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

Alina Truhina, Managing Partner of The Radical Fund, and Jeremy Au delve into three main topics: 1. Climate Change Realities: Alina acknowledges Southeast Asia's position as both a significant emitter of greenhouse gases and a region increasingly vulnerable to climate change. She also touches on the notion that addressing climate change seems elitist and is not yet a priority for the general population who are more concerned with immediate household and financial needs. She proposes fostering habit changes through user-centric business models that make environmental choices accessible and practical without demanding drastic lifestyle overhauls. 2. Entrepreneurial Approaches to ESG: Alina draws attention to the often-misunderstood concepts of ESG, climate, impact, and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), urging founders to go beyond the tokenism of using SDG logos and to sincerely embed these principles into their operational metrics. She advocates a $4.3 trillion economic opportunity for Asia stemming from proactive climate action and showcasing the profitability in sustainability efforts. She also explores the transformative potential of VC and other financial instruments in supporting founders who are championing technological innovations geared toward local community needs. 3. Adversity & Personal Growth: Reflecting on her background as a political refugee, Alina recounts the discrimination her family faced following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, leading to their move to Australia. She deeply connects with entrepreneurs she works with, resonating with those who have faced similar socio-economic battles. She explains that her outsider status has been both a challenge and an advantage, offering a distinctive perspective and driving her to surround herself with local teams that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of each market. She emphasizes her commitment to investing in transformative solutions that empower entrepreneurs to enact positive change and provide opportunities for others in their communities. They also talked about building coalitions and driving change as an outsider in the industry, the loneliness of a founder's journey, the significance of peer-to-peer networks in providing support for founders, the importance of emotional intelligence for effective leadership, and the emerging role of women in VC. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/alina-truhina 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 Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

In this discussion, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics: 1. Tech in Asia Acquisition: Shiyan and I delve into Tech in Asia’s acquisition by Singapore Press Holding and how this move is set to reshape the tech news landscape across the region. We assess the company's $30M valuation and discuss the revenue figures, growth rate and synergies that made it an attractive acquisition target. They also reflect on the broader implications for regional tech journalism across the various players. 2. Entertainment & Media Industry Evolution: We discuss the evolving business models in the entertainment and media industry, citing examples like Spotify's $200M deal with Joe Rogan, the growth of niche Substack newsletters like Packy McCormick's and The Generalist, and the success of independent platforms like Stratechery and Acquired.FM. We also explore how AI is revolutionizing content creation in terms of translation and distribution, thus changing the business model and venture scale outcomes. 3. Fragmented News Consumption: We examine the current fragmented nature of news and media consumption where information is scattered across different platforms, from blog posts to Substacks to podcasts and TikToks, and how these new channels are fostering innovative business-building approaches. We discuss the consequences of this fragmentation, such as the challenges in defining truth in an age where platforms algorithmically promote content engagement, implicitly displacing users from consuming fact-checked, authoritative sources. We also touch upon the importance of adapting to new market trends, how the interaction between media and technology impacts startup founders, the role of advertisers in media economics, and niche audience monetization. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tech-in-asia2 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 Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

