BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech: Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand & Malaysia Startups, Founders & Venture Capital VC (English) Annie Huang: Taiwan’s Succession Crisis, Search Funds & Returning to Win Locally – E654
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
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