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Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

In this discussion, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au, talked about three key topics:

1. Conglomerate Underperformance: Shiyan and Jeremy discuss the Southeast Asia report by Bain & Company, diving into the transformation of conglomerates – entities that once stood as beacons of success and now grapple with dwindling performances. They touch on potential causes of underperformance such as the challenges faced in managing diverse business units, rapid technological advancements, and the rise of competitors. They also talk about key success factors conglomerates need to focus on enhancing core competencies, leveraging synergies across business units, and maintaining a robust governance structure. They emphasized that conglomerates must realign their strategies with the changing business environment.

2. Super Apps and Conglomerate Parallels: Shiyan and Jeremy delve into the similarities between the growth strategies of super apps and traditional conglomerates, both aiming to be the go-to solution for a wide range of user needs. For super apps, this means integrating diverse services like e-commerce, ride-hailing, food delivery, and financial services into one seamless platform to drive user engagement, increase stickiness, and maximize transaction value. However, just as conglomerates faced challenges in managing diverse business units and ensuring consistent quality across all ventures, super apps also grapple with the complexities of offering multifaceted services while retaining user trust and ensuring optimal user experience.

3. Building Trust with Users: Shiyan spotlights Costso’s approach to cultivating and maintaining a loyal customer base. They underline that businesses should focus on curating offerings that genuinely align with users' needs and prioritizing their interests above all else, rather than pushing products and services. They discuss that organic alignment is the cornerstone of a long-lasting, trusted relationship and that adapting to shifts in user interests can sustain relevance in their markets, keeping them ahead of competitors.

They also talk about biotech as an underexplored area in the region, the evolution of game distributors and publishers, the regulatory hurdles startups face across different countries, the gamification of e-commerce, and the behavioral economics behind app designs.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/conglomerate-underperformance

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

In this discussion, Wilson Yanaprasetya, Cofounder of Dagangan, and Jeremy Au talk about three main themes:

1. Motivation Behind Dagangan: Wilson narrated the striking disparities between supply and demand he witnessed when he moved to a different city and discovered the same ice cream he couldn’t buy back home was more affordable and accessible. His upbringing in a Tier III city played a crucial role in the building of Dagangan with his cofounders who hailed from similar backgrounds. They realized the pressing need to address inequity and wanted to bridge the gap, ensuring that people, irrespective of their location or socio-economic status, had equitable access to products.

2. Warung Tech Deep Dive: Wilson shared a comprehensive overview of Warung Tech’s varied approaches from radical, disruptive innovations that aim to overhaul traditional systems to more nuanced models designed to enhance and integrate with existing supply chains. He highlighted the importance of tailoring strategies for cities ranging from Tier 1 urban centers to the often overlooked Tier 3 and Tier 2 towns to ensure Warung Tech’s solutions are relevant and impactful. He also elaborated on its financial aspects, emphasizing the nuances of contribution margins, gross margins, and Gross Merchandise Value (GMV).

3. Experiencing a 'Different Kind of Happiness': Wilson elaborated on how his tenure at Northstar Group equipped him with a foundational understanding of building sustainable businesses, emphasizing the importance of relevant metrics that ensure business health and longevity. He discussed the essence of “a completely different happiness”, or the joy derived from creating, leading, and scaling a startup that’s different from the satisfaction of investing in one. As a founder, the happiness stems from the firsthand challenges faced, the teams built, the culture nurtured, and the tangible impact made, whereas as an investor, the contentment arises from identifying potential, nurturing growth, and witnessing a startup's journey from infancy to success.

They also discussed the importance of cultural adaptability in the tech industry, the evolving consumer behavior in Southeast Asia, the vital role of technology in bridging societal gaps and promoting inclusivity, leadership in times of uncertainty, and the power of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of tech leaders.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/wilson-yanaprasetya

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Maria Li, COO of Tech in Asia, and Jeremy Au discuss three key topics:

1. TIA’s Editorial Ethos & SE Asia’s Growing Ecosystem: Maria shares Tech in Asia's mission to be a guiding beacon in the region's tech ecosystem. She elaborates on the challenges stemming from information opacity and asymmetry inherent in the region’s young digital landscape. She also talks about the newsroom’s constant grapples with the tightrope walk between maintaining unyielding editorial integrity and ensuring sustainable growth, especially amidst the ever-evolving technological advances and the proliferation of new media channels.

