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

“There’s going to be a net increase in carbon emissions across the region. The growth is slow for developed markets and there may be some ways to plateau or shrink carbon emissions. For developing markets, their priority and popular vote is taking on more energy consumption, which leads to carbon emissions as a byproduct. The awkward reality for Southeast Asia is that everybody wants to be more carbon-efficient in their future energy growth expansion, but that still results in a slower rise in total emissions.” Jeremy Au “People want to work on things that are meaningful, but there are a lot of other things we can do like walk, ride a bike, or use public transit. Those who walk and bike more will also be less costly to the public healthcare system later. These structural changes can lower people's carbon footprint and benefit society as a whole. It isn't all the touchy-feely, feel-good type of things.There are dollars and cents associated with that.” Shiyan Koh "There are so many climate tech companies dependent on carbon credits. My bearishness stems from the fact that nearly 20 years ago, we talked about carbon credits and pricing carbon to create commercial incentives. It's been tough for startups relying on a carbon credit price. Monetizing and selling are difficult, and there's not much conviction in a significant future uptake." - Jeremy Au In a recent discussion between Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, they touched upon various topics, including climate change, electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and sustainable businesses. Shiyan highlighted the importance of transitioning to low-carbon transportation solutions, noting that if individuals chose to walk or bike for short trips, it would benefit both personal health and the planet. Jeremy agreed, hoping for increased availability and acceptance of e-bikes and scooters in the coming decade. The conversation also covered a variety of sustainable business models. They mentioned Tiger Energy, which aims to develop a battery-swapping network in Indonesia to accelerate EV adoption, and Pollen, which focuses on reducing waste and increasing manufacturing efficiency by reselling overproduced FMCG products. Another discussed venture, Unravel Carbon, works on carbon accounting, highlighting the growing interest in tracking and mitigating emissions. Jeremy and Shiyan acknowledged the challenges of promoting sustainable practices but remained optimistic about the future. They both expressed hope that EVs would become more widespread and accessible, contributing to the fight against climate change. Read the transcript at www.bravesea.com/blog/climate-change 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 #bravesea #ClimateChange #ClimateTechRevolution #CarbonEmissionsReduction #CarbonAccountability #CleanEnergyFuture #SustainableLiving #NetZeroCarbon #ClimateInnovation #GreenTechSolutions #LowCarbonEconomy #RenewableEnergy #climatech #ev #esg

"In the first year from May 2019 until the start of Covid, it was tough since I had to juggle school and didn't do well at the beginning. So, I decided to take a leave of absence and go all-in 100%. That first year of difficulties laid the foundation for the company today, in terms of how everything is run. Although it was challenging, looking back, I enjoyed it. I consider myself process-driven rather than outcome-driven, as I enjoy the process more than achieving the outcome." - Evan Heng “Education is powerful. By providing opportunities for the next generation to receive a good education, we're not just shaping their future, but we're also paving the way for future generations. Without these opportunities, they won't be able to achieve their full potential. For me, the impact of education goes beyond just helping the current generation secure good jobs and create a better future. It has a multiplying effect, and that's why I find it hard to consider any other industry. I've experienced firsthand how impactful education can be, and I want to continue to be a part of that impact.” - Evan Heng "Don't be afraid to reach out. People are very willing to help, even if they don't get anything in return. It's very important that if you are a founder, you better start networking. You better start talking to as many people as you can because of the sheer amount of knowledge and information that you are able to gain from all these different opportunities." - Evan Heng In a recent discussion with Evan Heng, founder of the education tech startup Zenith Education, we learned about his journey to becoming a founder and the challenges he faced along the way. Evan's passion for education led him to start Zenith. One of the most significant challenges Evan faced was building a team with diverse skill sets and aligned values. He overcame this by focusing on recruiting individuals with complementary skill sets and a shared vision for the company. Another challenge was obtaining funding for the startup. Evan managed to secure funding from various sources, including angel investors and grants, by creating a compelling business plan and demonstrating the potential impact of Zenith. Evan also highlighted the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning in building a successful startup. He advised other founders to stay committed to their vision, be open to feedback and criticism, and stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. In conclusion, Evan Heng's journey to becoming a founder and building a successful education tech startup is inspiring. By overcoming significant challenges and staying committed to his vision, Evan has shown other founders the importance of building a strong team, securing funding, and embracing perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning. Read the transcript at www.bravesea.com/blog/evan-heng Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts #bravesea #startuplife #entrepreneurship #edtech #innovation #education #studentfounder #founderjourney #scaling #venturecapital #networking #mentoring #collaboration #teamwork #learningcurve #perseverance #resilience #problem-solving #futureofwork #technology

