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

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

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Sep 3, 2024 • 28min

Raditya Wibowo: Gojek Chief Transportation Officer, Founder MAKA Motors & How Hard Can It Be? - E468

Raditya (Dito) Wibowo, CEO & Founder of MAKA Motors, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Gojek Chief Transportation Officer: Raditya describes his seven-year tenure rise from managing a nascent on-demand transportation service from the modest two-story home HQ with only 2 toilets to becoming Chief Transport Officer. Developing Gojek's first dynamic pricing algorithm was key to beating competition from traditional and emerging tech players. His strategic thinking was pivotal in navigating these emerging problems, including how to navigate the demand vs. supply aspects of Ramadan. 2. Founder MAKA Motors: Dito shared how he founded an electric motorcycle startup nd the transition challenges from software to hardware. He detailed the design principles tailored to meet Indonesian market demands and consumer behaviors. Strategic decisions include customer personas, in-house R&D vs. outsourcing and managing component assembly logistics. His industrial engineering background has also influenced his approach to solving complex problems at the company. 3. How Hard Can It Be?: The phrase "How hard can it be?" encapsulates his entrepreneurial spirit, strategic planning and resilience. He shares how his early consulting experiences at McKinsey shaped his later thinking, as well as how he has had to think on his feet to overcome multiple startup challenges. Jeremy and Dito also explored the importance of adapting business models to changing market conditions, continuous learning for consumer needs, and the personal commitment to become comfortable with uncertainty. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/raditya-wibowo Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/raditya-wibowo-id 观看、收听或阅读全文,请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/raditya-wibowo-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/raditya-wibowo-vn 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 Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.
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Sep 1, 2024 • 22min

Vietnam: New President Tô Lâm, Immediate China State Visit & USA Rejection "Non-Market Economy"- E467

Valerie Vu, Founding Partner of Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. New President Tô Lâm: The death and state-mandated mourning period for Vietnam's former Communist Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong culminated in the swift elevation of Tô Lâm from the Ministry of Public Defense to President. This transition exhibited the controlled and planned nature of political leadership where political changes are orchestrated to ensure continuity and stability within the government. 2. Immediate China State Visit: Tô Lâm's chose his first official international visit to be China, where he and his delegation signed 16 key agreements spanning commerce and logistics. Vietnam's strategic "bamboo" diplomatic posture aims to strengthen ties with China amidst regional geopolitical tensions. The agreements also reflect a deepening of ties in areas critical to Vietnam’s economic and infrastructural development. 3. USA Rejection "Non-Market Economy": The U.S. Commerce Department disappointed Hanoi by continuing to classify Vietnam as a non-market economy country subject to punitive anti-dumping duties. Only 12 other economies are labeled as non-market by Washington, including China, Russia, North Korea and Azerbaijan. This status hampers Vietnam’s ability to absorb foreign direct investment and engage fully in international trade, especially with its largest trading partner, the U.S. They also discussed local cultural influences on business practices, regional infrastructure developments and the relocation of manufacturing from China and other countries to Vietnam. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-new-president2 Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/vietnam-new-president2-id 观看、收听或阅读全文,请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-new-president2-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-new-president2-vn 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 Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.
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Aug 29, 2024 • 20min

Avik Ashar: Zilingo Ethical Dilemmas, India vs. Southeast Asia Startups & Market & Consumer Diversity - E466

Avik Ashar, Principal at Artha Venture Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Zilingo Ethical Dilemmas: Avik reflected on his experiences at Zilingo where rapid expansion led to questionable practices such as buying and selling Apple watches on their fashion lifestyle platform just to meet monthly sales targets, in order to achieve founder and board expectations of non-stop growth. He warned that crossing ethical lines for short-term gains, like funding or fame, is difficult to reverse over the medium term. Adhering to ethical standards is key to decisions that might push the boundaries of integrity, with the option of walking away from the job. 2. India vs. Southeast Asia Startups: Avik explained the similarities and differences between Southeast Asia and India, particularly the diverse and non-homogeneous nature of the two. In Southeast Asia, the cultural diversity within countries like Thailand and Indonesia requires tailored management strategies for each locale, much like in India where the cultural landscape changes dramatically over short distances. A deep understanding of local nuances is crucial for effective business operations. With examples from his management experience, he noted the distinct approaches needed in cities like Bangkok versus rural Thailand, and the cultural shifts encountered when traveling from metropolitan centers like Mumbai to smaller towns within India. 3. Market & Consumer Diversity: Avik explored the complexities of the Indian market, the stark economic disparities and varied consumer behaviors. He described the high spending power of urban elites compared to the rising middle class’s evolving consumer expectations. He also discussed the integration of technology in traditional sectors like textile manufacturing, and the transformative impact of digitization on industries traditionally lacking in infrastructure and capital expenditure. They also covered the critical importance of stringent due diligence in financial dealings, especially in emerging markets like India, the nuances of ethical leadership within rapidly scaling startups and socio-economic stratification with distinct spending behaviors in India. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/avik-ashar Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/avik-ashar-id 观看、收听或阅读全文,请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/avik-ashar-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/avik-ashar-vn 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 Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.
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Aug 27, 2024 • 24min

