Jeng: BCG Consultant to Aspire GM, Navigating Regional Fragmentation & Continuous Learning Self-Awareness - E441

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 23:27:48 +0000

Thomas Jeng, Singapore General Manager of Aspire, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. BCG Consultant to Aspire GM: Thomas discussed his decision-making process at Georgetown University aiming to become a lawyer or diplomat, but switched to consulting at BCG where he worked on challenging projects like "delayering" cases. He recounted his transition to an executive advisor role at Gartner in Singapore, and eventually completing a Yale MBA. He also shared how founding a digital talent startup that eventually failed enriched his leadership skills. He helped scale 500 Startups' ecosystems business from $2 million to $16 million and then led the Singapore market as GM for Aspire, one of Asia's leading fintech startups.

2. Navigating Regional Fragmentation: Thomas talked about Southeast Asia's fragmented market, emphasizing its complexity and the need for tailored strategies. He contrasted the region's challenges with the more straightforward dynamics of the US market and identified fintech as a significant growth sector in the region, particularly in Singapore, due to favorable geopolitical conditions. He also highlighted underinvested areas like professional services, legal services, and logistics. For aspiring regional managers and GMs, he stressed the importance of people management, communication, and functional expertise. Successful GMs should understand broader organizational contexts, influence product roadmaps, and develop strategic visions aligned with company goals.

3. Continuous Learning Self-Awareness: Thomas reflected on his journey towards self-awareness and the importance of confidence and humility. He advised his younger self to balance confidence in his strengths with the recognition of areas needing improvement. He noted that the balance is crucial for personal and professional growth. He also emphasized that effective learning involves acknowledging knowledge gaps and actively seeking to fill them. He shared how his experiences, from consulting to startups, taught him the value of both strategic planning and execution.

Jeremy and Thomas also talked about the emotional toll of "delayering" consulting cases, challenges in digital transformation within traditional banking, and the impact of generative AI on professional and legal services.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thomas-jeng

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thomas-jeng-id

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co

Thailand: Thaksin Lese-Majeste & PM Lawsuits, 2029 Super-Aged Population & D2C Consumer & VC Opportunities with Wing Vasiksiri - E440

Sun, 30 Jun 2024 21:00:09 +0000

Wing Vasiksiri, General Partner of WV, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes:

1. Thaksin Lese-Majeste & PM Lawsuits: Recent legal events (Thailand's court delay in the verdict on dissolving the Kao Klai (Move Forward Party), Thaksin Shinawatra lawsuit and PM Srettha Thavisin cabinet hearing) contribute to political instability, affecting investor confidence and stock market performance. They also discussed the economic impact of Thailand’s highest interest rate in a decade at 2.5%, and the ongoing conflict between the Prime Minister and the Bank of Thailand over whether to lower rates to stimulate growth. The country's economic growth forecast stands at 2.6%, lagging behind neighbors like Indonesia and Vietnam.

2. 2029 Super-Aged Population: Thailand reached the "aged" demographic milestone in 2023 (20% of its population 60+ years old), and is projected to become a "super-aged" society by 2029. This shift presents challenges such as increased social welfare burdens and reduced productivity. However, it also creates opportunities in sectors like healthcare and elder care. They also noted the trend towards health-conscious consumer behavior, indicating potential for businesses to cater to this demographic shift.

3. D2C Consumer & VC Opportunities: They discussed the success of Thai and Singaporean D2C companies like "After You," a dessert chain that went public by localizing consumer food preferences. Wing highlighted a common issue where many companies seek venture capital (VC) without being suitable for it. He clarified that venture capital is a specific type of financing intended for highly volatile and high-growth potential businesses. He also emphasized that raising venture capital does not inherently validate a company's worth and pointed out that VC suitability depends on the business’s ability to capture significant enterprise value quickly, often driven by market dislocations such as technological advancements or regulatory changes.

Jeremy and Wing also compared consumer market trends in Thailand vs. Singapore, regulatory changes for marijuana and alcohol production, and public-private partnerships in supporting infrastructure projects.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/super-aged-thailand

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/super-aged-thailand-id

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Reach out to joe@heymax.ai to learn more about Heymax

Cognitohazards: Suicide Social Contagion, 1982 Tylenol Poisonings & Extremist Self-Radicalization - E439

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 21:00:08 +0000

Jeremy Au delved into the concept of “cognitohazards” — information that causes harm upon comprehension. Introduced by the sci-fi novel "There is No Antimemetics Division," this definition helps encapsulate a new danger in modern society. Examples include the "Werther effect" where suicide becomes contagious due to social replication and mass media, self-radicalization by online extremist content (a Singapore Chinese teenager became a believer of white supremacist idealogy and wanted to conduct a mass shooting), and the 1982 cyanide poisoning of Tylenol bottles where mass media coverage resulted in hundreds more of copycat attacks. Content is censored by governments or self-censored by journalists & social media platforms to prevent triggering harmful behaviors. Jeremy also touches on how listeners can become mindful of their information diet: healthy, junk and poisonous content.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/cognitohazards

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/cognitohazards-id

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Reach out to joe@heymax.ai to learn more about Heymax

Sam Gibb: New Zealand Law to Southeast Asia VC, Regional Fintech Upside & Aspiring VC Partner Advice - E438

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 21:00:07 +0000

Sam Gibb, Managing Partner of Resolution Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. New Zealand Law to Southeast Asia VC: Initially set on a legal career, Sam quickly realized it wasn't his calling after interning at a law firm. Sam transitioned to PwC, where he worked in the finance sector. In 2011, Sam relocated to Singapore to tap into the deeper capital markets and work with hedge funds and private equity firms, focusing on Asian equities. By 2014, Sam had founded Resolution Ventures, a seed-stage fintech fund dedicated to the Southeast Asian market. The fund has been successful in deploying its initial capital and Sam is now in the process of raising a second fund.

2. Regional Fintech Upside: Sam emphasized the complex nature of the region, with its diverse regulations, languages, and cultural nuances across different countries. Despite these challenges, he pointed out the significant opportunities in fintech, especially in areas like alternative credit scoring and small-value cross-border currency transfers. He noted that companies that succeed in Southeast Asia are those that can adapt their strategies to each local market's unique requirements. He also mentioned the critical role of fintech in enhancing financial inclusion, allowing underserved populations to access financial services that can improve their economic standing.

3. Aspiring VC Partner Advice: Sam provided practical advice for new fund managers, stressing the importance of patience and relationship-building. He acknowledged the frustration many investors feel due to the challenging return environment in Southeast Asia. Sam emphasized the need for transparency in valuation practices and the importance of secondary transactions to improve liquidity. He urged fund managers to embrace realistic valuations and co-create genuine value, and not be tempted to overhype investment returns.

Jeremy and Sam also discussed ultra-marathons and how they shape his approach to personal challenges, the implications of capital stack dynamics on fund returns, and the strategies for building a robust network.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sam-gibb

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$3B Money Laundering Singapore Family Offices, Apple AI Integration & VC Fraud Maze with Shiyan Koh - E437

Sun, 23 Jun 2024 21:00:17 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. $3B Money Laundering Family Offices: Jeremy and Shiyan highlighted recent fraud cases in Singapore involving Chinese nationals, focusing on a massive $3 billion scheme by a group of 10 individuals who set up five family offices. This prompted tighter regulations from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) across the entire industry. Shiyan pointed out the vague and advantageous nature of family offices, stressing the need for more stringent due diligence and transparency. Jeremy discussed identifying fraud signals, like lacking mutual LinkedIn connections and dubious educational claims. He emphasized the importance of thorough vetting and trusted referrals to mitigate risks in investment circles.

2. Apple AI Integration: Jeremy and Shiyan analyzed Apple’s AI announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024. They discussed Apple’s potential to drive AI adoption due to its vast consumer base and seamless integration. Shiyan highlighted Apple’s focus on privacy and on-device processing as significant differentiators from Google and Microsoft. They speculated on how AI could enhance Apple’s ecosystem, debating the strategic value of integrating apps like WhatsApp and Gmail. They compared Apple’s approach to Google’s, particularly in search and maps, noting Apple’s potential to create a more cohesive and secure user experience.

3. VC Fraud Maze: Jeremy and Shiyan dove into the challenges in finding reliable investment opportunities. They pointed out the varying levels of market maturity and transparency across the region, making it a tricky terrain for investors. Shiyan emphasized that building trust and meticulous due diligence are crucial, especially as many early-stage VCs and ecosystem players are still finding their footing. Jeremy shared his personal struggles with dealing in environments with nascent regulations and informal networks, stressing the need for vigilance and adaptability in such markets.

Jeremy and Shiyan also discussed several other topics, including the differences in children’s learning abilities, advancements in technology and privacy implications, cultural challenges in language learning, strategic partnerships in tech, and market trends in Southeast Asian startups.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/money-laundering-family-offices

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Darwinian VC Evolution: Strategy Changes Due to Low Southeast Asia Fund Performance 0.4X vs. USA, India & China - E436

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 21:00:17 +0000

Adriel Yong, Head of Investments at Ascend Network, and Jeremy Au assessed Southeast Asia's low VC fund performance (median 0.4X returns vs. USA (1X) and India (1.3x). They discussed VCs shifting towards more realistic and localized investment strategies, while also taking into account growing geopolitical USA vs. China tensions with their resulting trade and economic impacts on countries like Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. They explored a range of strategies: shift towards earlier-stage investments, private debt, exploring less saturated/ underpriced markets like Malaysia, increased focus on consumer categories, "rightsizing" towards smaller fund sizes, pushing for complex yet needed secondary transactions, instituting more disciplined investment practices and managing capital better.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/darwinian-vc-evolution

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Tommaso Demarie: Quantum Computing Startup, PHD Academia to Founder & Michelin Mistake Ownership - E435

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 21:00:11 +0000

Tommaso Demarie, CEO & Cofounder of Entropica Labs, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Quantum Computing Startup: Tommaso shared his insights on quantum computing and its potential applications. He talked about his company, Entropica Labs, which focuses on developing software for quantum error correction, a crucial element in quantum computing that mitigates errors caused by noise. He explained that quantum computers, unlike classical computers, leverage quantum mechanics to process information, enabling them to tackle complex problems that classical computers cannot solve efficiently. He also emphasized the transformative potential in fields like secure communications, chemistry, and optimization problems, providing examples such as the ability to crack cryptographic codes and simulate chemical properties of molecules more accurately.

2. PHD Academia to Founder: Tommaso first pursued a bachelor's and a master's in physics, followed by a PhD in quantum information theory. Despite an initial job in financial risk modeling, his passion for quantum computing led him to join the academic research community in Singapore. He shared how IBM's 2016 release of the first cloud-based quantum computer, making quantum computing more accessible, motivated Tommaso to transition from academia to entrepreneurship. He highlighted the challenges, including the importance of focusing on relevant problems and leveraging one's core competencies.

3. Michelin Mistake Ownership: Tommaso shared a personal story about working in a Michelin-starred restaurant, which taught him valuable lessons in ownership and accountability. In this high-pressure environment, he learned the importance of owning mistakes and seeking help to correct them. This experience paralleled his journey as a startup founder, where resilience, continuous learning, and adaptability are crucial. He also emphasized that taking ownership and being genuine in addressing mistakes are key traits for successful leadership and personal growth, especially in the startup ecosystem.

Jeremy and Tommaso also talked about revolutionizing climate modeling, the challenges in fundraising for deep science startups, and the evolution of quantum error correction techniques.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tommaso-demarie

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Vietnam: New President Tô Lâm, South China Sea Island Building (692 Acres) & Coal Energy & Flight Price Jumps with Valerie Vu - E434

Sun, 16 Jun 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Valerie Vu, Founding Partner of Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes:

1. New President Tô Lâm: Jeremy and Valerie discussed the recent stabilization efforts by the Vietnamese government amidst political and economic turbulence, with the election of the new president, Tô Lâm, who previously served as the Minister of Public Security. The filling of this and other vacant leadership positions signifies a commitment to anti-corruption measures. They also discussed the government lending an additional $1.2 billion to Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank (SCB) in the past two months, summing up to a total $24.5 billion bailout (equivalent to 6% of Vietnam's GDP, and primarily financed by increasing money supply).

2. South China Sea Island Building (692 Acres): Jeremy and Valerie discussed the country's dredging and landfill work in the South China Sea, creating almost as much new land as in the previous two years combined. They also covered significant initiatives like the high-speed railway from Hanoi to Kunming, China, and the implications of the controversial Funan canal project in Cambodia. She explained that these projects are part of Vietnam's broader strategy to enhance its regional influence and secure its economic future.

3. Coal Energy & Flight Price Jumps: State-owned EVN (Vietnam Electricity) has urged consumers and factories, including Foxconn, to reduce power consumption by 30% to avoid power cuts. Despite efforts to improve North-South hydropower linkage, Vietnam's infrastructure delays and the continued manufacturing-centric industrial plan have led to sharply increased reliance on imported and carbon-emitting coal. They also explained the reasons behind the 25% year-on-year increase in domestic flight prices, which has made direct flights within Vietnam more expensive than international layovers. They compared the budget carrier VietJet, known for its cost-effective international flights but frequent domestic delays, with the more reliable state-owned Vietnam Airlines.

Jeremy and Valerie also talked about the influence of political changes on investor confidence, the effects of rising fuel costs on domestic travel & logistics, and the tension between maintaining cultural heritage and embracing economic modernization.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-new-president

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Bittersweet Goodbyes Before Raffles Junior College Demolition - E433

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 21:00:11 +0000

Jeremy Au reflects on his nostalgic visit to his alma mater Raffles Junior College before its demolition. He remembers his initial excitement of joining a new school, bitterness over a personal loss, and the processing of his grief over the next 2 decades. He also reconnected with former teenage classmates who are now fellow middle-aged adults, all of whom were enjoying seeing the campus one last time. He discusses the fleeting nature of time and the value of treasuring each moment before they inevitably become memories.

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Agung Saputra: Indonesia Pollution Crisis, 48 Million Tons of Food Waste (170kg Per Capita) & Surplus Marketplace App - E432

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 21:00:15 +0000

Agung Saputra, CEO & Founder of Surplus Indonesia, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Indonesia Pollution Crisis: Agung flagged that Indonesia is one the top 3 polluters in the world: #2 plastic polluter, #2 food wastage and #1 most air polluted city (Jakarta). He highlighted the lack of regulations and public awareness as major barriers to effective waste management for the country's severe environmental challenges. Indonesia's reliance on “ticking time bomb” landfills (rather than incineration or recycling) poses significant safety hazards, e.g. a landfill explosion in Bandung led to fatalities. Deforestation for urban development has led to significant biodiversity loss, e.g. the new capital city of Nusantara in Borneo. He underscored the need for comprehensive governmental action and community involvement to improve environmental practices.

2. 48 Million Tons of Food Waste: Agung addressed the rapidly-rising problem of food waste, driven by its large population, increasing affluence and cultural attitudes (e.g. viewing an empty plate at the end of the meal as impolite). Harvard research shows that 20M people (8%) in Indonesia are unable to meet their nutritional needs every year, and stunting affects one-third of children under five years old. However, 48 million tons of food worth $39B USD (~5% of Indonesia's GDP) is lost annually, which is equivalent to 170kg of food waste per person. Not only would redirecting edible food to food banks support people experiencing hunger and chronic malnutrition, but it would also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced from food ending up in the landfill. He warns that food waste will continue to increase as Indonesia gets larger and richer unless effective interventions are implemented.

3. Surplus Marketplace App: Agung described how Surplus Indonesia operates as a marketplace for surplus food, connecting consumers with discounted food items that would otherwise go to waste. The platform works similarly to Foodpanda, allowing users to find and purchase surplus food from local businesses via an app. Surplus Indonesia has grown significantly, reporting a threefold increase in revenue in 2023, which indicates a rising demand for sustainable practices. He also discussed the company's approach to ensuring food safety and quality, including a two-strikes policy for vendors who fail to meet standards. He highlighted that the primary customers are younger Indonesians, who are more environmentally conscious and willing to support sustainable businesses. He explained that the demographic shift is reflected in the increasing number of sustainability startups in the country, from just a few in 2019 to nearly a hundred by 2024.

Jeremy and Agung also talked about managing different types of waste and recycling streams, growth in sustainability-driven sectors, and the increasing involvement of young Indonesians in environmental issues.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/agung-saputra

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Post-AI "Good Jobs", SGX & IDX Capital Market Challenges & USA VC vs. Southeast Asia Fund Performance with Shiyan Koh - E431

Sun, 09 Jun 2024 21:00:09 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. USA VC vs. Southeast Asia Fund Performance: Bain’s 2023 private equity report shows that Southeast Asia's VC returns have been lower over the past decade, with median LP distributions of 0.4X for Southeast Asia, China 0.6X, Europe 0.7X, USA 1X and India 1.3X. Shiyan attributed this due to the oversupply of capital - despite an order of magnitude increase in venture capital into Southeast Asia, this influx has not led to a proportional increase in scalable, successful companies, thus leading to inflated valuations and reduced returns.

2. SGX & IDX Capital Market Challenges: Jeremy and Shiyan examined the hurdles faced by Southeast Asian companies in accessing capital markets. Jeremy noted the low liquidity on local exchanges, with turnover rates at 32% in Singapore, 19% in Indonesia, and 73% in the Philippines, compared to the New York Stock Exchange's 103%. Shiyan emphasized that local regulatory constraints, such as the Singapore Stock Exchange’s requirement for profitability (to protect retail investors), deter many tech startups, prompting them to seek international listings, particularly in the US, where they can list at higher valuations despite ongoing losses. They also discussed the role of capital controls in limiting retail investors' access to offshore equities in China and India, driving demand for domestic listings.

3. Post-AI "Good Jobs": Jeremy and Shiyan examined the impact of AI on Southeast Asia's labor markets, focusing on how integrating AI with lower-cost labor could create a competitive advantage against purely AI-driven models in the US. Shiyan suggested that developing AI-native companies could drive innovation in service sectors like call centers and business process outsourcing (BPO). They also touched on the concept of the “iron rice bowl”—a metaphor for job security and stability in traditional sectors, such as government-related roles, which might be less affected by AI. They noted that while AI could make some roles obsolete, particularly those involving repetitive tasks, it might also open new opportunities by automating routine aspects of jobs, thus enhancing overall productivity.

Jeremy and Shiyan also talked about the importance of mid-sized companies for talent recycling, AI’s role in the creative fields, and how global economic trends impact founder fundraising in the region.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/post-ai-good-jobs

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Army Lessons: Might Makes Right, Camaraderie Humor & Sacrifice Crucible into Adulthood - E430

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Jeremy reflects on his teenage military experience in the Singapore army across two years: 1. might makes right 2. camaraderie humor and 3. sacrifice as a crucible into adulthood. He details the transition from the implicit social norms of school into the military, where he learned that laws which codify right and wrong are actually backed by the use of force. He shares the camaraderie built through shared hardships and the deep humor by fellow soldiers. Arduous challenges pushed him beyond his self-imposed physical and mental limits. He also grew to respect those willing to make the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives in service to the greater good, like veterans, firemen and good samaritans.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/army-lessons

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Fady Abdel-Nour: Antler Partner ($285M AUM) Outlook, Naspers & Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Learnings and India vs. China vs. Southeast Asia VC - E429

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Fady Abdel-Nour, General Partner at Antler, and Jeremy Au, talked about three main themes:

1. Naspers & Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan Learnings: Fady shared his career path, starting in investment banking during the peak financial markets of 2007. He then transitioned to Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, focusing on long-term and solution capital investments. There, he led Ontario Teachers’ first private deal in China with Ganji and worked on JD.com. Later, at Naspers, he specialized in FinTech, leading investments and M&A, particularly in payments and alternative lending in India, Brazil, and Indonesia, with notable investments including PaySense (acquired for close to $200 million), and a digital mortgage company in Brazil (valued at $4 billion during its last round). These experiences helped Fady develop a keen understanding of the importance of strategic geographical diversification in investment.

2. Antler Partner ($285M AUM) Outlook: Fady was impressed by founder Magnus Grimeland's rapid scaling of Antler and helped launch the Elevate growth fund that closed at $285M USD. Fady discussed the current favorable conditions for deploying capital, noting that while there are fewer opportunities compared to 2020 and 2021, the quality has significantly improved. He highlighted a reduction in less promising ventures, making the market more attractive for serious investors. He also was optimistic about the market's potential to improve and attract international investors, e.g. Japanese investors increasingly exploring Southeast Asia.

3. India vs. China vs. Southeast Asia VC: Fady discussed that China is becoming less investable to global LPs due to geopolitical tensions, while India continues to show rapid innovation and strong domestic and global business potential. He explained how he sees diverse markets in the region with significant growth potential, e.g. Indonesia and Singapore which are emerging as FinTech hubs with companies like PayPal and Stripe establishing a presence, thus creating a fertile ground for new ventures.

Jeremy and Fady also talked about his reflections on moving from larger organizations to a more entrepreneurial setting, China’s leading role in digital transactions, and the rise of digital adoption in different markets.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/fady-abdel-nour

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Singapore vs. USA Education Systems, WEIRD AI Teddy Bears & US Senate $32B AI Investment Bill with Shiyan Koh - E428

Sun, 02 Jun 2024 21:00:08 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Singapore vs. USA Education Systems: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed differences in structure, funding, and outcomes. In Singapore, the education system is centralized with high academic rigor, while in the USA, quality varies significantly due to local property tax funding, leading to disparities between affluent and less affluent areas. They highlighted how the Singapore system is envied by global peers for its academic outcomes but faces internal criticism for being a "pressure cooker.” Shiyan also emphasized the personal nature of educational choices and the high costs associated with private international schools, which can be prohibitive for startup founders.

2. WEIRD AI Teddy Bears: Jeremy and Shiyan debated AI integration into children's toys and education. Jeremy expressed concerns about AI potentially replacing difficult human conversations with always-pleasant AI interactions. They discussed the inherent biases in LLM models, which are trained on data from Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) societies. Embedding AI into education thus further propagates this worldview to the next generation, which may not reflect current, local or parental cultural values or norms.

3. US Senate $32B AI Investment Bill: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed the proposed legislation advocating for a $32 billion annual investment in AI. Jeremy added that the US is already a leader in AI investment, with private investments expected to reach $82 billion next year, more than double that of China. She questioned the need for further government investment in an area already heavily funded by the private sector and argued that government funds might be better spent on education, which offers broader societal benefits.

Jeremy and Shiyan also talked about parental competition for "good jobs”, the challenges in balancing academic rigor and student well-being, and the future implications of AI in the workforce.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/weird-ai-teddy-bears

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Success Habit: Creator Craftsmanship & Amplify Your Voice To Reach Millions - E427

Thu, 30 May 2024 21:00:09 +0000

Jeremy Au discusses the success habit of creating content, rather than consuming. He remembers the nervousness in launching the first podcast episode, his desire for deep, human-centric stories about tech leaders, and overcoming writer's block. He advises rising thought leaders to start with a topic they are passionate about, the importance of consistency and other practical advice. He also discusses personal growth, community engagement and mistakes he had made.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/creator-success-habit

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Huawei R&D Leadership, Public Sector Digital Transformation and Resilience with Hong-Eng Koh - E426

Tue, 28 May 2024 21:00:07 +0000

Jeremy Au collaborated with Huawei’s Global Chief Public Services Industry Scientist, Mr. Hong-Eng Koh, to discuss insights from the 2024 APAC Congress in Bangkok. They talked about three main themes:

1. Public Sector Digital Transformation: Mr. Hong-Eng Koh shared his journey from the Singapore Police Force to leading Huawei's global public sector team. He emphasized the significance of digital transformation in Singapore, starting with computerizing police reports in the 1990s to national projects like the Public Services Online and the Broadband Infrastructure for Government. He also highlighted that true digital transformation requires a coordinated, high-level approach across all government agencies. He stressed the need for a unified network, cloud, and platform to achieve efficiency and overcome bureaucratic inertia.

2. Huawei R&D Leadership: Mr. Hong-Eng Koh elaborated on Huawei’s extensive commitment to research and development, with over 55% of its 200,000 employees dedicated to R&D globally, including significant investments in Singapore and Europe. He explained how Huawei’s integrated technology stack enables rapid innovation and emphasized Huawei’s focus on continuous innovation and customer-centric solutions, which drive its competitive edge and resilience. He cited Huawei’s substantial investment in R&D, spending over 20% of its revenue, and its global patent leadership, holding the top spot in patent applications for six consecutive years.

3. Geopolitical Resilience: Mr. Hong-Eng Koh discussed Huawei’s adaptability in a decoupling world. He described how Huawei worked hard to maintain customer trust by ensuring reliable product delivery during crises such as COVID-19. Koh emphasized Huawei's culture of never giving up and working together as a pack, which fosters resilience and commitment to customer satisfaction. He also noted that the geopolitical challenges have pushed Huawei to be more transparent and open, ultimately benefiting the company.

Jeremy and Mr. Hong-Eng Koh also talked about the evolution of AI and its future impact, the importance of digital sovereignty, the open vs. closed-source software debate, and customer-centric approaches during crises.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/huawei-geopolitical-resilience

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China: Diaspora Waves, Bamboo Network Economic Interdependence & 996 MNC Culture with Jianggan Li - E425

Sun, 26 May 2024 21:00:10 +0000

Jianggan Li, Founder & CEO of Momentum Works, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. China Diaspora Waves: Jeremy and Jianggan discussed the long-standing historical connections between China and Southeast Asia, dating back to the era of Admiral Zheng He's voyages during the Ming Dynasty. They touched on the various dialect groups Cantonese, Hokkien, Hakka, Hainanese & Peranakan and event drivers across trade, piracy, civil war, invasions and re-opening.

2. Bamboo Network Economic Interdependence: Jianggan highlighted how Southeast Asian companies benefited from China's manufacturing boom in the 1980s. They also touched on China's tax reforms in the 1990s, which spurred local governments to develop real estate and industrial parks, ultimately boosting China's manufacturing leadership. They cited billionaire Robert Kuok's Kerry Group, intertwining the stories of Fuzhou, Malaysia, Singapore and Hongkong.

3. 996 MNC Culture: Jeremy and Jianggan covered the intense work schedule advocated by Jack Ma of Alibaba, which involves working from 9am to 9pm, six days a week. This is driven by the intense competition and high productivity expectations within Chinese companies. They also discussed the differences in labor regulations and productivity across various countries where Chinese companies have set up operations, such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Turkey, and Mexico, and highlighted the motivation of migrant workers compared to local hires.

Jeremy and Jianggan also talked about the below-the-radar influence on South American food culture, challenges for Chinese tech companies hiring in international markets and the resumption of Chinese emigration.

Jianggan Li is the Founder & CEO of Momentum Works, a Singapore-headquartered venture outfit.

Momentum Works is a Singapore headquartered venture outfit. Over the years, we have become a strong brand for insights, community and ventures in tech, ecommerce and digital economy across emerging markets. Our main business areas include insights/research, advisory, corporate education (Momentum Academy) and venture building.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-migration-waves

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Digital Immortals: Fear of Death, Human Longevity & Homo Digitalis Species - E424

Thu, 23 May 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Jeremy Au reflects on the finite nature of life, creating the human desire to survive, build a family, or leave behind a legacy of accomplishments. He explores longevity and discusses life extension champion Bryan Johnson and his "don't die" slogan. He references Mark Manson's book "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck," which argues that confronting (instead of ignoring) mortality drives people to better appreciate life. He thus delves into digital immortality, where advanced AI technologies and extensive personal data can create high-fidelity digital replicas. He cites the story of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, who sought immortality but died in 210 BCE from consuming mercury, believing it would extend his life. Jeremy speculates on a future where humans thus create a digital afterlife, using continually-improving AI models, granting access to formerly-private data and structuring in economic shell-company rights. The species "Homo digitalis" thus emerges, with photo-realistic digital avatars carrying on individual human personalities and interacting with real-world humans.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/digital-immortals

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Helen Wong: AC Ventures Managing Partner Leadership Journey, China VC Acceleration & Indonesia Growth Optimism - E423

Tue, 21 May 2024 21:00:10 +0000

Helen Wong, Managing Partner of AC Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. AC Ventures Managing Partner Leadership Journey: Helen shared her extensive journey from Oxford University to investment banking to GGV Capital to INSEAD MBA to Qiming Ventures to Managing Partner of AC Ventures. She highlighted her 20 years of investing experience across the booming Silicon Valley tech ecosystem to the early rapidly growing China tech scene of the early 2000s. The Asian Financial Crisis with Asia corporate over-leveraging debt and Alan Greenspan's interest rate hikes reshaped her understanding of risk and investment. She shared insights on investing in 4 unicorns, 3 M&A exits and 7 IPOs, e.g. Alibaba's growth from 1,000 to thousands of employees

2. China VC Acceleration: Helen discussed the early days of China's tech ecosystem, where returnees and local entrepreneurs started to build unicorns across the internet boom and the mobile internet era, despite the nascent talent pool and then-lack of exit opportunities. She noted the intense competition, global liquidity pools, rapid pace of deal-making, and the strategic focus shifts from consumer internet to deep tech and enterprise software due to government policies and market saturation.

3. Indonesia Growth Optimism: Helen highlighted the significant growth potential in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, which she identified as a critical market due to its large 275 million population, rising middle class, and economic resilience. She drew parallels between the region's current tech landscape and China's early days, noting the opportunities for substantial returns. She also discussed Indonesia's favorable economic fundamentals, with Goldman Sachs projecting the country’s GDP to rank fourth globally by 2050, and the public and private debt levels being relatively low at about 40% of GDP, which indicates a healthier balance sheet compared to more leveraged economies.

Jeremy and Helen also talked about the challenges of balancing career and family, strategic investments like Akulaku, reflections on missed investments, and her advice to her younger self.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/helen-wong

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Indonesia: Prabowo on Western "Double Standards", Jakarta City Master Plan & Microsoft $1.7B Investment with Gita Sjahrir - E422

Sun, 19 May 2024 21:00:09 +0000

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investment at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au, talked about three main themes:

1. Jakarta City Master Plan: Gita highlighted Jakarta's urgent urban planning needs to address rising sea levels, land subsidence, air pollution, traffic congestion, sanitation upgrades and education requirements. Miscommunications, fragmented stakeholders and the recurring blame game in political discourse have contributed to this impasse. They discussed the new Jakarta Agglomeration Area Council, led by Indonesia’s incoming Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka (Joko Widodo's son), which aims to coordinate two governors, four mayors and four regents to create a new master plan for 6,700-square-kilometers.

2. Prabowo on Western "Double Standards": Jeremy and Gita discussed Prabowo's strongly-worded The Economist op-ed which said that the West had "double standards" on Gaza and Eastern Europe and that valuing the lives of civilians in Palestine less than in Ukraine is morally indefensible. Prabowo has long advocated for cease-fires in both countries, signaling a more public foreign policy than the outgoing President Joko Widodo - while maintaining continuity on domestic and economic policy. Gita noted that Indonesia's population size and economic growth strengthen its voice in international affairs, vs. other ASEAN neighbors that have voted similarly for peace deals in both conflicts.

3. Microsoft $1.7B Investment: Jeremy and Gita discussed Microsoft's $1.7 billion investment to enhance Indonesia's digital infrastructure and workforce capabilities. This investment highlights Indonesia's potential to become a key player in the global tech market. They also addressed the challenges of brain drain and debated on dual citizenship as a solution to retain talent by allowing Indonesians to work abroad while maintaining ties to their home country, in contrast to Singapore's immigration policy. They emphasized the importance of upskilling and continuous education to keep the talent pool relevant and competitive,

Jeremy and Gita also talked about the similarities in urban planning in Jakarta vs. San Francisco, the debate on national security concerns related to dual citizenship, and the impact of political stabilization and economic continuity post-election.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/western-double-standards

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Robot Propaganda So You Will Love AI and AI Loves You Too - E421

Thu, 16 May 2024 21:00:10 +0000

Jeremy Au explores "roboganda," the new wave of propaganda promoting the benefits of robots and AI. Roboganda playbook: 1. Emphasize transformation of industries with increased productivity, downplay short-term negative job displacement, reskilling and search costs for individuals. 2. Humanize AI to satisfy individual social needs (loneliness, validation & empathy) substituting for societal archetypes (colleague, mentor, lover, child) across media (product demos, game NPCs and Hollywood - The Creator, Her) 3. Increasingly use AI cloaked as humans to spread pro-robot narratives at effectively zero marginal cost (e.g. election bot farms, Reddit bots), instead of human creators (writers, artists and musicians) - disproportionately in favor of capital holders and disrupters over labor and incumbents.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/robot-propaganda

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chia Jeng Yang: Reset Your Hunger, VC to Founder Transferable Skills & USA vs. SE Asia Startup Ecosystems - E420

Tue, 14 May 2024 21:00:07 +0000

Jeremy and Chia discussed his experience changing careers from Southeast Asia VC Principal to US AI founder. He outlined the non-transferable nature of many VC skills when becoming a founder. While VC offers a high-level understanding of market and investment dynamics, it lacks the hands-on operational skills needed to build a startup from zero. They also compared the competitive, fast-paced U.S. startup environment to Southeast Asia's, highlighting differences in market depth, competitive intensity, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Chia emphasized why you must "reset your hunger" for success, advising on the need to reassess personal and professional goals when switching roles or geographical bases. Such shifts require not only skill adaptation but also a profound change in personal drive and resilience.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/reset-your-hunger

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Singapore: New Prime Minister Transition, Immigration Assimilation & Schools and CTO & Engineering Pass with. Shiyan Koh- E419

Sun, 12 May 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. New Prime Minister Transition: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed the transition of Prime Minister leadership from Lee Hsien Loong to Lawrence Wong. They discussed the potential challenges that the new Prime Minister would face such as addressing wealth inequality and evaluating the efficacy of current social programs. They also speculated on potential policy shifts that might occur under the new leadership including those related to property taxes, GDP growth focus, and social welfare enhancements. They empathized with local negative/ positive sentiments regarding the future and the dropping Total Fertility Rate (0.97 in 2024) which eventually leads to a shrinking population.

2. Immigration Assimilation & Schools: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed Singapore's distinctive "barbell" immigration strategy, which primarily attracts either high-skill individuals through initiatives like the Tech Pass and Global Investor Program or blue-collar workers, leaving a notable gap at the mid-skill level where many startups find their needs. They highlighted that startups often employ young, promising talents compensated more heavily with stock options, which are not adequately recognized in Employment Pass criteria, and lack eligibility for EDB support typically reserved for MNCs. This situation compels local founders to opt for remote hiring and training, nurturing the next wave of startup leadership in the region instead of inside Singapore. They suggested that the government should broaden and increase the ASEAN scholars program.

3. CTO & Engineering Pass: They proposed the introduction of a "CTO/ Head of Engineering Pass" to attract highly skilled technical rising stars (rather than Tech.pass which is for senior, mature executives). These individuals are more plugged into the next generation of tech needs (e.g. AI, biotech), hungrier to lean in and build, and leverage "robots" that can upgrade the productivity of their startups, clients and the broader SME sector - thus increasing the Total Factor Productivity of Singapore’s economy, boosting GDP and thus tax revenues for social welfare programs. In contrast, Malaysia has launched a new open-door tech talent policy to attract and poach startup founders and highly productive immigrants who cannot get to work in Singapore.

Jeremy and Shiyan also shared how they hadn't foreseen that USA legislation could be structured into a "collective deadline/ ticking time bomb" phasing - law to be established in principle and win political points - but 1. implemented far out enough to mitigate political repercussions for the US elections 2. give a longer preparation/ migration period for affected advertisers and consumers, 3. structure in discretionary extension periods for more negotiating power 4. given enough space for legal battles over whether it can actually be implemented. They compared this approach to Singapore's swift and China’s retroactive law enforcement for passed legislation.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-new-prime-minister

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

3-Body Problem: Social Darwinism, Technology Blockades & Community Over Individuals by Liu Cixin - E418

Thu, 09 May 2024 21:00:14 +0000

Jeremy Au as a science-fiction and history nerd reviewed the 3 complex themes of Liu Cixin's "Three-Body Problem" series. Spoilers ahead:

1. Social Darwinism: "Dog eat dog" foundational psychological core of human society due to the survival instincts of individual humans, in stark contrast to Western fiction like social utopian “Star Wars,” moral clarity of "Star Trek," inspirational "Lord of the Rings," and political sacrifices of "Game of Thrones". In a dark real-life parallel, the show's TV producer and billionaire Lin Qi was poisoned to death by his business partner due to jealousy and anger.

2. Technology Competition & Blockades: The best way for societies to compete is through technology advancement, e.g. Guns over swords, nuclear missiles over artillery bombs. The Qing dynasty’s (1644-1912) self-imposed isolation and technology stagnation led to the "Century of Humiliation" where China repeatedly lost to more advanced foreign powers like the United Kingdom with the Opium Wars, France, Russia, Germany and Japan. China readers currently perceive a similar dynamic in the "USA-China chip war" due to US government bans on advanced semiconductors, tech export controls and competitive R&D industrial policy.