"I think finding win-win solutions may be the most contrarian thing. Not thinking of the world as zero-sum. I grew up pretty competitive, but I'm not sure if that's the best thing actually. It might be more productive to teach them to be less competitive with others and more about better global outcomes. I don't know how to teach that though. There's a set point in children where they don't like losing, so even when you try to explain to them why this loss is irrelevant or it's in their head, they get upset." - Shiyan Koh "Teachers don't want students to generate essays using ChatGPT and submit them, but there could be a learning process where you write an outline in class first, then feel free to interact with ChatGPT at home and go through the iterative process of improving the essay. Educators need to restructure how they assign work and get work out of kids because so much can be automated. It doesn't have to be a zero-sum game. There are ways to incorporate automation into the learning process that would improve the quality of learning." - Shiyan Koh In this discussion between Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, they talk about the impact of artificial intelligence on parenting and the challenges and opportunities that come with it. They discuss how AI can help parents in various ways, such as monitoring children's behaviour, providing personalized learning experiences, and automating routine tasks. However, they also recognize the potential risks associated with relying too much on AI, such as the loss of human connection and the potential for bias. Regarding parenting in the age of AI, they emphasize the importance of balancing technology and human connection. They suggest that parents should view AI as a tool rather than a replacement for human interaction and that they should stay informed about its potential risks and benefits. When it comes to their hopes for the future of their children, Jeremy and Shiyan express the desire for their children to be well-equipped to navigate the rapidly changing technological landscape. They want their children to develop critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, and adaptability to succeed in an increasingly automated world. Overall, the discussion between Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh highlights the potential benefits and challenges of AI in parenting and the need to approach technology with caution and balance. Read the transcript at https://bravesea.com/blog/parenting-ai Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

“Writing a story similar to writing an investment memo, and finding a good story, is figuring out what’s not being reported. You try to dig for information where there's no information. You talk to people in the ecosystem, you talk to CEOs and founders, and then we ultimately put everything together. It all goes back into a storyline at the end of the day when people say that investing is both an art and a science.” - David Yin “It's a bit weird that I'm not doing something in early-stage tech. The other part that I realized was that I liked the aspect of a job where I got to work with people and grow with people. That's something that I didn't really find in public equity. So as I thought about what I wanted to do, what I'm relatively excited by, I thought that venture capital was a good combination or it allowed me to do investing in early-stage companies, but also allow me to work with many interesting folks.” - David Yin In this episode of BRAVE, David Yin and Jeremy Au discussed several key themes related to career growth and personal development. One of the main themes was the unpredictable nature of career paths. David shared his journey from journalism to venture capital, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two fields, including the importance of crafting compelling stories, learning about diverse industries, and building strong networks. Another topic they explored was the value of attending a prestigious institution like Harvard, where one has the opportunity to discover and develop their interests and potential. The conversation also touched on coping with the challenges of working in venture capital, including the need to make ambiguous choices and learn quickly. They discussed different investment styles and the importance of being brave and taking risks in this field. Throughout the conversation, David emphasized his desire to make a positive impact and help others in the ecosystem become better investors and founders over the next decade. He shared his personal experience of backpacking around the world and attempting a challenging land crossing between Jordan and Israel as examples of his own courage and willingness to take risks.  Read the transcript at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/david-yin Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts #bravesea #journalism #venturecapital #SoutheastAsia #bravery #careeradvice #diversity #globalization #immigrantfounders #expatriatefounders #humility #teambuilding #geopolitics #risks #impact #mentoring #learningcurve

"To build, sell, and lead. Those are three essential roles for the future, and learning to do all three simultaneously or being ambidextrous is incredibly challenging but valuable. Building is key - can you code or understand code and leverage technology to construct and organize effectively? Selling is about understanding human needs and identifying problems to solve." - Jeremy Au "I think values are important for leadership because people need to connect with you and understand what you stand for. It's about creating a just environment and treating others fairly, not just in a transactional way. Values are connected to your sense of self and confidence in knowing what you believe in, even if it goes against what others think. It's important to have a sense of right and wrong and a sense of self in those things." - Shiyan Koh In this episode of BRAVE, Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh discuss the current state of the job market and provide advice for individuals navigating this challenging time. They predict that the pain caused by the pandemic is likely to drag on for another two years and that layoffs will continue to be a reality for many companies. They caution against shallow cuts, which can negatively impact morale and create uncertainty among remaining employees. When it comes to preparing for the future, they highlight the importance of building skills in communication, technology, and statistics. Rather than training for specific jobs, they emphasize the need to develop these core skills, which can be applied to a range of positions. In addition to technical skills, they stress the importance of values and the ability to lead, sell, and build. They also discuss the need to maintain a sense of self and confidence in the face of uncertainty. They emphasize the importance of having values and being able to communicate them effectively, as well as the need to build resilience and develop the ability to thrive in challenging situations. Overall, they provide practical advice for individuals looking to navigate the job market during a time of great uncertainty and change. Read the transcript at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/startup-tech-talents Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts #bravesea #startup #founder #southeastasia #singapore #entrepreneurship #futureproof #skills #coding #stats #values #communication #jobmarket

