The Impulso Podcast

Most of us open our map apps every day, but have you ever stopped to think about how they actually work, or how little they’ve changed in a decade?In this episode, Jianggan and Shaolin (co-founder of NextBillion.ai) dive deep into the invisible world of mapping technology , the infrastructure powering everything from ride-hailing to food delivery, and explore why keeping maps accurate is one of tech’s most expensive and underappreciated challenges.Tune in to discover:Why maps haven’t really evolved in 10 years — and why that’s a problem;The hidden cost of keeping maps alive (and how they “decay” without constant updates);How local players like Grab and Naver build their own maps;The role of AI in fixing global address chaosTimestamps:05:30:00 – Why maps stop improving once they’re “good enough”10:00:00 – Local vs global: who should build the world’s maps?15:30:00 – AI, addresses, and the promise of smarter navigation22:00:00 – The future: AR maps and new ways of seeing the worldFeatured materials: Inside Luckin Coffee: How they launch 119 drinks a year | Impulso E131WTF is Carbon Accounting?! | Impulso E89E33: [Unfiltered CTO talks] US vs China team culture, business design, loneliness, the future

Laopu Gold is redefining Chinese luxury with its heritage-inspired designs and revolutionary fixed pricing. The brand has seen an astounding 167% revenue growth in 2024, becoming a key player in the luxury market. Discover how it gained popularity on Xiaohongshu and why it's expanding globally, starting with a flagship store in Singapore. Delve into the rise of Chinese heritage brands and their appeal in today's fashion landscape. Will Laopu truly become 'the Cartier of China'? Tune in for an insightful discussion!

Luckin Coffee is shaking up the beverage scene with an astonishing 119 new drinks in a year, outpacing Starbucks significantly. Discover how they use data-driven research to innovate flavors like the grape fizz Americano and minty coconut latte. The brand employs a unique 'horse-racing' method for rapid product development, testing multiple variations at once. As they expand globally, Luckin introduces country-specific flavors, ensuring local tastes are embraced. Don’t miss the taste test of these quirky concoctions!

Sea Group's recent Q2 results showed a stunning fivefold increase in net income, boosting investor confidence. Monee made waves with its billion-dollar loan books across Southeast Asia, while SPX Express is reshaping last-mile logistics with community networks. Surprisingly, analysts chose to skip questions about TikTok Shop, focusing instead on Brazil's fierce ecommerce competition, featuring heavyweights like Shopee and MercadoLibre. With multiple players gearing up for battle, the landscape is evolving rapidly.

Why do most restaurants and hotels fail within a few years? It’s rarely because of bad food or poor service, but rather failure to manage demand, pricing, and customer mix effectively.In this episode of the Impulso podcast, Professor Emeritus at Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration and hospitality revenue management expert Sherri Kimes unpacks how the industry has transformed over the last 20 years, and what it really takes to survive. Tune in as we dive into: • Why “good enough” food often beats culinary brilliance;• The critical gap between having data and actionable information;• How digital-first players like Luckin Coffee are outmaneuvering legacy giants.• The future role of AI in hospitality, and where it’s just hype.From hotel revenue management and AI in hospitality, these insights will change the way you see, and run, a hospitality business.Timestamps: 00:01:10 – From phone calls to QR codes, 25 years of hospitality evolution00:06:51 – The art of saying “yes” in revenue management00:17:43 – Why simplicity always beats good food 00:27:50 – Luckin Coffee’s digital advantage00:39:18 – AI in Hospitality & Restaurants: hype or game-changer?Featured materials:Inside Luckin Coffee: Strategy, model, and international playbook report, Momentum Works Chinese F&B in Southeast Asia report, Momentum Works Luckin Coffee brings manufacturing back to the USA? | Impulso E123

China's quick commerce war is heating up, with over 120 million daily orders and staggering subsidies surpassing RMB20 billion. Hosts dive into how JD.com sparked this fierce competition with zero-commission food delivery. A whimsical tale emerges of someone ordering 2,200 free bubble teas, causing chaos at a shop. The discussion also tackles whether these unsustainable demand levels can hold up. Meituan's CEO calls the subsidy battle pointless, while regulators cautiously address the chaos, hinting at potential limits to this retail frenzy.

Chinese customs are on a mission, seizing thousands of fake Labubus in a crackdown that raises questions about their cultural significance. The resale market for Labubu is booming, prompting discussions about its skyrocketing value and the potential risks involved. Is Pop Mart deliberately engineering a strategic slowdown to prevent a crash? The hosts delve into the mechanics of the booming secondhand market, comparing this craze to previous bubbles while analyzing reseller tactics and the company's long-term growth strategy.

Southeast Asia's ecommerce is booming with $128.4 billion GMV, though growth has slowed to 12%. Thailand and Malaysia are now leading the pack, thanks to their affluent consumers and better infrastructure. While Indonesia lags in percentage growth due to its large base, optimism persists despite profitability challenges. Live and video commerce are becoming pivotal, and logistics are consolidating, overturning giants like J&T. Enablers are set to transform into brand builders, challenging global players with innovative strategies.

Explore how AI is reshaping ecommerce in Southeast Asia, with the potential to unlock $131 billion by 2030. Discover the impact of AI-driven recommendations, like those on TikTok, that spark impulse buys. Hear about the challenges and benefits of AI chatbots and translation features in enhancing the shopping experience. Dive into privacy concerns over AI listening in on conversations, and ponder the implications of a fully curated shopping experience. Tune in for insights on the future of buying and selling in a high-tech world!

In a fascinating exploration of the Labubu craze, the hosts discuss why collectors are customizing these toys with extravagant styles, including BBLs. They dive into the emotional psychology behind spending on collectibles that serve no practical purpose. Customization creates personal stories, enhancing attachment and value. Surprisingly, items without utility can be more desirable. As Labubu surpasses other figures in revenue, the podcast reveals the impact of hype, scarcity, and international demand in the toy market, even leading to store scuffles!