BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech: Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand & Malaysia Startups, Founders & Venture Capital VC (English)

Jeremy Au
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Dec 31, 2023 • 35min

Sonny Vu: Founding Misfit Wearables ($260M Fossil Acquisition), Vietnam American Roots and Navigating Tough Decisions - E362

In this episode, Sonny Vu, Founder of Alabaster and former founder of Misfit Wearables, and Jeremy Au discuss three main themes: 1. Vietnam & America Roots: Sonny talked about growing up in the Midwest as his older brother’s sidekick and a Vietnamese immigrant who spoke Vietnamese to his American friends. He decided to study Aerospace Engineering at the University of Illinois, but quickly realized his passion lay elsewhere - and shifted to eventually studying computational linguistics at MIT under Professor Noam Chomsky. He also shared why he felt Noam Chomsky was misunderstood by the broader public. 2. Founding Misfit Wearables ($260M acquisition by Fossil): Sonny’s entrepreneurial journey started when he participated in the MIT $50K Business Plan Competition with FireSpout, a startup focused on machine learning-assisted natural language processing (NLP). After selling his first startup, he co-founded other startups including AgaMatrix, an electrochemical biosensor for diabetes management, and Misfit Wearables, a wearable technology company that was eventually acquired by Fossil for $260 million. He discussed how he figured out product-market fit by reading 5,000 reviews of competitors’ wearables and emphasized the importance of timing and market needs. He also stressed the importance of assembling a crew that’s deeply committed to the mission beyond personal gain and celebrates the rare and precious servant leaders who prioritize the team and the mission over themselves. 3. Navigating Tough Decisions: Sonny shared a story of physical bravery while hiking in Turkey, as well as a critical business decision during his second company’s near bankruptcy, where ethical considerations led him to reject a term sheet that would have been detrimental to previous investors. He asserted that true bravery and courage emerge not from the absence of fear but from facing and navigating through it despite potential risks. The key is considering the long-term perspective of self-perception and integrity. Jeremy and Sonny also talked about how the disciplines of art, math, and languages and are a unified pursuit of beauty, the evolving nature of entrepreneurship, failure as a more potent teacher than success, the importance of sales in startups, and the value of continuous learning. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sonny-vu Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com #PublicService #Philippines #Healthcare #Harvard #SME #Telehealth #SocialImpact #Entrepreneurship #BRAVEpodcasts
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Dec 28, 2023 • 29min

Camille Ang: Founding Hive Health, Harvard Kennedy School & MBA and Public Service Passion - E361

Camille Ang, CEO & Cofounder of Hive Health, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Family & Public Service Passion: Camille shared about her upbringing in a third-generation Chinese Filipino family that emphasized education and hard work. Her passion for public service and desire to address societal inequality through infrastructure development led her to start her career in the government sector. She noted the stark difference between working in the public sector (which offers a slow-moving but broad change) vs. the private sector (which provides rapid effect-focused impact). 2. Founding Hive Health: Camille highlighted the challenges of limited social health insurance coverage, care coordination, and prevalent misconceptions about healthcare in the Philippines. She co-founded Hive Health, a YC-backed full-stack health insurance company that offers comprehensive plans for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). She elaborated that Hive Health integrates tele-health services and EMR systems to address the gap in healthcare accessibility, where less than 10% of the country’s population has HMOs. She also shared about the acquisition of Health Plan Philippines, which allowed the company to enhance the quality of healthcare services available to Filipinos. 3. Harvard MPA/ID & MBA: Camille shared about what she experienced at her joint Master of Public Administration in International Development (MPA/ID) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree at Harvard. She discussed her desire to understand poverty reduction, the role of infrastructure in emerging economies, and the impact of big businesses on society. She shared how her studies shifted her focus from macro-level industrial policies towards making a direct and meaningful impact in the Philippines and Southeast Asia through entrepreneurship. Jeremy and Camille also talked about the nationwide legalization of Transport Network Vehicles (TNVs), the role of the public sector in driving legislation, and commuting as a metaphor for inequality. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/camille-ang Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com/
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Dec 26, 2023 • 31min

Bernard Chong: Acquittal of False Drug Smuggling Allegations, Childhood with World Balance and Building Philipines' eSports Community with AP.Bren - E360