3. Community Over Individual: Collective survival strategies are driven by individual desires to survive, but superior to individualistic decision-making. The series portrays societal responses to external threats and internal divisions, drawing on China's history of mass movements and dynasty vs. warlord eras. This leads to classic human morality being outcompeted by the realpolitik game theory of Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD), preemptive strike incentives, and "Dark Forest" as a solution to the Fermi Paradox.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/three-body-problem

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Jason Edwards: Lawyer to Founder & VC, Alternatives.pe Regional Capital Insights & January Capital Venture Debt Strategy - E417

Tue, 07 May 2024 21:00:10 +0000

Jason Edwards, CEO & Founder of Alternatives.pe, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Lawyer to Founder & VC: Jason recounted his legal career at Baker & McKenzie in Australia and Hong Kong. Due to the Asian Financial Crisis, he focused on financial restructuring for distressed firms (many of whom had borrowed heavily in US dollars) across Bangkok, Singapore and Asia. He later moved into private equity with Clearwater Capital Partners ($1.2B AUM) and venture capital by co-founding Qualgro VC. He later founded alternatives.pe - an accurate data and insights platform for private capital market professionals looking for best-in-class coverage across Southeast Asia and Australia. The platform is now used by the majority of Asian funds including Square Peg, 500, Temasek, Sequoia, Tiger Global, Warburg Pincus, KKR, Vertex, GIC and Softbank.

2. Alternatives.pe Regional Capital Insights: Jason discussed the current shift of VC attention from consumer-focused (B2C) to business-focused (B2B) models, due to a faster route to profitability across diverse linguistic and cultural markets. He observed strengthening investment discipline focused on capital efficiency and strategic scalability. Jason also elaborated on the complex dynamics of negotiation and asset recovery in the region. He pointed out that Asian businesses usually hold most of their value intrinsically, which complicates asset recovery efforts when entrepreneurs have been at the helm for extensive periods, sometimes spanning decades or generations. He emphasized that a successful recovery strategy involves not just enforcing rights as per the norm in Western jurisdictions, but also cooperating with the original business operators to maximize value extraction. This nuanced approach highlights the importance of balancing 'stick' enforcement strategies with engagement and collaboration, underscoring that aggressive takeover tactics are seldom the best route to preserving or enhancing a business's value in Asia.

3. January Capital Venture Debt Strategy: Jason explained the rationale and timing for launching January Capital’s venture debt services to fill the regional market gap. He detailed the methodical structure of their venture debt deals, typically around $15 million, targeted at growth-stage companies that find traditional venture capital or equity financing too dilutive or misaligned with their financial strategies. He elaborated on how this approach is particularly opportune given the current high-interest rate environment and lower valuations, which would allow venture debt to provide capital without excessive equity sacrifices.

Jeremy and Jason also talked about his personal experience of the Asian Financial Crisis and ensuing layoffs, the importance of accurate and timely data for VC dealmaking, and personal reflections on entrepreneurial risk-taking.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jason-edwards

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Vietnam: $24B Bank Bailout & Legislature Chairman Resignation, FPT $6B Tech Conglomerate Growth and Apple Investment & China High-Speed Rail - E416

Sun, 05 May 2024 21:00:13 +0000

Valerie Vu, Founding Partner of Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed three main points:

1. Vietnam $24B Bank Bailout & Legislature Chairman Resignation: Jeremy and Valerie discussed the $12B fraud at Saigon Bank, the death penalty verdict, the appeals process and the closure of 50+ bank branches. The Vietnamese central bank injected $24B of "special loans" to prevent a banking crisis, which reduced the liquidity of their foreign exchange by one quarter. They touched on new political resignations due to the "blazing furnace" anti-corruption campaign, including the Chairman of the National Assembly - one of the country's top 4 leadership positions.

2. Apple Investment & China High-Speed Rail: International investors continue to move capital into the country despite these political shifts, exemplified by Apple's $16B of spending through the local supply chain since 2019, 200,000+ jobs created and increasing their CSR commitments. China is collaborating on cross-border high-speed railways, connecting Vietnam's port cities of Haiphong and Quang Ninh through Hanoi to Lao Cai province, which borders China's Yunnan province, and from Hanoi to Lang Son province, bordering China's Guangxi region.

3. FPT $6B Tech Conglomerate Growth: FPT was founded in 1988 as "Food Processing Technology" and has now become the country's leading software tech conglomerate valued at $6.4B on the Vietnam stock exchange with $1.7B+ of annual revenue operating across 50+ countries. FPT announced its strategic partnership with Nvidia to build a $200M AI R&D factory leveraging multiple Nvidia chips and technology frameworks.

Jeremy and Valerie also talked about why people haven't heard of FPT, why companies actually invest in corporate social responsibility (CSR), and whether they would take the local train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-banking-bailout

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Huawei 2024 APAC Congress: AI & Hardware Vertical Integration, Ecosystem and R&D Leadership & Genuine ASEAN Partnerships - E415

Thu, 02 May 2024 21:00:13 +0000

Jeremy Au partnered with Huawei to share his observations of their 2024 APAC Congress in Bangkok, which highlighted their latest advancements in AI, hardware, and infrastructure. He analyzed Huawei’s R&D investment commitments, vertical integration, manufacturing scale, globalizing workforce and local partnerships - positioning them as a formidable force in shaping the global tech landscape as well as Southeast Asia. Huawei was the world's #1 patent filer at the World Intellectual Property Organization for the past six years, with nearly 8,000 patent applications in 2022 alone. Jeremy witnessed Huawei leaders' expert-oriented presentations and their intentional engagement with regional leaders, SMEs and media. He noted their Southeast Asia partnerships, featuring prominent regional speakers like Mr. Nararya S. Soeprapto (ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General), Mardiana Azura Mahidin (Malaysia Airports), Mr. Prasert Jantararuantong (Thailand Minister for Digital Economy), Dr. Piti Srisangnam (ASEAN Foundation), and Akina Ho. The speakers all underscored the importance of localization and genuine discussions for true long-term win-win partnerships.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/huawei-rnd-leadership

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Léa Klein: 98% Southeast Asians Want Meaning At Work, Western vs. SE Asia On Sustainability & Economic Stability For Family - E414

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Léa Klein, CEO of Makesense, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. 98% Southeast Asians Want Meaning At Work: Léa and Jeremy highlighted that regional workers' desire for purpose contrasts with the dissatisfaction many feel with the level of meaning in their current roles. They discussed how companies could bridge this gap between desire and reality by enhancing mission-driven work and integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and learning opportunities into their cultures.

2. Western vs. SE Asia On Sustainability: Léa pointed out significant regional variations in how Southeast Asians and Westerners define meaningful work. She discussed how the West often emphasizes environmental sustainability, whereas Southeast Asians intertwine meaningful work with economic and social stability. Southeast Asia's rapid economic growth and thus emerging middle class has led to a dual focus on personal and community advancement, over environmental sustainability.

3. Economic Stability For Family: Léa and Jeremy underscored that for many people in Southeast Asia, providing for their family is the number 1 primary concern that influences their career choices. This concern for family well-being drives many towards higher-paying careers, often trading away personal fulfillment and social impact.

Jeremy and Léa also talked about how the economy impacts entrepreneurial risk-taking, job creation in the green economy, and companies advocating for gender equality and inclusive work environments.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/lea-klein

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

$1.5 Trillion USD Green Investment Gap, Competition vs. China Industrial Policy and Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Viability with Gita Sjahrir - E413

Sun, 28 Apr 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investment at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. $1.5 Trillion USD Green Investment Gap: Jeremy and Gita agreed with Bain & Company’s report that Southeast Asia is "woefully off track" on green investments to reduce emissions and needs new policies and financial mechanisms to help bridge the gap. They discussed the significant costs associated with transitioning to green energy, e.g. retiring a single coal-fired power plant would cost over several hundred million dollars. They discussed Indonesia's ambitious goal and challenging execution to shift to a zero-carbon electricity grid by 2060, serving a population with a current GDP per capita of around $5,000 USD. They also discussed how high interest rates negatively impact renewable energy investments, vs. the prior era of zero interest rate policy (ZIRP).

2. Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Viability: Southeast Asia is the 7th largest automotive manufacturing hub globally, producing approximately 3.5 million vehicles in 2021, led by Thailand (1.6 million vehicles), followed by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. They debated the feasibility of transitioning these capabilities to EV manufacturing, noting the significant challenges in creating a fully functional EV manufacturing ecosystem. They also touched on Indonesia's strategy to leverage their asset of having the world's largest nickel reserves to foster a complete battery supply chain.

3. Competition vs. China Industrial Policy: Jeremy and Gita covered China's formidable manufacturing policy stack (land rights, subsidies, education, worker rights, currency) for their nexus of steel, solar, nuclear, manufacturing, semiconductor and EV industries. They discussed the new Chinese approach to export not just goods, but also their manufacturing value chains, into Southeast Asian markets, and the appropriate competition vs. partnership by local manufacturers. They also debated how startups like Sleek and Dat Bike should position themselves strategically in terms of production vs. sales vs. fundraising.

Jeremy and Gita also talked about public health benefits from decreased air pollution, upcoming market consolidation in the EV industry, and the necessity of a multi-decade policy approach in solving sustainable energy transition challenges.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/green-investment-gap

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Charoen Pokphand (CP) $85B Conglomerate: China to Thailand to Kitchen of the World - E412

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 21:00:14 +0000

CP Group, a prominent Thai conglomerate, traces its beginnings to the founder Chia Ek Chor migrating from Chaozhou, China to Thailand in 1919. Despite early skepticism, he started a humble seed business which grew significantly by adapting to local agricultural challenges and changing global climate patterns. This foundation allowed his son and successor, Dhanin Chearavanont, to expand CP Group into a vast empire - touching multiple industries and generating an annual revenue of ~$85 billion USD. The episode highlights the strategic decisions to emphasize vertical integration in its food production process and discusses how more than half of the world's population has likely consumed its products.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/charoen-pokphand

Explore Dhanin Chearavanont's rise to the helm of the C.P. Group in the second part of Charoen Pokphand (C.P.) at https://open.spotify.com/episode/06OZPGFCyc7ENnuuXCTEjH

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Shuyin Tang: Radical Responsibility, Strategic Debt As Tool & Consultant to Venture Philanthropy to Impact Investing - E411

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 21:00:08 +0000

Shuyin Tang, CEO of Beacon Fund and Partner of Patamar Capital, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Consultant to Venture Philanthropy to Impact Investing: Shuyin initially aspired to a career in diplomacy but was rejected - leading to her choice to become a management consultant at Bain & Company. She worked hard at Bain to merge business skills with social impact initiatives by working with nonprofits, e.g. through nonprofit projects and a strategy engagement to improve the livelihoods of Indian smallholder farmers. These experiences led her to LGT Venture Philanthropy and to impact-driven investing at Patamar Capital.

2. Strategic Debt As Tool: As CEO of a debt fund, Shuyin emphasized the advantages of debt financing over equity for businesses in Southeast Asia, highlighting its suitability for the region's predominantly small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Unlike traditional high-growth startups, these enterprises benefit from the steady support that debt provides, enabling gradual growth without the pressure of rapid scaling demanded by equity investments. She also addressed cultural hesitations towards debt in Asian markets where it has historically been viewed negatively, and explained the shift in perception as businesses recognize that debt financing can preserve company control, prevent ownership dilution and facilitate smoother operational progress without the disruptive demands of equity-based exit strategies.

3. Radical Responsibility: Shuyin discussed her transition from a role within a collaborative team to spearheading her own investment fund, which marked a significant shift towards adopting a “radical responsibility” mindset to make impactful investment decisions and foster sustainable growth within the companies they support. She emphasized the expanded scope of responsibilities that come with leading a fund, which includes not only making strategic investment decisions but also managing fundraising, operations, and team dynamics. She also highlighted the challenges of navigating these complexities and stressed that understanding and accepting full accountability for both successes and setbacks has been crucial.

Jeremy and Shuyin also talked about the integration of financial returns with social impact in investment strategies, VC developments in the region’s ecosystem, the challenges in implementing large-scale social projects within emerging markets, and the need for investment tools that are aligned with businesses’ diverse needs.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/shuyin-tang

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/shuyin-tang-in

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

51% SE Asia Favor China (vs. USA), Sequoia & GGV VC Decoupling & Mobility Competitor Game Theory with Shiyan Koh

Fri, 19 Apr 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. 51% SE Asia Favor China (vs. USA): Jeremy and Shiyan debated how the region is politically and economically reacting to the China vs. USA's "strategic competition". If ASEAN decision-makers were forced to pick sides, 51% opted for China vs. 49% for USA (ISEAS Institute poll). Pro-China: Malaysia 75%, Indonesia 73%, Thailand 52%, Singapore 39%, Vietnam 21%, Philippines 17%.

2. Sequoia & GGV VC Decoupling: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed how global investment firms are structuring themselves to mitigate US-China risks. Sequoia spun off Peak XV and Hongshan, while GGV announced their split into Granite Asia and Notable Capital (USA). They discuss how Limited Partners (LP) are driving the geographic re-delineation of investment coverage, and why GGV and other funds are exploring more debt instruments.

3. Mobility Competitor Game Theory: Jeremy and Shiyan analyzed the bike-sharing market in Singapore, including public-private partnerships and challenges like weather and infrastructure. They were amused that Anywheel, a bootstrapped (unfunded by VC) company outlasted VC-backed competitors such as Mobike, Obike, and Ofo to win and become the market leader. They discussed how cash efficiency interacted with economies of scale, the promise of winner-takes-all markets, negative blitzscaling, and competitive game theory created the "boom vs. bust" nature of last-mile mobility startups.

Jeremy and Shiyan also replied to listener feedback about overlooking Trump investment links in the TikTok ban issue, the role of public-private infrastructure partnerships in supporting infrastructure projects, and blitzscaling vs. sustainable growth strategies.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sea-favor-china

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sea-favor-chin-in

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sea-favor-china-cn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Bootstrap vs. Venture Capital Dilemma, 2x2 Matrix Decision & Time Machine Regrets - E409

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:00:11 +0000

Jeremy Au delved into startup founders’ decision to choose between bootstrapping and venture capital funding. He shared his dual experiences as both a founder (who had done both routes) and a venture capitalist (who had to judge startups). He reset the framing that bootstrapping has historically been the norm and the default financing pathway for startups even today, whereas VC funding has only 50 years of history and is aimed at high-growth potential businesses. He explained the VC fund model’s expectation of $1B returns within a decade creates both a judgment yardstick and pressure-cooker board pressure for businesses to rapidly scale, regardless of unit economics or profitability. He also touched on the dangers of mismanaging large capital inflows, where excessive funding can lead to inefficient spending which can hasten a company’s failure. He suggested using a 2x2 matrix to think through their company’s fit for VC funding.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bootstrap-vs-vc

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bootstrap-vs-vc-in

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bootstrap-vs-vc-cn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Richard Armstrong: Thailand Startup Ecosystem Challenges, Creator Insights & Media Founder Transition to Venture Capital - E408

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 21:00:17 +0000

Richard Armstrong, Venture Partner at TA Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed three main points:

1. 267,000 Instagram Followers Insights: Richard recounted his formative years growing up in multiple countries leading to his interest in sharing his personal journey. He debunked common myths about media creators: emphasizing that success in the space requires more than just creativity, but also demands business acumen and a strong support system. He highlighted that despite popular beliefs, most creators are not wealthy and that success in the media follows a power-law curve where only a small percentage of top earners can earn a good living.

2. Founder Transition to Venture Capital: Richard shared about his first ventures in e-commerce and food waste management, and why he eventually moved into angel investing and eventually into venture capital. He highlighted the stark differences, particularly the challenges of accessibility and the importance of networking within the VC community. His journey was motivated by the desire to leverage his understanding of emerging markets and bridge the funding gap faced by startups in these countries.

3. Thailand Startup Ecosystem Challenges: Richard pointed out that despite Thailand’s strong GDP, the startup ecosystem remains underfunded relative to other Southeast Asian peer countries - particularly at the seed stage. He discussed his optimism for potential growth in the next two years, driven by investor interest, improved market conditions and more focused government support.

Jeremy and Richard also talked about the global impact of regional strategies, the importance of building partnerships vs. focusing solely on disruption, and the role of personal background and global exposure in enhancing VC effectiveness.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/richard-armstrong

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/richard-armstrong-in

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/richard-armstrong-cn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Vietnam: $12B Fraud Death Penalty, "Blazing Furnace" Anti-Corruption Campaign & Cambodia China 180km Canal Tensions - E407

Sun, 14 Apr 2024 21:00:17 +0000

Valerie Vu, Founding Partner of Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. $12B Fraud Death Penalty: Jeremy and Valerie discussed Vietnam's largest-ever fraud trial regarding Vietnamese tycoon Truong My Lan and the Van Thinh Phat group. The $12B case impacted 6% of Vietnam's GDP and has led to real estate distress, economic uncertainty and regulatory upheaval. They elaborated on Truong’s moves to control Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB), far beyond legal limits (90% control versus the regulatory cap of 5% for individuals). They also talked about Vietnamese regulators’ harsh response by tightening financial controls, mandating bank ownership disclosures, and proposing to reduce the maximum ownership stake an individual can hold in a bank from 5% to 3%. They touched on the similarities between China and Vietnam for the intertwining of real estate and banking.

2. "Blazing Furnace" Anti-Corruption Campaign: Jeremy and Valerie discussed the campaign by Nguyễn Phú Trọng, general secretary of the Communist Party that has arrested or forced resignations of key political figures, including ministers and deputy prime ministers. They drew parallels between Vietnam and China’s anti-corruption campaign under Xi Jinping, where both aim at purging the system of corruption yet lead to power vacuums that will be filled by individuals loyal to the new leadership.

3. Cambodia China 180km Canal Tensions: The planned $1.7B Funan Techo Canal project allows Cambodia's imports and exports to bypass Vietnam's Mekong River ports and directly access the South China Sea. China's financing and development partnership is tied to its Belt and Road Initiative, investments to escape US military containment of key trade routes, and rebalancing with Vietnam. They discussed the negative environmental impact on downstream Vietnamese farmers already struggling with saltwater intrusion and climate change.

Jeremy and Valerie also talked about the psychological impact of fluctuating property values on Vietnamese consumers, ongoing economic reforms to diversify away from real estate dependency, and parallels with Singapore's concern regarding the Thai Kra Canal.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-fraud

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-fraud-in

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-fraud-cn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

You Can't Have It All: Parenting vs. Career Sacrifices, Life Myths vs. Reality and Intentional Trade-Offs - 406

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 21:00:17 +0000

Jeremy reflected on how becoming a father of 2 daughters has reshaped his self-identity and the complex interplay between career ambitions vs. family responsibilities. He explored the evolving discourse on work-life balance, the brutal reality of trade-offs and the importance of intentional sacrifices. Jeremy tied together insights from Sheryl Sandberg’s "Lean In" movement, Anne-Marie Slaughter’s rebuttal “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All," and Harvard MBA Professor Clayton Christensen’s "How Will You Measure Your Life." Success in both domains requires thoughtful planning, the willingness to ask for help, a great support system, resources and good luck. He also stressed the responsibility of current generations to pay it forward and support future parents through advocacy for family-friendly policies and honest conversations about the realities of balancing career and family life.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/parenting-vs-career

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/parenting-vs-career-in

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/parenting-vs-career-cn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Maxime Chaury: Rocket Internet GM, Flash Coffee Indonesia Learnings & Courage as a Muscle - E405

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 21:00:17 +0000

Maxime Chaury, Cofounder of Upworth, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Rocket Internet GM: Maxime shared his transition from working in management consulting to embracing the dynamic startup environment in Southeast Asia, notably with Rocket Internet and later ZEN Rooms in Malaysia. He discussed the strategic considerations behind opting for leasing rooms, franchising, or adopting a white label approach in the hospitality industry, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the general manager role's complexity, involving strategic planning, team leadership, and quick industry adaptation, reflecting his shift from a strategic consultant to a hands-on leadership role in startups.

2. Flash Coffee Indonesia Learnings: Maxime recounted his role in transforming Flash Coffee's performance in Indonesia from the least to the most profitable market segment. He highlighted the importance of understanding market-specific consumer behavior, noting significant differences across Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong. He discussed the tailored strategies for each market, underlining the local autonomy within a global brand strategy, and the challenges and implications of venture capital liquidity and investment decisions, which are crucial for startups navigating rapid growth and scalability.

3. Courage as a Muscle: Maxime reflected on courage as a foundational virtue in leadership and entrepreneurship. He argued that courage facilitates the practice and effectiveness of other virtues, essential for personal growth and professional decision-making. His narrative of choosing to become a general manager, navigating roles in Malaysia and Indonesia, and eventually founding his own startup underscored courage's role in stepping into unknown territories and embracing growth opportunities.

Jeremy and Maxime also talked about the strategic pivot of ZEN Rooms towards technology solutions, the nuances of market-specific strategies and consumer behavior in the coffee retail industry, and the implications of global venture capital trends on startup scalability and market focus.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/maxime-chaury

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/maxime-chaury-in

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/maxime-chaury-cn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Thailand: Pheu Thai Pro-Business Reform, Cannabis, LGBTQ & Gaming Legislation, and Fintech Market Study Optimism - E404

Sun, 07 Apr 2024 21:00:14 +0000

Wing Vasiksiri, General Partner of WV, and Jeremy Au discussed three main points:

1. Pheu Thai Pro-Business Reform: Wing and Jeremy discussed the new Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's ambitious plans to stimulate the economy through pro-business reforms. The administration has decided to focus on helping and investing in the tourism sector to recover, from a pre-pandemic 19.3% of GDP to a potential 30% of GDP in 2030. They debated whether this is a strategic or differentiated sector to invest in, vs. Vietnam's focus on China + 1 manufacturing and Singapore's focus on finance and trade. They also discussed the electoral promise to stimulate the economy by distributing 10,000 Thai baht to every citizen, and the political pressure on the Bank of Thailand to lower interest rates. They discussed Thailand's GDP forecast, and whether the country would be able to escape the middle-income trap.

2. Cannabis, LGBTQ & Gaming Legislation: Wing and Jeremy discussed the legislative push to roll back the legalization of weed and the prior administration's distribution of 1 million cannabis plants to households. Wing expressed skepticism about the complete rollback of cannabis decriminalization, given its popularity, integration into the economic retail landscape, and its attraction as a tourism booster. They also discussed how 96.6% of public support for same-sex marriage is driving LGBTQ legal reforms and the parallels with Taiwan. They also touched on the push towards legalizing gaming casinos to attract foreign investment with a 17% tax on gross gaming revenue (one of the lowest tax regimes in the region) and further boost tourism receipts.

3. Fintech Market Study Optimism: Wing shared about WV's recent market study on Thailand's financial tech sector (which is ranked 4th globally in transaction value of real-time payments), thus indicating a robust digital payments infrastructure and entrepreneurial optimism. They also discussed the broader fintech landscape, including the country’s debate on whether the consumer handout stimulus should incorporate blockchain technology (vs. existing mobile wallets), as well as the potential issuance of virtual banking licenses (despite challenges such as high minimum capital requirements).

Jeremy and Wing also talked about the underreported issue of Bangkok’s poor air quality, the importance of the national soft power strategy, and how the various reforms are synergistic with each other.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thailand-pheu-thai-reform

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Regional VC Returns Skepticism, Structural Challenges & Value Creation vs. Sucker Trading Consequences with Adriel Yong - E403

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 21:00:14 +0000

Adriel Yong, Head of Investments at Ascend Angels, and Jeremy Au frankly discussed the public's skepticism about Southeast Asia's venture capital (VC) landscape. They contrasted USA VC exit outcomes vs. the reality of regional exits: smaller at around $0.1-0.5B (refer to Cento Ventures report), taking longer than 10 years (vs. closed fund lifecycle requirements) and weaker trade sale + IPO pathways (NYSE/ NASDAQ vs. IDX, SGX, SET). Portfolio math models thus need to be updated in light of the young ecosystem's structural market challenges, resulting in the current funds' moves towards earlier-stage deals with lower pricing risk, secondary sales, deploying venture debt, and more disciplined investing with tighter economic and control terms. They contrast this to the small-cap private equity model and the usage of debt leverage for revenue multiple expansion. Founders must decide on profitability over growth, conflicting with VC mandates that are disempowered by minority ownership norms. They also discuss the Series B death valley/cliff, reverse human capital arbitrage (hiring expensive talent to solve low-margin markets, vs. cheap labor to attack high-margin markets), why VCs have to up their game at actual value creation (rather than trading on momentum), and how founders can better plan their fundraising with an honest view of reality and behind-the-scenes incentives.

Watch, listen or read the full insight in English at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-returns-suck

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-returns-suck-id

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-returns-suck-cn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about HDMall here: https://www.grain.com.sg

YC Request For Startups: Southeast Asia Viability, Hidden Comparative Advantages & Geographical Business Model Traps with Jeff Lonsdale - E402

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 21:00:08 +0000

Jeff Lonsdale, Partner of Starstorm Ventures, and Jeremy Au embark on a comprehensive exploration of how Y Combinator's 20 startup requests flies (or flunks) within the Southeast Asian (SEA) entrepreneurial landscape. They debate sectors poised for regional adaptation and growth, such as robotics (per capita deployment), defense technology and the strategic repositioning of manufacturing away from China. They discuss SEA's inherent benefits, like cost-efficient engineering resources and burgeoning markets, juxtaposed against the challenges of market fragmentation and complex regulations. They also explore whether the economics of climate tech could work in the region, space exploration viability, how healthcare is actually built in the region. They also touch on how to actually capture value in Southeast Asia from productivity-improving AI, in a region with low cost of labor as a substitute for automation vs. global market opportunities. We encourage listeners to review Jeff's original blog review and the base YC Request for Startups in parallel with the episode, due to the in-depth discussion.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jeff-lonsdale

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jeff-lonsdale-in

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jeff-lonsdale-cn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Join the Singapore Growth & AI Summit with Sean Ellis! Use code seanbrave7 today.

TikTok Trump vs. Biden Ban Resurrection, Grab "Too Big To Fail" Debate & ShopBack Best-In-Class Layoffs with Shiyan Koh - E401

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. TikTok Trump vs. Biden Ban Resurrection: Jeremy and Shiyan delved into the USA political establishment's snowballing momentum to nationalize TikTok via divestment due to national security, anti-China, social media regulation and moderation of public opinion concerns. China is most likely to veto a forced sale of the TikTok algorithm and team, thus leading to a possible total market exit of TikTok rather than the sale desired by American legislators. They concluded on the low likelihood of a ban before the US election to avoid turning off Gen Z and millennial Democrat voters but speculated on the higher likelihood of an eventual ban in the Biden 2024 electoral victory scenario since Trump is now against the Ban. They also touched on the negative impact on mental health, and the importance of encouraging in-person interactions outside of digital platforms.

2. Grab "Too Big To Fail" Debate: Jeremy and Shiyan critiqued the recent media speculation of Grab being "too big to fail," arguing that this concept traditionally applies to financial institutions with systemic importance, rather than tech companies. They also debated Grab's competitive position, its eventual profitability after years of market subsidies, and how fast Gojek would be able to substitute for Grab's logistics, mobility, and consumer operations.

3. ShopBack Best-In-Class Layoffs: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed ShopBack’s layoff and commended the professional handling by the founder and executive team. They highlighted the transparent communication regarding their prior decision-making, comprehensive support package (e.g. severance, immigration support, job transition services, etc.), and the surrounding tech industry's boom and bust cycles. They discussed whether this was comparable to Silicon Valley packages and whether this approach had been best-in-class in terms of process in Southeast Asia.

Jeremy and Shiyan also discussed the impact of rapid scaling on startup sustainability, the regulation of social media platforms, and the nuances of employment and layoff policies in different jurisdictions.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tiktok-us-ban

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tiktok-us-ban-in

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tiktok-us-ban-cn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Join the Singapore Growth & AI Summit with Sean Ellis! Use code seanbrave7 today.

Struggle Towards 400 Podcast Episodes, Why I Almost Quit, Key Learnings and The Future of BRAVE - E400

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 21:00:13 +0000

For the 400th BRAVE episode, Jeremy discussed the hard 4-year journey of founding the podcast during the global pandemic to becoming Southeast Asia's #1 tech podcast. He shared why he decided to spotlight local tech stories and how he almost quit due to burnout multiple times. He learned to value "oyakodon" craftsmanship over maximalism, continue "kaizen" continual improvement and prioritize authentic conversations. Jeremy's vision for BRAVE is fostering a stronger community with more features for premium membership, writing his second in-depth book and being more honest (yet growth-oriented) about the region's true tech ecosystem while bringing in more of his personal humor and interests.

Watch, listen or read the full insight in English at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/400-podcast-episodes

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/400-podcast-episodes-id

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/400-podcast-episodes-cn

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Join the Singapore Growth & AI Summit with Sean Ellis! Use code seanbrave7 today.

Adrian Li: Cambridge & Stanford MBA Childhood Inspiration, Indonesia VC Outlook (Pure Play vs. Small-Cap Private Equity) & China Edtech & Rocket Internet Founder Journey - E399

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 21:00:16 +0000

Adrian Li, Founder & Managing Partner of AC Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Cambridge & Stanford MBA Childhood Inspiration: Adrian shared his multicultural upbringing across Hong Kong and the UK, leading to a pivotal teenage moment where he decided to study his way into Cambridge University. He evolved from academic success towards the ambition to use technology for social and economic betterment in emerging markets due to being exposed to rural poverty while backpacking and his early career in investment banking. He also shared about how he used his Stanford MBA education to find a cofounder and begin entrepreneurship.

2. China Edtech & Rocket Internet Founder Journey: Adrian shared his personal learnings vs. mistakes in founding a China edtech venture that used innovative call center technology for English language training. He discussed navigating uncharted markets and the challenges of finding the right product-market fit. He also shared about his leadership at Rocket Internet, where he led a competitive "Airbnb" online accommodations platform in China for scaling, carving out differentiation, and executing strategic maneuvers in challenging market conditions. He highlighted the critical role of timing in entrepreneurship, noting that while being early to the market offers first-mover advantages, it also presents challenges like market education and regulatory hurdles, which significantly impact a startup's success trajectory.

3. Indonesia VC Outlook (Pure Play vs. Small-Cap Private Equity): Adrian articulated his investment vision for the transformative power of digital technology. He addressed common misconceptions about the country’s tech market, particularly the belief that it's overly expensive for investors - and argued that higher valuations are justified by Indonesia's vast market potential and the opportunity for significant business growth. He also discussed Indonesia's tech investment evolution from the 2010-2021 internet boom where pure-play tech platforms like Tokopedia, Gojek and Traveloka grew from modest valuations into multibillion-dollar enterprises, to the current focus on digital transformation in the real economy. He noted how this shift implies a future where investments resemble those of small to mid-cap private equity, prioritizing disciplined financial strategies and operational efficiency.

Jeremy and Adrian also talked about the role of cultural adaptability in global ventures, the sobering impact of the 9/11 attack on his first days joining the workforce, and the importance of leadership in fostering growth among startups.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adrian-li

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adrian-li-in

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Indonesia: Prabowo & Gibran 59% Electoral Win (Party vs. Candidate), Quick Commerce Viability Debate & VC Accountability - E398

Sun, 24 Mar 2024 21:00:09 +0000

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investment at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes:

1. Prabowo & Gibran 59% Electoral Win: Gita shared the aftermath of Indonesia's election, highlighting Prabowo’s landslide victory in a 3-way contest. She delved into opposition voters' dismay and demonstrations in Jakarta, tempered by the fasting month which limited the extent of public protests. She also revealed that despite Gerindra's presidential candidates' landslide victory, the winning party's failure to secure a leading position in the legislature forecasts a complex political landscape and potential governance challenges. The percentage of voter blocks, Jokowi's moves on the Golkar party and division among major candidates underscored the evolving debate within the country’s electorate on the influence of political personas vs. party ideologies. She also highlighted Indonesia’s increased freedom of expression allowing for political discourse across social and mainstream media, in contrast with the Suharto era.

2. Quick Commerce Viability Debate: Gita discussed the sustainability and profitability challenges in quick commerce within markets like Indonesia, where lower GDP per capita and high capital burn rates demand significant model adjustments for viability. She noted that market size and consumer behavior emphasized the critical need for adapting quick commerce to align with the local population’s purchasing power and real needs, rather than replicating models from India and more affluent economies like USA and Europe. She also talked about the potential integration of quick commerce with traditional commerce, leveraging infrastructure to blend digital speed with physical market realities and focusing on areas like private label products for sustainability.

3. VC Accountability & Founder Dynamics: Jeremy and Gita delved into the accountability of VCs and the crucial role of frank discussions between VCs and founders. They underscored the importance of VCs being more than just financial backers by becoming genuine thought partners for founders. They critiqued the "negative blitzscaling" model in Southeast Asia, cautioning against scaling businesses with negative unit economics. They also emphasized that founders should scrutinize their growth strategies and prioritize sustainability over rapid expansion, highlighting the risks of scaling inefficiencies rather than solutions. They need to retain decision-making authority and evolve towards prioritizing long-term business viability and market relevance.

Jeremy and Gita also talked about the importance of political party financing transparency, the role of media in shaping public opinion post-election, the significance of recalibrating growth and scaling expectations for startups, and the evolution of e-commerce models in response to market demands.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/indonesia-electoral-win

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Why Startups Fail: Tom Eisenmann Harvard MBA Case Studies & 6 Patterns of Startup Failure - E397

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 21:00:16 +0000

Jeremy Au talked about the multifaceted nature of startup failures through insights from Professor Tom Eisenmann's book, "Why Startups Fail." He highlighted how startup failure is more common than people think, revealing that only 4% of companies were able to achieve 10x to 50x or higher returns. He discussed the six types of startup failures from the book: good idea, bad fellows, where a promising concept flounders due to team issues; false start, involving misjudged product-market fit; false positives, where early enthusiasm doesn't translate to broad market appeal; speed trap, depicting rapid growth that outpaces sustainable development; help wanted, indicating operational or strategic missteps in a growing company; and cascading miracles, which requires multiple, high-risk achievements for success. He underscored that learning from these failures can equip founders, investors, and operators with the knowledge to navigate the complex startup ecosystem more effectively.

Watch, listen or read the full insight in English at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/why-startups-fail

Saksikan, dengarkan atau baca wawasan lengkapnya dalam Bahasa Indonesia di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/why-startups-fail-id

观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/why-startups-fail-cn

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Justin Banusing: Philippines Gaming & ESports Boom, Founding Communities & Startups and Content Creator Monetization & AI - 396

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 21:00:07 +0000

Justin Banusing, Cofounder & CEO of Clout Kitchen, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Philippines Gaming & ESports Boom: Justin shared that the Philippines, and by extension, Southeast Asia, has a vibrant gaming and esports ecosystem. He attributed this enthusiasm to the country's usage of mobile gaming and esports as both socialization and competitive engagement in the realities of an urbanizing emerging economy. Justin highlighted the "loading screen of commuting" (local challenging commute conditions) driving mobile gaming's popularity. He also delved into the symbiotic yet complex relationship between publishers, fans, third-party companies, and creators - and the inherent challenges and opportunities in monetizing and sustaining a viable niche within eSports in Southeast Asia.

2. Founding Communities & Startups: Justin shared his beginnings as a high school student passionate about gaming and organizing a Super Smash Brothers gaming tournament in a Chinese restaurant's back room. He went on to found AcadArena, the leading campus gaming startup that scaled to 250,000 verified students across Southeast Asia and Latin America. Justin talked about his commitment to building in the Philippines despite the allure of opportunities abroad, and his eventual decision to remain in the country to contribute to the growing startup ecosystem. He also highlighted the importance of taking risks and the potential for significant impact through building companies that address local needs and opportunities and encouraged others to dream big and pursue their passions with determination.

3. Content Creator Monetization & AI: Justin touched upon the potential of digital creators as the next generation of entertainment icons, and their broader evolution beyond gaming as a content vertical. He also discussed the hurdles they face, such as time constraints, scalability and earning more. He explained why he founded Clout Kitchen, an AI studio aimed at transforming content creators into interactive digital experiences, and highlighted their mission to facilitate deeper fan interactions with creators.

