S2EP13 By observing the transformation of Taiwan’s tech economy industry, Palm Drive Capital's philosophy to invest in and create more successful tech companies in the AI age.
Mar 14, 2024
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Venture Partner, Cathy Huang from Palm Drive Capital, discusses Taiwan's tech economy, advice for entrepreneurs, investing in AI, and future plans. Topics include B2B software industry in Taiwan, generative AI wave, transforming tech economy, and interacting with investors.
Palm Drive Capital focuses on early-stage investments for Taiwanese startups with global scalability ambitions.
Taiwanese startup founders exhibit adaptability and practicality in adjusting strategies, showing clearer vision and sensibility compared to some US counterparts.
Deep dives
Consideration of Venture Funding
Some startups face the decision of whether to take venture funding, weighing the benefits against the high cost of equity. The pressure cooker environment and focus on aggressive growth may not suit all entrepreneurs who could opt for building a lifestyle business or a bootstrapped venture with moderate growth. Understanding the implications of VC involvement and aligning goals with market expansion and product-market testing are crucial.
Palm Drive Capital Overview
Palm Drive Capital, based in New York City, operates as an early stage venture capital firm with a focus on early-stage investments, including Series A, Series B, and pre-seed companies. With three active funds totaling around 400 million in assets and the fourth fund in progress, Palm Drive has been active in Taiwan since 2019, having made eight investments. The firm aims to identify startups in Taiwan with global scalability ambitions.
Taiwanese Startup Characteristics
Taiwanese startup founders are described as practical and quick to adapt to macroeconomic conditions, displaying flexibility in adjusting strategies like burn rates and headcount. These founders demonstrate a clearer vision and sensibility compared to some US counterparts when facing market challenges and funding decisions. Understanding the broader implications of VC funding and aligning growth visions with investor goals are key considerations for aspiring entrepreneurs.
This episode of the Startup Island TAIWAN podcast features Cathy Huang, Venture Partner at Palm Drive Capital, as we discuss Taiwan's new economy and the characteristics of entrepreneurs through their lens.
1. Get to know Palm Drive Capital: Day to day Life of a Venture Capitalist 2. What kind of deal is Palm Drive Capital looking for? Do they have a preference for certain types of entrepreneurs? 3. The Taiwan B2B software industry and entrepreneurial characteristics through the eyes of Palm Drive Capital 4. How can Taiwan catch up with the generative AI wave and market opportunities? 5. What should entrepreneurs focus on? How can their product be improved, or what are others doing? 6. Observations on the transformation of Taiwan’s tech economy industry from 2016 to present 7. How to invest in and create more successful tech companies? 8. Advice for startups wanting to interact with investors. 9. What’s ahead for Palm Drive Capital?
Host: Asianometry, deep tech channel with 628k followers, still growing Guest: Cathy Hwang, Venture Partner, Palm Drive Capital