“He is someone who is living this "dream life", an inspirational figure for so many folks. It makes me reflect on the fact that there are so many celebrities in our world who are also very inspirational. At the end of the day, everyone's human and with their mistakes, as well as their inspirational moments. Seeing the whole of them is something that only close people get to see. And so, this makes me reflect a lot on my dynamics, which is how I focus not just on my career and my public orientation, but also on my private life to make sure that I'm focusing and investing in the right things because I would rather be a public failure and a private success rather than a public success and a private failure.” - Jeremy Au Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/anthony-bourdain-lessons 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 Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Ryan Manafe, Cofounder & CEO of Dagangan, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes: 1. Indonesia's Infrastructure and Supply Chain: Ryan shared the infrastructure and supply chain dynamics beyond the major islands of Java and Sumatra and the disparities in development and access to resources in those remote areas. He delved into the interaction between urban centers and rural areas and how infrastructure bottlenecks often impede the transportation of goods from rural production areas to urban consumption centers, leading to inefficiencies, increased costs, and potential losses. He also explained the often-overlooked challenges faced by middlemen in the country’s supply chain and how they play an essential role in connecting producers with consumers. 2. Dagangan's Business Approach: Ryan highlighted their innovative approach to working within the supply chain, aiming for a win-win situation for all parties involved. He explained that businesses can leverage a hub-and-spoke model to efficiently reach rural customers, with the first and mid-mile logistics handled by the brands and manufacturers. He also discussed the key performance indicators for their investors, brands, and users: for investors, to showcase progress toward profitability through unit economics and operational efficiency; for brands, to expand their reach across regions and outlets, increasing product delivery; and for users, to increase their revenue significantly and even expand their business premises. 3. Ryan’s Founder Journey: Ryan shared his transition from being a McKinsey consultant to an entrepreneur deeply committed to impacting rural areas and contributing to Indonesia’s progress. He recounted building his first successful venture, only to bravely venture into founding a second company, Dagangan, with a revamped and innovative approach. He emphasized the weight of this decision, especially considering his familial responsibilities, as he navigated these waters while supporting his pregnant wife. We also discussed the significance of maintaining strong ties with rural communities, maintaining operational discipline, the role of technology in bridging the urban-rural divide, and the importance of work-life balance. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ryan-manafe 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 Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Gita Rusmida Sjahrir, Head of Investments at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:  1. Business Model Localization: We dissect why Grab, Gojek with Rebel Foods, and DishServe have closed over 100 Indonesian cloud kitchens over the past year. Gita and I discuss the criticality of tailoring the model to fit local dynamics, highlighting factors like GDP per capita, time availability, food distribution, and urban design. We discussed that the driving factors were not the destruction of demand, but instead the misalignment of the business model with consumer behavior. For example, Indonesia's cloud kitchen prices and margins were highly competed by current food models, like ordering food for delivery from local restaurants, cooking at home, or going to a local eatery. 2. Indonesia TikTok Shop Ban: We talked about TikTok Shop’s ban in Indonesia and the scrutiny it faces worldwide in the USA, India, and Vietnam. Gita highlighted the need for understanding the nascent political landscape of Indonesia and policy decisions in response to viral issues. She stressed the importance of fostering win-win relationships with regulatory bodies rather than falling into adversarial dynamics, thereby safeguarding startup enterprise value and helping local communities. We compared this to the Airbnb bans in Singapore and NYC, and the differing outcomes for Uber and Didi's relationships with their USA and China regulators. 3. Founder Adaption to Market: We discussed the importance of founders, both local and immigrants, to approach the local markets with humility and how it should not be mistaken for lack of confidence, but rather be seen as a strategic advantage and a means to ensure that innovations brought forth by startups are received positively by the community. We agreed that founders must be willing to learn from the market, and iterate their approach in a way that both respects and leverages the local context, ensuring their value proposition is both clear and compelling. We also touched upon the impact of cultural understanding in shaping business strategy, the necessity for founders to view their journey through a scientist's lens, the role of leadership in turbulent times, and the evolution of consumer behavior in the region. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tiktok-shop-ban 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 Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

“It's okay to sit back and enjoy the ride of turning 36. That means there's a certain level of discomfort that I used to blame myself and be like, ‘Hey, I should have figured this out. I should be prepared. I should know what this feels like.’ And now, I realize that it’s okay if I don't understand. I still have to push hard and explore. It's just that it's okay to have this discomfort that I don't understand what's going on as I get older, and instead, I look at it as an opportunity to have that delicious feeling of not knowing what comes next. It's really a privilege to have that freedom to explore, and the freedom to feel, and be outside your comfort zone.” - Jeremy Au Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/turning-36 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 Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