Jeremy and Justin also discussed the importance of aligning business ventures with personal missions, the impact of digital hobbies and gaming on the region’s youth, the socioeconomic factors influencing gaming habits in Southeast Asia, and the nuanced understanding of privilege in the startup ecosystem.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/justin-banusing

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/justin-banusing-in

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Taylor Swift $500M Singapore Economy Boost, Barbell Entertainment Blockbusters vs. Long Tail & City Talent Vortex & Industry Concentrations with Shiyan Koh - E395

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 21:00:09 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Taylor Swift $500M Singapore Economy Boost: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed the Singapore government’s strategic chess moves for Taylor Swift's concert exclusivity in Southeast Asia. They discussed the excellent return on investment of the $3M move for a $500M increase in Singapore’s tourism receipts, stimulating national GDP by 0.25% points for Q1 2024. They also discussed the regional competition for hosting such blockbuster events, along with the underappreciated aspects of the nationalization of the Singapore sports hub, travel logistics hub infrastructure and sensitivity to cultural norms.

2. Barbell Entertainment Blockbusters vs. Long Tail: Jeremy and Shiyan explored the Internet’s explosion of the content industry, leading to bimodal distribution, where both blockbuster events and niche content find substantial audiences thanks to the zero marginal cost of digital consumption - and the plunge in middle-tier content. They also discussed how generative AI will impact the shape of this barbell. They reference the book Blockbusters by Harvard professor Anita Elberse and The Long Tail by Chris Anderson.

3. City Talent Vortex & Industry Concentrations: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by talent concentrations. They discussed how cities become industry hubs, such as finance in Singapore, entertainment in LA and tech in SF, with a thought experiment on whether Southeast Asia could produce a global superstar like Taylor Swift. They stressed the structural and cultural factors that influence where talent flourishes, the role of national policy in nurturing ecosystems that can compete on the global stage, and how individual talented individuals should react.

Jeremy and Shiyan also talked about the social aspects of fasting vs. eating, the fan communities of avatar-driven Vtubers, and their personal preferences for content consumption like Dune by writer Frank Herbet vs. director Denis Villeneuve.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/taylor-swift-economics

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/taylor-swift-economics-in

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Patrick McGinnis: FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) vs. FOBO (Fear of Better Option), Overcoming Career Paralysis & VC & Life Decision Frameworks - E394

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Patrick McGinnis, VC & Creator of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Sapiens, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) vs. FOBO (Fear of Better Option): Patrick shared how he had created the terms FOMO and FOBO during his MBA student days at Harvard. He shared how he was surprised 10 years later that his lingo with friends had grown into globally recognized phenomena. These behavior patterns of overcommitment, indecisiveness and optionality maximization have been exacerbated by the endless choices and information overload facilitated by digital platforms, leading to widespread analysis paralysis and stress. He discusses why he thinks FOBO is less popular than FOMO due to its darker nature and more insightful lens into human decision-making.

2. Overcoming Career Paralysis: Patrick shared his personal journey from a career in venture capital to becoming an author, speaker, and entrepreneur. He shared how he had to have a heart rate monitor installed due to the high stress of his job that he fundamentally disliked, and the eventually lonely, painful and scary decision to take a career sabbatical and step outside the conventional path that would have been expected from a Harvard MBA graduate.

3. VC & Life Decision Frameworks: Patrick detailed his conscious effort to integrate strategies to combat FOMO and FOBO, sharing a framework for categorizing decisions (high stakes, low stakes, and no stakes) to streamline decision-making processes. Patrick shared his frustrations with the VC industry's incentive structures, including the challenges of decision-making in an environment rife with FOMO and FOBO. He emphasized the importance of discipline, due diligence, and being mindful of underlying motivations when making investment decisions. He also shared examples from his "FOMO folio" strategy to manage investment temptation.

He also discussed the societal shift towards constant comparison and indecision, strategies for combating decision fatigue, and why he's exploring coaching and building for the next stage of his career.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/patrick-mcginnis

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/patrick-mcginnis-in

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Bernard Leong: Astrophysics PHD to Serial Founder, Disrupting Extractive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems & Startup vs. Family Career Decisions - E393

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Bernard Leong, Founder of Analyse Asia, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. PhD to Serial Founder: Bernard talked about his initial career in academia, specializing in theoretical physics and obtaining his PhD in Astrophysics and Cosmology, before moving into machine learning at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, home of the Human Genome Project. His entrepreneurial journey started with the co-founding of Chalkboard, a location-based advertising startup that faced strategic challenges and ended in a shutdown. He also co-founded SG Entrepreneurs, which successfully exited to Tech in Asia. He also shared his experiences heading digital transformation initiatives as a tech executive, such as his digital transformation leader at SingPost and pioneering Singapore's first-ever drone delivery.

2. Disrupting Extractive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Bernard shared his vision for revolutionizing ERP systems to address the inefficiencies and high costs associated with traditional ERP software. He discussed the history of ERP systems and the challenges companies face, including high customization costs and the extractive nature of the consulting model associated with ERP implementation. Bernard aims to leverage generative AI technologies like ChatGPT and Microsoft CodePilot to create a next-generation open business operating system that is 10X more efficient, productive, and adaptable than current offerings. He discussed the reasons behind his focus on the medium segment of the small and medium enterprise market and counter-positioning strategy against existing ERP giants.

3. Startup vs. Family Career Decisions: Bernard compared the life of a serial entrepreneur to that of a football team manager, emphasizing the importance of taking each challenge as it comes. He discussed the practicalities of negotiating entrepreneurship with family responsibilities, highlighting the importance of financial planning, shared goals, and open communication with his wife who’s also an entrepreneur. He also discussed what repeat founders do differently than first-time founders, ranging across distribution, mindset and adaptability.

Jeremy and Bernard also touched on the "first love startup" problem, first-principles thinking, the people who bet against his success, and the future implications of AI in business.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bernard-leong

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bernard-leong-in

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Vietnam: Air Quality Pollution vs. Industrial Growth, China Tourism & Taylor Swift and Food Delivery Industry Economics (ShopeeFood vs. Grab vs. Foodpanda) - E392

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 21:00:10 +0000

Valerie Vu, Founding Partner of Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. China Tourism & Taylor Swift: Valerie shared the significant impact of Lunar New Year celebrations on Vietnam's work culture and economy, highlighting the extended holiday period shared with its neighbors like China and Singapore. She explored the potential economic benefits of reviving Chinese tourist numbers to pre-COVID levels, considering China's tourists historically accounted for a third of foreign visitors to Vietnam. They also discussed Taylor Swift's Singapore concert as a case study in tourism marketing.

2. Food Delivery Industry Economics: Jeremy and Valerie discussed the inherent challenges of the food delivery industry, characterized by low margins and, in many cases, negative profitability. They mentioned the failed negotiation between Foodpanda (under Delivery Hero) and Grab, highlighting the tough economic realities of the sector. Valerie also expressed her preference for ShopeeFood over Grab due to the smaller, local merchants, and "mom-and-pop" restaurants that the platform partners with. She also touched on the broader market dynamics, including the exit of other players like Bé Minh, the third-largest food delivery service, which left the Vietnamese market to focus on its primary market in South Korea.

3. Air Quality Pollution vs. Industrial Growth: Jeremy and Valerie talked about Vietnam’s economic benefits from its industrial sector, with the smartphone export growth of 16% year-on-year in January 2024. The economic boon comes at the cost of environmental degradation, with both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City respectively placing 3rd and 10th on alarming air quality index rankings. They explored potential strategies for addressing air quality such as temporarily halting industrial activities which China did around the 2008 Olympics to improve its air quality. They discussed the lack of substantial policy measures from the Vietnamese government to combat the air pollution problem partly due to the government's prioritization of economic growth through manufacturing, which is a key driver of Vietnam's GDP.

Jeremy and Valerie also talked about the influence of high-profile educational backgrounds like Harvard, Oxford and NUS on tech startups, environmental policy, and the impact of global cultural events on local economies.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-air-pollution

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Sean Ellis: Hacking Growth Unicorn Successes, Easy Money vs. Hard Times and Achieving & Scaling Product-Market Fit - 391

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 21:00:08 +0000

Sean Ellis, Bestselling Author of “Hacking Growth”, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Growth Hacking Unicorn Successes: Despite not considering himself a "techie," he shared his transition from traditional marketing to growth hacking and helping five startups navigate to unicorn billion-dollar valuations. Sean discussed the strategic pivot of LogMeIn from a paid to a freemium model and thus innovating in pricing and distribution to capture market leadership and differentiate vs. well-funded competitors. He highlighted the lack of established language or tools for scaling companies with product-market fit during his early career and the difficulty in understanding the nuances of what makes products indispensable to users, which he later encapsulated in his book "Hacking Growth."

2. Achieving & Scaling Product-Market Fit: Sean emphasized that achieving product-market fit is a blend of art and science that necessitates deep market understanding, creativity, and rigorous validation. He stressed the critical role of targeted, domain-specific advice for startups and that generic advice lacks the impact of insights tailored to a startup's unique context. He also pointed out the importance of fair compensation for advisors, highlighting that those providing high-value, targeted advice leading to tangible outcomes deserve appropriate rewards.

3. Easy Money vs. Hard Times: Sean discussed bull & bear startup funding environments, from periods of easy money (startups become complacent and focus more on rapid growth at the expense of efficiency and long-term sustainability) to more challenging financial climates (which necessitates a disciplined approach to growth, spending, prioritizing efficiency and lean operations). He highlighted that companies that optimize resources and operations are best positioned for survival and growth regardless of funding availability.

Jeremy and Sean also talked about why large tech companies slow down at growth, the critical role of early-stage market validation, the importance of maintaining a growth-focused culture, and the strategies for sustaining momentum.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sean-ellis

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sean-ellis-in

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Ameer Jumabhoy: Revolutionizing Tourist Value-Added Tax Refund Industry, Pandemic Hard Choices & Personal Resilience with Family - E390

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 21:00:13 +0000

Ameer Jumabhoy, Cofounder of Utu, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Revolutionizing Tourist Value-Added Tax Refund Industry: Ameer delved into the complexities of the VAT refund process, highlighting that tourists typically reclaim only a portion (i.e., getting only $65 from a $100 tax refund on a $500 purchase) due to high processing fees from numerous entities involved in the refund process. He shared Utu's $33M Series B fundraise and mission to enhance the tax-free shopping experience by maximizing the refund value for tourists through partnerships that benefit all stakeholders involved, including tourists, retailers, and the government.

2. Pandemic Hard Choices: Despite the severe impact on the travel and retail sectors, Utu made the humanitarian decision not to lay off any staff despite the significant financial and operational cost. He underscored the leadership's commitment to their team and the long-term vision without compromising on their values. Utu had to strategically follow the reopening of global tourism city by city and travel corridor by corridor, e.g. the UAE deciding to launch the World Expo in 2021. He also talked about their acquisition of CardsPal and the launch of new services aimed at providing greater rewards for travelers with their evolving post-pandemic consumer behavior.

3. Personal Resilience With Family: Ameer recounted his experiences navigating professional responsibilities alongside personal challenges during the pandemic. He detailed the decisions to move across countries for family and work, emphasizing the importance of support systems. He shared his thoughts on how parenthood had shaped his perspectives on leadership and entrepreneurship.

Jeremy and Ameer also talked about the rationale behind the current VAT refund system's inefficiencies, Utu’s future product roadmap, and the significance of cross-border shopping trends.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ameer-jumabhoy

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ameer-jumabhoy-in

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Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Indonesia: Prabowo Victory & Jokowi Legacy, "Golden Indonesia 2045" GDP Vision and Middle-Income Trap & Societal Challenges - E389

Sun, 03 Mar 2024 21:00:13 +0000

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investment at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes:

1. Prabowo Victory & Jokowi Legacy: Gita underscored Prabowo's dedication to further Jokowi's economic initiatives, notably the ambitious relocation of the capital from Jakarta to Nusantara to stimulate balanced development across the archipelago. A key focus was on mobilizing Gen Z voters, whose significant influence in the election underscores the necessity for clear political messaging tailored for this digitally savvy cohort accustomed to prolific social media engagement.

2. "Golden Indonesia 2045" GDP Vision: The discussion extended to the campaign goal of aiming to position Indonesia as a beacon of economic prosperity, with substantial enhancements in GDP per capita, human capital, and global competitiveness. Gita highlighted this vision as part of a larger ambition to elevate Indonesians' quality of life through superior education and self-fulfillment opportunities.

3. Middle-Income Trap & Societal Challenges: Addressing Indonesia's societal hurdles, including poverty and child stunting, was central to their conversation. Gita and Jeremy emphasized the imperative for growth strategies that not only extricate Indonesia from the middle-income quagmire but also champion equitable progress. The importance of nurturing an informed citizenry was also stressed, to ensure a populace that recognizes its civic responsibilities and the consequential nature of their voting actions.

Jeremy and Gita also talked about the significance of legislative checks and balances, the role of foreign policy in shaping the country’s international relations, Singapore's view of the Indonesia electoral outcome and the importance of comprehensive educational reforms.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/golden-indonesia-2045

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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David Zhou: Silicon Valley Thought Leadership, On Deck Community Building & Emerging LPs Investing in VC Funds - E388

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:00:14 +0000

David Zhou, Writer of Cup of Zhou & Head of Investor Relations at Alchemist Accelerator, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Silicon Valley Thought Leadership: David shared his journey from being a shy introvert to becoming a thought leader in the LP & VC space. He talked about his early exposure to entrepreneurship through his father's ventures that laid the groundwork for his ambitious career. Berkeley SkyDeck and On Deck catalyzed his transition to guide investments, advise, and help both startups and emerging fund managers. He underscores the power of personal growth and how his varied experiences enriched his understanding of venture capital, culminating in his current focus on LP decision-making.

2. On Deck Community Building: David discussed how his On Deck tenure offered valuable lessons on nurturing talent communities, intentional design and fostering a culture of innovation, speed & aggression. He also talked about his reflections on how communities shifted before, during and after the pandemic due to communication platforms. He also reflected on what it takes to make the transition from passive content consumption to active knowledge creation.

3. Emerging LP Investing in VCs: David delved into the multifaceted realm of fund investing, from the perspectives of both LPs and VC managers. He also shared about how the term “Emerging LP” was coined by Andrew Gluck from IrrvrntVC. He shared insights into the motivations and considerations for Limited Partners (LPs) within the ecosystem, alongside the strategic thought processes fund managers should employ. He also talked about his journey from being a content creator to an LP, the evolving nature of investment strategies, and the importance of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.

Jeremy and David also touched on his strategic cadence to cold emailing, maintaining consistent writing and publishing discipline, and the symbiotic relationship between technology and human engagement.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/david-zhou

Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/david-zhou-id

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Sao Lonsdale: “Fish In The Water” Journey, Vietnam Gen Z Consumers & LIXIBOX Founder Pivots - E387

Tue, 27 Feb 2024 21:00:20 +0000

Sao Lonsdale, CEO & Founder of LIXIBOX, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes:

1. “Fish In The Water” Journey: Sao shared about her family experience growing up in a military compound in front of the Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum. Feeling the desire to explore, she moved to the U.S. as a teenager and found herself embracing new communities and cultural experiences. She also discussed how she was inspired by Peter Thiel's "Zero to One" book to eventually leave behind her US corporate career to return to Vietnam and launch a new venture.

2. Vietnam Gen Z Consumers: Sao highlighted the generational shift with the aspirational Gen Z, who never experienced the wars with the US, France and China, and are thus focused on building better lives. She noted the significant impact of TikTok, Instagram and local social media platforms on the retail landscape, as well as the growing consumer demand for personalized and niche products.

3. LIXIBOX Founder Pivots: Sao highlighted the initial market landscape that Lixibox had entered into, and how the startup had to rapidly pivot every six months in response to the swiftly changing Vietnam market (consumer behavior, market trends and platform shifts). She shared about the difference between high-end and mass-market brands, and what it takes to build a strong omnichannel presence that sells both in-house and partner brands' products online and offline.

Jeremy and Sao also talked about reverse culture shock, the impact of professional executive coaches, and her own personal skincare routine.

Watch, listen or read the full insight in English at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sao-lonsdale

Saksikan, dengarkan atau baca wawasan lengkapnya dalam Bahasa Indonesia di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sao-lonsdale-id

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Overreaction, Dislocation & Confusion, 2023 vs. 2024 Investment Landscape and $9B Annual Capital Intake & Realistic Exit Expectations with Shiyan Koh and Dmitry Levit - E386

Sun, 25 Feb 2024 21:00:10 +0000

Dmitry Levit, General Partner of Cento Ventures, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. 2023 vs. 2024 Investment Landscape: Dmitry, Shiyan and Jeremy discussed the Cento Southeast Asia Tech 2023H1 report and noted the discrepancy between the economic doom perception in the media and the reality of Southeast Asia’s funding numbers. Dmitry pointed out a "reset" in investment activity, with stable "core early funding stack" (Seed to Series A/B) maintaining momentum while later-stage growth deals significantly decreased. This bifurcation reflects a broader trend of cautious optimism among early-stage investors and a recalibration of expectations among late-stage financiers. They also underscored the importance of understanding these two parallel ecosystems for founders and investors alike, suggesting that strategies need to be adjusted depending on the stage of investment.

2. $9B Annual Capital Intake & Realistic Exit Expectations: Dmitry Levit observed that the long-term average capital intake for the region averages around $9 billion. He highlighted that prudent exit expectations in Southeast Asia should consider $100 million exits as very good, with exceptional cases potentially exceeding $250 million, and added further details on the growth rate. He emphasized the importance of disciplined fund strategies across IPO, trade sales, and secondaries.

3. Overreaction, Dislocation & Confusion: They discussed the fog of war in the region’s tech ecosystem driven by global economic pressures, media hype and doom cycles, and changing investment flows. Missed opportunities, strategy-market misalignments, and pressure on value-creation teams are currently being sorted out. They discussed how founders and investors need to urgently align their growth and exit strategies with the region’s market's realities. They also talked about the time lag of news absorption across the Vietnam ecosystem and how the search for the next "Indonesia" story is on pause.

Dmitry, Shiyan and Jeremy also talked about the role of perception vs. reality in shaping investment strategies, the challenges for the multi-country expansion narrative, and the "small-cap private equity without leverage" VC theme in play.

Watch, listen or read the full insight in English at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/overreaction-dislocation-confusion

Saksikan, dengarkan atau baca wawasan lengkapnya dalam Bahasa Indonesia di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/overreaction-dislocation-confusion-id

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Midlife Crisis: Navigating Change with Grace Across Career, Family & Identity To Achieve Self-Actualization - 385

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 21:00:14 +0000

Jeremy delves into the midlife crisis, distinguishing between dramatic Hollywood portrayals (fast cars, alcohol and irresponsibility) and the quieter, introspective reality many face. Coined by psychoanalyst Elliott Jaques in 1965, the midlife crisis is driven by the realization of mortality, sense of past limitations and the desire for change. Referencing psychologist Abraham Maslow's "hierarchy of needs" pyramid, he emphasizes the underlying foundational shift that people experience as they mature from deficiency "lack" motivators towards personal growth motivators. Beethoven suffered deafness in his mid-30s, and went on to compose his greatest musical works. Mike Posner at the age of 36 overcame his "I Took A Pill In Ibiza" days to redefine himself beyond his fame towards a more fulfilling personal life. Jeremy reframes the midlife crisis from a feared stagnation surrounded by community disapproval, towards a pivotal moment for growth, discovery and self-actualization.

Watch, listen or read the full insight in English at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/midlife-crisis

Saksikan, dengarkan atau baca wawasan lengkapnya dalam Bahasa Indonesia di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/midlife-crisis-id

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Rachel Wong: Law ChatGPT AI Revolution, Bastardized YC SAFE & Founder Legal Templates with FDLite - E384

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 21:00:09 +0000

Rachel Wong, startup lawyer & Founder of Founders Doc, and Jeremy Au discussed three main topics:

1. Law ChatGPT AI Revolution: Rachel discussed how ChatGPT is revolutionizing the legal profession and changing the way lawyers interact with clients and how they draft and amend legal documents. Rachel explained the significance of legal AI companies, such as Litera, in enhancing the efficiency of drafting processes for lawyers by clearly understanding and addressing their specific needs.

2. Bastardized Y Combinator Safe Agreement: Rachel delved into the complexities of the Y Combinator (YC) Safe Agreement and its impact from various perspectives including economic and control rights. She discussed the maladaptation of the Safe Agreement over time in response to economic shifts and the dynamics of negotiation power between startups and investors.

3. Founder Legal Templates: Rachel noticed increased demand by clients using online templates and AI for legal document amendments. They have launched FD Lite, a platform designed to make legal documents more accessible and affordable, especially for startups in the early stages of fundraising.

Jeremy and Rachel also covered the regulatory hurdles for legal entrepreneurs, increasing defensive specialization vs. commoditization within the legal sector, the expanding role of in-house legal teams, and the importance of making legal documents understandable to non-lawyers.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/rachel-wong-2

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about HDMall here:

https://www.hdmall.co.th

Singapore: Founders Reviewing VCs, Startup Fraud Triangle & Difficult Wind-Down Decisions with Shiyan Koh - E383

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 21:00:15 +0000

In this discussion, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Founders Reviewing VCs: Shiyan reflected on founders conducting due diligence on their funding sources. They discuss the value (and further improvements) of public reference lists like TechinAsia’s Glasswall which indexes the fundraising process, and how founders should seek private feedback from (post-fundraise) portfolio companies.

2. Startup Fraud Triangle: Jeremy and Shiyan examined the darker side of the regional startup culture, including fraudulent accounting trends and their impact on the local funding ecosystem. They agree that while most founders don't set out to defraud, poor decisions under pressure can take the opportunity to conduct unethical actions.

3. Difficult Wind-Down Decisions: The vast majority of startups fail to meet expectations after substantial fundraising. Shiyan shared the rarity but reputational importance of attempting to return capital to investors when a pivot isn't feasible. She advises founders to treat investors with respect during wind-downs, as the startup industry is a "repeated game" where one's actions can influence future opportunities.

They also talked about the emotional toll of admitting failure, potential for biased VC reviews, and the societal role of media in reporting startup successes and failures.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/founders-reviewing-vcs

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Save Your New Year Resolutions, Misleading Weight Loss Industry & Personal Health Transformation with Nir Eyal - E382

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 21:00:14 +0000

Nir Eyal, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of “Hooked” and "Indistractable”, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Save Your New Year Resolutions: Nir discussed the nature of January 1 resolutions and the high rate of people abandoning their goals. He attributed this to a warped ecosystem of advice that fails to address the root causes of behavioral stagnation. He emphasized the importance of reconstructing routines to foster consistency, which is essential for rejuvenating lost aspirations. He advised to be thoughtful about the systemic approach to personal growth, rather than relying on transient motivations or flawed self-help strategies.

2. Misleading Weight Loss Industry: Nir took a critical look at the health and fitness industry, highlighting the ambiguity and often misleading information surrounding weight loss and exercise. He pointed out the vested interests in maintaining a level of confusion among consumers, with examples ranging from meal bars to dietary supplements. He advocated for debunking the quick-fix myths propagated by the fitness industry and a focus on the fundamentals: nutrition, regular exercise, and the importance of social connections.

3. Personal Health Transformation: Nir shared his personal transformation from being clinically obese to achieving fitness at the age of 46, highlighting his passions for surfing and running barefoot as key elements of his fitness regime. He also discussed his experiments with different activities, including the reasons why swimming and trampolining did not work for him and offered a personal perspective on finding joy in exercise and the trial-and-error process of discovering what works for individual fitness goals.

Jeremy and Nir also touched upon the broader implications of technology in facilitating behavioral change, the psychological challenges associated with dieting and exercise, and the role of community and social support in sustaining healthful habits.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sustainable-health-habits

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about HDMall here:

https://www.hdmall.co.th

Trasy Lou: Uber & Atome GM Launching Markets, Motherhood vs. Entrepreneurship, and Fintech Founder Learnings - E381

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 21:00:07 +0000

Trasy Lou, Cofounder & CEO of Fluid, and Jeremy Au discussed three main topics:

1. Uber & Atome GM Launching Markets: Trasy highlighted the mission-driven culture at Uber, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and the autonomy she had as a GM. Her time as GM at two growth-stage startups exemplified the resilience required to lead teams towards a shared mission. She also discussed the unique challenges of market launching, emphasizing the value of playbook sharing across countries to avoid reinventing the wheel and accelerate growth. Key insights included setting stretch goals, hiring for potential, and fostering a flat organizational structure for open communication

2. Fintech Founder Learnings: Trasy discussed how she founded Fluid, a flexible financing solution for B2B purchases, amidst a funding winter. She outlined the challenges and learning curves associated with fundraising and starting a fintech startup during economically tough times. She dispelled common misconceptions about fintech, specifically the differences between consumer and B2B fintech solutions. She also gave her advice on fundraising, highlighting the need for preparation and strategic timing.

3. Balancing Motherhood & Entrepreneurship: Trasy shared her personal journey of balancing the roles of a GM, founder, and mother. Her experiences during critical moments at Uber, including having her water break during a conference call, underscored the underestimated strength of women in leadership positions. She emphasized the importance of support systems, both within organizations and at home, for successful entrepreneurship and parenthood.

Jeremy and Trasy also talked about scaling across different geographies, hiring for potential to build effective teams, and securing debt facilities in fintech.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trasy-lou

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Singapore: Silicon Box Unicorn, TheAsianParent Acquisition and Sovereign Wealth Fund Investment Shifts (GIC, Temasek) with Shiyan Koh - E380

Sun, 11 Feb 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au covered three main topics:

1. Sovereign Wealth Fund Investment Shifts: Jeremy and Shiyan talked about how GIC conservatively deployed 46% less capital in 2023, and Temasek 53%. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) deployed $31.6 billion in 2023, 53% higher than the $20.7 billion it invested the previous year - alongside other Gulf funds. This is due to high oil prices, investment mandates and national strategies to diversify their economies away from energy dependence.

2. Unicorn Silicon Box: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed Silicon Box (Singapore's latest unicorn), their veteran leadership and $2 billion Tampines facility build-out. They highlighted its role in the shifting landscape of semiconductor manufacturing in Southeast Asia and its implications for the region’s economic growth.

3. TheAsianParent Acquisition of Motherswork: Jeremy and Shiyan touched on the parenting platform’s strategy to expand from its digital roots into omnichannel physical retail. They also talked about the challenges brought by declining birth rates in several Asian economies, the dynamics of education, and national fertility & family policies.

They also touched on Noah Smith (Noahpinion with 139,000+ subscribers) wanting to work for Jacqueline Poh of Singapore's EDB (at the same managerial level as Patrick Collision of Stripe), and the reasons behind the interest in parenting startups in Southeast Asia, spanning services across childcare, IVF and egg freezing.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/fund-investment-shifts

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Jobless = Useless = Meaningless Life, Unemployment Neurosis and Man's Search For Meaning - E379

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 21:00:11 +0000

Jeremy Au discussed the psychological impact of unemployment and its deep-seated effects on self-identity. Society often equates jobs with utility, and thus the determination of personal self-worth. Jeremy emphasized the importance of distinguishing between economic value and an individual's quest for purpose - beyond a series of professional achievements. He used examples from Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning” (a psychiatrist's memoir of surviving Nazi concentration camps) and Walter Kiechel's "Lords of Strategy" (Bruce Henderson bragged that he had been fired from all of his prior jobs prior to founding Boston Consulting Group (BCG)).

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jobless-useless-meaningless

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Ajay Bulusu: Google & Grab Mapping Challenges, Geospatial B2B API SaaS Insights and Layoff Resilience with Bold Steps - E378

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 21:00:15 +0000

Ajay Bulusu, Cofounder of NextBillion.ai, and Jeremy Au discussed three key topics:

1. Google & Grab Mapping Challenges: Ajay shared his mapping build-out at Google and Grab that had overcome geographic and infrastructural challenges in Southeast Asia - where standardization of data and addressing systems differ significantly from Western norms. He described how the team approached the problem with measures such as prioritizing high-traffic areas, leveraging data-driven strategies, testing machine learning, and crowdsourcing.

2. Geospatial B2B API SaaS Insights: Ajay delved into the complexities of developing a mapping technology stack and the balance between in-house development and outsourcing. He also shared the decision-making process companies face when choosing to build or buy.

3. Layoff Resilience with Bold Steps: Ajay recounted his personal story of resilience, particularly after being laid off from Google. He highlighted the significance of taking bold steps in challenging situations, like reaching out to the governor of California for help with his green card.

Jeremy and Ajay also talked about the role of technology in transportation and logistics, the evolution of the mapping industry, and B2B customer education strategies.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ajay-bulusu

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Indonesia: Young Democracy Elections, Gen Z & Millennial 52% Electorate Majority & 2023 Bear Market Reflections with Gita Sjahrir - E377

Sun, 04 Feb 2024 21:00:06 +0000

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investment at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed three main topics:

1. 2023 Bear Market Reflections: Jeremy and Gita touched on the local startup market downturn, the importance of sticking to business fundamentals and good corporate governance to navigate economic headwinds, and how VCs have to build trust with founders.

2. Indonesia Young Democracy: Gita walked through Indonesia’s relatively new electoral system, the negotiations process post the election, and the significance in shaping policy. She also touched on the young age of political parties and emphasized the increasing cooperation between the public and private sectors post-1998.

3. Gen Z & Millennial Electorate Majority: Gita shared her observations about Gen Z in Indonesia, noting their active involvement in politics and public service, idealism, and significant role in addressing environmental and inequality issues. She highlighted the differences and similarities between Indonesian Gen Z and their global counterparts, emphasizing their active engagement in the political discourse through modern communication mediums like short-form video like TikTok and Instagram Reels.

Jeremy and Gita also reviewed the evolution of democracies in Southeast Asia, the nuances of Indonesian politics, and the significance of party affiliations.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/indonesia-young-democracy

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Society's Hunger For Heroes (Anthony Bourdain, Ali Wong) and The Stories We Tell Other People vs. Ourselves - E376

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 21:00:11 +0000

Jeremy discusses the stories that we tell ourselves, we tell others, and others tell about us. He contrasts Anthony Bourdain's self-descriptions in the travelogue "Parts Unknown," the posthumous Netflix documentary "Roadrunner" and the unauthorized biography "Down and Out in Paradise," ("I hate my fans. I hate being famous. I hate my job. I am lonely and living in constant uncertainty.") as well as the comedian Ali Wong's "Dear Girls" autobiography on family and her eventual divorce. He explained what consumers would gain from becoming more aware of the incentives behind self-representation vs. external narratives, the process of media gatekeeping, and society's hunger for heroes rather than imperfect humans.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/hunger-for-heroes

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

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Aaron Fu: Africa Market Complexity, Terrorism Tragedy & Purpose and Venture Capital Mission - E375

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 21:00:15 +0000

Aaron Fu, VC at Digital Currency Group, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Venture Capital Mission: Aaron narrated his decisions to focus on fintech, venture capital, and emerging markets. He emphasized the importance of aligning professional choices with his personal values, and how investing as a career lets him help build the future

2. Africa Market Complexity: Aaron dissected the multiple frames of Africa's market, across country, city and vertical. He compared accessibility, infrastructural development, and political stability, with examples of how government regulations and competition with local telecommunications companies shape the practical business reality for emerging startups.

3. Terrorism Tragedy & Risk: Aaron shared about the tragic loss of a friend and colleague in a terrorist attack in Nairobi, Kenya. He discussed the real dangers of operating on the ground, and also the sense of purpose in building a better future for the next generation in Africa.

Jeremy and Aaron also talked about the impact of digital transformation, the evolution of consumer behavior, and the significance of building sustainable business models.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/aaron-fu

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com

Vietnam: US & China "Love Triangle," 2023 GDP Growth Underperformance & 2024 Economy Forecast with Valerie Vu - E374

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 21:00:07 +0000

Valerie Vu, Founding Partner of Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics:

1. 2023 Vietnam GDP Growth Underperformance: Valerie Vu reflected on the challenges faced by Vietnam’s economy in 2023, including 2023's GDP growth of 5.1% being lower than the government target of 6.5%. They discussed root causes such as the global economic slowdown, slowing imports, US interest rates, inflation, Vietnam's domestic anti-corruption campaign, and intertwined local real estate turmoil and credit crunch.

2. 2024 Vietnam Economy Forecast: Valerie shared her optimistic outlook for Vietnam's economy in 2024 with her expectation that the government will implement stimulus measures and improve policies to achieve a 6 to 6.5% GDP growth target. She believes that this is driven by the upcoming 2026 14th National Congress as well as the the continued shift from traditional industries to technology-intensive sectors, particularly semiconductors and software. She also emphasized Vietnam's transition from 'Made in Vietnam' to 'Make in Vietnam', signifying a new industrial policy push to move up the production value chain (as Singapore had done in the 1970s).

3. US & China "Love Triangle": They discussed President Joe Biden and President Xi Jinping's 2023 diplomatic visits to Vietnam and how Western and Chinese media portrayed Vietnam's relationship with US and China. Valerie shared how the Vietnam government is focused on technology deals with the US, and infrastructure with China - and which country they are most aligned with.

Jeremy and Valerie also discussed the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the economy, Vietnamese youth’s passion for entrepreneurship, and the significance of educational reforms in fostering innovation.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/us-china-love-triangle

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com

Misery Poker: Competitive Vulnerability, Social Validation Commercialization & Empathy Generational Shift - E373

Thu, 25 Jan 2024 21:00:13 +0000

Jeremy discusses the rise of "Misery Poker" where people are increasingly incentivized to competitively share personal hardships. The natural human desire for social validation and the cultural shift towards authenticity intersects with declining community support structures, social media engagement algorithms and the commercialization of para-social relationships. He addresses the societal implications and how genuine empathy, intentional community building, and mindful social media engagement can be a path forward.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/misery-poker

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com

Henry Motte-de la Motte: Education Startup Challenges & Gritty Reality, Standardized Testing Debate vs. True Life Skills and Personal Passion For Learning - E372

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 21:00:13 +0000

Henry Motte-de la Motte, Founder & CEO of Edge Tutor, and Jeremy Au discussed three main topics:

1. Personal Passion For Learning: Henry shared his background as an introverted child moving frequently due to his father's job. His personal exposure to multiple educational systems inspired him to later build two education tech startups to help nurture the next generation both in the Philippines and globally.

2. Standardized Testing Debate vs. True Life Skills: Henry debated the role of standardized testing - advocating for its continuation but also recommending expansion to include more relevant 21st-century skills. He discussed the need for further educational reform with the aid of technology and an eye on the jobs of the future.

3. Education Startup Challenges & Gritty Reality: Henry spoke about the idealism prevalent in the education sector, the challenge of multi-stakeholder sales dynamics and the consequences of the pandemic-driven remote learning movement. He reflected on his personal growth as a founder operating across multiple countries and educational systems.

Jeremy and Henry also touched upon topics like the pivotal influence of government policies in education, the future of AI in learning, and the challenges of innovating within a traditional industry like education.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/henry-motte-de-la-motte

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com

2024 Regional Tech Forecast, 2023 Bear Market Reflections and Podcast Hosting Gratitude with Shiyan Koh - E371

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 21:00:08 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Podcast Hosting Gratitude: Jeremy and Shiyan reviewed their year-long journey of podcasting covering Southeast Asia tech. They reflected on the growth, challenges, and rich interactions they've had with their audience, and shared their appreciation for each other.

2. 2023 Startups & VC Bear Market: Jeremy and Shiyan recapped the challenges that regional startups, especially in later stages, faced in adapting to the bear funding landscape of 2023. Beyond founder mindset changes, they touched on the importance for VCs to conduct structural reflections on their investment decisions (both successes and failures) and the challenges due to the different incentives and lifecycles for junior and senior investors.

3. 2024 Southeast Asia Tech Predictions: Jeremy and Shiyan shared their predictions for 2024 such as the continued bear market challenges for later-stage companies that need to thus grow more to justify their bull-market valuations and/or conduct significant cuts. They view the press to be a lagging signal of these impending decisions. They also predicted deeper press and LP scrutiny on regional VC's individual investments (business models, operational efficiency and bottom-line sustainability). They also raised the upcoming political inflection points (and thus confluence) for the 2024 elections of Taiwan, USA, Indonesia and India.

They also talked about the significance of understanding unit economics for startups, the understated role of customer selection in business success, and the importance of understanding the multi-factorial causes of failure in the VC process.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/2024-tech-forecast

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com

20s "Hustle & Grind" to 30s "Health is Wealth": Army, Founder & Parent Life & Success Lessons - E370

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 21:00:13 +0000

Jeremy reflects on his 20s with the "hustle and grind" mindset during army, Bain consultant, and founder days. He pushed the limits of his body with a "macho man" mentality with all-nighters, eating poorly, and bad lifestyle choices. Turning 36 years old, discovering a severe vitamin D deficiency, and becoming a dad changed his mindset towards "health is wealth." Perseverance "mind over matter" is actually an output function of a healthy and integrated human biological system which requires focus and self-care.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/health-vs-success

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com

Carlo Chen-Delantar: Iron Triangle in Emerging Markets, Philippines Gobi VC & Alibaba Report & Career Journey from Social Impact to VC - E369

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 21:00:10 +0000

Carlo Chen-Delantar, Founding Partner of Gobi-Core Philippine Fund & Head of ESG at Gobi Partners, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Career Journey from Social Impact to VC: Carlo shared his journey from a family of entrepreneurs in the Philippines to his work in the nonprofit sector, focusing on social impact and clean water access. His transition to venture capital was unplanned, influenced by the realization of the potential impact through technology and capital allocation.

2. Gobi & Alibaba Philippines Startup Report: Carlo discussed the burgeoning startup landscape, the importance of understanding the local ecosystem, the role of technology in economic and social progress, and the challenges and opportunities for startups. He emphasized the structural and policy need to improve the ease of doing business and the attraction, retention, and training of talent across the country.

3. Emerging Markets Iron Triangle: Carlo explained the concept of the "Iron Triangle" in emerging markets (fintech, e-commerce & logistics). He shared specific FinTech opportunities and emphasized the significance of national ID systems and growth opportunities (in sectors like health tech and gaming) fueled by the young and digitally savvy.

Jeremy and Carlo also discussed the challenges of doing business, the cost of brain drain, government policies affecting startups, and the importance of inclusive development across different regions of the Philippines.

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com

Thailand: BCG Startup Report, Ecosystem Underperformance (Smallest in ASEAN-6) & Why The Time is Now with Wing Vasiksiri - E368

Sun, 14 Jan 2024 21:00:08 +0000

Wing Vasiksiri, General Partner of WV, and Jeremy Au discussed three main points:

1. Thailand Strong Economics Macros: Wing shared how Thailand ranks 2nd in GDP ($495B USD), 3rd in GDP per capita ($6900 USD) and 4th in population (72M) among the ASEAN-6 nations. Highly educated, robust household internet connectivity (90%) and strong daily usage of the internet (9h).

2. Historical Startup Ecosystem Underperformance: Despite economic strengths and fundamentals, Thailand is ranked last among the ASEAN-6 with only 180 funded startups (Singapore 1780, Indonesia 860, Vietnam 340, Malaysia 280, Philippines 185). Wing discusses key factors including entrepreneurship culture, limited risk capital, corporate-centricity of VC, language, startup talent flywheel, and lack of prior government support for innovation.

3. Why The Time is Now: Wing expressed optimism about the future of Thailand's startup ecosystem, citing positive changes driven by government funding initiatives, cultural shift towards entrepreneurship, strong stock exchange allowing for domestic listings, They also discussed other potential improvements that individual, corporates and policy-makers can choose to make.

Wing and Jeremy also talked about the impact of corporates on the economy, inequality's influence on startups, and Thailand's stock market’s unique liquidity paths for startup exits.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thailand-bcg-report

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com

Phoenix Founders: Revenge, Rebound & Rebirth Startups and How To Maximize Your Success As A Second-Time Founder - E367

Thu, 11 Jan 2024 21:00:12 +0000

Over 90% of VC-funded startup founders fail. In other words, the default scenario for a founder is moving on from their startup and figuring out their next career chapter. Most founders will naturally consider launching another startup vs. other employment opportunities. Learn more about Harvard research about what types of second-time founders succeed on their next venture. Jeremy then shares about the three patterns of sequel startups: revenge, rebound and rebirth startups. Examples include Adam Neumann (Flow vs. WeWork), Travis Kalanick (Cloud Kitchens vs. Uber), Kevin Systrom (Artifact vs. Instagram), Conrad Parker (Rippling vs. Zenefits) and Palmer Luckey (Anduril vs. Oculus). Jeremy then goes into how to gain personal closure, maintain professional integrity and explore what it takes to succeed in a new venture.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/paths-forward

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com

Anthony Tjajadi: Indonesia Market Insights, Trihill Capital Investment Thesis & Venture Capitalist VC Tradecraft - 366

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 21:00:15 +0000

Anthony Tjajadi, Founding Partner at Trihill Capital,and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Indonesia Market Insights: Anthony discussed that the necessary qualities of successful Indonesian founders are hard work, being savvy at market dynamics and understanding of local political nuances, with examples in supply chain challenges and consumer behavior in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. He shared his assessment that while Indonesia boasts a large, young, and growing middle-class population, the potential for consumer spending is not as robust as macro indicators suggest.

2. Trihill Capital’s Investment Thesis: Anthony described Trihill Capital as a sector-agnostic, early-to-growth-stage VC that prefers investing in tech-enabled businesses. He talked about their focus on scalability, profitability, unit economics, and speed of growth when evaluating companies, as well as their approach to investing in public equities.

3. VC Tradecraft: Anthony advised about what VCs should look for in potential investments and how to navigate the Indonesian market in comparison to the US and China. He stressed the need for VCs to be extroverted and people-oriented, given the need for constant interaction with founders and other investors. He shared about the bold step he took in moving to Singapore to start the fund and advised aspiring venture capitalists to be prepared to make mistakes and understand their personal risk appetite.

Jeremy and Anthony also discussed the thesis behind investing in agritech, the necessity for founders to be fully aware of their market, and the importance of a strong support system for entrepreneurs.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/anthony-tjajadi

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com

Jelmer Ikink: 10 Year Life Projections, Foxmont VC Founding Vision & Childhood Curiosity (Lehman Brothers & McKinsey) - E365

Sun, 07 Jan 2024 21:00:08 +0000

Jelmer Ikink, Founding Partner of Foxmont Capital Partners, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics:

1. Childhood Curiosity (Lehman Brothers & McKinsey): Jelmer shared about his childhood habit of walking around with his hands behind his back and asking questions. This deep-rooted curiosity translated into his academic life, initially pursuing finance for his undergraduate studies and law and diplomacy for his master's degree. He talked about his transition from investment banking at Lehman Brothers to McKinsey management consulting to entrepreneurial ventures in China and the Philippines.

2. Foxmont Founding Vision: Jelmer discussed how they decided on the name Foxmont Capital Partners after being inspired by the discerning nature of foxes as well as their regular meeting spots at the Fairmont and Raffles hotels. He highlighted Foxmont's commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial landscape in the Philippines. He also talked about the success of their annual Foxmont Summit that convenes the founder ecosystem.

3. 10-Year Life Projections: Jelmer dove into the significant risk he took in deciding to move to Asia and away from a more certain career path. He used the technique of projecting himself ten years into the future to weigh where he would rather be and what stories he would like to have accumulated in his life. He acknowledged that while parts of the journey turned out better (and worse) than expected, he had intentionally chosen to be more mindful of his experience with fewer expectations of himself.

Jeremy and Jelmer also talked about the future shifts in the Philippines’ investment landscape, the country’s macroeconomic growth and the role of luck in VC.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jelmer-ikink

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com

Fandy Cendrajaya: Indonesia Bull vs. Bear Market, Founding Kopital Ventures and Tough Startup Exit Environment & Strategy - E364

Thu, 04 Jan 2024 21:00:16 +0000

In this discussion, Fandy Cendrajaya, Founding Partner of Kopital Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Indonesia Bear vs. Bull Market: Fandy talked about Indonesia’s evolving market sentiment from the bullish 2020-2021 to the more cautious investor sentiment in from 2022 to 2024. He shared the importance of being realistic in comparing Indonesia vs. benchmark startups in larger markets like India, China, and the US. He also explained the nuances of the local tech ecosystem across commodity-based growth, consumer-driven trends, and localization requirements.

2. Founding Kopital Ventures: Fandy described building Kopital Ventures with his cofounder who shared the same vision and complementary skill sets. He explained their LP fundraising approach by emphasizing their seed-only investments without follow-on funding, allowing them to collaborate with other VCs.

3. Tough Startup Exits & Strategy: Fandy emphasized the scarcity of significant exit opportunities for startups in Southeast Asia, which affects how VCs should both invest and counsel their portfolio companies. He talked about the IPO and stock performance of startups GoTo, Grab, and Bukalapak on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), and how this local listing approach contrasts with the US IPO strategy. He underscored why founders should therefore be more thoughtful and agile in their exit strategies, thus setting benchmarks for valuations and investor expectations better.

Jeremy and Fandy also discussed the importance of looking at company valuation comparables, the nuances of angel investing, and the significance of empathy in working with founders.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/fandy-cendrajaya

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com

JX Lye: China vs. US Tech Culture, Career Decisions (Bytedance, Dropbox, Lyft and EDB) & Making Bank Integrations Fast & Simple with Acme - E363

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 21:00:10 +0000

JX Lye, Founder of Acme Technology and former Chief Product Officer of Endowus, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics:

1. Early Career & Academic Decisions: JX recounted his academic choices across junior college in Singapore, mandatory military service, University of Pennsylvania and a master's degree at Stanford University. He talked about his initial career at the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB) attracting tech investments to Singapore. He shared what he learnt working in the US as a Product Manager at the scaling growth-stage startups of Dropbox and Lyft.

2. China vs. US Tech Culture: JX discussed the differences between the US and China’s tech work environments. He noted the fast-paced, competitive and intense consumer focus of ByteDance, which required him to unlearn his US product manager training. He brought these learnings to Endowus as Chief Product Officer and worked on scaling both the front-end user experience for a seamless customer experience and the complex financial backend needed for compliance.

3. Revolutionizing Bank Integrations: JX shared how his insights at Endowus helped him identify significant inefficiencies in bank integrations and financial transactions. He saw the opportunity to streamline financial processes not just for fintech companies but also across various industries, which led him to build Acme Technology. He shared the challenges of starting a new company and emphasized the importance of continuous selling, customer focus, and adapting to market needs.

Jeremy and JX also talked about the emergence of the product manager role, the different market segments in fintech, and the importance of understanding real-world problems instead of theory.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jx-lye

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

Sonny Vu: Founding Misfit Wearables ($260M Fossil Acquisition), Vietnam American Roots and Navigating Tough Decisions - E362

Sun, 31 Dec 2023 21:00:13 +0000

In this episode, Sonny Vu, Founder of Alabaster and former founder of Misfit Wearables, and Jeremy Au discuss three main themes:

1. Vietnam & America Roots: Sonny talked about growing up in the Midwest as his older brother’s sidekick and a Vietnamese immigrant who spoke Vietnamese to his American friends. He decided to study Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois, but quickly realized his passion lay elsewhere - and shifted to eventually studying computational linguistics at MIT under Professor Noam Chomsky. He also shared why he felt Noam Chomsky was misunderstood by the broader public.

2. Founding Misfit Wearables ($260M acquisition by Fossil): Sonny’s entrepreneurial journey started when he participated in the MIT $50K Business Plan Competition with FireSpout, a startup focused on machine learning-assisted natural language processing (NLP). After selling his first startup, he co-founded other startups including AgaMatrix, an electrochemical biosensor for diabetes management, and Misfit Wearables, a wearable technology company that was eventually acquired by Fossil for $260 million. He discussed how he figured out product-market fit by reading 5,000 reviews of competitors’ wearables and emphasized the importance of timing and market needs. He also stressed the importance of assembling a crew that’s deeply committed to the mission beyond personal gain and celebrates the rare and precious servant leaders who prioritize the team and the mission over themselves.

3. Navigating Tough Decisions: Sonny shared a story of physical bravery while hiking in Turkey, as well as a critical business decision during his second company’s near bankruptcy, where ethical considerations led him to reject a term sheet that would have been detrimental to previous investors. He asserted that true bravery and courage emerge not from the absence of fear but from facing and navigating through it despite potential risks. The key is considering the long-term perspective of self-perception and integrity.

Jeremy and Sonny also talked about how the disciplines of art, math, and languages and are a unified pursuit of beauty, the evolving nature of entrepreneurship, failure as a more potent teacher than success, the importance of sales in startups, and the value of continuous learning.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sonny-vu

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com

#PublicService #Philippines #Healthcare #Harvard #SME #Telehealth #SocialImpact #Entrepreneurship #BRAVEpodcasts

Camille Ang: Founding Hive Health, Harvard Kennedy School & MBA and Public Service Passion - E361

Thu, 28 Dec 2023 21:00:10 +0000

Camille Ang, CEO & Cofounder of Hive Health, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Family & Public Service Passion: Camille shared about her upbringing in a third-generation Chinese Filipino family that emphasized education and hard work. Her passion for public service and desire to address societal inequality through infrastructure development led her to start her career in the government sector. She noted the stark difference between working in the public sector (which offers a slow-moving but broad change) vs. the private sector (which provides rapid effect-focused impact).

2. Founding Hive Health: Camille highlighted the challenges of limited social health insurance coverage, care coordination, and prevalent misconceptions about healthcare in the Philippines. She co-founded Hive Health, a YC-backed full-stack health insurance company that offers comprehensive plans for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). She elaborated that Hive Health integrates tele-health services and EMR systems to address the gap in healthcare accessibility, where less than 10% of the country’s population has HMOs. She also shared about the acquisition of Health Plan Philippines, which allowed the company to enhance the quality of healthcare services available to Filipinos.

3. Harvard MPA/ID & MBA: Camille shared about what she experienced at her joint Master of Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at Harvard. She discussed her desire to understand poverty reduction, the role of infrastructure in emerging economies, and the impact of big businesses on society. She shared how her studies shifted her focus from macro-level industrial policies towards making a direct and meaningful impact in the Philippines and Southeast Asia through entrepreneurship.

Jeremy and Camille also talked about the nationwide legalization of Transport Network Vehicles (TNVs), the role of the public sector in driving legislation, and commuting as a metaphor for inequality.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/camille-ang

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com/

Bernard Chong: Acquittal of False Drug Smuggling Allegations, Childhood with World Balance and Building Philipines' eSports Community with AP.Bren - E360

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 21:00:17 +0000

Bernard Chong, Founder of professional esports organization AP.Bren, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics:

1. Childhood with World Balance: Bernard talked about his childhood experiences learning the family business, World Balance, the biggest local shoe brand in the Philippines. He learned from his parents about the importance of hard work, clear decision-making, and the importance of stepping back when necessary. He also explained how this foundational training later led to his future entrepreneurial ventures including an animation studio, the local coffee brand franchise Tim Horton’s, the platform business Easy Franchise, and now setting up businesses in the US.

2. Acquittal of False Drug Smuggling Allegations: Bernard recounted his 3-year struggle to prove his innocence after being falsely accused of smuggling $34M of methamphetamine. He shared how he had angel invested in FortuneYield, a cargo company, and how the culprit Wealth Lotus had misled the legal system to believe that FortuneYield had been the consignee. He described the emotional turmoil faced by his family, particularly his children, who faced ridicule and doubt due to the public nature of the accusations. He had to stay silent and have faith in the legal system while the investigation proceeded until he finally received the news that the court had acquitted him and revoked the arrest warrant.

3. Building the Philippines eSports Community: Bernard discussed how his love for gaming and the potential he saw when he observed communities forming around games like DOTA and Street Fighter led him to found the eSports team AP.Bren. He believes in the necessity of patience in allowing time for communities to grow organically. He also highlighted that youth can learn life lessons through professional gaming such as leadership, team management, planning, and resource management.

Bernard also touched on investing in different industries, building overseas, and his passion for teaching which led him to set up an education foundation.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bernard-chong

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

Thomas Tsao: First-Generation Immigrant to Founding Gobi Partners, Asia Career Growth & Challenges and Southeast Asia Investment Thesis "Crouching Panda, Hidden Tapir" - E359

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 21:00:10 +0000

Thomas Tsao, Cofounder of Gobi Partners, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes:

1. Early Life and Education: Thomas talked about his background as a first-generation immigrant. He shared his family's journey from China to the USA and how aspirations and work ethic influenced his upbringing. He discussed the complexities of navigating life as an immigrant student at Harvard and contemplated 'selling out' vs. maintaining his ideals while choosing his first job post-graduation. He opted for a career in banking to gain financial independence and pay off student loans which led him to Wall Street and starting his career at Merrill Lynch.

2. Asia Career Growth & Challenges: Thomas recalled his career journey that paralleled Asia's growth, from the optimism of Hong Kong to the Asian financial crisis. He witnessed and contributed to the technological expansion in China and Asia. His journey included multiple experiences in the Asian financial markets, the tech boom, and the transformative economic landscape of the region. This experience shaped his understanding of market cycles, the importance of frugality, and the value of adapting to new technologies.

3. Founding of Gobi Partners & "Crouching Panda Hidden Tapir" Investment Thesis: Thomas shared his experiences during the Asian financial crisis and the dot-com bubble, which led to the founding of the Beijing Technology Development Fund and later, Gobi Partners, amidst uncertainties like 9/11 and the SARS outbreak. He navigated the challenges in TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecom) and saw China's potential for homegrown innovation, shaping Gobi's focus on fostering innovation. He later saw a unique opportunity to connect Asia with Southeast Asia, leading to the strategy of "Crouching Panda, Hidden Tapir." He discussed that his move to Malaysia solidified Gobi's expansion and focus on underserved markets like Taqwa Tech, aimed at the global Muslim economy.

They also discussed Thomas’ learnings from Harvard University, the founding of Beijing Technology Development Fund, the SARS outbreak and its impact on business, and the integration of diverse cultures in corporate environments.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thomas-tsao

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

Gabby Dizon: Founding Yield Guild Games (YGG), Web3, Gaming & Crypto Infrastructure and Generational Shift from Millennials to Gen Z - E358

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 21:00:15 +0000

Gabby Dizon, Cofounder of Yield Guild Games, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Founding Yield Guild Games (YGG): Gabby reflected on his childhood passion for computer games which led him to a career in game development and startups. He shared how he first met his cofounders Beryl Li and Owl of Moistness online, and how his CTO maintained his anonymity during a later $4.6M funding round from Andreessen Horowitz (a16z).

2. Web3, Gaming & Crypto Industry: He delved into the cyclical bull-and-bear nature of crypto, and the contrasting roles of good and bad actors. He also discussed digital scarcity and how it applies to the gaming world, emphasizing the parallels with physical assets and trading. He also discussed YGG's strategic evolution from an asset lending model to a more comprehensive system involving quests, achievement platforms, and the integration of real-world applications like credentials.

3. Generational Shifts: Gabby spoke about the importance of bridging the gap between millennials, Gen Z, and future generations. He underscored the founder's responsibility of reshaping the world and normalizing new technologies and connects this to his personal experience as a father who is comfortable discussing with his children about Web3 as a place for learning and experimentation.

They also talked about the future of work and the relevance of traditional education, how content consumption influences actions, and the impact of communities in the crypto and gaming sectors.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/gabby-dizon

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

Franco Varona: Grab GM to Foxmont Capital Partners, Empowering Filipino Entrepreneurs & Startup Success Blueprint - E357

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:00:11 +0000

Franco Varona, Managing Partner of Foxmont Capital Partners, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Entrepreneurial & Grab Beginnings: Franco detailed his early entrepreneurial experiences before the age of Google and widespread digital resources. He founded Creative Spark and subsequently Global Media, a company focused on advertising sales that serviced international media outlets. He shared how he was invited by Jesse Maxwell, a friend and later a partner at Foxmont, to launch Grab’s operations in the Philippines as country GM. He shared what it was like to live in founder Anthony Tan's apartment, to figure out how to localize and scale on-demand ride-sharing across Manila and other markets. He highlighted the hurdles he faced like dealing with slow and expensive internet infrastructure and training drivers to use smartphones.

2. Philippine Market Dynamics: Franco discussed his long-term vision for the Philippines, driven by a childhood dream of giving back to his home country. He discussed the growing middle class, the global diaspora's knowledge, and the rising adoption of digital solutions like mobile wallets. He also envisions a future where the local startup ecosystem is key for poverty reduction and education accessibility

3. Foxmont Capital Investment Philosophy: Franco discussed Foxmont Capital's mission as a cornerstone local VC investor to serve as a market filter and promote exceptional Filipino entrepreneurs, They initiated the Foxmont & BCG Philippine Venture Capital Report, which provides an annual overview of the country's rapid digital transformation, market insights and key changes. He discussed how they look at Indonesia as a benchmark startup market, and also share their investment philosophy that focuses on backing simple yet essential Filipino solutions to local problems.

They also talked about the role of CVCs in the Philippines, expectations vs. realities of building a business, and the pandemic’s impact on digital transformation.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/franco-varona

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

$1.5B ByteDance Tokopedia Investment with GoTo For TikTok Shop, Indonesia E-Commerce War & Winners. vs. Losers - E356

Sun, 17 Dec 2023 21:00:14 +0000

In this episode, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics:

1. $1.5B Bytedance Tokopedia GoTo Deal Analysis: They discussed ByteDance's $500 million payment to acquire a 75% stake in the merged entity of Tokopedia and TikTok Shop Indonesia. This would create the new Indonesia e-commerce market leader with 40% market share. ByteDance committed to investing a future $1 billion into the operations of the new entity, which will contractually not dilute GoTo's 25% minority stake. The deal was motivated by TikTok's need to resume its Indonesia operations after a ban by the Indonesia government, Tokopedia's -0.4% adjusted EBITDA as % of GTV (Q3 2023), and the opportunity to create the #1 Indonesia e-commerce platform with larger economies of scale, a new media-led growth engine and a wider seller base.

2. Indonesia E-Commerce War: They discussed Indonesia's $52B e-commerce market: Shopee (36% market share), Tokopedia (35%), Lazada (10%), Bukalapak (10%), TikTok Shop (5%), and Blibli (4%). They explained how this consolidation reflects the regional trend of increasing focus on efficiency, logistics, and leveraging technological synergies to gain dominance, similar to Uber Southeast Asia's strategic sale to Grab to concentrate on core markets. Credit goes to Momentum Works and Freeman Ding for their analysis.

3. Winners, Losers, and Future Moves: They identified Indonesian consumers as clear winners due to continued intensive competition on lower prices and innovation in services, similar to the Uber vs. Grab vs. Gojek rivalry. They also discussed other beneficiaries, how this reflected the growing maturation of the region for M&A activity, and how competitors like Grab and Sea Group would react to this market development.

Shiyan and Jeremy also talked about the challenges of founders fundraising during the holiday season and their own upcoming family vacation plans.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bytedance-tokopedia-investment

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

Janson Seah: Time Theft & Blue-Collar Workforce Management, Market Selection & Entry and Product-Led Growth vs. Go-To-Market Motion - E355

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 21:00:11 +0000

Janson Seah, Cofounder of StaffAny, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics:

1. Time Theft & Blue-Collar Workforce Management: Janson shared the dynamics of managing blue-collar workers and introduced the concept of "time theft” and its implications on productivity, accountability and incentive structures in organizations. He emphasized the need for a restructured approach to workforce management, focusing on performance-based rewards and outcomes rather than solely on time-based metrics. He believes this approach will motivate employees to take ownership of their work and lead to better outcomes for both employees and the organization.

2. Market Selection & Entry: Janson highlighted the challenges involved in expanding across various countries in Southeast Asia. He emphasized the importance of understanding the distinct characteristics of different customer segments, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He pointed out that many small businesses in developing markets may not have the technological infrastructure to handle large, complex software solutions that would be prevalent in the US.

3. Product-Led Growth vs. Go-To-Market Motion: Janson explained the complexities of implementing go-to-market strategies in the region. He stressed that the product-led growth strategies in the U.S. don't translate effectively across various industries and geographies in Southeast Asia, unlike what you may read on Substack from an American founder or VC. He also stressed the importance to understanding local market conditions, customer preferences, and business practices, which often require a more hands-on, relationship-based approach than what might be typical in the US.

They also talked about how cultural and operational norms influence business strategies, the necessity for digitalization and efficient management tools in SMEs, the relationship between technology and human labor, and the critical role of leadership in scaling a business.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/janson-seah

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

David He: Startup Law Partnership Journey, Choosing the Right Lawyer & Founder Legal Roadmap - E354

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 21:00:13 +0000

David He, Partner at Gunderson Dettmer, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Banker to Startup Lawyer Partner: David shared his journey from aspiring to be a banker to transitioning into law with the backdrop of the 2008 Great Recession. He worked with a Wall Street firm, moved to Silicon Valley, where he engaged with VCs, startups, and founders, and eventually relocated to Singapore, where he continues to support dozens of founders in their startup negotiations with VCs.

2. Choosing the Right Startup Lawyer: David stressed that in selecting a good startup lawyer, cost shouldn't be the sole criterion. He emphasized the importance of researching and asking for references to ensure the lawyer’s experience in working with startups. He also underscored the value of flexibility, experience, and deal repetition and stressed that the initial months of the lawyer-founder relationship are crucial for establishing trust and responsiveness.

3. Startup Strong Legal Foundations: David talked about the significance of establishing strong legal foundations for startups. He shared examples of how some founders might prioritize short-term gains, overlooking long-term implications, which can lead to significant future costs. He also discussed the concept of control rights and explained that founders initially have full control but gradually lose it as they raise funds and bring in investors.

They also talked about the survivorship bias in startups, the importance of openness to learning, the challenges of building a professional network in a new country and the fast-paced environment of venture law.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/david-he

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

OpenAI Board Acceleration vs. Doomers, Job Displacement vs. Replacement & Parasocial Winners vs. Losers - E353

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 21:00:12 +0000

In this episode, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. OpenAI Developments & Leadership: Jeremy & Shiyan delved into the recent leadership changes at OpenAI, including Sam Altman's reinstatement as CEO after a controversial board shuffle. They highlighted the philosophical divide within the board regarding OpenAI's direction between accelerationism (pushing for rapid acceleration and commercialization) vs. advocating for cautious progress). They noted that the accelerationists had prevailed, with Sam Altman's leadership signifying a continued push toward commercialization. They also touched on OpenAI’s extraordinary growth, scaling from zero to a billion dollars in revenue in a short time, and the practical challenges of halting AI development, given its open-source nature and widespread adaptation.

2. Business and Workplace Impact: Jeremy and Shiyan talked about the Coatue AI report where Shiyan expressed admiration for the slide demonstrating the tangible value AI brings to productivity and job functions. Jeremy emphasized the dynamic interplay between AI and human labor, highlighting a shift towards leaner organizational structures due to AI integration, and cited a scenario of a three-person unicorn company. They speculated on the possibility of ultra-lean companies, like a 'three-person unicorn', driven by AI efficiencies. They also emphasized the urgency of adopting AI to maximize benefits, considering the potential changes in job displacement and replacement dynamics.

3. AI-Driven Societal Shift: Jeremy and Shiyan shared that the rise of AI will create distinct winners and losers. They discussed that corporations that effectively leverage AI will likely dominate and significantly transform their operations and productivity. Jeremy identified specific professions, such as those in marketing and customer service, as being at higher risk of displacement by AI technologies. They also touched on the evolving nature of human relationships in the age of AI, particularly the growing trend of parasocial interactions with AI. Jeremy compared the impact of AI on social relationships to the effect of the birth control pill on society. He highlighted how just as the birth control pill revolutionized sexual relationships and family planning, leading to changes in social norms and personal freedoms, AI is poised to transform how humans interact and form relationships.

They also talked about the changing nature of workplaces and industries, the concept of loneliness epidemic, the need for responsible deployment of AI technologies, and the misconception of AI as a co-pilot.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/openai-acceleration

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

Scott Hartley: Global Pre-Seed VC, Regional Investment Insights & Valuation vs. Pricing Risk in Emerging Markets - E352

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 21:00:10 +0000

Scott Hartley, Managing Partner of Everywhere Ventures, and Jeremy Au discuss three main themes:

1. Global Pre-Seed VC Investing: Scott presented a contrarian view against the conventional wisdom that pre-seed and seed-stage investing must be localized. He argued that with modern communication tools and the evolving VC landscape, it’s feasible to be a global pre-seed investor. He discussed how Everywhere Ventures adopts this approach and shared that they’re relatively price insensitive, typically entering investments with valuations between $6 and $8 million. He talked about how they emphasize team evaluation and leverage a network of trusted founders and operators to access global deals, focusing on the right timing and market relevance for business ideas.

2. Regional Investment Insights: Scott shared his experiences and insights from investing in Southeast Asian companies like Kumu, Lomotif, and Booky, and described the process of engaging with these companies from their early stages and aiding them in finding product-market fit. He also highlighted that while valuations in Southeast Asia have traditionally been lower, there's a shift towards market-clearing rounds, making these markets increasingly attractive to global investors.

3. Valuation and Pricing Risk: Jeremy and Scott touched on the dynamics of valuation and pricing risk in VC. Scott explained that while early-stage investments carry less pricing risk, later-stage investments present a significant challenge. They discussed the varying opportunities in global markets such as lending to Indian-based SaaS companies against US dollar-denominated accounts. He also talked about the Philippine SaaS market where valuations were approximately half of the typical US valuations, reflecting the diverse supply and demand dynamics of capital and highlighting the need for investors to be astute in understanding and leveraging these differences.

They also talked about identifying and nurturing early-stage startups with a global potential, the nuances of market adaptation, the role of trusted networks in deal flow and investment decisions, and the importance of aligning investment strategies with technological trends.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/scott-hartley

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

Tri Ahmad Irfan: Indonesia Upbringing to USA Tech Inflection Point, YC Founder Experience & CTO Engineering Leadership - E351

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 23:12:47 +0000

Tri Ahmad Irfan, Cofounder & CTO of Lumina, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes:

1. Indonesia Upbringing to USA Tech Inflection Point: Irfan described his initial exposure to computers in high school and his passion for web development and problem-solving. He leveraged his skills to secure his first international internship at Twitter, marking several firsts for him – flying, obtaining a passport, and enduring a grueling 2am to 7am interview. He talked about the culture shock he experienced in the US and how he adjusted from his introverted Indonesian upbringing to the more extroverted and outspoken American communication style. He detailed that the experience was a pivotal inflection point, as it opened the door to opportunities beyond local internships in Indonesia and set the trajectory for his career.

2. Engineering Leadership: Irfan emphasized the importance of engineers understanding business impacts and prioritizing user needs in product development. He highlighted his experiences in building products, managing teams, and hiring. He stressed the need for engineering leaders to embrace business knowledge, data analysis, stakeholder management, and direct user communication to effectively contribute to business objectives.

3. Experience with Y Combinator (YC): Irfan recounted the excitement and the intensity of participating in Y Combinator, a dream come true for him. He navigated the pressures of the three-month program, including pandemic remote work, intense late-night sessions and the preparation for the 60-second demo day presentation.

They also talked about risk management, the importance of embracing opportunities, the value of direct communication with product builders, and the nuances of adapting to different market demands and user behaviors.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tri-ahmad-irfan

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

Indonesia: $1B Southeast Asia Climate VC Funding, Indonesia Energy Infrastructure & Investments, and Emerging vs. Developed Country Carbon Debates - E350

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 21:07:29 +0000

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investments at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed three main topics:

1. Southeast Asia Climate Investment: Jeremy and Gita talked about DealStreetAsia’s article on the $1B of climate investment capital now available across Southeast Asia, e.g. Aera VC, led by Derek Handley (a previous BRAVE guest), which raised $50 million for industrial decarbonization, Radical Fund, led by Alina Truhina (a previous BRAVE guest) ’s first close of $40 million Southeast Asian investment vehicle, Eversource Capital looking at $700 million for its second investment vehicle, and ADM Capital raising a $200M Indonesia climate-focused fund. Gita emphasized the challenges and opportunities of such an investment thesis.

2. Indonesia Energy Efficiency and Infrastructure Mechanics: Jeremy and Gita dived into Indonesia's push to transition to renewable energy, the use of positive behavior economics and respecting contracts to encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices. She highlighted the importance of understanding the limitations and stages of development in different islands and the challenges of establishing energy baselines, grid infrastructure, and cost control across fragmented energy markets.

3. Emerging vs. Developed Country Carbon Debates: Jeremy and Gita explored the contrast between developing and developed economies in terms of incentives. They highlighted the correlation between emissions per capita, energy consumption per capita, and GDP per capita, and the need for careful planning in the early retirement of power plants. They also touched on the dependence on the Chinese solar cell industry and the potential risks of supply chain disruptions, as well as the energy crisis in South Africa and its impact on economic growth. She emphasized the differences in pressure faced by developing markets compared to developed ones and underlined the need for representing local perspectives in global media narratives.

They also talked about Nepal’s recent TikTok ban, the evolving nature of young democracies, the geopolitical and macroeconomic factors influencing energy policies, and the government’s role in adapting to the needs of their citizens and international partners.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sea-climate-funding

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

Raffy Montemayor: Country General Manager Learnings, Classifieds Insights and Philippines Fintech Founder - E349

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 21:00:10 +0000

Raffy Montemayor, Founder & Philippine Business Head of Salmon, and Jeremy Au discussed three main topics:

1. Country General Manager Learnings: Raffy talked about how his unintentional early experience at Nestle turned out to be pivotal in learning about sales, HSBC for marketing and his experience as an INSEAD MBA. He then went on to lead the Philippines market for Agoda (travel aggregator), OLX Group (global classifieds) and Carousell (regional classifieds unicorn). He shared his learnings on how to best operate as a country General Manager: embrace direct involvement in operations due to the absence of established processes, flexible strategy localized to the actual market, and effective stakeholder management by crafting strong business cases.

2. Classifieds Insights: Raffy explained the classifieds business model: building a user-driven content flywheel to generate organic traffic and achieve market leadership. He discussed the strategic choice and trade-offs between a profitable, smaller-scale operation focused on B2C segments like used car dealerships and real estate companies vs. a broader C2C focus which requires significant marketing investments without immediate revenue generation. He also discussed why and how Facebook is such a strong competitor and substitute.

3. Fintech Founder for the Philippines: Raffy expressed his deep connection to the Philippines, not just emotionally but also in terms of the business opportunities shaped by demographics, income levels, and digital trends. He shares his excitement for the Philippines' underbanked market and why he co-founded Salmon to build financial inclusion, craft a customer-centric experience and utilize technology to build a profitable consumer lending engine.

They also talked about professional burnout, becoming a father and experiencing the twists-and-turns of a professional tech career.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/raffy-montemayor

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Fengru Lin: TurtleTree Milk Precision Fermentation, Biotech Cofounder Serendipity & Balancing Commercial and Scientific Decisions - E348

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 21:00:13 +0000

Fengru Lin, Founder & CEO of TurtleTree, and Jeremy Au discussed three key topics:

1. TurtleTree's Biotech Approach: Fengru Lin highlighted TurtleTree's biotech advancements in the scientific formulation of milk and milk ingredients. She also shared that the company focuses on high-value proteins like lactoferrin, a bioactive protein essential for gut health, immunity, and iron regulation, which trades for $1000 per kilogram due to its short supply and the amount of milk required to produce it. She also shared TurtleTree's progress towards commercialization, including applying for FDA GRAS certification, a significant step in bringing their products to market.

2. Entrepreneurial Journey: Fengru talked about her leadership journey from leading the Girl Guides in Singapore to developing essential skills in business development at Salesforce and Google, and eventually co-founding TurtleTree. She recounted her serendipitous meeting with Max, her co-founder, over shared interests in transforming the food industry, a thesis ignited by her hobby in cheese-making and Max’s work in cell-based meat. She emphasized the importance of a unified vision in a co-founding team and discussed how the synergy of skills and attributes between her and her cofounder was instrumental in navigating the early stages of the company, setting the foundation for its future growth.

3. Bravery in Decision Making: Fengru shared the early hesitancy of her scientists in engaging with the media, highlighting her strategy to balance the need for publicity with confidentiality. She explained the importance of guiding her team through decision-making processes and ensuring collective understanding and buy-in for media communications. She also shared her bold approaches to connect with influential figures like Paul Polman, the former CEO of Unilever & former CFO of Nestle. She discussed how these interactions shaped her vision for TurtleTree, particularly in ensuring the company's presence is prominently displayed in collaboration with CPG brands. She stresses the significance of seeking wisdom from industry veterans and the courage it takes to reach out to high-profile individuals for guidance and collaboration.

They also talked about the fundraising dynamics for deep-tech startups, the FDA approval process, misconceptions about building a biotech company, and the alternative protein market.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/fengru-lin

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Conferences: Bad Event Organizers, Speaker & Moderator Hacks and Democracy vs. Republic Audience Engagement - E347

Sun, 26 Nov 2023 21:00:09 +0000

In this discussion, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Bad Conferences: Jeremy and Shiyan highlight the aspects they find frustrating, e.g. low-value, low-density conversations. Shiyan discusses her disappointment with unnecessary pre-panel preparation calls and panels with too many participants, which inevitably dilutes the quality of conversations.

2. Speakers & Moderators Hacks: Jeremy advises speakers to focus on nailing at least 2 out of these three key elements: factual descriptiveness, a fresh/ contrarian point of view, and charm. He shares a trick he frequently uses as a moderator, which involves encouraging panel members to intentionally speak at an expert level.

3. Democracy vs. Republic vs. Serendipity: Jeremy and Shiyan disclose their approach to conference participation, emphasizing the importance of serendipity as key to an enriching experience. They also debate the democratic vs. republic approach in audience engagement.