Huiting Koh: Solo General Partner (GP) Experience, Gen Z vs. Generation Alpha & Blueprint's Distinctive Strategy - E465

Huiting Koh, Founding Managing Partner of Blueprint Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Solo General Partner (GP) Experience: Huiting discussed her journey as a solo GP, emphasizing the complexities of establishing Blueprint, her venture fund. She shared insights into the initial setup, overcoming challenges, and the decision-making processes involved. She also highlighted the critical learning curve she navigated, making strategic choices without complete information and trusting her instincts. 2. Gen Z vs. Generation Alpha: They analyzed evolving consumer behaviors and expectations, especially how these demographics are shaping consumer technology. They also underlined how the youngest cohorts are accustomed to artificial intelligence and digital interfaces from an early age. This also differs by country within Southeast Asia, for example, the unexpected discovery that the majority of users for an English learning platform in Vietnam were women (rather than men) across all job levels, with distinct referral patterns, 3. Blueprint's Distinctive Strategy: Huiting articulated what sets Blueprint apart: consumer-focused investment mandate, targeted Asa verticals, and robust consumer behavioral analysis. She elaborated on the fund’s approach to creating value by placing human-centric insights at the forefront of investment decisions while aiming for substantial social impact alongside financial returns. Huiting illustrated how to find sticky and impactful solutions across multiple markets. Jeremy and Huiting also talked about the influence of digital technologies on cognitive and social skills among children, the evolving definition of digital natives, and the importance of understanding gender-specific consumer behaviors. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/huiting-koh-2 Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/huiting-koh-2-id 观看、收听或阅读全文,请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/huiting-koh-2-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/huiting-koh-2-vn 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 Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.
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Aug 25, 2024 • 19min

Disney+ Arbitration PR Crisis, Good vs. Bad Startup Sci-Fi Ideas & Defence Tech Rise with Shiyan Koh - E464

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main points: 1. Disney+ Arbitration PR Crisis: A woman died from an allergic reaction after eating at a Disney-affiliated restaurant. The husband sued Disney for "wrongful death" and $50,000+ of damages. Disney in May 2024 alleged that the husband accepted a forced arbitration agreement when signing up for Disney Plus in 2019. This caused a firestorm of public criticism about the company's accountability. The hosts discuss the broader implications of such legal strategies on public trust and branding, and Disney's withdrawal of this legal case serves as a cautionary tale about balancing tactical legal defenses with keeping a broader strategic eye. 2. Good vs. Bad Startup Sci-Fi Ideas: Shiyan stressed the importance of personal dedication to a business idea, given the substantial time commitment involved. They also explored how sci-fi plays a role with simultaneous innovation, the concept of "founder-problem fit" and the critical need to align personal interests with the entrepreneurial venture. They also discussed the suitability of ideas for venture capital investment, distinguishing between good business ideas and those that are venture-backable. 3. Defence Tech Rise: Jeremy discussed the role of startups like Anduril and Palantir in transforming defense technologies. YC-backed startup Ares Industries is producing cruise missiles that are 10X cheaper and more effective than existing models. Private sector innovation is increasingly crucial to government budgets looking to buy large volumes more cost-effectively. Jeremy and Shiyan also touched on topics like longevity and sleep quality, biohacking amongst tech enthusiasts, and the importance of market validation. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/good-vs-bad-startup-ideas Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/good-vs-bad-startup-ideas-id 观看、收听或阅读全文,请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/good-vs-bad-startup-ideas-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/good-vs-bad-startup-ideas-vn 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 Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.
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Aug 22, 2024 • 31min

Jingjing Zhong: UC Berkeley to Investment Banking, General Manager Firefighting & Superbench Services AI Founder - E463

Jingjing Zhong, CEO & Cofounder of Superbench, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. UC Berkeley to Investment Banking: Jingjing reflected on her time at UC Berkeley where the competitive environment introduced her to the high-stakes world of investment banking. She shared her initial motivation for joining Houlihan Lokey, which was to make money (influenced by societal expectations from her upbringing in China). Her experience in the financial sector led to a significant reevaluation of her definition of success and steered her away from banking despite its financial allure. 2. General Manager Firefighting: Jingjing’s entrance to high-growth startup Helpling and eventual promotion to General Manager brought immediate challenges of operational management without initial support (a sharp contrast with the structured world of finance). She navigated intense periods of firefighting and strategic planning and learned to balance immediate problem-solving with long-term strategic thinking. Her experiences emphasized the importance of adapting to market and consumer trends and the transformative impact of effective coaching on her leadership skills. 3. Superbench Services AI Founder: Jingjing leveraged her experiences to cofound Superbench, an AI-driven platform aimed at optimizing operations for home service businesses. She detailed the transition from manual operations to AI-enhanced processes, which significantly improved sales conversions and operational efficiency. She discusses the nuanced applications of AI, where it complements human effort rather than replacing it, along with the practical benefits and challenges of integrating advanced technologies in traditional SME clients. Jeremy and Jingjing also talked about Jingjing’s cultural adjustments when she moved from USA to Singapore, the critical role of mentorship, and the role of data in strategic decision-making within service businesses. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jingjing-zhong Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/jingjing-zhong-id 观看、收听或阅读全文,请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jingjing-zhong-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jingjing-zhong-vn 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 Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.
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Aug 20, 2024 • 39min

Htay Aung: Anywheel Founder Struggles, Winning The Bike-sharing War & Rejecting VC & Acquisition Offers - E462

Htay Aung, CEO & Founder of Anywheel, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Early Inspiration and Challenges: Htay detailed his journey from an immigrant student facing cultural and language barriers in Singapore to becoming the founder of Anywheel. His initial inspiration came from dealing with traffic in Sydney and Singapore, which led to the idea of a bike-sharing service during his studies at the University of Sydney in 2017. He recounted the early challenges of integrating into a new culture and educational system, which shaped his entrepreneurial mindset. 2. Operational Learning Curve: Htay described the initial operational challenges of starting Anywheel including assembling the first bicycle at his home to navigating supply chain challenges like sourcing the initial 500 bicycles from manufacturers reluctant to deal with a small startup. He shared insights into early mistakes, such as ordering unassembled bikes, which led to significant logistical challenges. He also detailed how the company integrated IoT technology to enhance operational efficiency and meet regulatory compliance, particularly in response to Singapore’s licensing regulations implemented by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in 2018. 3. Strategic Market Expansion: Htay emphasized strategic and financial decisions made during difficult period and his choice to reject venture capital funding to retain control over the company's strategic direction. He also discussed market expansion strategies and regulatory navigation and how the company adapted to changes and acquired competitors following the LTA’s new rules in 2018. He also detailed that the acquisition of SG Bike was not only a business expansion but also a move to consolidate the market and enhance the overall industry reputation by assuming responsibility for its customer commitments. He discussed maintaining ethical business practices, particularly his decision not to charge user deposits—a decision made to foster trust and differentiate Anywheel from competitors like Mobike and Ofo. Jeremy and Htay also talked about the challenges in navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of trust, transparency, and hard work within the workplace, and his strategic plans for scaling operations while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and community impact. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/htay-aung Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/htay-aung-id 观看、收听或阅读全文,请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/htay-aung-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/htay-aung-vn 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 Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.
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Aug 18, 2024 • 28min

Indonesia 39% Debt to GDP Ratio vs. Singapore, Free School Lunch Program & Capital City Move from Jakarta to Nusantara with Gita Sjahrir - E461

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investment at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Indonesia 39% Debt to GDP Ratio vs. Singapore: Jeremy and Gita delved into the policy debate behind Prabowo's decision to increase Indonesia's debt-to-GDP ratio from 39% to 50%, and invest towards achieving an aggressive growth rate of 8% through a nickel-led industrial strategy coupled with expansive public spending. They tackled the broader implications of borrowing for a developing nation and the importance of maintaining fiscal credibility. Gita critiqued common misconceptions about national vs. personal debt and highlighted the international double standards in debt perception. They also compared Indonesia's fiscal strategy against USA, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. 2. Free School Lunch Program: They discussed Prabowo's popular school lunch program initiative that seeks to address childhood malnutrition, reduce growth stunting and improve educational outcomes for Indonesian children. Despite its potential, the program's implementation and funding mechanisms have ignited political debate. The potential to significantly boost student health and learning capabilities are contrasted against the risks of inefficiency and potential corruption. They deliberated on whether the anticipated improvements in public health would justify the public spending, with lessons from America and Japan's programs. 3. Capital City Move from Jakarta to Nusantara: The planned relocation of Indonesia's capital from Jakarta to Nusantara faces logistical and political challenges, which are natural for the extensive infrastructural developments. The discussion underscored the strategic necessity of such a move, considering Jakarta’s environmental and congestion issues. However, the media's critiques of overly-optimistic timelines and potential underestimations of required investments should be compared with the 30-40 years that it took for Washington DC to become the new capital city of America. Jeremy and Gita also covered the role of global trade flows, protectionist policies’ implications on economic growth, and the critical role of accountability in government spending. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/indonesia-free-school-lunches Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/indonesia-free-school-lunches-id 观看、收听或阅读全文,请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/indonesia-free-school-lunches-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/indonesia-free-school-lunches-vn 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 Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.
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Aug 15, 2024 • 30min

DJ Tan: Prince of Fermentation, Coffee Without Beans & Government Food Scientist - E460

BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast: DJ Tan, CTO & Cofounder of Prefer, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics: 1. Government Food Scientist: DJ recounted his early fascination with science and his studies in chemistry at UCL, leading to a focus on food science at Singapore's ASTAR government lab. He shared how his academic and laboratory experiences shaped his decision to experiment at the frontier of what humans eat and drink and merge rigorous scientific methods with innovative culinary practices. He discussed the challenges that novel food products face, particularly in achieving cost parity and consumer acceptance regarding taste. 2. Prince of Fermentation: Transitioning from a chemistry enthusiast to a fermentation expert, DJ detailed his journey from organic synthesis to leveraging his expertise to transform flavor profiles in partnership with alcohol mixologists and chefs. Fermentation is a strategic solution that enhances and creates new flavors while potentially reducing production costs. He also shared how his title was accidentally coined, and how he feels about this personal brand today. 3. Coffee Without Beans: DJ discussed the inception of Prefer, a startup aimed at creating sustainable food solutions, beginning with bean-free coffee. He outlined the strategic positioning in the market, focusing on consumer benefits and business challenges. Prefer's goal is to revolutionize the coffee industry by offering an environmentally friendly alternative that maintains taste and convenience. The conversation also touched on scaling production, sustainable packaging, and the impact of their business model on the food industry’s adaptation to climate change. Jeremy and DJ also talked about the technical challenges in food science, consumer trends towards innovative food products, and the impact of global environmental changes on agricultural practices. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/dj-tan Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/dj-tan-id 观看、收听或阅读全文,请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/dj-tan-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/dj-tan-vn 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 Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.
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Aug 13, 2024 • 36min

Patrick Linden: Dealguru $34M Acquisition, Southeast Asia Roll-Up Strategy & Match.asia M&A Marketplace - E459

Patrick Linden, Cofounder & Managing Partner of Match.Asia, and Jeremy Au discussed three main points: 1. Dealguru $34M Acquisition: Patrick shared his journey beginning from a small village in Germany to moving to Singapore and building iHipo, a platform to connect European students with opportunities in Southeast Asia. This early experience ignited his entrepreneurial passion, and he recounted the inception of Dealguru, an e-commerce platform inspired by the Daily Deal model. He described a strategic marketing stunt involving Starbucks vouchers that catapulted the platform into the public eye, which quickly established it as a key player in Singapore’s e-commerce sector. 2. Match.asia M&A Marketplace: Patric's new platform aims to facilitate M&A activities by connecting sellers and buyers in the lower mid-market, focusing on transactions below $100 million. Patrick also outlined the challenges and strategies of M&A and the importance of creating a well-integrated market ecosystem to support transactions. Streamline M&A searches would make it more affordable and accessible vs. inefficient brokers, and was inspired by the challenges he faced. 3. Southeast Asia Roll-Up Strategy: Patrick detailed his experience with roll-up strategies where multiple smaller companies in similar sectors across different markets are merged to form a larger entity, which improves market presence and operational efficiency. He discussed how this strategy has been effective in sectors like online food delivery and e-commerce, particularly in a fragmented market like Southeast Asia. He also shares his personal experience doing this with Dealguru vs. Groupon. Jeremy and Patrick also touched on Patrick's early experiences adapting to life in Singapore, the nuances of navigating different business cultures, and the importance of resilience in the face of entrepreneurial challenges. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/patrick-linden Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/patrick-linden-id 观看、收听或阅读全文,请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/patrick-linden-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/patrick-linden-vn 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 Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.

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