John Aguilar, Creator & Host of The Final Pitch and Methods to Greatness, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes: 1. Television Production Realities: John provided an insider’s view of the television production world, explaining the intensive process behind creating a successful show. He emphasized that what the audience sees on screen is just the tip of the iceberg, with a mere 0.1% of the work being visible to viewers. He provided a peek into the “show as a service” approach of their show “The Final Pitch”, where judges double up as co-producers, investing a fee that funds the production. This enables a sustainable model, allowing the show to function efficiently without the need to seek sponsors actively. He also shared his ventures in real estate and technology, highlighting how the success of their shows paves the way for new business opportunities and investments in startups, with plans to expand The Final Pitch across Asia in the future. 2. Family Life, Longevity & Greatness: John shared how marriage and fatherhood altered his perspectives and priorities. He reflected on the shift from individual-centric goals to family-oriented aspirations, and how his role in media carries greater responsibility and influence than before. He shared how his passions and projects have evolved with his life stages, currently revolving around themes of longevity and crafting a meaningful legacy. He also explained how craftsmanship is more than just doing a job, it’s also about mastering your craft, continuously learning, and taking pride in your work. He stressed the importance of staying curious and finding joy in the process of achieving greatness and ensuring longevity in any field - resulting in the show Method to Greatness. 3. Navigating Failure & Pursuing Success: John recounted a pivotal moment in his career when he produced a dance show in the Philippines which appeared to be a soaring success until it took a dramatic turn when they faced unexpected financial difficulties. He opened up about moments of doubt, frustration, and the feeling of being overwhelmed by the setbacks. Despite the challenges, he chose to remain resilient, taking responsibility for the situation, and learning valuable lessons about business and personal integrity. He explained that maintaining a strong moral compass in the face of failure taught him valuable lessons about the true nature of success and greatness - which eventually led to successfully launching The Final Pitch. We also touched on the intersection of technology and media, the importance of cross-cultural collaborations, the role of sports science and medicine, and the value of mentorship in professional journeys. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/john-aguilar 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 Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid’s cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and I talked about three main topics: 1. Layoffs and Market Exits: Shiyan and I talked about the recent wave of layoffs: Biofourmis (45 staff in Singapore, and at least 85 staff globally) and Flash Coffee (closed all 11 Singapore outlets). We agreed on the importance of executing layoffs decisively, advocating for a single, well-planned and deep cut rather than a drawn-out process of multiple cuts. We touched upon the necessity of transparent communication, ensuring that the remaining team members are well-informed and supported throughout the transition, and highlighted the importance of agility in uncertain times. 2. Tech-Enabled D2C Consumer: We explored tech-enabled food services and analyzed the industry's financial intricacies, distribution challenges, and competitive landscape. We debated how coffee chains utilize tech not only in processing orders, how they choose locations, and differentiate in markets already saturated with traditional coffee chains. We talked about Luckin Coffee’s unique model, which requires customers to download an app before placing an order, a strategy that streamlines the ordering process and serves customer acquisition and data collection, allowing it to better tailor its offerings and marketing strategies. 3. AI Productivity Transformation: We discussed EU’s aim for AI regulations, similar to its GDPR for data privacy, vs. ASEAN's recently-stated hands-off approach, letting each country decide its own path. We also discussed the difficulty of halting AI development and pointed out the practical issues of enforcing regulations. We were skeptical about JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon's forecast of a 3.5 day workweek due to AI. While AI enhances productivity, it also intensifies competition, ultimately transforming entire industries rather than individual jobs. We also talked about AI bots and how they can already emulate the conversational style of specific individuals like Jason Calacanis and brainstormed possibilities like historical fiction podcasts featuring debates between figures like Napoleon and Gandhi. We also touched upon the NASDAQ performance of the MoneyHero SPAC (Seedly), authenticity and value of human error and spontaneity in content creation, suggesting that there might still be a preference for “artisanal podcasters”, the necessity of continuous learning and adaptation, the ethical dimensions of AI deployment, fostering innovation while ensuring data privacy and the strategies for maintaining balance and humanity in the fast-paced tech world. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/flash-coffee-layoffs 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 Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Matt Abrahams, Stanford MBA professor, shares his journey of mastering public speaking, including a hilarious mishap during his first speech competition. He discusses the biological roots of anxiety, the impact of technology on communication, and offers practical tips for improving public speaking skills. The conversation also touches on generative AI in China and the importance of defining your authentic communication style.

Craig Bristol Dixon, Cofounder & General Partner of Accelerating Asia, and Jeremy Au talk about three key topics: 1. Maximizing Startup Potential: Craig underscores the nuanced differences between a startup's initial iteration and subsequent ones, emphasizing that experience significantly shapes how one approaches the process. He talks about an insider's perspective on the challenges and intricacies of efficiently running a startup, highlighting the importance of understanding the complex interplay between incubators, venture capitalists, and the success of the portfolios they nurture. He also touches upon the importance of startups adopting the correct approach, particularly when they're at a stage where they need to amplify their growth trajectory and truly get their operations into high gear. 2. Navigating Partnerships with Family Offices: Craig shares insights on family offices' aspirations, capabilities, and actions necessary for establishing successful collaborations. He sheds light on the often misunderstood nuances of how these entities operate within the startup ecosystem. He explains that while family offices often have vast resources at their disposal, understanding their core objectives is paramount for startups and other ecosystem players looking to collaborate with them. He highlights the significance of the alignment of expectations, resource-sharing, and mutual knowledge exchange and ensuring that both parties are clear about what needs to be achieved. 3. Bravery Versus Stupidity in Entrepreneurship: Craig and Jeremy explore the thin line between bravery and stupidity in the entrepreneurial realm. Craig ponders on the fine balance leaders must strike when navigating risk and challenges the binary view of these concepts, suggesting that the line between bravery and foolishness is often blurred. He also talks about his own journey, highlighting instances where he had to gauge risks, not just from a business standpoint, but also on a personal level. He discusses the value of hindsight, emphasizing how past experiences offer clarity on decisions that seemed ambiguous at the time, and encourages startups and leaders to critically assess their risk tolerance, ensuring that their actions, while brave, are grounded in reality and foresight. They also talk about the recent trends, challenges, and opportunities in the region’s tech landscape, the rise of AI and machine learning startups, the role of technology in driving innovation, and the changing investment patterns in Southeast Asia, and the increasing role of sustainability in tech innovations.  Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/craig-bristol-dixon 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 Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id