They also discussed founder 1-minute pitches, great attendee experiences, and their personal conference approaches.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bad-vs-great-conferences

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Li Ling Yung: First Southeast Asian Woman to Swim The English Channel, 13 Hours & 34km of Sea Tides & Childhood Journey - E346

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 21:00:12 +0000

In this episode, Li Ling Yung, the first Southeast Asian woman to swim the English Channel, and Jeremy Au discussed Li Ling’s endurance swimming journey:

1. Li Ling's Childhood and Athletic Journey: Li Ling recalled securing bronze and silver as a competitive Singaporean swimmer in her childhood before moving on to other sports and hobbies. She moved to London at 19 for studies and rekindled her interest in sports in her mid-twenties due to the endurance sports culture in finance. She talked about how she started open-water swimming on the UK and later joined the Hong Kong community of swimmers, where they swim year-round even in winter when temperatures drop significantly.

2. Swimming the English Channel: Li Ling described the surreal experience of being the first Southeast Asian woman to swim across the English Channel. She emphasized the mental strength needed, particularly towards the end of the swim where she had to overcome strong currents and personal doubts. She focused on short-term goals, like reaching the next feed every half an hour, rather than the total 13 hours spent swimming. Supported by her friends and husband, she persevered and pushed through her limits to eventually swim 34km onto the shores of France.

3. Charitable Work: Li Ling and her husband chose to relocate to Hong Kong to be closer to family and friends. She shared her involvement as a volunteer coach at Splash Foundation and raised $50,000 to teach swimming to underserved communities in Singapore and Hong Kong, including migrant workers and children with special needs.

They also discussed the casual athletes’ intense training routines, the role of community in achieving challenging objectives, and endurance swimming dynamics.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/li-ling-yung

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Jianggan Li: China Tech Giant Expansion, Entering Southeast Asia & Venture Building Lessons - E345

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 21:00:14 +0000

In this discussion, Jianggan Li, Founder & CEO of Momentum Works, and Jeremy Au delved into three key themes:

1. China Tech Giants: Jianggan authored “Seeing the Unseen: Behind Chinese Tech Giants' Global Venturing,” which sheds light on the strategies and struggles of Chinese tech giants in global markets. He discusses the tactical decisions and leadership styles of Chinese tech giants, as well as intense domestic competition coupled with limited domestic growth in China.

2. Entering Southeast Asia: Jianggan and Jeremy talked about the recent wave of Chinese tech companies expanding into Southeast Asia. Jianggan explained that earlier expansion efforts were more opportunistic, with major companies like Tencent, Baidu, and Alibaba making significant investments and acquisitions, contrasting with the current necessity-driven expansion due to policy shifts and geopolitical factors. He advises companies to prioritize understanding local market dynamics and building sustainable business models that integrate regionally and emphasizes the importance of leadership and dedicated resources in successful joint ventures and strategic expansion.

3. Venture Building Lessons: Jianggan narrated his diverse career path, beginning as a computer engineer, progressing through an INSEAD MBA, and then venturing into various entrepreneurial roles as Regional Managing Director at Easy Taxi, and co-founding multiple startups like HalalNode and PasarPinjam. He eventually transitioned to founding Momentum Works, a venture builder. He speaks candidly about the complexities and pressures of leading a startup, emphasizing the drastic shift in responsibilities of being at the helm. He learned during the time of the cutthroat ride-hailing market being dominated by network effects and a winner-takes-all mentality. His experience also highlighted the difference between managing an existing company and founding a new one, where personal stakes and responsibilities are significantly higher.

They also talked about navigating different market environments, the psychological challenges and emotional resilience required in entrepreneurship, and the strategic considerations involved in forming joint ventures.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jianggan-li

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Vietnam: Intel $1B Investment Withdrawal, Power Blackouts & License Delays and North vs. South Investment & FDI Flows - E344

Sun, 19 Nov 2023 21:00:12 +0000

In this episode, Valerie Vu, Founder of Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au discuss three main topics:

1. Intel $1B Investment Withdrawal: Valerie shared that Vietnam's power outages, real estate turmoil, and anti-corruption campaign have led to delays in construction permits and licensing, which influenced Intel's decision to withdraw investment. This also caused the Danish group Pandora to announce the delay in running its factory to 2026 instead of its initial plan to start in 2025. She also explained that the country's power supply is delivered by a single state-owned company called EVN, which has faced challenges in managing resources, resulting in inconsistent power supply.

2. Vietnam Edtech Trends: Valerie stressed that while K-12 education receives ample investment, higher education and adult learning opportunities are lacking. She shared her involvement in helping recruit for Marathon Education which aims to build a Vietnamese MIT university and the potential growth in post-K12 education, including university, post-grad, and adult learning sectors. We also discussed Vietnam's edtech space and both disagreed with the notion of Vietnamese youth disengagement or "lying flat" (tang ping), as seen in China and reported by SCMP. Valerie explained that Vietnam has the second highest PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) scores among ASEAN countries, next to Singapore. She also shared the trend of young Vietnamese holding multiple jobs or side hustles, showcasing their drive, competitiveness, and ambition.

3. Regional FDI Flow & Expansion Strategies: Valerie noted that the northern region of Vietnam is attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI) due to its infrastructure and larger workforce availability. She compared spending habits in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, pointing out Ho Chi Minh City's entrepreneurial and high-value customer base. We delved into Vietnamese companies’ expansion strategies such as their movement into neighboring countries like Cambodia and Laos. Valerie mentioned companies like VinFast expanding into markets like Indonesia and Europe, representing the first generation of Vietnamese entrepreneurs attempting global expansion. She expressed optimism about Vietnam's digital economy growth, targeting 20% of GDP by 2025, and stressed the importance of supportive government policies for this expansion.

They also talked about Vietnam’s infrastructure development, the top cities and provinces attracting FDI, and the availability of human capital.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/intel-investment-withdrawal

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Southeast Asia Agritech: Industry Players & Value Chain, Digitization and Mechanization & Livestock vs. Crop Farming Agriculture - E343

Thu, 16 Nov 2023 21:00:10 +0000

Adriel Yong, Head of Investments at Ascend Angels, and Jeremy Au discussed three major topics:

1. Southeast Asia Agriculture: Jeremy and Adriel talked about the variety of agriculture players, from smallholders to large conglomerates, and the range of crops cultivated, including staples like rice and cash crops like palm oil. Jeremy pointed out that understanding agriculture requires consideration of geography, market players, and crop types, noting that this sector is significantly more complex and boots-on-the-ground vs. well-covered business models like SaaS. They explore upstream inputs, financing, downstream off-take, storage, processing and trading functions. They also discuss the complexity of determining investment profiles suitable for venture capital return targets.

2. Digitization & Mechanization: Jeremy compared the region’s agricultural landscape to the US, where both hardware and software advancements have been implemented. He explained that despite the potential benefits of digitization, the fundamental nature of agriculture requires a physical interaction with crops, which cannot be entirely replaced through digital solutions, and stressed the importance of understanding the practical limitations of agritech. He also discussed the potential of logistics as a fundamental layer in the agriculture sector and pointed out that while there are opportunities for increased efficiency through better maintenance, routing, and time management, the gains might still be limited.

3. Livestock vs. Crop Sector: Jeremy delved into the differences in managing poultry and livestock compared to crop-based agriculture. He explained that different animals require varied inputs and are subject to different risks, and recognized the higher price points for animal products due to their higher energy input requirements compared to plants. He also emphasized the anticipated increase in demand for protein-rich foods as the region grows richer. He discussed the impact of diseases on poultry and fishery yields and shared how to manage these risks, comparing it to an insurance model where consistent monitoring and preventative measures are vital.

They also talked about the role of government support in agriculture, the impact of weather and seasonality on agricultural productivity & asset utilization, and the potential of cultured proteins.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/southeast-asia-agritech

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Alina Truhina: Climate Change Reality, Political Refugee Journey & Navigating ESG - E342

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 21:00:10 +0000

Alina Truhina, Managing Partner of The Radical Fund, and Jeremy Au delve into three main topics:

1. Climate Change Realities: Alina acknowledges Southeast Asia's position as both a significant emitter of greenhouse gases and a region increasingly vulnerable to climate change. She also touches on the notion that addressing climate change seems elitist and is not yet a priority for the general population who are more concerned with immediate household and financial needs. She proposes fostering habit changes through user-centric business models that make environmental choices accessible and practical without demanding drastic lifestyle overhauls.

2. Entrepreneurial Approaches to ESG: Alina draws attention to the often-misunderstood concepts of ESG, climate, impact, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), urging founders to go beyond the tokenism of using SDG logos and to sincerely embed these principles into their operational metrics. She advocates a $4.3 trillion economic opportunity for Asia stemming from proactive climate action and showcasing the profitability in sustainability efforts. She also explores the transformative potential of VC and other financial instruments in supporting founders who are championing technological innovations geared toward local community needs.

3. Adversity & Personal Growth: Reflecting on her background as a political refugee, Alina recounts the discrimination her family faced following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, leading to their move to Australia. She deeply connects with entrepreneurs she works with, resonating with those who have faced similar socio-economic battles. She explains that her outsider status has been both a challenge and an advantage, offering a distinctive perspective and driving her to surround herself with local teams that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of each market. She emphasizes her commitment to investing in transformative solutions that empower entrepreneurs to enact positive change and provide opportunities for others in their communities.

They also talked about building coalitions and driving change as an outsider in the industry, the loneliness of a founder's journey, the significance of peer-to-peer networks in providing support for founders, the importance of emotional intelligence for effective leadership, and the emerging role of women in VC.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/alina-truhina

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Tech in Asia $30M Acquisition by SPH, News Industry Evolution & Fragmented Media Consumption - E341

Sun, 12 Nov 2023 21:00:08 +0000

In this discussion, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics:

1. Tech in Asia Acquisition: Shiyan and I delve into Tech in Asia’s acquisition by Singapore Press Holding and how this move is set to reshape the tech news landscape across the region. We assess the company's $30M valuation and discuss the revenue figures, growth rate and synergies that made it an attractive acquisition target. They also reflect on the broader implications for regional tech journalism across the various players.

2. Entertainment & Media Industry Evolution: We discuss the evolving business models in the entertainment and media industry, citing examples like Spotify's $200M deal with Joe Rogan, the growth of niche Substack newsletters like Packy McCormick's and The Generalist, and the success of independent platforms like Stratechery and Acquired.FM. We also explore how AI is revolutionizing content creation in terms of translation and distribution, thus changing the business model and venture scale outcomes.

3. Fragmented News Consumption: We examine the current fragmented nature of news and media consumption where information is scattered across different platforms, from blog posts to Substacks to podcasts and TikToks, and how these new channels are fostering innovative business-building approaches. We discuss the consequences of this fragmentation, such as the challenges in defining truth in an age where platforms algorithmically promote content engagement, implicitly displacing users from consuming fact-checked, authoritative sources.

We also touch upon the importance of adapting to new market trends, how the interaction between media and technology impacts startup founders, the role of advertisers in media economics, and niche audience monetization.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tech-in-asia2

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Three Lessons From Anthony Bourdain's Biography "Lost In Paradise" - E340

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 21:00:12 +0000

“He is someone who is living this "dream life", an inspirational figure for so many folks. It makes me reflect on the fact that there are so many celebrities in our world who are also very inspirational. At the end of the day, everyone's human and with their mistakes, as well as their inspirational moments. Seeing the whole of them is something that only close people get to see. And so, this makes me reflect a lot on my dynamics, which is how I focus not just on my career and my public orientation, but also on my private life to make sure that I'm focusing and investing in the right things because I would rather be a public failure and a private success rather than a public success and a private failure.” - Jeremy Au

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/anthony-bourdain-lessons

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Ryan Manafe: McKinsey to Founder, Indonesia Infrastructure Bottlenecks & Hub-and-Spoke Business Model - E339

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 21:00:15 +0000

Ryan Manafe, Cofounder & CEO of Dagangan, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes:

1. Indonesia's Infrastructure and Supply Chain: Ryan shared the infrastructure and supply chain dynamics beyond the major islands of Java and Sumatra and the disparities in development and access to resources in those remote areas. He delved into the interaction between urban centers and rural areas and how infrastructure bottlenecks often impede the transportation of goods from rural production areas to urban consumption centers, leading to inefficiencies, increased costs, and potential losses. He also explained the often-overlooked challenges faced by middlemen in the country’s supply chain and how they play an essential role in connecting producers with consumers.

2. Dagangan's Business Approach: Ryan highlighted their innovative approach to working within the supply chain, aiming for a win-win situation for all parties involved. He explained that businesses can leverage a hub-and-spoke model to efficiently reach rural customers, with the first and mid-mile logistics handled by the brands and manufacturers. He also discussed the key performance indicators for their investors, brands, and users: for investors, to showcase progress toward profitability through unit economics and operational efficiency; for brands, to expand their reach across regions and outlets, increasing product delivery; and for users, to increase their revenue significantly and even expand their business premises.

3. Ryan’s Founder Journey: Ryan shared his transition from being a McKinsey consultant to an entrepreneur deeply committed to impacting rural areas and contributing to Indonesia’s progress. He recounted building his first successful venture, only to bravely venture into founding a second company, Dagangan, with a revamped and innovative approach. He emphasized the weight of this decision, especially considering his familial responsibilities, as he navigated these waters while supporting his pregnant wife.

We also discussed the significance of maintaining strong ties with rural communities, maintaining operational discipline, the role of technology in bridging the urban-rural divide, and the importance of work-life balance.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ryan-manafe

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Gita Sjahrir: Indonesia TikTok Shop Ban, Cloud Kitchen Shutdowns & Founder Market Adaption - E338

Sun, 05 Nov 2023 21:00:10 +0000

Gita Rusmida Sjahrir, Head of Investments at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Business Model Localization: We dissect why Grab, Gojek with Rebel Foods, and DishServe have closed over 100 Indonesian cloud kitchens over the past year. Gita and I discuss the criticality of tailoring the model to fit local dynamics, highlighting factors like GDP per capita, time availability, food distribution, and urban design. We discussed that the driving factors were not the destruction of demand, but instead the misalignment of the business model with consumer behavior. For example, Indonesia's cloud kitchen prices and margins were highly competed by current food models, like ordering food for delivery from local restaurants, cooking at home, or going to a local eatery.

2. Indonesia TikTok Shop Ban: We talked about TikTok Shop’s ban in Indonesia and the scrutiny it faces worldwide in the USA, India, and Vietnam. Gita highlighted the need for understanding the nascent political landscape of Indonesia and policy decisions in response to viral issues. She stressed the importance of fostering win-win relationships with regulatory bodies rather than falling into adversarial dynamics, thereby safeguarding startup enterprise value and helping local communities. We compared this to the Airbnb bans in Singapore and NYC, and the differing outcomes for Uber and Didi's relationships with their USA and China regulators.

3. Founder Adaption to Market: We discussed the importance of founders, both local and immigrants, to approach the local markets with humility and how it should not be mistaken for lack of confidence, but rather be seen as a strategic advantage and a means to ensure that innovations brought forth by startups are received positively by the community. We agreed that founders must be willing to learn from the market, and iterate their approach in a way that both respects and leverages the local context, ensuring their value proposition is both clear and compelling.

We also touched upon the impact of cultural understanding in shaping business strategy, the necessity for founders to view their journey through a scientist's lens, the role of leadership in turbulent times, and the evolution of consumer behavior in the region.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tiktok-shop-ban

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Three Things I Learned From Turning 36 - E337

Thu, 02 Nov 2023 21:00:11 +0000

“It's okay to sit back and enjoy the ride of turning 36. That means there's a certain level of discomfort that I used to blame myself and be like, ‘Hey, I should have figured this out. I should be prepared. I should know what this feels like.’ And now, I realize that it’s okay if I don't understand. I still have to push hard and explore. It's just that it's okay to have this discomfort that I don't understand what's going on as I get older, and instead, I look at it as an opportunity to have that delicious feeling of not knowing what comes next. It's really a privilege to have that freedom to explore, and the freedom to feel, and be outside your comfort zone.” - Jeremy Au

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/turning-36

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

John Aguilar: Philippines Business Reality TV, Methods to Greatness & Failure before "The Final Pitch" - E336

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 21:00:16 +0000

John Aguilar, Creator & Host of The Final Pitch and Methods to Greatness, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes:

1. Television Production Realities: John provided an insider’s view of the television production world, explaining the intensive process behind creating a successful show. He emphasized that what the audience sees on screen is just the tip of the iceberg, with a mere 0.1% of the work being visible to viewers. He provided a peek into the “show as a service” approach of their show “The Final Pitch”, where judges double up as co-producers, investing a fee that funds the production. This enables a sustainable model, allowing the show to function efficiently without the need to seek sponsors actively. He also shared his ventures in real estate and technology, highlighting how the success of their shows paves the way for new business opportunities and investments in startups, with plans to expand The Final Pitch across Asia in the future.

2. Family Life, Longevity & Greatness: John shared how marriage and fatherhood altered his perspectives and priorities. He reflected on the shift from individual-centric goals to family-oriented aspirations, and how his role in media carries greater responsibility and influence than before. He shared how his passions and projects have evolved with his life stages, currently revolving around themes of longevity and crafting a meaningful legacy. He also explained how craftsmanship is more than just doing a job, it’s also about mastering your craft, continuously learning, and taking pride in your work. He stressed the importance of staying curious and finding joy in the process of achieving greatness and ensuring longevity in any field - resulting in the show Method to Greatness.

3. Navigating Failure & Pursuing Success: John recounted a pivotal moment in his career when he produced a dance show in the Philippines which appeared to be a soaring success until it took a dramatic turn when they faced unexpected financial difficulties. He opened up about moments of doubt, frustration, and the feeling of being overwhelmed by the setbacks. Despite the challenges, he chose to remain resilient, taking responsibility for the situation, and learning valuable lessons about business and personal integrity. He explained that maintaining a strong moral compass in the face of failure taught him valuable lessons about the true nature of success and greatness - which eventually led to successfully launching The Final Pitch.

We also touched on the intersection of technology and media, the importance of cross-cultural collaborations, the role of sports science and medicine, and the value of mentorship in professional journeys.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/john-aguilar

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Flash Coffee & Biofourmis Layoffs, Tech-Enabled Food Thesis & AI Productivity Regulations - E335

Sun, 29 Oct 2023 21:00:15 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and I talked about three main topics:

1. Layoffs and Market Exits: Shiyan and I talked about the recent wave of layoffs: Biofourmis (45 staff in Singapore, and at least 85 staff globally) and Flash Coffee (closed all 11 Singapore outlets). We agreed on the importance of executing layoffs decisively, advocating for a single, well-planned and deep cut rather than a drawn-out process of multiple cuts. We touched upon the necessity of transparent communication, ensuring that the remaining team members are well-informed and supported throughout the transition, and highlighted the importance of agility in uncertain times.

2. Tech-Enabled D2C Consumer: We explored tech-enabled food services and analyzed the industry's financial intricacies, distribution challenges, and competitive landscape. We debated how coffee chains utilize tech not only in processing orders, how they choose locations, and differentiate in markets already saturated with traditional coffee chains. We talked about Luckin Coffee’s unique model, which requires customers to download an app before placing an order, a strategy that streamlines the ordering process and serves customer acquisition and data collection, allowing it to better tailor its offerings and marketing strategies.

3. AI Productivity Transformation: We discussed EU’s aim for AI regulations, similar to its GDPR for data privacy, vs. ASEAN's recently-stated hands-off approach, letting each country decide its own path. We also discussed the difficulty of halting AI development and pointed out the practical issues of enforcing regulations. We were skeptical about JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon's forecast of a 3.5 day workweek due to AI. While AI enhances productivity, it also intensifies competition, ultimately transforming entire industries rather than individual jobs. We also talked about AI bots and how they can already emulate the conversational style of specific individuals like Jason Calacanis and brainstormed possibilities like historical fiction podcasts featuring debates between figures like Napoleon and Gandhi.

We also touched upon the NASDAQ performance of the MoneyHero SPAC (Seedly), authenticity and value of human error and spontaneity in content creation, suggesting that there might still be a preference for “artisanal podcasters”, the necessity of continuous learning and adaptation, the ethical dimensions of AI deployment, fostering innovation while ensuring data privacy and the strategies for maintaining balance and humanity in the fast-paced tech world.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/flash-coffee-layoffs

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Matt Abrahams: Stanford MBA Public Speaking Research, Conquering Anxiety Biology & Gen Z vs. Millennial Attention Span - E334

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 21:00:11 +0000

In this discussion, Matt Abrahams, Stanford MBA Professor and author of Think Faster, Work Smarter, and Jeremy Au, talk about three main themes:

1. Journey to Mastering Public Speaking: Matt shared what inspired his journey to research public speaking. At his first-ever speech competition, he demonstrated a karate kick on stage and ripped his pants in front of the entire audience. This event catalyzed his deep dive into understanding and mastering the art of public speaking. He shared how this taught him the importance of staying composed under pressure and maintaining a sense of humor, even when things don’t go as planned. He also recounted a lesson he learned from his mother about how a person's communication style can influence others, shape their perceptions, or guide reactions in a desired direction.

2. Understanding Anxiety’s Biological Roots: Matt opened up about the inherent nature of anxiety, particularly when it comes to public speaking and establishing one's place in social hierarchies. He explained that feeling anxious in such situations is a natural biological response that has been a part of human evolution for centuries as our bodies are programmed to be alert and responsive to potential threats. With the modern world offering different speaking opportunities to larger, diverse audiences and the additional pressure brought by the permanency of video recordings, Matt highlighted the need to understand and adapt to the evolving challenges of public speaking anxiety.

3. Personalized Approach to Public Speaking: Matt stressed the essence of individuality in public speaking. He encourages people to learn from both successes and failures and integrate these lessons to develop a better approach suited to today’s world. He shared that Martin Luther King Jr. got a C- in Public Speaking in his early days, reminding everyone that even the most prolific orators faced challenges early on. He highlighted that people should set realistic and achievable expectations and understand that mastery is a continuous journey.

They also discussed the impact of cultural differences on communication styles, strategies for effective storytelling in presentations, how effective communication and public speaking are crucial for leaders in the tech industry, the value of observational learning, and the necessity of critical thinking and community support when seeking advice.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/matt-abrahams

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Craig Bristol Dixon: Maximizing Startup Potential, Family Office Partnerships & Bravery vs. Stupidity - E333

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 21:00:08 +0000

Craig Bristol Dixon, Cofounder & General Partner of Accelerating Asia, and Jeremy Au talk about three key topics:

1. Maximizing Startup Potential: Craig underscores the nuanced differences between a startup's initial iteration and subsequent ones, emphasizing that experience significantly shapes how one approaches the process. He talks about an insider's perspective on the challenges and intricacies of efficiently running a startup, highlighting the importance of understanding the complex interplay between incubators, venture capitalists, and the success of the portfolios they nurture. He also touches upon the importance of startups adopting the correct approach, particularly when they're at a stage where they need to amplify their growth trajectory and truly get their operations into high gear.

2. Navigating Partnerships with Family Offices: Craig shares insights on family offices' aspirations, capabilities, and actions necessary for establishing successful collaborations. He sheds light on the often misunderstood nuances of how these entities operate within the startup ecosystem. He explains that while family offices often have vast resources at their disposal, understanding their core objectives is paramount for startups and other ecosystem players looking to collaborate with them. He highlights the significance of the alignment of expectations, resource-sharing, and mutual knowledge exchange and ensuring that both parties are clear about what needs to be achieved.

3. Bravery Versus Stupidity in Entrepreneurship: Craig and Jeremy explore the thin line between bravery and stupidity in the entrepreneurial realm. Craig ponders on the fine balance leaders must strike when navigating risk and challenges the binary view of these concepts, suggesting that the line between bravery and foolishness is often blurred. He also talks about his own journey, highlighting instances where he had to gauge risks, not just from a business standpoint, but also on a personal level. He discusses the value of hindsight, emphasizing how past experiences offer clarity on decisions that seemed ambiguous at the time, and encourages startups and leaders to critically assess their risk tolerance, ensuring that their actions, while brave, are grounded in reality and foresight.

They also talk about the recent trends, challenges, and opportunities in the region’s tech landscape, the rise of AI and machine learning startups, the role of technology in driving innovation, and the changing investment patterns in Southeast Asia, and the increasing role of sustainability in tech innovations.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/craig-bristol-dixon

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Vietnam Semiconductor Investments with President Biden, Professional Learning White Space & Local Consumer Trends - E332

Sun, 22 Oct 2023 21:00:06 +0000

In this episode, Valerie Vu, Founder of Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au discuss three main topics:

1. Vietnam's Semiconductor Investment: Valerie and Jeremy shed light on the substantial investments pouring into the microchip space. They talked about President Biden’s recent visit to Vietnam, accompanied by senior executives from Intel, Google, and Amcor, which served as a catalyst for furthering ties and promoting investments between the two nations. They also discussed how the US is steering its capital toward this sector in Vietnam and highlighted the country’s potential to become a hub for microchip production and innovation. They explained the broader implications of these investments, suggesting that they are likely to create job opportunities, boost local economies, and position Vietnam as a significant player in the global semiconductor market.

2. Adult Learning Space in Vietnam: Valerie conveyed her frustration with the current state of adult education in the country, indicating that there's a need for reform and innovation. While Vietnam is witnessing a surge in foreign direct investments, there's a looming skill gap among its adult population, potentially hindering the country's progress and adaptation to a rapidly evolving global marketplace. Despite this, she’s optimistic about the investments in this sector, which will reshape the landscape of adult learning where they can easily access resources to enhance their skills, align with the nation's growth trajectory, and meet the demands of the global market.

3. Capital Investment & Consumer Trends: They discussed the $643M investment of South Korea’s conglomerate, Lotte, and its recent launch of a retail complex in Hanoi, signifying its pivot away from the Chinese market and a focus on Vietnam. Valerie explained Lotte’s familiar presence in Vietnam for years, with projects like Lotte West Lake having been in development for over a decade. Despite the significant investment, she observed that the shopping mall culture hasn't entirely resonated with the Vietnamese consumer base, which tends to prefer shophouses and street coffee outlets, signifying a cultural preference for value-for-money and localized shopping experiences.

They also delved into the welcoming approach of the Vietnamese government towards global tech giants like Facebook, Netflix, and Amazon, the competitive positioning of TikTok shop against Shopee, and the interplay of culture, economics, and strategy in determining business trajectories in the region.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-capital-investments

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Kevin Brockland: Founding IndelibleVentures, Elevating Malaysia's Startup Ecosystem & Navigating Fatherhood - E331

Thu, 19 Oct 2023 21:00:12 +0000

Kevin Brockland, Managing Partner of Indelible Ventures, and Jeremy Au discuss three main themes:

1. Founding Indelible Ventures: Kevin sheds light on his early journey and shares the pivotal moments that inspired him: having young kids, prior investment pursuits, and his ambition to further embed himself in the venture landscape. Kevin articulated the process of choosing a focal geography, crystallizing an investment thesis, erecting a robust network, and pooling resources for the fund. He emphasized the potential he observed in Malaysia, especially within the pre-seed space, and discussed the thrill of spotting and nurturing nascent ventures that have the potential to reshape industries.

2. Elevating Malaysia's Startup Ecosystem: Kevin and Jeremy examined the nuances of Malaysia's startup landscape in comparison to its regional counterparts. Kevin contrasts Malaysia against its regional peers, pinpointing areas like capital formation, legal policies, corporate domicile, and local nurturing that need augmentation. He highlighted the importance of fostering an ecosystem that doesn't just focus on current founders but paves the way for the next generation. This includes building a robust educational foundation, instilling entrepreneurial mindsets from a young age, and ensuring that budding entrepreneurs have access to resources, networks, and opportunities to turn their visions into realities.

3. Navigating Fatherhood: Kevin and Jeremy shared personal stories about the unanticipated joys and challenges of becoming fathers to two girls. Kevin reminisced the days leading up to the news of his impending fatherhood and how it caught him off guard. Despite the initial shock, he emphasized that life's unpredictability often brings the most treasured moments. He drew parallels between the entrepreneurial spirit and parenthood, explaining that there's never a "perfect" time to start a family. Rather than seeking a precise blueprint or waiting for the ideal moment, the key is to embrace the journey, adapt to the changes, and cherish the learning along the way.

They also discussed the interplay between professional acceleration and personal evolution, the tips on forging genuine and long-lasting professional relationships, the dynamics of networking in the region, the invaluable support of a business community, and balancing work and family.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kevin-brockland

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Tsun-Yan Hsieh: Board Leadership (Sony, Dyson & Singapore Airlines), Art of Coaching & Positive Influence - E330

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 21:00:11 +0000

In this discussion, Tsun-Yan Hsieh, Founder & Chairman of LinHart Group, and Jeremy Au talk about three key themes:

1. Board Member Dynamics & Real Conversations: Tsun Yan emphasizes the importance of both strategic and tactical aspects as a board member, drawing from his experiences with companies like Sony, Airtel, Dyson, Singapore Airlines, SingHealth, and Manulife. He sheds light on the essence of real conversations and attributes of results, detailing the significance of pre-meeting dinners and side chats. He believes that being a board member isn't just about agreement, but also about bringing diverse viewpoints to the table. He recalls times when he voiced opinions that went against the grain and urged the board to revisit certain decisions, suggesting they were crucial in ensuring the company didn't overlook potential pitfalls or become complacent in its strategic direction.

2. Coaching, Consulting, and Positive Influence: Tsun Yan explores the art of coaching and consulting. Drawing from his extensive career and his journey in establishing a coaching business, he explains the nuances of providing advice and mentorship. He also discusses his co-authored book, "Positive Influence," and elaborates on the difference between being a leader who merely manages vs. one who truly inspires and drives transformational change. He underscores the distinct strategies required when mentoring fresh minds vs. seasoned professionals. For the former, the approach is more exploratory, given their potential to pivot in their career trajectories, and for the latter, it's about honing and refining skills, as senior executives often seek to perfect their craft or achieve specific leadership milestones.

3. Tsun Yan’s Personal Journey: Tsun Yan reflects on his curiosity from a young age, leading up to his days as a young executive. He narrates instances where he mustered the bravery to engage in lengthy discussions and shares an anecdote about entering a room and holding an engaging conversation for four hours. He shared that it wasn't just about the duration but the depth and quality of the discourse. He also discussed that negotiations and engagements often revolved around facilitating changes, requiring him to navigate the challenges of agreements with top-tier executives and always pushing for the necessary evolution.

They also delve into the evolving leadership paradigms in Southeast Asia, authentic communication in the workplace and how it can foster trust and drive productivity, the significance of continuous learning and adaptation in today's dynamic business environment, and how genuine feedback can be instrumental in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tsun-yan-hsieh

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Conglomerate Underperformance Bain Report, Super App Business Logic & User Trust Relationship Path - E329

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 21:00:11 +0000

In this discussion, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au, talked about three key topics:

1. Conglomerate Underperformance: Shiyan and Jeremy discuss the Southeast Asia report by Bain & Company, diving into the transformation of conglomerates – entities that once stood as beacons of success and now grapple with dwindling performances. They touch on potential causes of underperformance such as the challenges faced in managing diverse business units, rapid technological advancements, and the rise of competitors. They also talk about key success factors conglomerates need to focus on enhancing core competencies, leveraging synergies across business units, and maintaining a robust governance structure. They emphasized that conglomerates must realign their strategies with the changing business environment.

2. Super Apps and Conglomerate Parallels: Shiyan and Jeremy delve into the similarities between the growth strategies of super apps and traditional conglomerates, both aiming to be the go-to solution for a wide range of user needs. For super apps, this means integrating diverse services like e-commerce, ride-hailing, food delivery, and financial services into one seamless platform to drive user engagement, increase stickiness, and maximize transaction value. However, just as conglomerates faced challenges in managing diverse business units and ensuring consistent quality across all ventures, super apps also grapple with the complexities of offering multifaceted services while retaining user trust and ensuring optimal user experience.

3. Building Trust with Users: Shiyan spotlights Costso’s approach to cultivating and maintaining a loyal customer base. They underline that businesses should focus on curating offerings that genuinely align with users' needs and prioritizing their interests above all else, rather than pushing products and services. They discuss that organic alignment is the cornerstone of a long-lasting, trusted relationship and that adapting to shifts in user interests can sustain relevance in their markets, keeping them ahead of competitors.

They also talk about biotech as an underexplored area in the region, the evolution of game distributors and publishers, the regulatory hurdles startups face across different countries, the gamification of e-commerce, and the behavioral economics behind app designs.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/conglomerate-underperformance

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Wilson Yanaprasetya: Warung Tech Deep Dive, Bridging Social Gaps & A Different Kind of Happiness - E328

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 21:00:21 +0000

In this discussion, Wilson Yanaprasetya, Cofounder of Dagangan, and Jeremy Au talk about three main themes:

1. Motivation Behind Dagangan: Wilson narrated the striking disparities between supply and demand he witnessed when he moved to a different city and discovered the same ice cream he couldn’t buy back home was more affordable and accessible. His upbringing in a Tier III city played a crucial role in the building of Dagangan with his cofounders who hailed from similar backgrounds. They realized the pressing need to address inequity and wanted to bridge the gap, ensuring that people, irrespective of their location or socio-economic status, had equitable access to products.

2. Warung Tech Deep Dive: Wilson shared a comprehensive overview of Warung Tech’s varied approaches from radical, disruptive innovations that aim to overhaul traditional systems to more nuanced models designed to enhance and integrate with existing supply chains. He highlighted the importance of tailoring strategies for cities ranging from Tier 1 urban centers to the often overlooked Tier 3 and Tier 2 towns to ensure Warung Tech’s solutions are relevant and impactful. He also elaborated on its financial aspects, emphasizing the nuances of contribution margins, gross margins, and Gross Merchandise Value (GMV).

3. Experiencing a 'Different Kind of Happiness': Wilson elaborated on how his tenure at Northstar Group equipped him with a foundational understanding of building sustainable businesses, emphasizing the importance of relevant metrics that ensure business health and longevity. He discussed the essence of “a completely different happiness”, or the joy derived from creating, leading, and scaling a startup that’s different from the satisfaction of investing in one. As a founder, the happiness stems from the firsthand challenges faced, the teams built, the culture nurtured, and the tangible impact made, whereas as an investor, the contentment arises from identifying potential, nurturing growth, and witnessing a startup's journey from infancy to success.

They also discussed the importance of cultural adaptability in the tech industry, the evolving consumer behavior in Southeast Asia, the vital role of technology in bridging societal gaps and promoting inclusivity, leadership in times of uncertainty, and the power of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of tech leaders.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/wilson-yanaprasetya

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Maria Li: Tech In Asia Editorial Ethos, Information Opacity & COO Conundrum - E327

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 21:00:13 +0000

Maria Li, COO of Tech in Asia, and Jeremy Au discuss three key topics:

1. TIA’s Editorial Ethos & SE Asia’s Growing Ecosystem: Maria shares Tech in Asia's mission to be a guiding beacon in the region's tech ecosystem. She elaborates on the challenges stemming from information opacity and asymmetry inherent in the region’s young digital landscape. She also talks about the newsroom’s constant grapples with the tightrope walk between maintaining unyielding editorial integrity and ensuring sustainable growth, especially amidst the ever-evolving technological advances and the proliferation of new media channels.

2. Decoding the COO Role: Maria delves into the multifaceted nature of her position as the COO of Tech in Asia. She explains that the role is not standardized across organizations, but its essence lies in operational effectiveness and making pivotal decisions. She shares that aspiring COOs should prioritize understanding various perspectives, valuing feedback, and fostering effective team dynamics. She also stresses the value of setting aside personal ego and focusing on serving employees, clients, and stakeholders

3. Career Reflections & Learnings: Maria talks about career decisions, recounting her own journey of transitioning between geographies, roles, and industries. She emphasizes the importance of acquiring new knowledge, evaluating one's own life satisfaction, and introspecting on which decisions are merely steps in a path versus those that shape the path itself. She also shares her personal litmus test for career moves: distinguishing between decisions that can be rolled back and those that are decisively life-altering. She advocates for granting oneself the grace to pivot when a choice doesn't pan out as expected but also stresses the value of commitment when the stakes are high.

They also touched upon the digital transformation in the region and the emerging trends and the challenges related to it, the pivotal role of trust in her role as COO, the significance of audience engagement, and the balance between monetization and unbiased content.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/maria-li

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Gita Rusmida Sjahrir: Founder to VC, Indonesia Market Narratives & Kauffman Fellowship Learnings - E326

Sun, 08 Oct 2023 21:00:10 +0000

Gita Rusmida Sjahrir, Head of Investments at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Founder to VC Transition: Gita talked about her prior startup founder's roller-coaster life where every decision directly impacted business growth, team morale, and product trajectory. She eventually moved to the “dark side” with VC, becoming the Head of Investment at BNI Ventures. With her 13 years of experience building businesses and fundraising from VCs, she learned that founders need mentorship and strategic guidance from their investors. She invests time in debriefing and introspection after each pitch session in order to communicate and resonate with entrepreneurial teams.