Bernard Chong, Founder of professional esports organization AP.Bren, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics: 1. Childhood with World Balance: Bernard talked about his childhood experiences learning the family business, World Balance, the biggest local shoe brand in the Philippines. He learned from his parents about the importance of hard work, clear decision-making, and the importance of stepping back when necessary. He also explained how this foundational training later led to his future entrepreneurial ventures including an animation studio, the local coffee brand franchise Tim Horton’s, the platform business Easy Franchise, and now setting up businesses in the US. 2. Acquittal of False Drug Smuggling Allegations: Bernard recounted his 3-year struggle to prove his innocence after being falsely accused of smuggling $34M of methamphetamine. He shared how he had angel invested in FortuneYield, a cargo company, and how the culprit Wealth Lotus had misled the legal system to believe that FortuneYield had been the consignee. He described the emotional turmoil faced by his family, particularly his children, who faced ridicule and doubt due to the public nature of the accusations. He had to stay silent and have faith in the legal system while the investigation proceeded until he finally received the news that the court had acquitted him and revoked the arrest warrant. 3. Building the Philippines eSports Community: Bernard discussed how his love for gaming and the potential he saw when he ​​observed communities forming around games like DOTA and Street Fighter led him to found the eSports team AP.Bren. He believes in the necessity of patience in allowing time for communities to grow organically. He also highlighted that youth can learn life lessons through professional gaming such as leadership, team management, planning, and resource management. Bernard also touched on investing in different industries, building overseas, and his passion for teaching which led him to set up an education foundation. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bernard-chong Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com
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Dec 24, 2023 • 41min

Thomas Tsao: First-Generation Immigrant to Founding Gobi Partners, Asia Career Growth & Challenges and Southeast Asia Investment Thesis "Crouching Panda, Hidden Tapir" - E359

Thomas Tsao, Cofounder of Gobi Partners, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes: 1. Early Life and Education: Thomas talked about his background as a first-generation immigrant. He shared his family's journey from China to the USA and how aspirations and work ethic influenced his upbringing. He discussed the complexities of navigating life as an immigrant student at Harvard and contemplated 'selling out' vs. maintaining his ideals while choosing his first job post-graduation. He opted for a career in banking to gain financial independence and pay off student loans which led him to Wall Street and starting his career at Merrill Lynch. 2. Asia Career Growth & Challenges: Thomas recalled his career journey that paralleled Asia's growth, from the optimism of Hong Kong to the Asian financial crisis. He witnessed and contributed to the technological expansion in China and Asia. His journey included multiple experiences in the Asian financial markets, the tech boom, and the transformative economic landscape of the region. This experience shaped his understanding of market cycles, the importance of frugality, and the value of adapting to new technologies. 3. Founding of Gobi Partners & "Crouching Panda Hidden Tapir" Investment Thesis: Thomas shared his experiences during the Asian financial crisis and the dot-com bubble, which led to the founding of the Beijing Technology Development Fund and later, Gobi Partners, amidst uncertainties like 9/11 and the SARS outbreak. He navigated the challenges in TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecom) and saw China's potential for homegrown innovation, shaping Gobi's focus on fostering innovation. He later saw a unique opportunity to connect Asia with Southeast Asia, leading to the strategy of "Crouching Panda, Hidden Tapir." He discussed that his move to Malaysia solidified Gobi's expansion and focus on underserved markets like Taqwa Tech, aimed at the global Muslim economy. They also discussed Thomas’ learnings from Harvard University, the founding of Beijing Technology Development Fund, the SARS outbreak and its impact on business, and the integration of diverse cultures in corporate environments. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thomas-tsao Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com
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Dec 21, 2023 • 39min

Gabby Dizon: Founding Yield Guild Games (YGG), Web3, Gaming & Crypto Infrastructure and Generational Shift from Millennials to Gen Z - E358

Gabby Dizon, Cofounder of Yield Guild Games, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Founding Yield Guild Games (YGG): Gabby reflected on his childhood passion for computer games which led him to a career in game development and startups. He shared how he first met his cofounders Beryl Li and Owl of Moistness online, and how his CTO maintained his anonymity during a later $4.6M funding round from Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). 2. Web3, Gaming & Crypto Industry: He delved into the cyclical bull-and-bear nature of crypto, and the contrasting roles of good and bad actors. He also discussed digital scarcity and how it applies to the gaming world, emphasizing the parallels with physical assets and trading. He also discussed YGG's strategic evolution from an asset lending model to a more comprehensive system involving quests, achievement platforms, and the integration of real-world applications like credentials. 3. Generational Shifts: Gabby spoke about the importance of bridging the gap between millennials, Gen Z, and future generations. He underscored the founder's responsibility of reshaping the world and normalizing new technologies and connects this to his personal experience as a father who is comfortable discussing with his children about Web3 as a place for learning and experimentation. They also talked about the future of work and the relevance of traditional education, how content consumption influences actions, and the impact of communities in the crypto and gaming sectors. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/gabby-dizon Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com
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Dec 19, 2023 • 34min