“I invest because I believe in the founder, and I want to believe that the business will make a difference in the ecosystem and the economy in the future. There are many problems in the space, in life, business, economies, financial technology, and everything. If we don't support new ideas to disrupt, support, and improve, then we will never progress” - Shao-Ning Huang “I am not in favour of angels who invest solely because it's a hot space or because their friends are investing in it. The space you invest in should be something that you have a personal affinity for and that you feel is relevant to you. It's all about how you read the founder, decipher that part, and apply your personal understanding of the space or market. While a good founder is very reflective of themselves, an angel investor has to reflect on their own value system before choosing which space to invest in.” - Shao-Ning Huang In this episode of BRAVE, Shao-Ning Huang, an angel investor and co-founder of AngelCentral, shares her insights on angel investing, women representation in the industry, and personal experiences. She advises new investors to listen to at least 20 pitches before investing and to invest in spaces that they understand and feel personally relevant. She emphasizes the importance of analyzing the execution capability of founders beyond their charisma. She stresses that angel investing is time-consuming and can be a high-risk, high-reward activity, and encourages individuals to invest with the intention of making a difference to the ecosystem and economy. Regarding women representation in the industry, Shao-Ning acknowledges the challenges that women founders and investors face, including biases in business culture, masculine coding and communication, and limited access to networks and resources. She encourages women to adapt and evolve to raise capital or step up as investors, while also promoting a more inclusive and diverse industry. Shao-Ning shares her personal experience of cutting off toxic relationships in her life and the struggle she faced in the process. She emphasizes the importance of being aware of one's own emotional health and seeking professional help if needed. She suggests compartmentalizing one's life and feelings and addressing personal issues in a way that is authentic and relevant to oneself. Read the transcript at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/shao-ning-huang Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts #bravesea #angelinvesting #startupinvesting #femalefounders #investorrepresentation #diversityandinclusion #entrepreneurship #investmentadvice #toxicrelationships #emotionalhealth #professionalgrowth #careeradvice #earlystageinvesting #investingstrategy #startupfunding

"When you admit to not knowing and being scared, it can make you feel weak, but if you have the right team, they will want to help you even more. It's ironic, the more you say you can't do something, the more people come forward and offer their assistance." - Ethan Ang “One of the most accelerating things for me was getting a coach. It helps because I realize that a lot of the mistakes or the reasons why NodeFlair is not growing as fast as I wish it could have been in 2018 till now and I'm a firm believer that the business grows as fast as the founder. A lot of the kind of bottlenecks or problems that we face was just because of my not being mature enough and not being clear with what I wanted.” - Ethan Ang In this episode of BRAVE, Jeremy Au interviews Ethan Ang, the cofounder and CEO of NodeFlair, a company that provides a one-stop-shop platform for job seekers and employers in Singapore. Ethan shares his journey from his university days, his struggles in the HR Tech industry, to his growth as a founder and CEO. Throughout the epsiode, Ethan highlights the importance of vulnerability and honesty in leadership, stressing that being open about weaknesses and uncertainties can attract more help and support from team members. He also underscores the value of self-reflection and coaching in accelerating personal growth and the growth of one's company. Ethan delves into the challenges and trade-offs in creating a business that serves both job seekers and employers, and shares insights on product development and decision-making. He highlights the importance of building a team with a shared vision and values, and his strategy of hiring team members who are willing to be vulnerable and honest in their work. Overall, this interview offers valuable insights and lessons on leadership, teamwork, and growth, making it a must-listen for aspiring founders and entrepreneurs looking to create a successful business that makes a positive impact in their community. Read the transcript at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ethan-ang Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts #bravesea #startuplife #founderstruggles #leadershipdevelopment #teamwork #honesty #vulnerability #coaching #selfreflection #bookrecommendations #professionaldevelopment #hrtech #recruiting #companyculture #growthmindset