2. Kauffman Fellowship Learnings: Gita joined the Kauffman Fellowship Program, influenced by her investor brother's recommendation. The program gave her a nuanced perspective on venture capital fundamentals and enabled her to network with a diverse group of fellow VCs. She explained how the program focuses on challenging one's values, vision, and self-imposed limitations. She also discussed the internal barriers that hold back people from achieving their true potential such as limiting beliefs and societal expectations.

3. Indonesian Market Misconceptions: Gita underscored that many of the views about Indonesia are either oversimplified or tainted by foreign media biases. She brought up the narrative around Jakarta's air pollution and explained that while it’s a pressing concern, the story is more layered than typically portrayed. She urges listeners to challenge these narratives by stepping out of their informational bubbles. She also discussed that contrary to the belief that Indonesia is just a consumer market, the nation is fast emerging as a hub for tech-driven solutions tailored to the region’s challenges. She shared her insights on the country’s political landscape such as how grassroots movements, youth participation, and a diverse set of leaders are shaping the nation's democratic journey.

They also touched upon the influences shaping the portrayal of countries in the news, especially within the US-China dynamic context, the necessity to be aware of the limited perspectives one might harbor, and the importance of firsthand experiences over media-induced perceptions.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/indonesia-market

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Projjal Ghatak: Leadership Coaching, Venture Capital vs. Private Equity and Learning Power - E325

Thu, 05 Oct 2023 21:00:13 +0000

Projjal Ghatak, Cofounder & CEO of OnLoop, and Jeremy Au, talk about leadership and coaching dynamics. They discuss three key themes:

1. The Power of Leadership: Projjal and Jeremy talked about how they initially hesitated to invest in executive coaching due to its perceived high cost but they stressed the invaluable returns it brings. They underlined the significance of a structured coaching approach, emphasizing that leaders must be intentional about it as it enhances decision-making. They noted that leadership involves making choices that profoundly impact a company's future, and highlighted that its value lies in mastering well-informed decision-making.

2. Venture Capital vs. Private Equity: Projjal explained the prevalence of entities in Southeast Asia that label themselves as VCs but function more like small to mid-sized enterprise private equity firms (SME PE), aiming for 2 to 3X returns on investments within a short time frame. This contrasted with the VC model, which embraces asymmetric outcomes and rapid growth. They explained that understanding the differences is crucial for founders and investors alike, as it greatly impacts the leadership dynamics and decision-making processes within a company. They also talked about the significance of a harmonious board of directors in guiding a company's direction, and that it should be comprised of individuals who not only bring diverse expertise but also foster healthy debates and discussions.

3. Effective Coaching Dynamics: Projjal highlighted that for coaches to be truly effective, they need personal empathy and experience in the domain of the individual being coached, similar to having a deep understanding of the "sport" or field they are coaching in, even if it's not identical. He also distinguished between coaches and mentors or advisors, emphasizing that coaches must prioritize listening and asking questions over telling individuals what to do. He suggested that formal training, such as the Arbuckle Leadership Fellows Program, can provide a solid foundation for coaching.

They also explored the significance of aligning founder-investor perspectives, Projjal's unique perspectives on narcissism, the depth of trust required in such relationships, and the importance of critical thinking in the current instant gratification era.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/projjal-ghatak2

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Andy Hwang: Early Financial Curiosity, Capital vs. Coaching in VC & Risk Assessment - E324

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 21:00:18 +0000

Andy Hwang, General Partner of Wavemaker Partners, and Jeremy Au, discuss three main topics:

1. Early Years and Financial Inquisitiveness: Andy shares that his early days in Cupertino, California played a pivotal role in shaping his financial awareness and curiosity. His fascination with having access to his bank balance at a young age and investing in Apple stocks highlights his early entrepreneurial mindset. He had a front-row seat to witness the growth and evolution of Apple Inc. which gave him a unique perspective on the world of tech and business from an early age. He also mentioned that being surrounded by family members who are engineers played a role in fostering a learning mindset and passion for tech and innovation.

2. The Impact of Coaching: Andy talks about his experiences as both a recipient and a provider of coaching, underscoring the significance of introspection and self-improvement. He explains that coaching goes beyond addressing technical challenges and that it extends to the "people side" of building an organization. He shares that instead of founders seeking coaching only when they encounter setbacks, they should see it as a proactive step and seek it early on to equip themselves with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate challenges effectively.

3. Risks and Decisiveness: Andy challenges the conventional perception of risk as something to be feared or avoided, and encourages people to have a more nuanced understanding of it. He argues that risk isn’t a binary concept, where something is either entirely risky or entirely safe, but with varying degrees of potential outcomes. He also talks about how fear holds people back from taking necessary risks and emphasizes the importance of considering the possibility of success and positive outcomes. He also shares that startup founders often need to make decisions and explains that the ability to make choices promptly and confidently helps them navigate challenges more effectively and seize opportunities as they arise.

They also talk about cultural stigmas related to Asian males asking for help, the evolving startup landscape in Southeast Asia, the significance of self-awareness for founders, and the transformative power of empathy in coaching.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/andy-hwang

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

$4B Singapore Chip Fabrication Plant, Regional Web3 Investments & Corporate VC Funds - E323

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 21:00:19 +0000

In this discussion, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au, talked about three key topics:

1. Southeast Asia Tech Investment Landscape: Shiyan and Jeremy talked about the significant developments in the region’s tech investment landscape, such as Vertex Ventures closing a fund of $541 million and GlobalFoundries, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, opening its $4 billion chip fabrication plant in Singapore. They also discussed that with the right infrastructure and support, Singapore could have become a prominent player in the semiconductor industry, potentially rivaling countries like Taiwan.

2. Web3 and Cryptocurrency: Shiyan and Jeremy delved into Web3 and cryptocurrencies, and emphasized the value of stablecoins in providing financial stability, especially in regions where traditional currencies are subject to inflation and volatility. They also shared how digital assets are making cross-border transactions more accessible and efficient. They explained how Web3 is disrupting traditional industries and how this shift toward decentralized systems can empower individuals and communities by reducing the reliance on centralized intermediaries.

3. Dollarization of Currencies and Interoperability Challenges: Shiyan and Jeremy touched on the dollarization of currencies of other countries, like Latin America, unofficially adopting the USD as a standard for transactions due to the instability or inflation of their local currency. They explained that it isn't just limited to physical USD cash but can extend to digital assets like USDC. They also shared the interoperability challenges faced by tech companies operating in the region, and how CVCs can potentially help by working with regulators and creating solutions that adhere to different regulations while enabling cross-border operations.

They also explored the impact of recent Singapore events on the country’s economy, the different cryptocurrency use cases, the impact of regulatory dynamics on the crypto space, and the fluctuating nature of Web3-focused funds.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/web3-and-crypto

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Yann Schuermans: 400 Years Family Legacy, Indonesia Supply Chain & AB InBev to Circles.Life to Baskit Founder - E322

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 21:00:12 +0000

Yann Schuermans, Founder & CEO of Baskit, and Jeremy Au, talked about three key topics:

1. Career Transitions and Entrepreneurship: Yann recounted his journey to join AB InBev and reflected on the valuable experiences and insights he gained, which equipped him with a broad perspective on supply chain complexities and industry nuances. He shared his decision to leave his secure role at AB InBev, joining Circles.Life, and later starting his own venture, Baskit. He explained the different considerations behind every career move, including factors like access to capital, geographic location, and even the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to gain experience and build a strong foundation in their chosen domain before embarking on entrepreneurial endeavors.

2. 400 Years Family Legacy: Yann shared his background of growing up with a family history deeply rooted in supply chain expertise spanning 400 years. He discussed how he witnessed his father navigating various supply chain crises and how this upbringing ignited his own passion for the industry. Unlike conventional career paths, where individuals often pursue professions like law or finance, his family legacy exposed him to the world of supply chain management from a young age, which not only provided him with valuable insights but also fueled his passion for the field.

3. Indonesia's Supply Chain: Yann provided his insights on the supply chain from his time at the global beverage company, AB InBev. He talked about Indonesia's vast and multi-faceted supply chain, highlighting the country’s market, geographic challenges, and diverse topography. He also provided a tiered structure of the supply chain, distinguishing between various layers, including wholesalers, distributors, and brands. He also shared his insights on monetization strategies, and unit economics, and to carefully assess whether it’s better to disrupt or complement an existing supply chain model.

They also discussed Yann’s vision for Baskit as a software-defined supply chain platform, the importance of staying light and flexible in the industry, various monetization strategies within the supply chain space, and the significance of multi-category approaches.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/yann-schuermans

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Jennifer Ong: BlackRock to Style Theory GM to Life Coach, Career Transition Advice & Reframing Success - E321

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 21:00:18 +0000

Jennifer Ong, Founder & Career Coach at Ctrl Alt Career, and Jeremy Au, discuss three main topics:

1. Personal and Career Journey: Jennifer shares her career transition from finance to the tech industry, eventually becoming a career coach. Six months into her tenure at BlackRock, she realized that she needed to leave. However, it took her 6 years to reflect and eventually pull the trigger on moving on to a new chapter in her career. She shared her struggles with following societal and parental expectations vs. pursuing her own path, and emphasized the importance of unpacking these pressures when making significant career decisions.

2. Coaching Insights & Approaches: Jennifer shares her structured coaching method and her belief in setting clear frameworks to guide her clients. She highlighted the value of both personal and business coaching, and how her seeking guidance from a coach has accelerated her business and personal growth. She also explained the trade-off between time and money, advocating for the proactive seeking of expert guidance to avoid long-term pitfalls.

3. Reframing Success Narrative: Jennifer introduces the concept of reframing one's success narrative. She emphasized the importance of aligning one's career and life choices with personal values. She discussed various elements that contribute to success, including financial stability, external validation, passion, and professional achievement. She stressed the idea that it's not a black-and-white choice between money and purpose, but finding the right balance that aligns with one's unique values and aspirations.

They also talk about the misconception that coaching is solely about resume and interview preparation, the challenges of reinventing oneself in new professional roles, the criteria in choosing a good coach, and the value of support networks in one’s career journey.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jennifer-ong

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Check out Jennifer's website at https://www.ongjennifer.com/

Nir Eyal: Sleep Habit Fundamentals, Adding Friction For Mindful Technology Usage & Future Of Optimized Rest - E320

Sun, 24 Sep 2023 21:00:23 +0000

Nir Eyal, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes related to technology, sleep, and personal growth:

1. Sleep Medication Impact & Melatonin Patent: Nir and Jeremy discussed the health implications of sleep medication and highlighted the lack of regulation in the supplement industry, including melatonin products. They touched upon the significance of understanding the origin, purpose, and dosage when considering sleep supplements. They also emphasized the importance of natural sleep cycles and cautioned against reliance on sleep aids without a deep understanding of their implications.

2. Technology in Sleep Optimization and Future of Sleep Predictive Analytics: They discussed various tools to optimize sleep, including a Kindle, for bedtime reading to earplugs for undisturbed rest. They talked about tools like the Oura Ring, which provides insights on sleep quality and patterns, and the Apple Watch, which tracks and analyzes sleep metrics. They believe that the future of sleep tech lies in predictive analytics, which would offer real-time feedback on sleep quality and help people in making healthier sleep choices.

3. Inserting Friction for Mindful Technology Use: They stressed the value of creating friction to make conscious decisions about technology use. Nir shared about an experimental approach such as the NFC chip tool that limits access to certain apps during work hours, requiring extra steps to access potential distractions. They explained that adding these friction points aids in a more mindful and intentional relationship with our devices, and ensures that they serve us instead of dominating our time and attention.

They also talked about the placebo and nocebo effects in relation to sleep, how a lot of sleep medications can be habit-forming, the importance of being vigilant in media consumption, and the significant effect of overstimulation in both children and adults’ sleep patterns.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sleep-habit-fundamentals

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Maaike Doyer: Women Investor Syndicates, Diversification Strategies & Investor Risk Management - E319

Thu, 21 Sep 2023 21:00:13 +0000

Maaike Doyer, Founder and Managing Partner of Epic Angels, and Jeremy Au discuss three main points:

1. Diversifying Investments with Female Representation: Maaike shares her journey in building Epic Angels, a female investor syndicate focused on diversifying investments in the Asia-Pacific region. They invest not only in female founders but also in teams that have female representation. She also shares how Epic Angels educates and onboards new female investors, helping them understand the region, optimizing asset allocation, and fostering an appreciation for diverse investment opportunities

2. Risk Awareness and Mindset: They underscore the critical importance of risk awareness in angel investing. Maaike highlights that the first step in managing risk is recognizing it. She emphasizes the need for investors, regardless of gender, to be acutely aware of the risks associated with their investments. She explains that acceptance of uncertainty, embracing a long-term perspective, emotional resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning are important in derisking in investing. They also talk about how investors should prioritize diversification, align decisions with their risk tolerance, and have contingency plans for unexpected events.

3. Personal Moments of Bravery and Optimism: Maaike shares her journey from her move to Southeast Asia from Europe. She talks about her experiences and learnings, underlining the significant differences between countries and regions and the unique challenges and opportunities they present. She also discusses her optimism and hope for Southeast Asia's growth compared to Europe's slower prospects.

They also touch on founder-investor dynamics, transparency, and the challenges and opportunities presented by the Southeast Asian startup ecosystem, the role of mentorship in startups, importance of exit strategies, and the increasing accessibility and democratization of angel investing due to technological advancements.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/maaike-doyer

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Cambodia Market Dynamics, Local Partnerships Nuance & Khmer Population and Industry - E318

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 21:00:14 +0000

Max Thornton and Dom Kalousek, hosts of Rising Giants podcast, share about their experiences and insights in Cambodia with Jeremy Au. They touch upon three major themes:

1. Personal Journeys in Cambodia: Max and Dom's partnership began during the constraints of the pandemic, an unusual yet serendipitous connection. Their shared passion led them to dive deep into Cambodia's market, navigating its complexities and opportunities. They eventually started the Rising Giants podcast, which captures their drive to understand Cambodia's tech landscape, its nuances, and potential. They share the micro lessons they learned along the way, from the significance of local partnerships to understanding unique consumer behaviors.

2. Unpacking Cambodia's Market: They discuss how Cambodia is often overlooked in the broader Southeast Asia narrative. They delve into the country’s multifaceted identity, encompassing not just its economic indicators but the stories, experiences, and lessons that shape it. They also talk about the textile industry that contributes significantly to its GDP, and the unconventional use of Telegram as a business, and unmask an intricate tapestry of local players, the Khmer population.

3. Advice on Navigating Cambodia: Max and Dom emphasize the indispensable virtues of patience and courage. They share that success in this market hinges on deep-rooted local connections, genuine engagements with the local populace, and an authentic alignment with the market's reality over its perception. Their advice revolves around a deep-rooted respect for the local culture and a commitment to growth through collaboration.

They also touch upon the relevance of Rising Giants in the larger Southeast Asia narrative, the challenges and rewards of venture creation in emerging markets, and the pivotal role of execution in business success in such frontier markets.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/cambodia-market-dynamics

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Founder-Investor First Meeting Dynamics, Pitching Preparation & Navigating The Conversation Framework - E317

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 21:00:14 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au dissect the intricate dynamics of initial founder-investor interactions. Here are the three main themes:

1. Initial Engagements & Decision-making Dynamics: Shiyan and Jeremy stress the value of the first meetings. For investors, it's a chance to see the viability of the partnership, gauging not just the business's potential but also the founder's vision and adaptability. For founders, it’s an opportunity to understand the investor's decision-making process. They share that both parties should have a set of clear expectations and an understanding of the next steps. They also see the first meeting as a helpful way to build trust, align visions, and ensure that both the founder and investor are on the same trajectory toward a potential long-term collaboration.

2. Technical Aspects of Pitching: They discuss the significance of the preparation for the pitch. Practicing their pitch, testing their tech setup, and even recording themselves to check for any issues can make a big difference. A smooth meeting exhibits professionalism and respect for time.

3. Navigating the Conversation Framework: Jeremy and Shiyan talk about how conversations between investors and founders can focus on various topics such as the business model, its overarching strategy, specific industry or vertical, or even personal qualities of the founder and how it’s vital to know which "frame" the conversation is in. They point out that while various questions might arise, the underlying query remains as to whether the two parties are capable of collaborating over the next decade to build a successful company.

They also talk about pitching horror stories related to poor technical setups and how bad audio can ruin a good pitch, the art of striking a balance between high-level overviews and in-depth discussions during pitches, and the value of building rapport in the first meeting.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/first-meeting-dynamics

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

#Pitching #Founders #Investor #Startups #fundraising #ConversationFramework #BuildingRapport #Partnerships #venturecapital

Ilya Kravtsov: Indonesia Property Market, Cultural Assimilation & Navigating Startup Transitions - E316

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 21:00:10 +0000

Ilya Kravtsov, Founder of Ringkas, and Jeremy Au discuss three primary topics:

1. Ilya’s Entrepreneurial Journey: Ilya elaborates on wrapping up his time at his last company, building a new startup, and how he approached the quest to find a compatible co-founder. He emphasizes the importance of aligned values, mutual respect, and complementary skills when looking for a co-founder. He also shares how he and his cofounder used an experimental approach in identifying the right business vertical to enter and engaged in a thorough process of testing and validating to understand the market gaps and opportunities better.

2. Indonesia’s Property Landscape: Ilya delves deep into his latest venture, Ringkas, which emerges as a solution to the intricacies of the Indonesian property market by streamlining it, offering potential homeowners clarity and guidance. He talks about the challenges of the property market like the varying interest rates, the nuances between primary and resale markets, and the cumbersome mortgage loan process. He also emphasizes the importance of robust market data in understanding rental returns and the complexities homeowners face in the country's tangled mortgage process.

3. Southeast Asia's Diverse Cultural Fabric: Ilya and Jeremy talk about Southeast Asia’s rich cultural diversity where every country, city, and community offers its own unique set of experiences. Ilya advises folks new to the region to immerse themselves in the local culture. He discusses how people should step out of their comfort zones and explore other cities besides the metropolises like Jakarta or Singapore since they do not encapsulate the entirety of what the region has to offer. He underscores that understanding local nuances, such as in business regulations or consumer behaviors, is vital for anyone aiming to succeed in the region.

They also talk about understanding varied GDP per capita across Southeast Asian nations, the evolving regulatory dynamics in the business realm, the intricacies of starting a business amidst a global pandemic, and the evolution of the startup ecosystem in the region and its comparisons with global counterparts.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ilya-kravtsov2

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

#Indonesia #PropertyMarket #Mortgages #Localization #CulturalDiversity #startups #founder #businesstransition #southeastasia

Der Shing Lim: Founder to Angel Syndicate Leader, Disrupting Yourself & Shifting Identities - E315

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 21:00:16 +0000

Der Shing Lim, Cofounder and Partner at AngelCentral, and Jeremy Au delve into entrepreneurship, investment, and personal growth. The discussion focuses on three main themes:

1. Early Journey as an Engineer and Founder: Der Shing reflects on his early years as an engineer at Sembcorp Industries, and how his obsessively competitive nature drove him to build Job Central with his then-girlfriend, Shao-Ning Huang. Rather than rushing into markets as a first or second mover, he talks about the strategic advantages of being a 'third mover'—carefully observing the landscape, learning from others' mistakes, and making his own move. His self-described obsessive and competitive nature served as a catalyst in this phase, pushing him to strive for nothing less than the best.

2. Identity Shift, Angel Investing, and Parenting Philosophy: Der Shing speaks about his evolution into an angel investor and how his focus areas extend beyond business into parenting and social contributions. He shares insights into the emotional and intellectual shifts that come with these different 'hats,' especially his commitment to education and volunteering. His approach to parenting mirrors his business ethos: not just about success but about raising good humans and future leaders.

3. Technical Advice & Historical Perspective: Der Shing shares technical advice for budding investors that he has learned from being a VC fund LP and decades-long experience in the Southeast Asian landscape. He emphasizes the nuances of early-stage investing and the importance of not just looking at metrics but understanding the story and vision behind a startup. He delves into the trends in investments, like the rise of tech startups and e-commerce platforms. He also shares a retrospective view of the region’s startup scene and pivotal moments that signaled the region's potential.

They also talk about how setbacks and failures are crucial learning points in the founder's journey, the importance of fostering genuine human connections in the digital era, and the significance of networking in the entrepreneurial world.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/der-shing-lim

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Vietnam Funding Gap, VNG & VinFast IPO and Zalo & TikTok Shop UX - E314

Sun, 10 Sep 2023 21:00:14 +0000

Valerie Vu, Founding Partner of Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au took a deep dive into Vietnam’s tech and VC landscape. They discuss three main topics:

1. Vietnam’s VC Scene: Valerie shares that the primary driver for her initiative to build a Vietnam VC fund is the glaring funding gap in the country, particularly for early-stage companies that struggle to secure the capital needed for growth. The fund aims to bridge this gap and foster a more robust ecosystem for startups in Vietnam.

2. VNG and VinFast IPOs: They talk about the much-anticipated IPOs of tech giants VNG and VinFast. Valerie points out how VNG's super app, Zalo, brings a unique set of services to its users such as messaging, social networking, and e-commerce, setting it apart from similar apps like WeChat. They also discuss how VNG and VinFast aim to tap into international capital markets and how the U.S. stock market offers them a broader platform to raise significant capital and gain international recognition. Valerie also names companies that are poised for IPOs such as Momo, Tiki, and more.

3. Zalo and TikTok Shop UX: Valerie shares her hands-on experiences as a user of various tech products, such as Zalo and TikTok Shop. She’s impressed with the seamless in-app shopping experience on TikTok, contrasting it with other platforms that require users to leave the app to complete a purchase. She shares how Zalo has deeply localized content that recognizes and adapts to the local Vietnamese audience’s preferences. Jeremy and Valerie also talk about Vietnam's export-oriented economic model and its associated challenges, especially in light of reduced orders from major markets like the US and Europe, the diverse tech ecosystems across Southeast Asia, and the hurdles Vietnamese startups face in terms of profitability and listing regulations.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-ecosystem

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Soul Defragmentation & Choosing Our Narrative - E313

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 21:00:10 +0000

“We too, can decide to defragment our souls. We, as humans, always get to choose who we eventually become.” - Jeremy Au, Host of BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/soul-defragmentation

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Baskit here: https://baskit.app/

Leanne Robers: She Loves Tech, Founder-VC Gender Feedback Dynamics & Entrepreneur Psychology - E312

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 21:00:10 +0000

Leanne Robers, Cofounder of She Loves Tech, and Jeremy Au talked about three major highlights:

1. Foundational Journey: Leanne shares her personal journey from working at Siemens, to building multiple ventures like The Hedge Club and Comish, and how those cumulative experiences helped build She Loves Tech, first as a passion project, and eventually becoming the world's largest startup competition and acceleration program for women in tech. she aims to address the unique challenges that women tech founders face by providing them with tools, resources, and exposure to influential figures like Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, and Tim Draper.

2. Gender Dynamics & Supportive VC Relationship: They talk about the nuances of gender dynamics in the startup ecosystem, highlighting the challenges female founders often face when seeking and internalizing feedback from VCs. Leanne advises female founders to proactively seek feedback, not taking it personally, and using it positively. She also underscores the responsibility of male VCs to be empathetic and thoughtful in their approach, ensuring their feedback is both constructive and empowering.

3. Integrating Psychology into Entrepreneurship: Drawing from her profound respect for psychology and the role models in her life, especially her father, Leanne explains how understanding psychological concepts can be a game-changer in entrepreneurship. She says that understanding human behavior, motivation, and cognition has equipped her with unique insights into the challenges and opportunities women face in tech entrepreneurship. Integrating these principles has helped her tailor She Loves Tech's initiatives, ensuring they resonate on a deeper level with female founders, and providing them not just with business insights, but also with personal growth tools and strategies.

They also touched on the significance of mental well-being for founders, the importance of building relationships in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the courage to leave a stable job to pursue a passion project, and the role of communities in fostering innovation and growth.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/leanne-robers

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Down Rounds & Recapitalizations, Startup Failure Patterns and Founder Persevere vs. Pivot vs. Shutdown - E311

Sun, 03 Sep 2023 21:00:11 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund and Jeremy Au discuss three main topics:

1. Down Rounds, Recaps, & the Psychological Implications: Jeremy and Shiyan talk about the complex dynamics startups face when fundraising expectations aren't met. Shiyan shares that startups consider accepting down rounds, which might come as an ego blow, or considering recap, rewriting the cap table to accommodate new investors and ensure the incentive for existing stakeholders. Jeremy explains that it’s pivotal for management teams to exhibit their adaptability and lessons learned, both at a company and personal level, while making actionable changes, such as cost-cutting or strategic shifts, that validate their readiness for the next phase.

2. Failure Patterns in Southeast Asia: They explore common failure patterns that often result in down rounds and recapitalizations, such as market saturation, lack of product differentiation, and rapid, uncontrolled expansion. Shiyan notes that many startups in Southeast Asia share these failure patterns due to a mix of hyper-competition, immature ecosystems, and differences in consumer behavior across countries in the region. Jeremy adds that external economic factors and regulatory changes, especially in diverse markets like Southeast Asia, can also lead to such scenarios. They advise founders to keep a close watch on market trends and be agile in their strategies.

3. The Role of the Founder and Investors on the Board: They stress the pivotal roles that both founders and investors play during challenging times and highlight the necessity for founders to maintain open lines of communication with their investors, sharing both good and bad news. Investors should also offer guidance and support. They share that effective boards can facilitate difficult but necessary conversations about layoffs and pivoting and that the founder's role also shifts from being a visionary to being a crisis manager, which is crucial for the survival of the startup.

They also discuss the significance of customer segmentation for maximum business impact, mental resilience, and emotional intelligence for founders during tumultuous times, strategies to generate revenue such as lending and SaaS models, and the importance of concentrating on a single product or offering before expanding.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/downturns-and-recaps

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Q&A: Junior VC Performance & Investment Metrics - E310

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 21:00:10 +0000

“Don’t worry too much about your individual metrics per se. If I look at you today as a junior associate versus what I expect a general partner to look like, I want to see charisma. I want to see that you are someone that founders respect and able to support, and that you are somebody who understands their mistakes and you’re able to learn from them. Coaching mindset is much more important. If you have that mindset, then you know it becomes a marathon rather than a sprint about how you can improve yourself as a VC, not just at that one fund, but across multiple funds, andmultiple roles. You can be a junior VC who becomes an operator, who does an MBA, and then, it goes back to being a VC. There are different paths to get there, and so don't limit yourself to that static snapshot of the metrics of the month.” - Jeremy Au

Jeremy Au and Adriel Yong talk about performance metrics and expectations for junior VCs and investors. Throughout the conversation, three primary themes emerge:

1. Understanding Performance at the Fund Level: Jeremy breaks down performance at the fund level, discussing five essential tasks that a fund should excel in: raising capital, sourcing companies, making judgment calls on investments, aiding companies in their growth, and deciding on the right time to exit an investment. The focus is not only on the outcome metrics but also on the process and understanding of the entire lifecycle of an investment.

2. Coaching vs. Measurement Perspective: For junior VCs, it's not merely about meeting certain benchmarks. The more important aspect is their growth trajectory. Jeremy emphasizes the difference between the measurement perspective, which is about hitting certain KPIs, and the coaching perspective, which is about personal and professional growth. The goal should be to grow in capabilities across all dimensions of venture capital, ensuring that the individual is well-prepared for more senior roles in the future.

3. Time Lags and Learning in VC: Jeremy explains that Venture Capital involves long time horizons, and outcomes of investments can take years to manifest. This poses a challenge for both junior VCs trying to learn and for their mentors attempting to teach. A decision that seems right today might not bear fruit for several years, and the lessons to be learned from that decision might take even longer to become apparent. Jeremy points out that while some aspects of VC, like raising capital and sourcing companies, can be measured relatively quickly, others such as judging the potential of a company, helping it grow, and deciding when to exit, are subject to these time lags.

Jeremy and Adriel also touch upon the role of cognitive biases in decision-making, the unpredictable nature of the venture capital landscape, and the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in this fast-paced environment.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/junior-vc-performance

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Daan van Rossum: Navigating Career Shifts, Vietnam Work Culture Landscape & Entrepreneurial Persistence and Trade-Offs - E309

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 21:00:10 +0000

Daan Van Rossum, Founder and CEO of FlexOS, and Jeremy Au discuss and reflect on three major themes:

1. Career Navigation to Entrepreneurship: Daan's journey began with founding Cyberfood, a food delivery startup all the way back in 2000 using fax machines. He went on to become a marketer at Media Highway for 7 years, worked with Ogilvy for 9 years, and moved from Chicago to Singapore to Vietnam. He then founded Bright and later spearheaded the growth of Dreamplex, Vietnam’s top coworking space, and FlexOS, an HR service platform that provides tools, guides, and community events to remote teams. He shares the decision-making process behind each career move and underscores the value of prioritizing goals, understanding risks, and embracing change as an integral part of the entrepreneurial journey.

2. Southeast Asian Work Landscape: Daan shares his insights on the productivity and cultural aspects of Southeast Asian work environments. He explains the stark contrast between working models, such as Singapore's mostly hybrid approach, and Vietnam's strong return to full-time office work due to factors like evolving job markets and trust dynamics. Daan acknowledges the gradual convergence of work trends globally, yet points out that certain regions are not yet ready for hybrid or remote models due to their recent transition from manufacturing to knowledge-based industries and the need for foundational structures like trust and KPIs.

3. Personal Trade-offs and Growth: Daan’s personal experience of facing challenges and making trade-offs to prioritize family time stresses the importance of aligning personal and professional values. He talks about the toll his work was taking on his well-being, took time to delve into underlying issues, and made transformative changes for a more fulfilling life.

They also delve into the challenges and opportunities in remote work, the evolving landscape of co-working and office spaces, and the impact of market differences on these models.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/daan-van-rossum

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Baskit here: https://baskit.app/

Listener Q&A: Founder-Investor Trust, Buy-Now Pay-Later Credit Models & USA SEC Regulatory Impact on SE Asia VC - E308

Sun, 27 Aug 2023 21:00:10 +0000

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund and Jeremy Au answer some listeners’ questions. They discuss three major themes:

1. Founder-Investor Trust Dynamics & Reality Checks: Shiyan and Jeremy underscore the importance of cultivating transparent relationships between founders and investors. Founders often hesitate to reveal business setbacks to investors, but transparency is vital and investors can assist better when they're kept in the loop. They discuss that perfection is unattainable and not believable, and it’s more credible for founders to admit when they don't have answers and share their approach to resolving uncertainties. They also advise founders to confront the reality of their business, whether to pivot to a small business model, return the remaining capital to investors, or pursue an alternative route.

2. Buy Now, Pay Later Credit Policies: Shiyan highlights that successful BNPL models extend credit at the point of sale based on quality underwriting, especially in emerging markets with underdeveloped credit scoring systems. Jeremy also talks about how certain products, like Peloton in the US, are well-suited for BNPL due to the high price point and the creditworthiness of its typical consumers, but there’s a challenge in finding products that align with the BNPL model in markets where transaction volumes may be low, and the costs of underwriting could outweigh the benefits.

3. US SEC Impact on SEA VC Landscape: They discuss how SEC guidelines, particularly those affecting investments in China, pose challenges for US LPs looking to diversify into Asia. They highlight the significant shift of Chinese founders and global investment teams and their consideration to move to Singapore as a reaction to the current investment climate. They also share that the trend of decoupling between the U.S. and China is unlikely to improve in the near future, prompting both investors and founders to strategize accordingly for the long term.

They also talk about venture debt as a financing option, how founders can deal with emotional ups and downs and the value of seeking advice, and the significance of devising a contingency plan.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/listener-qna

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Baskit here: https://baskit.app/

WhenThe Egg Is Broken From The Inside, Life Begins - E307

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 21:00:12 +0000

“True change comes from within. Greatness awaits outside.” - Jeremy Au

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/personal-transformation

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Baskit here: https://baskit.app/

Wai Hong Fong: Malaysian Dream, Gamer Founder Mindset & Point-of-Sale (POS) Industry Deep Dive - E306

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 21:00:08 +0000

“So much transition is happening. Southeast Asia needs many people to solve as meaningful problems as possible. It’s not just chasing the highest ROI problem, but chasing the hardest problems to solve. My hope is for us to solve meaningful problems because they’re incredibly hard but they’re not just about gaining profits. They’re also about serving the specific needs of people who are marginalized, underserved, and those who are on the fringes.” - Wai Hong Fong

“A lot of founders underappreciate the value of execution. I still see a lot of founders overstating the idea and the value of the idea. The appreciation is around the journey itself. Some founders only see the outcome. If your goal or outcome is to make money, don't be a founder. You can be an IB or something else with a more secure way to get there. Being a founder is about the journey. It is the most valuable thing about being a founder and I don't think that’s appreciated enough.” - Wai Hong Fong

“In every genre of games, there is an element that is incredibly meaningful toward understanding and making decisions as an entrepreneur. If you think about StarCraft, it’s all about timing and knowing your power spikes and when to and not to expand. If I had taken out the original phrase, you have thought I would be talking about business. It's really quite interesting that these things we practice so heavily in games influence our decision-making.” - Wai Hong Fong

In this engaging conversation between Jeremy Au and Wai Hong Fong, the founder of StoreHub, listeners gain valuable insights into the world of entrepreneurship and the complexities of building a successful business. The discussion covers three key topics:

1. The Accidental Journey to Entrepreneurship: Wai Hong shares his unexpected path to becoming a founder, starting a business in his uncle's garage, and the challenges he faced in scaling StoreHub.

2. Deep Dive into the Point of Sale (POS) Industry: Wai Hong provides a comprehensive analysis of the POS industry's evolution, discussing different waves and common mistakes made by others in the field.

3. The Intersection of Gaming and Business Strategy: The conversation delves into how Wai Hong's gaming experiences influenced his decision-making as an entrepreneur and how gaming strategies can be translated into effective business strategies.

Throughout the dialogue, Wai Hong emphasizes the importance of open and honest conversations, especially during challenging times, to shape the company's future and make meaningful decisions. This candid and informative discussion offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and those interested in the dynamics of the tech industry.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/wai-hong-fong

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Baskit here: https://baskit.app/

Sea Group Stock Price 29% Drop, Digital Bank Strategy Synergy & Fintech Underwriting Quality - E305

Sun, 20 Aug 2023 21:00:11 +0000

“With fintech, people over-index on the math of why someone should do something. They forget about the psychology of someone buying that financial product. There are a lot of considerations that go into purchasing a financial product, and they're not all math. Most people are emotion-driven, not math-driven. Founders forget to talk to their customers about their considerations. They go straight to the numbers and the math, and a lot of people don't enjoy that because it doesn't resonate. They don't engage with it well.” - Shiyan Koh

“Neobanks were a huge category that got funded, but the report indicates only about 5% of them are profitable. This is where they run into that problem, which is you can go out and get a lot of users, but if you're not disciplined about how you underwrite and monetize them, it can be a money-losing proposition. It's on the neobanks and incumbent banks to improve the product experience and make customers stay even if other places offer slightly more interest.” - Shiyan Koh

“People tend to focus a lot on the cost of acquisition because that seems to be a more straightforward go-to-market. A lot of aspiring fintech founders end up getting shocked by the cost of capital, especially since there's been a lot of change over the past three years. So a lot of models that seem to work don’t work at different levels of cost of capital. I've seen some fintech founders fail when they don’t think about how each of these factors could change over time.” - Jeremy Au

Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, discuss three pivotal topics:

1. Sea Group's Strategy: They talk about the Sea Group’s 30% stock drop despite its profitability since Q4 of the previous year. The contraction is attributed to increasing competition from Alibaba (Lazada) and Bytedance (TikTok) across Southeast Asia, the decision to focus on growth to compete and the US public markets pricing in their assessment of the situation. 2. Digital Banks and Underbanked Market: They discuss the under-banked segment in emerging markets, where incumbent banks often focus on high-end customers. New players like Sea, Grab-Singtel, and Standard Chartered with NTUC Fairprice are entering the banking scene to target this underbanked segment and leverage their vast distribution networks. They also share the challenge of identifying the right financial services to offer to ensure profitable operations.

3. Southeast Asia's Fintech Models: They talk about the importance of founders having a clear understanding of their business model, especially on net interest margin. They underscore the value of knowing the cost of capital, acquisition costs, and the quality of underwriting early on to allow the business to be proactive rather than reactive.

They also delve into the rise of neobanks, benchmarking in the fintech realm, the essence of humility in founders, the crucial aspect of aligning with market realities, and how understanding underwriting accurately can shape the success trajectory of a FinTech startup.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/digital-bank-strategy

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Baskit here: https://baskit.app/

Founder Etymology Paradox: Building, Sinking & Audacity - E304

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 21:00:20 +0000

"This is the profile paradox that sums up the life of a founder. To be a brave captain setting sail on the vast sea of the unknown, to build a ship armed with nothing but a vision. The journey is filled with seas that are treacherous, the winds that are fickle, and the ever-present threat of foundering, of sinking beneath the waves. Yet every founder knows that to reach new horizons, they have to take this risk. Failure isn't as possible. It's probable. It's likely. Yet it's only true in the prospect of foundering that true resilience emerges as the strength to rise from the depths of failure." - Jeremy Au, Host of BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/founder-etymology

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Baskit here: https://baskit.app/

Triston Francis: Advice for Harvard MBA Admits, 120 Alumni Reflections & Crafting Your Life - E303

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 21:00:12 +0000

“You can meet a lot of people in the HBS MBA program. What you want to do is identify people that have a similar set of values and interests because those are the individuals that you really have the most potential to build with. The sooner that you can start getting to know your classmates, the better. It takes the nerves out because you start to realize that you and the other 929 people that are showing up on campus the same day have no idea what to expect. As I was talking to people that started, it normalized it for me and made me feel more comfortable.” - Triston Francis

“Therapy is a resource that was helpful. It's an opportunity to really sit and spend a concentrated hour with somebody who is trained at helping you unpack the things that you're thinking through. It doesn't have to be focused around areas that are negative. I view therapy as no different from going to the gym and working out to maintain a healthy body as opposed to fixing it when there's something wrong.” - Triston Francis

“I was a research associate of Organizational Behavior Professor Leslie Parlow. If it weren’t for that, I probably would've come out of HBS overly focused on the professional side of the equation. If you go to a place like HBS, things will work themselves out on the professional front for the most part. That doesn't mean that you're going to found the next unicorn. It means you'll be able to find good jobs that will allow you to provide for yourself and your family. The bigger variability I saw after interviewing 120 alumni was around how things shook out on the personal side of the equation. That's the bigger driver in people's satisfaction with how their life unfolded. There's a lot of value and importance in there that unfortunately gets overshadowed by the professional component.” - Triston Francis

This conversation between Jeremy Au and Triston Francis, who leads People & Organizational Strategy at Sea and former HBS Student Body Co-President, gives advice to incoming Harvard MBA students. The discussion highlights three main takeaways:

1. Thoughtful Planning: Triston emphasizes the importance of having a well-defined plan before starting the MBA program. He draws an analogy to being a DJ with a playlist and highlights the importance of setting clear goals and priorities to effectively utilize time and resources.

2. Veteran Stories and Nostalgia: Both Jeremy and Triston share their experiences and reflect on their time at HBS. Their anecdotes on social events, planning, and relationship building showcase the diversity of paths and opportunities available during the MBA program.

3. Embracing Experience and Uncertainty: They share the value of cherishing experiences, no matter how small. They encourage potential students to build deep connections with professors, administration, and peers and to be kind to themselves as they navigate the challenges they will face during this career inflection point.

They also discussed the significance of personal relationships and building communities, therapy as a helpful resource, and the creation process of the course Crafting Your Life, which aims to help MBA students live with greater intentionality.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/triston-francis

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Baskit: https://baskit.app/

Biden’s China VC Investment Ban, Singapore Ecosystem Guide & Reverse Culture Shock

Sun, 13 Aug 2023 23:14:33 +0000

“I'm incredibly optimistic about this ecosystem. There's a lot of macro stuff that is really pushing us along that I don't think we could've imagined five years ago. Some of it is geopolitical, but in terms of what we, as an ecosystem, can do to help move it along further, there's this notion around information exchange and community building. Helping each other is really important. We want to encourage people to do that, to connect more, create more moments of this serendipity, and then, we can all prosper together.” - Shiyan Koh

“We need to get more comfortable sharing imperfect things and works in progress. Not everything is shiny and perfect. That's how we progress as an ecosystem. We have to show what we got, be transparent about where we’re struggling, and ask for help. That's how we're going to progress together. That's a point that we are still immature in this ecosystem. We want perfection, and we like to exalt people too early. We hold them up and be like, ‘This is a paragon of entrepreneurship.’” - Shiyan Koh

“Founders are generally more reticent in the region. I had a founder conversation recently. He didn't really want to show weakness to his investors. That's something we want to change. We want people to ask for help more. Everyone is figuring it out. It is okay not to know. It is normal, and you are going to know faster by asking, not pretending. We should be open about helping each other progress.” - Shiyan Koh

Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, discuss the Southeast Asia startup ecosystem and the key considerations for fostering growth. The conversation covers three key takeaways:

1. Biden Administration VC Investment Ban: Jeremy and Shiyan discuss that the ban is a progression in curtailing investments in Chinese semiconductors, quantum computing, and certain AI applications. This prompts VCs to reevaluate strategies and diversify into other regions due to concerns over reporting requirements and potential long-term legislative changes.

2. Ecosystem Density & Serendipity: They talk about entering Singapore's tech ecosystem, especially in regards to getting access to local communities and information asymmetry. They also talked about how Singapore is small yet the benefit is a dense ecosystem that allows for serendipity, interaction, and high-velocity networking.

3. Information Asymmetry vs. Sharing: They highlight the tension between sharing knowledge and keeping ideas secret. Shiyan believes that true value comes from unique execution rather than just knowing the concept. Jeremy points out that market players do benefit from information asymmetry especially incumbents and emerging market leaders, and has been weight against other pros and cons. They agree that fostering an environment of open collaboration is key to the growth of the region’s startup ecosystem.

Also, they talked about the challenges of reentering the Singapore ecosystem as a sea turtle, sharing imperfect work, and the role of media in highlighting startup success stories while acknowledging that fundraising announcements do provide a market signal of validation from gatekeepers.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/china-investment-ban

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Baskit here: https://baskit.app/

Huijin Kong: Quitting McKinsey, Identity Metamorphosis & Helping 1 Million People to Uncover Their True Selves - E301

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 21:00:10 +0000

“For me, the purpose is very important. Everyone deserves to be helped. Some moments of conscientious crisis are situations when assessing if the leaders are being purposeful. Are they being selfless or self-interested? Sometimes, things can get a little bit political. Most leaders give their best, do things for the right reasons, try to rise to the occasion, and uncover something very powerful within themselves. I could continue every day to do what I do, and I love the privilege of witnessing these light bulb moments. I have a lifetime goal of helping at least a million people to uncover their true selves and channel that toward better decisions and more positive influence.” - Huijin Kong

“The principle I learned from reading a lot of books during my soul-searching era is awareness. It’s the process of metamorphosis. Something in you is dying and then your true self is emerging. Awareness means not being afraid to face it. It makes you mobilize different parts of your brain and your heart to guide you to what to do with it. It’s not practical to repress it.” - Huijin Kong

“I quit McKinsey and knew that the road had come to an end. I was learning some things, but not at the rate that I wanted to, and I was afraid I’d get stuck in the exploration. I quit without having any alternatives. I went through three to four years in my own pursuit of trying to find myself and be a person that I could only vaguely, intuitively feel. People felt sorry for me saying I’ve really lost it. They said I had so much potential, but they didn’t know what's going become of me. Some people thought I was depressed. The whole process of letting go of an old self and birthing the true self is a very tumultuous, emotional one. It's almost like dying and renewing yourself.” - Huijin Kong

In this conversation between Jeremy Au and Huijin Kong, Principal at LinHart Group and co-author of Positive Influence: The First and Last Mile of Leadership, they discussed personal evolution, leadership, and positive influence. The discussion illuminates three primary themes:

1. The Unveiling of Self-Identity: Huijin opens up about her dynamic personality, portraying herself as an energizer bunny, compass, and challenger. From her academic star student beginnings to her time at McKinsey, she candidly shares her evolution and passion for helping others become better leaders and influencers.

2. The Metamorphosis of Identity: Huijin delves into the complexities of identity transformation, sharing her own shift from old identity death to new identity rebirth. She offers poignant advice for those undergoing similar shifts, emphasizing the importance of confronting uncomfortable feelings.

3. Positive Influence and Purposeful Leadership: Huijin discusses her co-authored book 'Positive Influence.' She fervently articulates the need for more positive influences in our society, particularly in leadership roles, despite the prevalence of negative influences.

Throughout the conversation, they also talked about Huijin’s learnings from her soul-searching journey, the significance of self-awareness in personal growth, and balancing productivity and caring for other people’s well-being.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/huijin-kong

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Baskit here: https://baskit.app/

56% Startup Funding Decline 2023, Indonesia Bans <$100 SKU E-commerce Imports & Founder Fundraising Tactics

Sun, 06 Aug 2023 21:00:11 +0000

“For us sitting in the pre-seed stage, we really haven't changed our pace, but for the portfolio companies who are raising seed and plus, we've definitely noticed a slowdown in processes. Public market valuations are coming down and that cascades all the way down through the different private stages. Normally, it's a six-month lag. We're starting to see that kick in. We're also in the lull of summer where things tend to slow down a little bit on the deal-making side, so this is consistent with what we're seeing in the market.” - Shiyan Koh

“The general rule is things always take longer than you think. If you're going to raise, you need to start sooner and you need a plan B. You need to figure out if there’s a way you can get to cashflow breakeven faster in order to take control of your own destiny. We're seeing that in good and bad ways. In good ways, people have been cutting a lot and some companies are finding out they’re running a little too fast and can achieve similar results on a much lower opex space. The bad thing is that some people won't cut in time and they're not going to make it.” - Shiyan Koh

“A lot of protectionist policies have started to come out. India recently did an export ban on rice, which also has a net transfer of wealth and consumer surplus dynamic. Who benefits and who doesn’t? The winners at the top of my head are the small medium manufacturers in Indonesia and the domestic workforce that's associated with it. Another thing I think about is that there could be some e-commerce enablers or middlemen who basically are buying these goods in the right regulatory licensing. These middlemen would benefit to some extent because the demand will still be there.” - Jeremy Au

In this conversation, Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh discussed the ever-evolving Southeast Asia startup landscape. The discussion covers three main themes:

1. Startup Funding Decline: They discussed the significant 56% decline in startup funding in the first half of 2023, as reported by DealStreetAsia. This sheds light on the complexities entrepreneurs face in securing financial support and the need for strategic planning, timeboxing, and adaptability in uncertain times.

2. Indonesia's E-commerce Law: They talked about Indonesia's decision to ban imported goods below $100 on e-commerce platforms and have digital marketplaces seek permits and pay taxes like small businesses. They explored the implications of this move for businesses and those who will benefit (small, medium manufacturers, e-commerce enablers & middlemen) and those who won’t (ByteDance’s TikTok, Chinese manufacturers & e-commerce platforms selling cheap items).

3. Globalization and Protectionism: They shared their insights on the pros and cons of protectionist policies adopted by some countries. They discuss how these measures can impact local companies' growth and competitiveness, raising questions about finding a balance between protecting domestic industries and fostering global trade.

They also shared valuable tactics for founders aspiring to raise, India’s legislation on regulating low-cost, low-value cross-border products and the resurgence of deal volume in Vietnam.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/startup-funding-decline

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Baskit here: https://baskit.app/

Nir Eyal: Mastering Indestractability (Managing Internal Triggers & Taking Personal Responsibility), Distraction vs. Traction & Taming the Technology Beast - E299

Wed, 02 Aug 2023 21:00:17 +0000

“These days, we have so many labels around. Some say they have a short attention span, that they have an addictive personality, or they’re not good at time management. We use these labels that are really self-defeating. If you believe in these labels, you will act accordingly, so choose a good label. The best label is to become indistractable. I chose that title because it sounds like indestructible. It's meant to be a moniker that you can use to say that’s who you are.” - Nir Eyal

“There's no such thing as overnight success in business, even the fastest growing companies. It takes consistent effort. That's really the secret to a life well-lived. It's putting in the time in the right places in your life according to your values. So many people are cheap with their money, but when it comes to their time, they give it away to whoever wants it. It should be actually the opposite because you can always make more money, but you can't make more time. We should be stingy with our time and generous with our money.” - Nir Eyal

“Most people would say the opposite of distraction is focus. That's not exactly right. Based on the word’s entomology, the opposite of distraction is traction, which means any action that pulls you towards what you said you were going to do. Both words have the same Latin root ‘trahere’, which means to pull. Traction is any action that pulls you towards what you said you were going to do and distraction is any action that pulls you away from what you plan to do. Distraction is an action that we ourselves take. It depends on the intent.” - Nir Eyal

This conversation between Jeremy Au and Nir Eyal, the bestselling author of “Hooked” and "Indistractable," shares insights into mastering focus and avoiding distractions. The discussion revolves around three key themes:

Understanding the Psychology of Distraction: Nir explains the internal and external triggers that lead to distraction and emphasizes the importance of mastering emotional discomfort as the first step to becoming indistractable.
Time Management and Calendar Control: He highlights the significance of planning time for traction, aligning one's schedule with personal values, and using schedule syncs to prioritize tasks and prevent distractions.
Building Consistency and Identity: He also shares his personal journey towards becoming indistractable and advocates for adopting the identity of an indestructible person to make focused choices consistently.

Throughout the conversation, they talk about the power of intentionality in one’s personal and professional life, implementing the strategies outlined in his book. They also discussed the impact of technology in creating habits, the challenges of writing a book and achieving personal growth through consistent effort.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/mastering-indistractability

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Request for Startups: LLM for Bahasa Indonesia, Community Unbundling, Wealth Advisors and More - E298

Sun, 30 Jul 2023 21:00:15 +0000

“A lot of social science research reinforces the idea that changing your context helps you change your behavior. Imagine if there was a bot that makes everyone more active. It can egg you on and make the passive dynamic a little bit more active to remind you where your goals are. These are not technically complex and you could see them becoming ubiquitous. These little voices are trying to nudge you in a specific direction.” - Shiyan Koh

“Generative AI is really helpful because there's a trust component. If you have multiple accounts, you traditionally need an agent or representative to support you. There's also a privacy component. I can tell them everything. To some extent, you could trust an AI a little bit more because it's not talking to a human who could potentially talk about the topic over dinner, no matter their NDA. So yeah, that's a really interesting idea. I think that's a good idea. Especially because you know, you can do all the things right? It can be like a real wealth advisor.” - Jeremy Au

“What’s interesting about the things people wish existed is that they weren't that crazy. There were a bunch of requests for things that are not that far off but the challenge is not the technical execution. We’ve seen various versions of these but they've never really taken off because of distribution or monetization challenges.” - Shiyan Koh

In this insightful conversation between Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, the Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, they talk about entrepreneurship and forward-thinking perspectives on innovative ventures. The discussion highlights three pivotal areas:

Language Model Advancements: The conversation highlights the potential of exploring Large Language Model (LLM) technology for Bahasa Indonesia, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. The applications of LLM in these languages could revolutionize communication and accessibility, opening up new opportunities for businesses in diverse markets.
Community Unbundling and AI: They introduce the concept of community unbundling, where AI-driven platforms can empower individuals to navigate personal finance and health decisions independently. The idea of a personal financial advisor powered by AI that analyzes individual spending patterns is particularly intriguing.
AI Applications in Health and Wellness: The conversation delves into the possibilities of AI applications in the health and wellness space. Shiyan Koh and Jeremy Au discuss the potential of AI health assistants, capable of nudging individuals toward their fitness goals and providing personalized feedback on nutrition and exercise choices.

The discussion provides a unique perspective on the intersection of AI and personal management systems, from finance to health, making it a must-listen for entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in the future of AI applications.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/request-for-startups

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Esevel here: https://esevel.com/it-services-carepacks/

Sherry Jiang: Web3 Market Turbulence, Product-Market Iteration & Team Trust - E297

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 23:44:19 +0000

“Trust makes teams efficient because you don't have to fact-check and feel anxious about what someone else is doing. Everyone knows what’s going on so the flow of information is hyper-fast. We’re not like separate brains trying to figure out what each other knows at certain points in time. We're operating with a hive mind and are all collectively in the same context. This is not always perfect, so it's something that we really strive for because execution is not just about yourself but the team as well.” - Sherry Jiang

“Most of the time, what you think is a brilliant idea for your company isn't what comes out. When you start executing it, meeting real potential users, and building the product, it evolves and changes to something that you may have not even imagined in the beginning. A startup should figure out a way to experiment and test what can work in the cheapest way possible. You should be hypotheses-driven and find a way to test and validate the idea. Once you have the inkling that you’re potentially right, narrow down your space, double down in that area, and soon, you will realize that there are a million more ideas related to what you're doing that you have to solve.” - Sherry Jiang

“The idea of things going well feels so foreign because we’re used to the bear market right now. You always have to manage risks. When cataclysmic events happen, you don’t want to be caught on the wrong end of things. We are a company born out of a market where being prudent and cautious is better than being aggressively growth-oriented. We are able to learn the lessons about risk management without suffering as many consequences.” - Sherry Jiang

In this engaging conversation between Jeremy Au and Sherry Jiang, the cofounder of Bluejay Finance, they delve into the world of cryptocurrency entrepreneurship and the challenges faced in the Web 3.0 era. Sherry shares her journey from tech leadership roles at Google and Amazon to founding her own crypto startup, providing practical lessons on risk management and asset diversification. She emphasizes the significance of execution and teamwork in the startup landscape, and how her company fosters efficient communication and builds trust within the team. Sherry's personal growth as a founder shines through as she discusses overcoming stage fright and embracing vulnerability to thrive in entrepreneurship.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The evolution of Sherry's career from tech giants to founding Bluejay Finance

• Challenges and lessons learned during the collapse of FTX and the importance of risk management and diversification

• The value of efficient execution and teamwork in startup success

• Balancing strategic planning with rapid execution in the fast-paced crypto space

• Sherry's personal journey and growth as a founder, embracing vulnerability and bravery

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sherry-jiang

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Pollen here: https://www.pollen.tech

Taylor Swift UOB Card 45% Surge, 17.4% Women VC Representation & Career Advice for Investors - E296

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 21:00:15 +0000

“There are a lot of requests from people wanting to break into the VC space. I encourage people to start thinking about the VC processes like sourcing, picking, helping, exiting, and demonstrate their competence by writing about it. Show a record of your thinking because that's essentially what investing is. It's thinking and making a decision. I don't encourage people with pure finance backgrounds to go straight into early-stage VC where it’s pretty hands-on and operational and you won't have a lot of context or empathy for that stage. I always encourage people that if you've only done two years banking or you’re fresh grads, go work at a company first instead of trying to get straight into VC.” - Shiyan Koh

"You have to meet and believe in the founder, but you also have to do the math on the market size, the product market fit, and the acquisition costs. If you do the math, you're better than a good chunk of investors out there. You have to be thoughtful about putting the numbers in writing and ask yourself if you believe it. There's a huge value added to the founder when you have that conversation with them openly, and it's also a great way for you to better differentiate between good and great companies” - Jeremy Au

“We strive for an unbiased, open application process and if it's someone we know personally, we try to ask someone else on the investment team to evaluate it. We try to remove bias from all parts of the system, and that's our part of the universe that we're trying to make as fair as possible. That goes back to what is the zone that you can control. We want to promote other women, suggest them for speaking spots, and make introductions for them, but at the end of the day, there are other things that we’re not going to be able to control.” - Shiyan Koh

In this insightful conversation between Jeremy Au, and Shiyan Koh, the Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, they discuss various aspects of venture capital and investing. They highlight the importance of diversity and representation in the VC industry, the need to address biases, and a fair and unbiased approach to the investment process. They also delve into the challenges faced by women and minorities in the field, along with the significance of mentorship and support in breaking into VC.

Jeremy and Shiyan share advice for aspiring VCs, emphasizing the importance of understanding companies deeply and demonstrating competence in sourcing and picking. They discuss the indeterminate nature of venture investing and the need to enjoy the process, despite its uncertainty. Reflecting on their experiences, they offer insights into the journey of a VC and the value of continuous learning.

Key Topics:

• Importance of diversity and representation in the VC industry

• Addressing biases in the investment process

• Challenges faced by women and minorities in VC

• Significance of mentorship and support in breaking into VC

• Understanding companies deeply and demonstrating competence

• Embracing the uncertainty and enjoyment of the venture investing process

• Continuous learning and growth as a VC

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/women-vc-representation

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about NodeFlair here: https://www.nodeflair.com/

Phillip An: Vietnam Property Financing, First Vietnamese Y Combinator Startup, Cofounder Firing & Probabilistic Thinking - E295

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 21:00:11 +0000

“In the early stages of a startup, it’s not your monetization or competitors that can kill the company, but the team. Most of this is due to cofounders’ conflicts. When you have tough times, it's up to you to actually survive through them, so finding a cofounder whom you get along with and who serves as your anchor is the most important thing to do.” - Phillip An

“My mentors pushed me towards probabilistic thinking. When I have a really tough decision to make, I think about it as an expected value equation where if you take two choices, within each probability, what is the expected value of success that could drastically change your outcome?” - Phillip An

“It's very hard to run a business. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we explored other business models that solved the needs of the market at the time and we survived through it. We have the kind of mentality that regardless of what happens, we can power through and we can be the ones that prove everyone wrong. It's almost like having that chip on your shoulder. It’s such an important experience to have that conviction to just go for it and not look back.” - Phillip An

Jeremy Au and Phillip An, the founder of Homebase, touched upon the challenges and opportunities in the Southeast Asian property sector, the journey of building a startup, and personal experiences in entrepreneurship. Phillip shared valuable insights on navigating complexities within the organization, balancing financial sustainability and market needs, and the importance of a strong founding team. He also discussed the significance of home ownership in Asian culture and how Homebase aims to address the growing home price crisis. Additionally, Phillip shared a personal story of overcoming adversity during the early stages of his company.

Key Topics:

Challenges and opportunities in the Southeast Asian property sector
Building a startup and the importance of a strong founding team
Balancing financial sustainability and market demands
Addressing the home price crisis and the significance of home ownership
Overcoming adversity and personal experiences in entrepreneurship

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/phillip-an

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Pollen here: https://www.pollen.tech

Family Office Investment Dynamics, Conspicuous Consumption & Social Inequality & Redefining Local - E284

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 21:00:11 +0000

“I hope they invest in the local ecosystem and not just in financial assets. The benefit of being wealthy is you can do what you want. Instead of a Lamborghini, can you invest in public art and public education? Can you invest in sports and things that a lot of people can enjoy? That improves the quality of life in the city and the people around you. It’s not just for personal benefits. Hopefully, we build more robust and deep capital markets, which are things that New York and London have had a stranglehold on, and it would be great to be able to shift some of that center of gravity out to Asia.” - Shiyan Koh

“In the short term, family offices will continue to go up. Singapore is working hard to attract wealth from Europe, the US, and China. I think more jobs will be created because more family offices will start to hit their two to three- year timeline to start hiring local professionals. That will start emerging as its own vertical.” - Jeremy Au

“One of the concerns people have in working for a family office is how much decision-making authority they will have. Ultimately, is everything going to be decided by the principal, or will you have the latitude to build a more institutional investment process and committee? At the same time, there is an incredible opportunity in working with families that want to be aggressive, want to diversify, and build new platforms. I’ve seen friends come out from institutions to help bigger families build new verticals.” - Shiyan Koh

Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh shared insights regarding family offices and their influence on Singapore's economy were discussed. They explored the motivations behind family offices seeking global investments, the unique characteristics of family office landscapes, and the challenges and opportunities they present.

Key Topics Discussed:

Global Investments: Family offices are increasingly diversifying their portfolios by seeking investments outside their home countries, driven by the desire for exposure to different geographies and asset classes.
Role of Private Banks: While family offices typically receive advice from private banks, they seek additional opportunities beyond what traditional financial institutions can provide, particularly in terms of access to emerging managers or smaller funds.
Allocation and Family Dynamics: Financial advice to family offices revolves around diversification, helping them move away from being solely exposed to their core operating businesses. Discussions around wealth transfer, familial decision-making, and philanthropy play a crucial role in shaping their strategies.
Impact on Local Economy: Singapore has witnessed a rise in family offices, attracting talent and investments, which contribute to job creation and economic growth. Family offices are encouraged to invest locally and contribute to the development of capital markets.
Societal Considerations: Balancing the influx of wealth with social cohesion is a challenge, and conversations around social support, inequality, and defining the notion of "local" are ongoing. The importance of avoiding conspicuous consumption and embracing community engagement is emphasized.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/family-office

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Esevel here: https://esevel.com/it-services-carepacks/

Nir Eyal: Habit Design Masterclass (Trigger, Action, Variable Reward & Investment), The Carrot Is The Stick & User Behavior Hooks - E293

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 21:00:17 +0000

“The carrot is the stick. The brain gets us to do anything and everything for one reason, and that is to escape discomfort. Everything you do, every product you buy, and every action you take is about the desire to escape discomfort. Even the pursuit of pleasurable emotions, wanting, lusting, craving, and desiring are uncomfortable. We have to realize that from that perspective, it doesn't help us to think about customer needs in terms of wanting to feel good. It's much better to think about the pain points.”- Nir Eyal

"An internal trigger is an uncomfortable emotional state that we seek to escape, like boredom, loneliness, fatigue, uncertainty, stress, and anxiety. When the user feels that internal trigger, they look for relief with our product or service. It is always a negative emotion. The only reason why people use a product or service is to manipulate their mood. It's to feel something different. As a product designer, entrepreneur, or marketer, you have to understand the feeling that your customer is trying to escape before focusing on the product feature, which is less important." - Nir Eyal

“The brand is not what keeps people coming back. What Shein has is economies of scale. They can make stuff dirt cheap. Walmart used to be all about cheap products, then Amazon came along and it was also doing the same thing. After that, Shein came along, and there will be something after Shein that makes stuff super cheap. Competing on price alone can be a winning strategy, but you're going to have a lot of knives on your back. You have to be careful because somebody's going to try and copy that very quickly, especially since we know people at manufacturers in China are emulating and copying these types of strategies. I would take out the Hook model and ask myself where it is the weakest. It is weakest in the investment phase. This can be fixed by personalizing the product based on customer preferences.” - Nir Eyal

In this insightful discussion between Jeremy Au, a Venture Capitalist, and Nir Eyal, an expert on habit formation, the focus is on the Hook Model and its relevance in different industries. The conversation delves into the trigger, action, variable reward, and investment phases that create habit-forming products. The key takeaway is that by understanding and implementing the Hook Model, businesses can cultivate user engagement and loyalty. The discussion highlights real-world examples, including edtech and health tech, where the model is being successfully applied.

Key Topics Discussed:

The four phases of the Hook Model: trigger, action, variable reward, and investment
The importance of understanding user psychology and internal triggers
Examples of habit-forming products in industries like edtech and health tech
The role of personalization and customization in creating stickiness
The potential of future developments in e-commerce and personalized experiences
The need for businesses to go beyond price competition and focus on creating habits

This engaging discussion provides valuable insights into how businesses can leverage the Hook Model to create engaging products and services that build long-term customer relationships.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/habit-design-masterclass

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about NodeFlair here: https://www.nodeflair.com/

Super Apps Dive (Grab, GoTo & WeChat), Vietnam’s World-Class Education System & Founder Leadership Transitions (Spenmo)

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 21:00:11 +0000

“As a country, investing in education is a no-brainer. It can increase the marginal productivity of the citizens, thus increasing GDP. Often, education gets politicized. There’s also a cultural aspect where rich people want their kids to go to better schools. They spend money on them and take control of what their kids learn. It can lead to a bifurcation where you can have more or less resource schools. That leads to people pulling their kids out of public systems to go to private systems, which also leads to defunding of public systems and eventually to a negative cycle.” - Shiyan Koh

“At the end of the day, you have to be really clear and honest with yourself on what the actual math of user acquisition and repeat usage is. Be disciplined in seeing cohort profitability and getting people to come back. People do a lot of price comparisons and they don't have as much loyalty. It makes the additional usage of other services weaker, whereas anyone who has gone to China and used WeChat or Ali, has really been blown away by that ecosystem where you can do anything and everything runs on the same payment rails. Ultimately, that is incredibly sticky and compelling.” - Shiyan Koh

“It's important for Southeast Asia’s education system to be well-managed. You need both the quality of management and the quantity of capital to go into it. Vietnam is turning into a technology hub because they are highly sophisticated in computer engineering and how they're looking at the world. Everyone says Vietnam is so good, but they don't talk about the education system decisions that were made 30 years ago. People ask what it takes for this country's ecosystem to be a great technology place. I say we have to talk about education today and in 30 years, we're going to see the tech system ecosystem evolve.” - Jeremy Au

In a thought-provoking conversation between Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, several key insights emerge. The discussion covers product-market fit, the challenges of monetization, the importance of customer education, and the dynamics of leadership transitions in companies. They also delve into the Vietnamese education system, highlighting its success and the factors contributing to its effectiveness. One key takeaway is the need for startups to carefully consider their monetization strategies and align them with customer behavior and willingness to pay. It is crucial to understand the value proposition and educate consumers effectively to generate recurring demand and avoid pulling forward future demand.

The discussion on leadership transitions reveals the ongoing debate between founder-led companies and the introduction of professional management. While some companies benefit from founder leadership throughout their growth stages, others thrive with the expertise of experienced managers. The conversation highlights the importance of striking the right balance between technical skills and management capabilities.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-education

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Esevel here: https://esevel.com/it-services-carepacks/

Michael Smith Jr.: Embracing Generalism, Parenting in the Age of AI and Technology Duality (Good vs. Bad Faith Actors) - E291

Wed, 05 Jul 2023 21:00:13 +0000

“The world is going to be more generalist. It’s tough to pick one thing. I find that I can let myself off the hook by not picking one thing and doing lots of things and learning. Fortunately, in tech careers, that can work. A lot of papers call it deep generalism. People that you think are specialists have a background in being more of a generalist until they found something they loved and excelled at.” - Michael Smith Jr.

“I don't think the Southeast Asia ecosystem is bad. We’re seeing the first true downturn. This is the most layoffs we have ever seen in big tech in our own backyard. I'm fortunate that I'm okay, but I know people that are not and I totally get that, but I don't think you can put a stamp on the whole thing and say it is messed up.” - Michael Smith Jr.

“This idea of unfettered access to a supercomputer for an 11-year-old is not a good thing. I'm glad I didn't experience that, but I do think computers are a part of our life and AI is real. I'm in the camp that says this is going to be like a superpower that will allow us to do more things, but there will always be people that are bad actors. I do think it will help more often than not. It's an interesting time because it's moving faster at a speed that we're not used to and there's still a lot of figuring out to do.” - Michael Smith Jr.

During the discussion between Jeremy Au and Michael Smith Jr., APAC GM of Microsoft for Startups, several key insights were shared. Firstly, Michael emphasized the value of being a generalist in the startup ecosystem, having experience as an investor, builder, and potentially exploring new avenues in the future. He highlighted the importance of adaptability and learning from diverse experiences.

Secondly, Michael discussed his parenting philosophy, sharing how he raised his children differently by limiting their exposure to smartphones and social media. He emphasized the importance of fostering independence and creativity in children, allowing them to have a childhood free from excessive technology use.

Lastly, the conversation delved into the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on startups. Michael expressed his belief that AI can be a powerful tool for startups to enhance productivity and reach broader markets. However, he also cautioned against blindly investing in pure AI ventures, noting the need for further development and infrastructure before such investments become more viable.

Overall, the discussion showcased Michael's experiences as a generalist, his thoughtful approach to parenting, and his insights on the role of AI in the startup ecosystem.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/michael-smith-jr

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

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Vireak Chea: Return to Cambodia, Transforming Neighborhood Pharmacies & Prioritizing Family - E290

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 21:00:17 +0000

“Nothing will be easy. Along the journey, you will learn a lot more than you think. Don't worry about mistakes because they are meant to be made. We're human. The most important thing is how we can learn from them.” - Vireak Chea

“Do something that you really love, not something people tell you to do. Once you do, everything will start falling into place.” - Vireak Chea

“We help digitalize the pharmacy SMEs in Cambodia. When you start to become more digitalized, you have less work in the back end and you have more busy work in the front end, which is exactly what you want. Ultimately, that provides better care for the patients.” - Vireak Chea

Jeremy Au interviewed Vireak Chea, a pharmacist and the founder of PillTech, a Cambodia-based B2B marketplace for the pharmaceutical industry, and discussed his motivations, experiences, and hopes for the future. Vireak expressed his desire to be closer to his family, which influenced his decision to return to Cambodia and build his business. He acknowledged the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance while pursuing ambitious ideas and emphasized the importance of finding harmony between work and family.

Vireak’s primary goal is to provide access to affordable and legitimate medications in Cambodia, aiming to revolutionize the pharmacy industry and improve patient care through technology. He envisions expanding his venture to other countries with similar pain points in the pharmacy sector. He shared his insights on the journey of building a pharmacy business, including the need to understand customer journeys, educate customers, and adapt strategies based on learnings.

Throughout the discussion, Vireak’s strong family orientation emerged as a driving force behind his decisions and his commitment to improving healthcare for other families. He encouraged listeners to pursue their passions and emphasized that mistakes are opportunities for growth. Lastly, the importance of maintaining a work-life balance was highlighted, with the reminder that work will always be there, but family needs care and attention.

Overall, this interview provided valuable insights into the motivations, challenges, and aspirations of a pharmacist-turned-entrepreneur aiming to make a positive impact on healthcare in Cambodia.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vireak-chea

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Pollen here: https://www.pollen.tech

Winnie Wong: You Don’t Have To Look The Part, Workplace Vulnerability and Personal Storytelling vs. Bamboo & Glass Ceiling - E289

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 21:00:11 +0000

"There's a gap between men and women, but an even bigger gap between white women and Asian women. What is an Asian woman supposed to be like? A lot of reports in Western society show that women fulfill more emotional needs for their colleagues and are expected to get involved in diversity and inclusion efforts, which can sometimes turn into additional unpaid roles resembling human resources. It's fascinating to learn about these issues faced by women, especially those who belong to double minority groups." - Winnie Wong

"Initially, my book centred around the stories of East Asian female founders and the lessons we learned from them. I did a pre-order campaign and shared the first drafts with my friends. They said it’s great, but they didn’t understand why I’m writing it and there wasn’t enough of myself in the book. It was scary to open up about my past experiences. The tough part is that I didn't want to portray myself as a victim, point fingers or blame anyone, and I wanted to maintain a positive perspective. It helped me reflect and share my experiences as objectively as possible." - Winnie Wong

“In some ways, Southeast Asia can be ahead than the western world in supporting women in their careers. The future diversity in the region is still uncertain because visas have been declining, Singaporean population is becoming a lot more educated over time, and the middle income is growing. It's great that region is growing and I hope that representation will also grow eventually.” - Winnie Wong

In this discussion between Jeremy Au and Winnie Wong, significant insights emerged including women's challenges in the workforce, the glass ceiling versus the bamboo ceiling, sponsorship and mentorship, and the role of diversity and inclusion. Winnie’s book, “You Don't Have To Look The Part”, played a prominent role in the conversation, blending personal narratives with research findings.

One significant aspect explored was the apprehension and vulnerability associated with sharing personal stories. Winnie expressed her concerns about potential backlash and cancel culture. However, she emphasized the importance of authenticity and acknowledging the challenges faced, while maintaining a positive and constructive outlook.

The conversation also highlighted the issue of representation, extending beyond gender diversity to encompass race, ethnicity, and disabilities. Winnie stressed the need for organizations to actively include underrepresented voices at all levels and explore diversity metrics. By doing so, companies can develop improved products and services that cater to a broader population.

Feedback received led her to include more of her own experiences in the book, striking a balance between objectivity and subjectivity. She aimed to avoid victimhood narratives and instead presented her reflections and the realities encountered throughout her life.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/winnie-wong

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Esevel here: https://esevel.com/it-services-carepacks/

Billionaire Cagematch (Elon Musk vs. Mark Zuckerberg), Grab & GoJek Layoffs and Singapore Press Holdings Audit Findings - E288

Sun, 25 Jun 2023 21:00:17 +0000

“Grab has laid off 10% of the workforce, which is a very sizeable dynamic. Previously, they have been letting people leave and haven't been adding people. Effectively, a hiring freeze has been a way for them to tighten expenses. I did feel that the communication of it was done straightforwardly and no one's surprised about the layoffs in this crisis of tech winter. Since the announcement, their stock market price has jumped by another 6% and shareholders are appreciative of this move.” - Jeremy Au

“Full employment in Singapore is continuous. There are still jobs people are hiring for. It’s more of taking a job that wasn't necessarily your dream job, thinking about different versions of how your skills can be applied and being open to new opportunities, or taking a bit of time off, regrouping, and doing something independent. The good thing about Singapore is that the costs aren’t totally out of control, whereas in the Bay Area, the housing cost is very high, so it can be quite challenging to stay if you're not getting paid, and that leads to more dislocation.” - Shiyan Koh

“I remember an interesting paper that said that if you graduated during a downturn, your lifetime earnings are some percentage lower. It was an interesting analysis where you have your first job’s salary, then you get increments on that job at your second, third, fourth job. There's an interesting cohort effect where if you graduate in a downturn, you're always one bound smaller in terms of total compensation, which is a tragedy for a lot of people in this current tech space situation. If you're in different verticals like hospitality or communications, there are a lot of jobs that are still available to you, but it's interesting to see that the tech side suddenly loses that shine.” - Jeremy Au

Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh engaged in a discussion covering various topics, including Elon Musk versus Mark Zuckerberg, the Grab and Gojek layoffs, and the Singapore Press Holdings report. Regarding the hypothetical cage match between Musk and Zuckerberg, Jeremy expressed his bet on Elon Musk, envisioning a media event of significant magnitude. While both individuals shared their perspectives, it remained a light-hearted speculation about the outcome. The discussion then shifted to the layoffs at Grab and Gojek, acknowledging the potential impact on employees. They highlighted the importance of handling such transitions with care and sensitivity, recognizing the challenges faced by those affected.