Franco Varona: Grab GM to Foxmont Capital Partners, Empowering Filipino Entrepreneurs & Startup Success Blueprint - E357

Franco Varona, Managing Partner of Foxmont Capital Partners, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Entrepreneurial & Grab Beginnings: Franco detailed his early entrepreneurial experiences before the age of Google and widespread digital resources. He founded Creative Spark and subsequently Global Media, a company focused on advertising sales that serviced international media outlets. He shared how he was invited by Jesse Maxwell, a friend and later a partner at Foxmont, to launch Grab’s operations in the Philippines as country GM. He shared what it was like to live in founder Anthony Tan's apartment, to figure out how to localize and scale on-demand ride-sharing across Manila and other markets. He highlighted the hurdles he faced like dealing with slow and expensive internet infrastructure and training drivers to use smartphones. 2. Philippine Market Dynamics: Franco discussed his long-term vision for the Philippines, driven by a childhood dream of giving back to his home country. He discussed the growing middle class, the global diaspora's knowledge, and the rising adoption of digital solutions like mobile wallets. He also envisions a future where the local startup ecosystem is key for poverty reduction and education accessibility 3. Foxmont Capital Investment Philosophy: Franco discussed Foxmont Capital's mission as a cornerstone local VC investor to serve as a market filter and promote exceptional Filipino entrepreneurs, They initiated the Foxmont & BCG Philippine Venture Capital Report, which provides an annual overview of the country's rapid digital transformation, market insights and key changes. He discussed how they look at Indonesia as a benchmark startup market, and also share their investment philosophy that focuses on backing simple yet essential Filipino solutions to local problems. They also talked about the role of CVCs in the Philippines, expectations vs. realities of building a business, and the pandemic’s impact on digital transformation. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/franco-varona Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com
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Dec 17, 2023 • 27min

$1.5B ByteDance Tokopedia Investment with GoTo For TikTok Shop, Indonesia E-Commerce War & Winners. vs. Losers - E356

In this episode, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics: 1. $1.5B Bytedance Tokopedia GoTo Deal Analysis: They discussed ByteDance's $500 million payment to acquire a 75% stake in the merged entity of Tokopedia and TikTok Shop Indonesia. This would create the new Indonesia e-commerce market leader with 40% market share. ByteDance committed to investing a future $1 billion into the operations of the new entity, which will contractually not dilute GoTo's 25% minority stake. The deal was motivated by TikTok's need to resume its Indonesia operations after a ban by the Indonesia government, Tokopedia's -0.4% adjusted EBITDA as % of GTV (Q3 2023), and the opportunity to create the #1 Indonesia e-commerce platform with larger economies of scale, a new media-led growth engine and a wider seller base. 2. Indonesia E-Commerce War: They discussed Indonesia's $52B e-commerce market: Shopee (36% market share), Tokopedia (35%), Lazada (10%), Bukalapak (10%), TikTok Shop (5%), and Blibli (4%). They explained how this consolidation reflects the regional trend of increasing focus on efficiency, logistics, and leveraging technological synergies to gain dominance, similar to Uber Southeast Asia's strategic sale to Grab to concentrate on core markets. Credit goes to Momentum Works and Freeman Ding for their analysis. 3. Winners, Losers, and Future Moves: They identified Indonesian consumers as clear winners due to continued intensive competition on lower prices and innovation in services, similar to the Uber vs. Grab vs. Gojek rivalry. They also discussed other beneficiaries, how this reflected the growing maturation of the region for M&A activity, and how competitors like Grab and Sea Group would react to this market development. Shiyan and Jeremy also talked about the challenges of founders fundraising during the holiday season and their own upcoming family vacation plans. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bytedance-tokopedia-investment Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com
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Dec 14, 2023 • 29min

Janson Seah: Time Theft & Blue-Collar Workforce Management, Market Selection & Entry and Product-Led Growth vs. Go-To-Market Motion - E355