"I fear brain drain. If you aren't optimistic about your country in the long term and want to move somewhere else, it creates a net outflow of talent that makes it hard for the ecosystem to build. There are very few countries in the world that actually have a net outflow. To have it continuously for so many years, especially when there's no war or push factor, is quite an interesting dynamic. This drives the FinTech sector. There's a self-perpetuating cycle here, where nobody wants to upset this flow. But from a tech ecosystem standpoint, there's so much more to build in the Philippines." - Jeremy Au "I see a lot of my founders asking for support specifically for product manager and growth lead talents. We lack that a little bit because tech giants are all regional. So a lot of the positions are actually Singapore-based compared to being Manila-based, which is a bit of a lacking cohort of product managers and senior growth lead talents that some of our startups need, especially at Series B stages. I think that's the biggest gap." - Mark Sng In this episode of the BRAVE, Jeremy Au, Mark Sng, and Shiyan Koh discussed the Philippines' current state and potential in terms of technology and startups. The conversation revolved around the country's young population, its highly skilled and English-speaking workforce, and its growing FinTech sector. The hosts also talked about the challenges faced by the Philippines, such as brain drain due to the lack of optimism about the country's long-term prospects. They also noted the fragmented nature of the country, with numerous islands and logistical challenges, as well as the effects of inflation on the economy. Despite these challenges, the hosts expressed optimism about the Philippines' potential for growth and innovation, citing the strong alumni networks of companies such as Rocket Internet and the country's openness to foreign businesses. The hosts also highlighted various startups in the country, such as Locad, which offers software-driven, flexible solutions to e-commerce fulfillment and logistics, and Shipmates, a courier platform for e-commerce. They also mentioned the Philippines' burgeoning improv comedy scene, which speaks to the country's openness to new ideas and cultural influences. Overall, the hosts concluded that while the Philippines faces significant challenges, such as brain drain and logistical obstacles, it has the potential to be a major player in the global startup ecosystem, thanks to its young population, skilled workforce, and openness to innovation. Read the transcript at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/philippines-market-dive Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts #bravesea #venturecapital #entrepreneurship #founderstories #fintech #techindustry #globalbusiness #investmentstrategy #investorinsights #asiaeconomy #emergingmarkets #philippinestech #singaporetech #VCperspective #techleadership

In this insightful episode of Brave, Robert Huynh, co-founder of construction labor marketplace Nook, shares his journey from a successful career at Google's X Moonshot to dropping out of Harvard Business School to start his own company in Vietnam. Huynh discusses his approach to risk-taking, cultural transitions, and product iteration. He emphasizes the importance of community and shares valuable lessons learned. Through his story, Huynh showcases the power of embracing challenges, staying true to your values, and taking decisive action towards your goals. “I have this gamer mindset that just means maximizing the things I'm good at, minimizing the things I suck at. Whenever I do something, I just go all in. It’s a lot less about de-risking, I think it's more about expanding my options and just taking decisions and going with it. It’s like dropping out of school. I didn't think too much about it. It was just a decision th at at the end of the day I made and we just never looked back and so I think it just happened that way that all these things led to de-risking each decision.” - Robert Hyunh "The bootcamp part of Y Combinator is often overlooked. People talk about demo day and getting all these investors, but the advice in the bootcamp was so relevant. It was impactful to have different founders come in and talk to us and understand where we are right now. It's something that I wouldn't have been able to understand if I wasn't going through that journey then." - Robert Hyunh Read the transcript at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/robert-huynh Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Meet Vikram Bharati, the visionary founder of Draper Startup House, a global network of entrepreneurial hubs. Vikram's journey from a successful banking career to solo backpacking around the world led him to settle down in Singapore and launch his hospitality company, originally known as Tribe Theory. His mission is to build one million new businesses worldwide by 2030 through a unique combination of traditional hospitality, micro-campuses, and investment houses. With a presence in 25 countries, Vikram's background in venture capital investments and banking has enabled him to create a new category in hospitality that supports startups across the globe. Join us in Vikram's mission to revolutionize the startup ecosystem and drive innovation forward. “I’ve learned from my travels, banking, and being born in certain economic strata that building a business is the most powerful tool that we have. It is the solution to the world's problems because through it, you create new employment opportunities, trade with each other and with other countries, and build more social cohesion. The more people I can help build a business with, the more the world becomes a better place.” - Vikram Bharati "I met a lot of entrepreneurs who started with nothing and built an empire. The motivation in the back of my mind was that I would also build something one day. The desire was always there, but it never manifested into something until I paused and decided I wanted a substantial change in my life. Once I took that break, things fell into place. As I was traveling, the experience became a great catalyst for me to start doing what I'm doing today." - Vikram Bharati Read the transcript at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vikram-bharati Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts