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
12 snips
Oct 25, 2024 • 27min
E95: How Meituan overtook FoodPanda in Hong Kong, and what’s next?
Meituan's impressive rise in Hong Kong's food delivery market is explored, showcasing its bold promotional strategies that helped it surpass Foodpanda. The podcast dives into the unique dynamics of food prices and dining cultures in Hong Kong compared to Singapore. Now, as it plans to enter Saudi Arabia, challenges loom due to cultural differences and operational demands. The discussion emphasizes the importance of effective leadership in navigating this global expansion and considers the future of food delivery competition in these vibrant markets.
13 snips
Oct 10, 2024 • 25min
E94: Disneyland or Cyberpunk: how does this Chinese restaurant serve 40,000 diners a day?
Discover Wenheyou, the bustling Chinese restaurant in Changsha that serves 40,000 diners daily! With its immersive design inspired by the nostalgic streets of the past, it creates a unique dining experience. Explore the operational genius behind managing such a massive establishment, balancing efficiency with incredible storytelling. Dive into the rise of experience-driven dining in China and how innovative concepts are reshaping the food and beverage landscape, all while celebrating local culinary heritage.
9 snips
Sep 27, 2024 • 26min
E93: Life after Rocket Internet: conversation with Blake Larson & Alex Le (3/3)
Blake Larson, a leader in international expansion for LALAMOVE, and Alexander Le, an ex-Rocket Internet founder, dive into life after their Rocket days. They reflect on navigating cultural differences while managing teams across borders. The duo shares their insights on the 'Coconut vs Peach' theory, highlighting varying leadership styles, and the importance of establishing strong company values. They also discuss how to balance ambition with reality and the lessons learned from their entrepreneurial journeys.
10 snips
Sep 25, 2024 • 27min
E92: Impact of Rocket Internet in fragmented markets: conversation with Blake Larson & Alex Le (2/3)
In this engaging discussion, Blake Larson and Alexander Le, both alumni of Rocket Internet, share their wealth of experience in navigating the fragmented Southeast Asian tech landscape. They reflect on the significant impact Rocket Internet had in this region and the challenges posed by its market dynamics. Insights on how tech giants like Lazada and Grab successfully tackled these issues are revealed. They also emphasize the importance of strategic resource allocation and data-driven approaches when scaling operations globally, offering invaluable tips for aspiring founders.
10 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 24min
E91: Founders walk a lonely road: conversation with Blake Larson & Alex Le (1/3)
Blake Larson, Ex-Global Managing Director at Lalamove, and Alexander Le, former Managing Director at Rocket Internet, share candid insights from their entrepreneurial journeys. They tackle the loneliness many founders face and the vital qualities that differentiate builders from managers. The duo reflects on their early challenges with Easy Taxi, discussing the complexities of scaling in diverse markets and the importance of personal authenticity amidst professional pressures. Their experiences highlight the transformative nature of startup life and the lessons learned along the way.
16 snips
Sep 4, 2024 • 51min
E90: Closing the gap with China: Vietnam’s ecommerce growth?
Hung Tran, COO of Metub, and Nhi Nguyen, Director of Strategy and Planning, share their insights on Vietnam's booming e-commerce landscape. They discuss the rise of live commerce and how Metub empowers creators. The pair also explore the dynamics of cross-border e-commerce with China, emphasizing the importance of understanding cultural differences. Additionally, they highlight Can Gio's transformation into a digital hub, showcasing the potential for economic growth in Ho Chi Minh City and beyond.
16 snips
Aug 28, 2024 • 55min
E89: WTF is Carbon Accounting?!
In this discussion, Sam Hon, the founder and CEO of CREX, and Shaolin Zheng, co-founder and CTO of NextBillion.ai, dive into the complexities of carbon accounting and its significance for modern businesses. They explain how integrating sustainability can actually enhance operational efficiency. The conversation also covers the challenges companies face in aligning their management goals with carbon reduction strategies, and highlights the pivotal role of data in driving sustainability practices for the future.
11 snips
Aug 21, 2024 • 25min
E88: Why Starbucks ousted 3rd chosen successor of Howard Schulz?
Starbucks' leadership shake-up has stirred up discussions about its future. With Brian Niccol stepping in as CEO, listeners explore the historical challenges of leadership succession at the coffee giant. The podcast dives into the competitive landscape in China, especially against rising rival Luckin Coffee. It also tackles the effect of geopolitical issues on sales and brand perception. Expect insights on navigating organizational culture, the struggles of maintaining strategies, and the unique complexities faced by successors of iconic founders.
16 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 32min
E87: Chagee reenters Singapore
Chagee has made a triumphant return to Singapore, drawing huge crowds and long queues. A recent poll suggests many expect them to dominate the bubble tea market. The discussion dives into what sets Chagee apart from competitors and whether Luckin Coffee is copying their model. Insights into the challenges faced by food and beverage brands in Southeast Asia reveal cultural nuances and logistical hurdles. The rise of Chinese F&B brands and their innovative strategies are also explored, highlighting the booming bubble tea culture in the region.
10 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 21min
E86: Luckin Coffee opens 20,000th store
Luckin Coffee has celebrated a significant milestone by opening its 20,000th store in Beijing! This expansion is fueled by an innovative, data-driven approach to store placement. The podcast discusses how the company contrasts traditional methods with technology and efficiency in coffee-making. Listeners will learn about China's largest coffee processing facility and Luckin's creative branding strategies. It also touches on the competitive landscape in Singapore's food and beverage market and the evolving consumer preferences in Southeast Asia.