Lastly, the conversation delved into the Singapore Press Holdings audit report. Jeremy commended the transparency and detail provided in the report, emphasizing the value of acknowledging mistakes and learning from them. Shiyan shared a similar sentiment, valuing the comprehensive nature of the report and the opportunity for accountability and improvement within the organization.

Throughout the conversation, the focus was on understanding different viewpoints and engaging in thoughtful analysis. The discussion highlighted the significance of transparency, empathy in managing layoffs, and the value of comprehensive reports in fostering accountability and improvement within organizations.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/sph-audit-report

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Pollen here: https://www.pollen.tech

Tiang Lim Foo: Founding Forge VC, Maximizing Founder Potential & Long-Distance Venture Capital Investments with Haruki Murakami

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 21:00:11 +0000

"I feel like part of this is driven by the fear of providing incorrect advice. For instance, someone from the pharmacy might approach me and say, 'Tiang, can I spend some time with you to gain your insights?' The truth is, I don't have all the answers. So, I worry about giving the wrong advice at the wrong time. Each company's situation is unique, and it's challenging to offer generic advice that would be truly helpful. For instance, suggesting cutting 30% of your workforce and extending runaway by six months during a downturn may not be the right approach for every company. Instead, I believe in asking questions like, 'Have you considered this?' because it depends on the specific circumstances of the company. Providing valuable advice requires a significant amount of effort and analysis." - Tiang Lim Foo

“My aim is to ensure that founders realize their potential while also taking into account the broader business ecosystem. Finding a balance in this regard is challenging, and there are no simple answers. Each decision often feels like a trade-off, particularly during high-stress periods such as a downturn when viable options may seem scarce. However, I perceive my role as assisting founders in exploring various alternatives and even uncovering previously unknown possibilities. By helping them think through different options, I can contribute to generating new avenues that they may not have considered before.” - Tiang Lim Foo

“For me, one way to exemplify the courage of the moment is through the act of making decisions. When I committed to this path for the next 10 years, I realized that there were numerous other avenues I could have pursued. It was indeed a little daunting. The most intimidating aspect, I believe, is ensuring that I choose the right individuals to join me on this journey. I question myself: What knowledge am I lacking? It's often the unknown unknowns that can be detrimental. Dealing with this uncertainty and managing the accompanying anxiety is an integral part of the process.” - Tiang Lim Foo

The discussion between Jeremy Au and Tiang Lim Foo offers key insights into the world of investing, with a focus on Tiang's decision to embark on an investing journey, the delicate balance between founder friendliness and potential maximizing, and the influence of Haruki Murakami.

The conversation also delves into the tension between being friendly with founders and driving their potential to the maximum. Tiang shares his approach of tough love, where he aims to bring out the best in founders while providing guidance and governance.

The influence of Haruki Murakami, particularly his book on running, resonates with Tiang. He draws parallels between the discipline required in long-distance running and his approach to investing. Tiang finds solace and clarity through running, and this mindset translates into his investing philosophy—embracing a long-term perspective, managing anxiety, and focusing on mastery.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/tiang-lim-foo

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about NodeFlair here: https://nodeflair.com/

OpenAI Sam Altman Singapore & Jakarta Townhalls, AI Regulation & Job Displacement and Founder Stress, Burnout & Failure Report by Startup Snapshot

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 21:00:17 +0000

“I think what else was interesting was Rachel Lim, a Singaporean co-hosting with Sam Altman as part of the Open AI team. The key phrase that became the headline was about humanity co-evolving with artificial intelligence. It was a striking statement, indicating a generational shift and an accelerant to evolution itself.” - Jeremy Au

"People's energy can be sensed, and they may withhold it from you. However, it's understandable. The reality is, it's challenging. When I was a founder, I honestly placed more trust in certain investors over others. Even with the investors I did trust, I had to consider that I only had limited time, perhaps just one hour a week or even one hour a month, to process various matters. So, was I going to discuss my emotions? I'd rather focus on work or decisions since there are so many topics to cover. As a founder, I experienced stress, and I would probably place myself in the category of the 90% who did not confide in their investors about their stress." - Jeremy Au - Jeremy Au

“When I was in the thick of it, my coach advised me to take four hours off and disconnect. Sometimes, it's crucial to remind people to do just that. Another important aspect, especially in the remote work environment, is encouraging founders to prioritize their teams' well-being. I once advised a founder, saying, 'You and your team have been working relentlessly for the past 12 months. It's essential to take them on an offsite that isn't solely focused on work. Just have fun together. Otherwise, you'll risk burning out your team.' Sometimes, it's about reminding people and normalizing the idea of taking breaks, even if they didn't explicitly seek my permission." - Shiyan Koh

In the discussion between Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, several key insights emerged. They explored the concept of founders dealing with success and failure, particularly during the winding-down phase of a startup. Shiyan emphasized the importance of founders conducting themselves with integrity, treating everyone well, and communicating effectively during this challenging period.

The conversation also touched on the issue of founder stress, burnout & failure report by Startup Snapshot. Shiyan highlighted the significance of taking breaks and encouraging founders to prioritize their well-being by allowing themselves to disconnect and recharge.

Jeremy shared his personal experiences of finding restoration and clarity through hikes and off-the-grid experiences, including his month-long hike on the Pacific Crest Trail. He emphasized the value of giving oneself time and space for personal growth and reflection, and encouraged founders to seize opportunities for off-the-grid experiences, especially during transition periods.

Additionally, the discussion addressed Sam Altman's push for the regulation of AI and the use of "co" language such as "co-evolving" or "co-pilot" in relation to artificial intelligence. This highlighted the need for humanity to co-exist and evolve alongside AI, suggesting a paradigm shift and a call for responsible development and utilization of this technology.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/open-ai-founder-stress

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Esevel here: https://esevel.com/it-services-carepacks/

Oswald Yeo: Glints Product-Market Fit Pivots, Indonesia Market Leadership & Beginner's Mindset - E285

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 21:00:09 +0000

"One pattern I've noticed is teams that are close and trust each other can talk about problems. They tend to go a long way together, and founders stick on the journey. The second one is a mission. If they have a clear mission and they're very clear about why they're doing this for a purpose larger than serving themselves. If you have a mission that you're living for, that you're fighting for, larger than yourself, then that will give you the motivation to keep going when things are tough." - Oswald Yeo

"It was the awareness that it's not only about working hard and going through the grind day after day, that's very important. You just have to put in the hours. But it's the awareness that clarity is key, especially when you're building and leading a team. If you're leading a hundred people, a thousand people, you can be working hard, but if they're all working on the wrong things, then your head is heading off in the wrong direction at a faster velocity. So having clarity and ensuring that you take a step back to make sure your team is working on the right things, executing the right strategy." - Oswald Yeo

"So one thing we have at our company, Glints, is a value called a beginner's mindset. We ask questions like, 'When was the last time someone gave you negative feedback?' and we observe how people react to that. Some people react defensively to feedback, while others respond well, becoming reflective and striving to improve themselves. At the core of it, it is ego, because if you can set aside your ego and reflect, recognizing that there are areas for improvement, I believe that, in combination with habits like reading or learning from mentors, it will propel you a long way." - Oswald Yeo

In a discussion between Jeremy Au and Oswald Yeo, the CEO of Glints, key insights emerged regarding Oswald's entrepreneurial journey in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia. He emphasized the importance of adapting to Indonesia's unique market needs and tailoring strategies accordingly, while also building a strong team based on trust and clear communication. Oswald highlighted the significance of gaining clarity through mindfulness practices like silent retreats and meditation.

Despite acknowledging funding challenges in the tech landscape, Oswald remained optimistic about opportunities for startups in Southeast Asia, especially in Indonesia, and encouraged founders to prioritize clarity and strategy execution for success. He also shared insights about Glints' product market fit pivot, showcasing the company's adaptability to cater to the demands of the Southeast Asian talent market.

Additionally, Glints recently released the Southeast Asia Startup Talent Report 2023 in collaboration with Monk's Hill Ventures. The report provides comprehensive salary and equity data, startup trends, and valuable insights from interviews with founders, VCs, and operators in Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

Overall, the discussion shed light on Oswald's entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the importance of local market adaptation, effective team building, mindfulness, and the positive outlook for tech startups in Southeast Asia.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/oswald-yeo

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Pollen here: https://www.pollen.tech

Sequoia Capital Spins Off HongShan 红杉 & Peak XV, Apple Vision Pro and Societal Impact of VR & AR

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 21:00:18 +0000

"At the end of the day, people are, in some weird way, mourning the drop of Sequoia because it feels like it's splitting up. So there's a little bit of grief in the short term. But I think it could be a good thing, honestly, in the medium to long term. Obviously, Hong Shan, they’re going to do what they want to do and invest in what they want to do, and I think it would be a good thing for Peak. Everybody recognizes that Southeast Asia and India are different markets from America and Europe, and it's a very different market from China. So you might let them build a focused approach tailored for the ecosystem." - Jeremy Au

"The Apple Vision Pro could be cool if, like, part of the workflow now is sometimes I'll ask someone, 'Can you read this email? Do I sound angry?' It would be cool if you could be side by side and flick something over to them, like 'Hey, check this.' It seems very possible in the Apple universe, considering we can already share wifi passwords, which is the best feature ever. Why can't you airdrop documents or views back and forth? If that were possible, it would be a lot more interesting and have a more interactive quality." - Shiyan Koh

"There was an article where someone was talking about what was the societal impact of the button. So like in, Google Docs or in Microsoft Word, right? Basically, they're integrating GPT, and so there's a button that's basically just like start writing, and it's always easier to kind of edit than it is to come up with new like de novo stuff. But what does it do to the quality of our thinking as a society if no one has to struggle to come up with new things? Like you just kind of edit derivative things." - Shiyan Koh

During a discussion between Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, several key insights were revealed. One notable topic of conversation was Sequoia Capital spinning off HongShan 红杉 and Peak XV. This split was seen as a strategic move to adapt to geopolitical tension, changing VC landscape and better cater to the specific needs of startups in different regions. Additionally, this move reflects the dynamic nature of the VC industry, where adaptability and specialization are crucial for success in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Another significant point of discussion revolved around the Apple Vision Pro. They mentioned the product and contemplated its potential purchase for research purposes. They briefly touched on the contrasting strategies of companies like Tesla and Facebook. While Tesla started with high-end products and gradually expanded to a broader market, Facebook adopted a more affordable and mass-market strategy from the beginning. This comparison highlighted the different business models and revenue streams of these companies.

Furthermore, Jeremy and Shiyan explored the educational and entertainment possibilities of VR and AR. They discussed immersive learning experiences and innovative storytelling in the entertainment industry. Additionally, they considered the social implications of these technologies, including the blurring of physical and virtual boundaries and the impact on human connection and empathy.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/sequoia-capital-spins-off

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about NodeFlair here: https://nodeflair.com/

Q&A: Student Career Planning, Exploration vs. Exploitation & Navigating Uncertainty Across First Job, Passion & Mid-life Crisis - E283

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 21:00:06 +0000

“It's nice to feel the anxiety and nervousness. Don't penalize yourself for telling people that you feel uncertain. It's not a popular emotion to share out loud, but I challenge you to feel it and take action because its purpose is to solidify certainty. Do the bound exploration pathing, the butterfly testing, and the experiments. When you do those things, you don’t only acknowledge your feeling of uncertainty, but you are also solving it.” - Jeremy Au, BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast Host

“Half of the folks who have midlife crises already had the signals all the way back at university or at their first job but they kept brushing it off. It’s been happening for a long time, but it wasn't allowed to be felt. They end up being locked into that path they don't like and then they have to do a rupture move where they jump entirely to a different path. You can save yourself the pain of a midlife crisis by being in touch with your feelings, the tribe you want to be with, and the lifestyle you want to build, and acknowledging and accepting the trade-offs of that passion or hobby. Go out there and slowly build the life that you want. You can have a happy life no matter what role you have.” - Jeremy Au, BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast Host

“It's much harder to explore careers when you're 50 years old. It’s more ideal and socially acceptable to do that when you're in your 20s. You’d want to create a very bounded exploration path. You have more energy, and fewer obligations in terms of family and salary, and you are part of a tribe where everyone’s doing the same thing. People expect you to explore new geographies, and do different things, and you don't get penalized for it.” - Jeremy Au, BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast Host

In their discussion, Jeremy Au and Adriel Yong offer valuable insights for individuals seeking personal fulfillment and making career choices. They advise approaching career decisions as a series of experiments and being open to exploring different paths. Rather than getting locked into a job that doesn't align with one's true passions and values, they suggest embracing feelings of uncertainty and seeking diverse perspectives from a wide range of people.

Jeremy stresses the importance of gathering insights from various individuals before committing to a particular path, particularly for university graduates. The speakers highlight that uncertainty is a signal for change and growth, and individuals should acknowledge and discuss this openly. They both caution against ignoring early signals of dissatisfaction and emphasize the significance of pursuing personal happiness and fulfillment over external expectations. By gradually experimenting and exploring different options, individuals can potentially save themselves from drastic career changes or midlife crises down the line.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/student-career-planning

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Esevel here: https://esevel.com/it-services-carepacks/

#CareerPlanning #CareerExploitation #CareerExploration #Harvard #CareerExperiments #MidlifeCrisis #Passion #Fulfillment

Temasek FTX Review, 6% Early Stage Startups AUM Cap, Crypto Regulatory Debate & Retail Investor Democratizatio - E282

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 21:00:12 +0000

“Financial education and financial access are not the same. I get pitches on this all the time. They say they are democratizing access and teaching people. When I read the deck, I ask about what they teach. They teach about technical analysis and how to day trade, but I think that’s an incomplete lesson. You can teach them about the current practice of others, but in the context of what’s happening, that’s really hard because you don’t even talk about the fundamentals of capital formation.” - Shiyan Koh

"There’s something you can do with a day-to-day sort of off-market, public markets investment, whether it’s good or bad, but you're not going to slide to zero straight away in a sense of off-private equity. We all know venture capital, as an asset class, is very risky. You have 1 out of 20 that's a home run if you are an above-average VC, and 19 out of 20 do right and effectively go to zero. Some are going to land the plane gracefully, some will lean the plane very roughly, and some of them will just crash." - Jeremy Au

"The most interesting markets for crypto are emerging markets because that's where the rails are the worst and that's where people have a real need for alternatives that are not subject to the whims of their government per se. They really need to transact. In LATAM, you see a lot of use cases around inflation hedging and I'm interested to see some of those. People want to get their money out of the peso or the real and get into USDC. It's not even a speculative use case, it's literally just wanting my money to hold value." - Shiyan Koh

In their discussion, Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh touched upon several key insights, with a particular focus on crypto and Temasek's independent review of FTX. They emphasized the risks and potential rewards associated with different investment strategies. Jeremy highlighted the contrasting nature of public markets and private equity investments, emphasizing that public market investments can fluctuate day-to-day but are unlikely to plummet to zero as quickly as off-private equity investments. He emphasized the inherent riskiness of venture capital as an asset class, where only one out of twenty investments may yield significant returns while the rest may result in zero or negative outcomes.

Shiyan brought attention to the potential of emerging markets as the most intriguing areas for crypto adoption. She pointed out that these markets often face inadequate financial infrastructure, making them more open to alternative solutions that are not subject to government control. Use cases in Latin America, for example, demonstrate a demand for inflation hedging, where people seek to protect their money's value by exchanging it for stable cryptocurrencies like USDC.

Furthermore, the discussion touched on the distinction between financial education and access. Shiyan expressed skepticism towards approaches that merely focus on democratizing access without providing comprehensive education. She cautioned against teaching individuals solely about technical analysis or day trading, emphasizing the importance of understanding the broader context of financial markets.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/temasek-ftx-pay-cut

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Bhavik Vashi: B2B SaaS Masterclass & Business Model Learnings, AI Opportunity Speculation, and Southeast Asia Market Uniqueness

Wed, 31 May 2023 21:00:13 +0000

"Startups can use AI to expedite their time-to-market, but they still need an innovative product or a unique problem-solving approach to truly thrive. AI can accelerate their potential for rapid growth and scalability in certain situations, however, I don't believe that a startup solely relying on AI plugins or functionalities can sustain a long-term business model." - Bhavik Vashi

“The beauty of Asian SaaS companies’ business model is that 50 to 70% of costs will be people's costs. Everything else is controllable. If you're building in Asia, you're serving consumers and businesses at a lower price point but you’re also paying at a lower price point. If you're running a company in the west and serving the east is a failing proposition, but if you’re running and serving in the east, then you've brought both down." - Bhavik Vashi

"Enterprise sales require a strong value proposition and a higher ASP or average sales price associated with your product. I always worry about a company that's running a sales-driven motion with a low ASP because something seems missing. Solving a complex and impactful problem will likely require a human-to-human interaction to understand the specific context and how your product, along with a service, can address it." - Bhavik Vashi

In the discussion between Jeremy Au and Bhavik Vashi, several key insights were shared regarding B2B SaaS, AI, and personal experiences. Regarding B2B SaaS, it was highlighted that building a successful B2B SaaS product at a lower price point requires careful consideration of unit economics, including accurate estimation of customer lifetime value and acquisition costs. Many companies tend to underestimate these factors, leading to challenges in profitability. Additionally, Bhavik emphasized the potential in Asia for B2B SaaS, where lower price points for serving consumers and businesses are matched by lower costs, creating a balanced equation.

The conversation shifted to AI, where both participants explored its potential impact. While acknowledging uncertainties, they speculated that proprietary data sets could become increasingly valuable, potentially benefiting startups by leveraging AI technologies. They also mentioned the need for a nuanced approach, considering ethical considerations and potential challenges such as bias.

Lastly, Bhavik shared his personal experience of relocating from the US to Asia. The decision involved leaving behind established personal and professional networks, and while family and friends were reversible, the professional implications were more significant. However, Bhavik expressed satisfaction with his choice and highlighted the growth and learning opportunities it provided. Overall, the discussion provided insights into building B2B SaaS products, the potential of AI, and the personal challenges associated with making bold life decisions.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bhavik-vashi

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#bravesea #B2BSaaS #PricingStrategies #AIInnovation #AsianMarkets #Opportunities #CostEfficiency #Commoditization

VC Market 2023-2024 Outlook, Tough Fundraising Decisions vs. <6 Months Runway Reality and Board vs. CEO Scenarios & Discussions - E280

Sun, 28 May 2023 21:00:11 +0000

"The struggle I'm seeing is in the middle-stage startups that raised several rounds of capital over the past five years. With this new structure, there are challenges such as layoffs and reevaluating the operating model. I've realized the importance of being thoughtful in understanding their current business and discussing their challenges. Moreover, it's crucial to communicate the higher expectations they need to meet. In previous rounds, the bar wasn't set as high. As long as we make significant progress, the next round of funding will come." - Jeremy Au, BRAVE Podcast Host

"The tricky part I've seen this with multiple founders is that they're fundraising with less than six months of runway. They have a plan, projection, and forecast with a target growth rate. They've also heard stories about how some people barely make it through fundraising with just one month of payroll, surviving near-death experiences. So there's this tension between constantly engaging with investors, keeping them in the loop, and working through the process. Some investors move quickly and professionally while others take their time, but then you reach this stall zone where you're not progressing as fast as you'd like. It's like dropping out of the sky because you can't make significant cuts. Cutting risks the progress you've made in fundraising, but if you don't cut, you'll hit a wall in three months." - Jeremy Au, BRAVE Podcast Host

"How do you decide which line of action to take? Let's play out the scenarios. Scenario one: you keep spending on marketing, but you're unable to raise. Two: you cut marketing, growth plummets, and you still can't raise. Then, the golden scenario everyone desires is you keep spending on marketing and can raise, or you cut marketing and still manage to raise. So, for me, it also depends on the founder's mindset. If they're ready to throw in the towel if they can't raise, then it's a guns-blazing scenario, spending until the end, but if there's an asset they've built and they're willing to cut marketing spend to preserve it, then that's a different approach." - Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner at Hustle Fund

In this discussion between Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, several key insights emerged regarding the challenges faced by founders in the startup ecosystem. The conversation revolved around the difficult decisions founders have to make when their companies are struggling. One central theme was the importance of being realistic and taking decisive action.

Both of them emphasized the significance of community and support networks for founders. They highlighted the value of founder communities that provide a space for shared experiences, advice, and a sense of camaraderie. Engaging with like-minded individuals can help founders navigate transitions and explore new opportunities. The conversation concluded with a mention of upcoming events, such as the Phoenix community's virtual offsite and Camp Hustle Asia in Bali, where founders can connect, learn, and build meaningful relationships.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-market-outlook

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#VCInsights #FounderCommunity #ToughDecisions #StartupEcosystem

Q&A: Cambodia’s Startup Ecosystem, Investment Hotbeds, Historical Conflicts & Tech Predictions for the Next 10 Years

Wed, 24 May 2023 21:00:10 +0000

"My point of view is that over the next 10 years, the population will continue to educate themselves through parents, their own osmosis via the internet, and through investments, either from the public or private sector. The aspirational hope, hunger, and entrepreneurial ambition will continue to grow and naturally continue." - Jeremy Au

“I do think it's true that we don't see as many regional or local VCs in Cambodia, but what I was surprised about was seeing global impact investors, Korean impact investors, and even regional impact investors being very active there. They're investing in startups, whether it's agritech, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, or education. Some local Cambodian founders shared that education and healthcare are the two hottest sectors to build for right now in Cambodia.” - Adriel Yong

"My reflection on that is that so much entrepreneurship is from YouTube and the internet. We were chatting with aspiring entrepreneurs, and they said they wanted to be founders because they watched it on YouTube and heard stories about it. The concept of building technology, the resources they have on the internet, and English literacy are very high in Cambodia." - Jeremy Au

Jeremy Au and Adriel Yong discussed Cambodia's startup ecosystem, highlighting its growth potential, challenges, and historical conflicts. They noted that despite the country's tumultuous history, Cambodia has a young and growing population, with a high percentage of tech-savvy youth who are increasingly interested in entrepreneurship. However, they also acknowledged that the ecosystem is still in its early stages, with limited access to funding and a lack of infrastructure and support services.

To address these challenges, both Jeremy and Adriel emphasized the importance of collaboration and community building, particularly between entrepreneurs and government officials. They also noted the potential for regional partnerships and the growing interest of foreign investors in the Cambodian market.

In terms of growth potential, they identified several promising sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, and agritech, and discussed the potential for Cambodia to become a hub for Southeast Asian startups. However, they also cautioned that progress will depend on continued political stability and the ability to address ongoing corruption and issues around bureaucracy and infrastructure.

Overall, while Cambodia's startup ecosystem is still in its early stages, Jeremy and Adriel remain optimistic about its potential for growth and development, particularly with the support of local and international stakeholders.

Read the transcript at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/cambodia-startup

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#SoutheastAsia #Cambodia #CambodiaStartupEcosystem# #CambodiaStartups CambodianEconomy #GrowthPotential #Challenges #HistoricalConflicts #Entrepreneurship #EarlyStages #Funding #Infrastructure #SupportServices #Collaboration #CommunityBuilding #GovernmentPartnerships #RegionalPartnerships #ForeignInvestors #Fintech #Ecommerce #Agritech #SoutheastAsiaHub #Optimism #ASEANMarkets #OneBeltOneRoad

Mastering Fundraising as a System, Mistakes vs. Wins, Philosophy vs. Tactics vs. Trust-Building

Sun, 21 May 2023 21:00:12 +0000

"In the teaser deck, there should be a money slide. When you hit that slide, you should immediately feel compelled to take this meeting. Many people overlook this aspect and end up with lengthy blurbs that leave investors questioning why they should meet. Spend time crafting a concise and captivating blurb and teaser deck that aims to grab someone's attention and secure the meeting. Save the detailed explanations for the actual meeting itself. Remember, to get the meeting, you need a strong hook from the start." - Shiyan Koh

"Chemistry matters in fundraising. While it's important to focus on raising money for your business, it's equally crucial to understand the person you're partnering with on this journey. Take the time to assess their compatibility by reaching out to other founders they've backed, both successful and unsuccessful ones. Gain insights into what it's like to work with that person. Ultimately, you don't want to find yourself three years into the journey, despising the investor on your board. Building a positive and productive relationship is beneficial for everyone involved." - Shiyan Koh

"Don't be overly sales-oriented, especially if you come from a professional services background like consulting. I've personally experienced this transition from being a consultant to a founder, and I was too quick to provide easy answers. It's important to acknowledge the reality of what's truly challenging in the startup journey. Not everything can be easy; otherwise, it wouldn't be a startup. Be candid and sincere about the genuine difficulties and don't hesitate to admit that you haven't solved them yet." - Jeremy Au

Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh engage in a valuable discussion on the fundraising process for startups, offering key insights to navigate this crucial aspect of the business. They stress the significance of creating an attention-grabbing blurb and teaser deck that entice potential investors, advising founders to invest time in drafting these materials to secure meetings. The duo suggests focusing on a concise set of 10 slides that cover essential elements such as revenue, traction, team, market problem, solution, and fundraising goals. They caution against going overboard with slide numbers and instead encourage founders to make these slides clear and crisp, rather than perfecting design aesthetics.

The importance of honesty and transparency in fundraising emerges as a recurring theme. Jeremy and Shiyan emphasize the need for founders to refrain from lying or exaggerating, as trust is crucial in building investor relationships. They suggest that founders should be prepared to say "I don't know" when faced with questions, but should also articulate their plan to find answers. Setting milestones is deemed crucial, allowing investors to gauge progress and the startup's ability to deliver on promises. The chemistry between founders and investors is highlighted as a key consideration, prompting founders to investigate potential investors' track records and seek input from other founders they have supported. By internalizing these insights, startups can navigate the fundraising landscape more effectively, fostering trust and increasing their chances of securing funding.

Read the transcript at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/mastering-fundraising

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#bravesea #FundraisingTips #PitchPerfect #InvestorRelations #StartupJourney

Joan Yao: Impact Investing to Kickstart VC, Philippines Startup Perception vs. Reality (Brain Drain, Families & Acceleration) and Lose Nothing By Asking

Wed, 17 May 2023 21:00:07 +0000

"Many of the jobs I've had weren't advertised, and I had to create the opportunities for myself. Our president, Minette, always says, 'You lose nothing by asking.' If you can imagine something or if you want something, try to have a conversation about it and see if you can make it happen. If it doesn't happen, that's okay. You'll be right back to where you started."- Joan Yao

"People often perceive that the Philippines is controlled by families and conglomerates, making it difficult for new ventures to start and grow. This preconceived notion is what stops people from trying. As a Filipino who grew up in the Philippines, I remember a time when all the bookstores and drugstores were mainly one brand and malls only have three brands, so Filipinos tend to strongly associate certain categories with a particular brand or family. It creates a mental programming that these entities are too big to topple over or fight against." - Joan Yao

"People often confuse the type of capital they need for their business. There are companies that don't need or want to scale much and there are other vectors they optimize for, whether they are a social enterprise, a small business, or a lifestyle business. The challenge arises when they take venture funding to hit those goals. VCs will push them to grow, scale and expand, which puts the founders in a difficult position because they may not want to grow that much. It's essential to be clear about how far you want to take your company and find the right partners to help you get there." - Joan Yao

Jeremy Au and Joan Yao discussed several key insights on the topic of impact investing in the Philippines. Yao shared her personal journey from accidental investor to impact investor, and the challenges she faced along the way. They also discussed the perception of the Philippine startup ecosystem versus the reality, including the role of the diaspora in building the ecosystem, the potential for innovation in the space of families and conglomerates, and the impact of the pandemic on the acceleration of the ecosystem.

Another key insight from the conversation was the importance of self-talk and how it can affect one's relationships with others and their chances of success. Yao discussed the inner critic that many Asian kids grow up with and how it can be both helpful and counterproductive. She emphasized the importance of learning to talk to oneself with love and kindness, which can lead to better relationships and a willingness to take chances. Finally, the phrase "lose nothing by asking" was highlighted as a key takeaway from the conversation, encouraging individuals to ask for what they want and not let feelings of self-worthiness hold them back. Overall, the conversation provided valuable insights into impact investing in the Philippines and the importance of positive self-talk and taking chances.

Read the transcript at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/joan-yao

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#bravesea #StartupAdvice #PhilippinesStartupScene #VentureFunding #ScalingBusiness #Entrepreneurship #Opportunities #Networking #CorporateCulture #AsianBusiness #DiversityAndInclusion #CompanyCulture #AsianHeritage #WomenInLeadership #CareerAdvice

People Leadership Failures, Performance vs. Recruiting vs. HR & Organizational Design Regional Differences - E276

Sun, 14 May 2023 21:00:10 +0000

"I often advise people that they are essentially operating two machines when running a business. The first machine is the business itself, which includes marketing, personnel expenses, and revenue and profits. The second machine is the people who operate the first machine. It's important to think carefully about both machines and ensure that the right people are in the right roles. While many tend to focus solely on the business machine, it's critical to view the two machines as an integrated system and think about how to evolve the team to ensure long-term success." - Shiyan Koh

"This is Southeast Asia's first real economic downturn, and there are no heroic stories of companies raising significant funds. It’s acceptable that companies are winding down and others are making difficult decisions, however, there is a risk that past bad behavior may come to light for other companies during this time. The press and public are currently sifting through this process. This may lead to some well-justified criticism and some that are less justified." Jeremy Au

"I see three distinct periods in a startup's journey. The first is a period of relative calm when things are going well. The second is when companies face challenges and have to pivot to survive. The third is when companies experience explosive growth, but struggle to manage it effectively. These moments can often be the seeds of future destruction or errors that may come to light later. Startups go through a cycle of ups and downs,and it's a sequence of that.” Jeremy Au

In a recent discussion between Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, they talked about how to build high-performing teams and organizations. They discussed the importance of people leadership, founder behaviour, and organizational design. Regarding people leadership, they highlighted the importance of setting clear expectations, communicating effectively, and creating a culture of feedback. Leaders must also be willing to empower their team members and trust them to make decisions. They should also be willing to admit mistakes and take corrective action when necessary.

Regarding founder behaviour, they emphasized the importance of self-awareness and the ability to let go of control. Founders should also be willing to seek help and support when needed and be open to learning from others. Regarding organizational design, they talked about the importance of creating a structure that supports the company's goals and values. This includes setting clear roles and responsibilities, creating processes and systems, and fostering a culture of collaboration. In conclusion, building a successful organization requires effective people leadership, founder behaviour, and organizational design. By focusing on these areas, leaders can create a high-performing team and a culture of success.

Read the transcript at www.bravesea.com/blog/people-leadership

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#LeadershipLessons #FounderInsights #OrganizationalDesign #EntrepreneurialJourney #TeamBuilding #CultureFit #BusinessStrategy #FutureOfBusiness #TechIndustry #LeadershipSkills #FounderChallenges #TeamManagement #CollaborationCulture

RIP Din Tai Fung Founder: Life Lessons of Yang Bing-Yi’s Journey Across China’s Civil War, Taiwan Refugee, Cooking Oil Delivery Man, Entrepreneurial Couple, Pivoting at 45 & Retiree Dumpling Billionaire - E275

Wed, 10 May 2023 21:00:12 +0000

“The world is full of 20 and 30-year-olds who feel frustrated that they could be doing something with their lives or that they should be on the world stage. It's refreshing to reset and think about Din Tai Fung, a very famous restaurant chain that only succeeded after Yang Bing Yi’s product-market fit pivoted when he was 45. It's not a guarantee that everybody will be successful. Even if success arrives, it may not be on your desired schedule. It may come later, after a lot of hard work, pivoting, and pain." - Jeremy Au

"It's crazy how he went through a ton of wars. As a young man, he saw people dying and being drafted. He saw relatives and friends fighting one another and witnessed multiple government changes. In many ways, his story is unique, and yet it also represents the diaspora in the 1900’s where people left China in search of peace, a job, and a place to be."- Jeremy Au

"We often think about luck, being mentioned by the press, and accolades as being the things that create opportunity, yet the opportunity actually only emerges because you've been working your ass off for so many years." - Jeremy Au

Jeremy Au, in his reflections, discusses the life of Din Tai Fung's founder Yang Bing-Yi, who passed away at the age of 96. Din Tai Fung is now an award-winning chain restaurant, famous for its soup dumplings, and has over 170 locations worldwide. However, in 1958, Din Tai Fung was founded as a tribute to Heng Tai Fung, Yang's former workplace, and DinMei Oils, their oil supplier. Initially, Din Tai Fung sold peanut oil and bottles, which was a solid business until the market changed, and vegetable oils became packaged in tin containers. In 1972, they pivoted half of the store to sell xiao long bao, the steamed soup dumplings, which became incredibly popular. Din Tai Fung continued to evolve and eventually focused only on selling food, leading to international success. Yang's unique story of success, business pivots, perseverance, and hard work is a representation of the diaspora in the 1900s, where people left China in search of peace and a better life. Jeremy Au reflects on Yang's journey and emphasizes the lessons of hard work, consistency, resilience, and adaptability that can be learned from his life story.

Read the transcript at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/din-tai-fung

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#bravesea #DinTaiFung #YangBingYi #SoupDumplings #Taiwan #China #HongKong #MichelinStar #RestaurantChain #Founder #Pain #Pivots #HardWork #Success #Reflections #Research #CivilWar #Refugee #CookingOil #XiaoLongBao #PeanutOil #NewYorkTimes #Diaspora #Legacy #InternationalExpansion #GlobalFame #Legacy #Entrepreneurship #Inspiration

23.8% Taiwan Conflict 2024 Odds (Russian Roulette), China & USA Decoupling vs. Containment & Southeast Asia Upside vs. Startup Risk Management

Sun, 07 May 2023 21:00:10 +0000

"What does it mean when each economy is going back to the spheres and how do technology companies handle it? The first thing that came to mind is limited access to Taiwanese semiconductors. We'll see the relocation of US chips or see chips from China, with no fancy or commercial applications. Suddenly, the cost of computing will go up. The most advanced microchips will be more expensive, and technologies reliant on them, such as mobile phones, virtual reality headsets, and AI, will be relatively more insulated from the rise of computing power." - Jeremy Au

"We see a lot of reshoring and moving manufacturing out of China that has benefited Southeast Asia. Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore are seeing net inflows in manufacturing activity from American and Chinese factory capital, which is trying to get that 'made in Southeast Asia' brand. We still see a lot of talent from China moving to Southeast Asia to continue building and manufacturing, which is detrimental to some manufacturing towns in China."- Jeremy Au

"The Chinese are buying all the condos" is a headline that people love, but they are also starting businesses and diversifying away from a pure China play. Five years ago, the average Chinese entrepreneur would not have considered going outside of China because the world's greatest market was on their doorstep. Whether it is due to the COVID measures or the lockdown in Shanghai, Chinese entrepreneurs became more aware that it might be good to have an outside China strategy." - Shiyan Koh

In this discussion between Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, they reflect on the impact of global decoupling and the possible scenarios that could result from it. They discuss how the recent geopolitical tensions between China and the US have accelerated this trend, and how it could affect startups and businesses around the world. They suggest that businesses should prepare for a range of scenarios, including the possibility of supply chain disruptions and political instability. Some measures that startups could take include identifying their dependencies on supply chains, preparing efficiency measures, and having a list of contingency plans.

The speakers also touch on the potential impact of global decoupling on immigration, with Chinese nationals considering localization of their immigration status in other South Asian countries. They discuss the waves of Chinese immigration and how localizing has helped these communities to weather political tensions in their host countries. Ultimately, they offer a hopeful message, citing the historical resilience of humanity in the face of conflict and war. Overall, the discussion highlights the need for businesses to be prepared for a range of scenarios and to consider the impact of geopolitical tensions on their operations.

Read the transcript at www.bravesea.com/blog/taiwan-conflict-2024

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