The Impulso Podcast
Momentum Works
The Impulso Podcast is hosted by Momentum Works, a venture outfit headquartered in Singapore. Each week, our in-house experts, community and guests unpack the latest trends, undercurrents and lessons in tech across borders. We explore topics like innovation, ecommerce, digital financial services, venture investment, and the broader digital economy.
In addition to covering our home base of Southeast Asia and advanced global markets like the US, we also draw extensive lessons from tech companies in China.
Visit momentum.asia or get in touch via hello@mworks.asia for our insights reports, newsletter, Academy and Venture offerings.
In addition to covering our home base of Southeast Asia and advanced global markets like the US, we also draw extensive lessons from tech companies in China.
Visit momentum.asia or get in touch via hello@mworks.asia for our insights reports, newsletter, Academy and Venture offerings.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 8, 2025 • 14min
From China to the world: The secrets behind SHEIN's success | Impulso E134 [EN]
Kaifei, a Chinese ecommerce and supply-chain expert, dives into the secrets of SHEIN's remarkable success. He reveals how SHEIN reframes global competition with a focus on selection, speed, quality, and savings. The discussion touches on the brand's innovative small-batch strategy that minimizes inventory risk for non-standard apparel. Kaifei also exposes the challenges traditional OEM retailers face with dead stock and highlights how data optimization and factory-task matching enhance SHEIN's efficiency in production and waste reduction.
13 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 22min
E133: How a Small Chinese EV Is Beating Automobile Giants
China's EV market is buzzing with a surprising top-seller: the Hongguang Mini EV. This tiny, affordable car, priced under $4,000, has outpaced giants like Tesla and BYD. The hosts dive into its practical appeal for small business owners and low-income buyers. They explore viral marketing strategies that humanize the brand, driving customization among social media users. Plus, hear how Wuling is expanding its reach globally, showcasing a new model for success that prioritizes accessibility over high-end specs.
Oct 28, 2025 • 24min
E132: How Maps Quietly Control the Modern Economy
Explore the fascinating world of mapping technology and its impact on everyday services. Discover why maps haven't significantly evolved in the last decade and the hidden costs of maintaining accuracy. Learn about the competition between local and global mapping providers and how AI is reshaping address challenges. Delve into the unique investments by China in mapping infrastructure and the future possibilities with AR to enhance user experiences. It's a deep dive into how maps shape our modern economy.
11 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 11min
E131: Laopu Gold: the Cartier of China?
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!
14 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 18min
E131: Inside Luckin Coffee: How they launch 119 drinks a year
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!
14 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 18min
E130: Shopee, SPX, Monee: Sea Group's Engines Are Powering Ahead, but Eyes Are on Brazil
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.
Aug 13, 2025 • 45min
E129: Why Great Food Isn’t Enough for Restaurants to Succeed, Featuring Prof. Sherri Kimes
Join Prof. Sherri Kimes, Professor Emeritus at Cornell University and an expert in hospitality revenue management, as she reveals why many restaurants fail despite their good food. She discusses the importance of managing demand, pricing, and customer interaction over culinary brilliance. Discover how digital-first companies like Luckin Coffee are reshaping the landscape and why AI's role in the industry is more nuanced than it seems. Kimes also shares valuable insights on simplifying operations to ensure success in the competitive hospitality sector.
17 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 17min
E128: Behind $0 Bubble tea in china: China's quick commerce war explained
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.
8 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 15min
E127: Is POPMart engineering a soft landing for Labubu?
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.
9 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 14min
E126: Shall we be optimistic about ecommerce in Southeast Asia?
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.