Janson Seah, Cofounder of StaffAny, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics: 1. Time Theft & Blue-Collar Workforce Management: Janson shared the dynamics of managing blue-collar workers and introduced the concept of "time theft” and its implications on productivity, accountability and incentive structures in organizations. He emphasized the need for a restructured approach to workforce management, focusing on performance-based rewards and outcomes rather than solely on time-based metrics. He believes this approach will motivate employees to take ownership of their work and lead to better outcomes for both employees and the organization. 2. Market Selection & Entry: Janson highlighted the challenges involved in expanding across various countries in Southeast Asia. He emphasized the importance of understanding the distinct characteristics of different customer segments, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He pointed out that many small businesses in developing markets may not have the technological infrastructure to handle large, complex software solutions that would be prevalent in the US. 3. Product-Led Growth vs. Go-To-Market Motion: Janson explained the complexities of implementing go-to-market strategies in the region. He stressed that the product-led growth strategies in the U.S. don't translate effectively across various industries and geographies in Southeast Asia, unlike what you may read on Substack from an American founder or VC. He also stressed the importance to understanding local market conditions, customer preferences, and business practices, which often require a more hands-on, relationship-based approach than what might be typical in the US. They also talked about how cultural and operational norms influence business strategies, the necessity for digitalization and efficient management tools in SMEs, the relationship between technology and human labor, and the critical role of leadership in scaling a business. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/janson-seah Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com
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Dec 12, 2023 • 32min

David He: Startup Law Partnership Journey, Choosing the Right Lawyer & Founder Legal Roadmap - E354

David He, Partner at Gunderson Dettmer, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Banker to Startup Lawyer Partner: David shared his journey from aspiring to be a banker to transitioning into law with the backdrop of the 2008 Great Recession. He worked with a Wall Street firm, moved to Silicon Valley, where he engaged with VCs, startups, and founders, and eventually relocated to Singapore, where he continues to support dozens of founders in their startup negotiations with VCs. 2. Choosing the Right Startup Lawyer: David stressed that in selecting a good startup lawyer, cost shouldn't be the sole criterion. He emphasized the importance of researching and asking for references to ensure the lawyer’s experience in working with startups. He also underscored the value of flexibility, experience, and deal repetition and stressed that the initial months of the lawyer-founder relationship are crucial for establishing trust and responsiveness. 3. Startup Strong Legal Foundations: David talked about the significance of establishing strong legal foundations for startups. He shared examples of how some founders might prioritize short-term gains, overlooking long-term implications, which can lead to significant future costs. He also discussed the concept of control rights and explained that founders initially have full control but gradually lose it as they raise funds and bring in investors. They also talked about the survivorship bias in startups, the importance of openness to learning, the challenges of building a professional network in a new country and the fast-paced environment of venture law. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/david-he Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com
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Dec 10, 2023 • 28min

OpenAI Board Acceleration vs. Doomers, Job Displacement vs. Replacement & Parasocial Winners vs. Losers - E353

In this episode, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. OpenAI Developments & Leadership: Jeremy & Shiyan delved into the recent leadership changes at OpenAI, including Sam Altman's reinstatement as CEO after a controversial board shuffle. They highlighted the philosophical divide within the board regarding OpenAI's direction between accelerationism (pushing for rapid acceleration and commercialization) vs. advocating for cautious progress). They noted that the accelerationists had prevailed, with Sam Altman's leadership signifying a continued push toward commercialization. They also touched on OpenAI’s extraordinary growth, scaling from zero to a billion dollars in revenue in a short time, and the practical challenges of halting AI development, given its open-source nature and widespread adaptation. 2. Business and Workplace Impact: Jeremy and Shiyan talked about the Coatue AI report where Shiyan expressed admiration for the slide demonstrating the tangible value AI brings to productivity and job functions. Jeremy emphasized the dynamic interplay between AI and human labor, highlighting a shift towards leaner organizational structures due to AI integration, and cited a scenario of a three-person unicorn company. They speculated on the possibility of ultra-lean companies, like a 'three-person unicorn', driven by AI efficiencies. They also emphasized the urgency of adopting AI to maximize benefits, considering the potential changes in job displacement and replacement dynamics. 3. AI-Driven Societal Shift: Jeremy and Shiyan shared that the rise of AI will create distinct winners and losers. They discussed that corporations that effectively leverage AI will likely dominate and significantly transform their operations and productivity. Jeremy identified specific professions, such as those in marketing and customer service, as being at higher risk of displacement by AI technologies. They also touched on the evolving nature of human relationships in the age of AI, particularly the growing trend of parasocial interactions with AI. Jeremy compared the impact of AI on social relationships to the effect of the birth control pill on society. He highlighted how just as the birth control pill revolutionized sexual relationships and family planning, leading to changes in social norms and personal freedoms, AI is poised to transform how humans interact and form relationships.  They also talked about the changing nature of workplaces and industries, the concept of loneliness epidemic, ​​the need for responsible deployment of AI technologies, and the misconception of AI as a co-pilot.  Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/openai-acceleration Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

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