2. Decoding the COO Role: Maria delves into the multifaceted nature of her position as the COO of Tech in Asia. She explains that the role is not standardized across organizations, but its essence lies in operational effectiveness and making pivotal decisions. She shares that aspiring COOs should prioritize understanding various perspectives, valuing feedback, and fostering effective team dynamics. She also stresses the value of setting aside personal ego and focusing on serving employees, clients, and stakeholders

3. Career Reflections & Learnings: Maria talks about career decisions, recounting her own journey of transitioning between geographies, roles, and industries. She emphasizes the importance of acquiring new knowledge, evaluating one's own life satisfaction, and introspecting on which decisions are merely steps in a path versus those that shape the path itself. She also shares her personal litmus test for career moves: distinguishing between decisions that can be rolled back and those that are decisively life-altering. She advocates for granting oneself the grace to pivot when a choice doesn't pan out as expected but also stresses the value of commitment when the stakes are high.

They also touched upon the digital transformation in the region and the emerging trends and the challenges related to it, the pivotal role of trust in her role as COO, the significance of audience engagement, and the balance between monetization and unbiased content.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/maria-li

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Gita Rusmida Sjahrir, Head of Investments at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes:

1. Founder to VC Transition: Gita talked about her prior startup founder's roller-coaster life where every decision directly impacted business growth, team morale, and product trajectory. She eventually moved to the “dark side” with VC, becoming the Head of Investment at BNI Ventures. With her 13 years of experience building businesses and fundraising from VCs, she learned that founders need mentorship and strategic guidance from their investors. She invests time in debriefing and introspection after each pitch session in order to communicate and resonate with entrepreneurial teams.

2. Kauffman Fellowship Learnings: Gita joined the Kauffman Fellowship Program, influenced by her investor brother's recommendation. The program gave her a nuanced perspective on venture capital fundamentals and enabled her to network with a diverse group of fellow VCs. She explained how the program focuses on challenging one's values, vision, and self-imposed limitations. She also discussed the internal barriers that hold back people from achieving their true potential such as limiting beliefs and societal expectations.

3. Indonesian Market Misconceptions: Gita underscored that many of the views about Indonesia are either oversimplified or tainted by foreign media biases. She brought up the narrative around Jakarta's air pollution and explained that while it’s a pressing concern, the story is more layered than typically portrayed. She urges listeners to challenge these narratives by stepping out of their informational bubbles. She also discussed that contrary to the belief that Indonesia is just a consumer market, the nation is fast emerging as a hub for tech-driven solutions tailored to the region’s challenges. She shared her insights on the country’s political landscape such as how grassroots movements, youth participation, and a diverse set of leaders are shaping the nation's democratic journey.

They also touched upon the influences shaping the portrayal of countries in the news, especially within the US-China dynamic context, the necessity to be aware of the limited perspectives one might harbor, and the importance of firsthand experiences over media-induced perceptions.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/indonesia-market

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Projjal Ghatak, Cofounder & CEO of OnLoop, and Jeremy Au, talk about leadership and coaching dynamics. They discuss three key themes:

1. The Power of Leadership: Projjal and Jeremy talked about how they initially hesitated to invest in executive coaching due to its perceived high cost but they stressed the invaluable returns it brings. They underlined the significance of a structured coaching approach, emphasizing that leaders must be intentional about it as it enhances decision-making. They noted that leadership involves making choices that profoundly impact a company's future, and highlighted that its value lies in mastering well-informed decision-making.

2. Venture Capital vs. Private Equity: Projjal explained the prevalence of entities in Southeast Asia that label themselves as VCs but function more like small to mid-sized enterprise private equity firms (SME PE), aiming for 2 to 3X returns on investments within a short time frame. This contrasted with the VC model, which embraces asymmetric outcomes and rapid growth. They explained that understanding the differences is crucial for founders and investors alike, as it greatly impacts the leadership dynamics and decision-making processes within a company. They also talked about the significance of a harmonious board of directors in guiding a company's direction, and that it should be comprised of individuals who not only bring diverse expertise but also foster healthy debates and discussions.

3. Effective Coaching Dynamics: Projjal highlighted that for coaches to be truly effective, they need personal empathy and experience in the domain of the individual being coached, similar to having a deep understanding of the "sport" or field they are coaching in, even if it's not identical. He also distinguished between coaches and mentors or advisors, emphasizing that coaches must prioritize listening and asking questions over telling individuals what to do. He suggested that formal training, such as the Arbuckle Leadership Fellows Program, can provide a solid foundation for coaching.

They also explored the significance of aligning founder-investor perspectives, Projjal's unique perspectives on narcissism, the depth of trust required in such relationships, and the importance of critical thinking in the current instant gratification era.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/projjal-ghatak2

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Andy Hwang, General Partner of Wavemaker Partners, and Jeremy Au, discuss three main topics:

1. Early Years and Financial Inquisitiveness: Andy shares that his early days in Cupertino, California played a pivotal role in shaping his financial awareness and curiosity. His fascination with having access to his bank balance at a young age and investing in Apple stocks highlights his early entrepreneurial mindset. He had a front-row seat to witness the growth and evolution of Apple Inc. which gave him a unique perspective on the world of tech and business from an early age. He also mentioned that being surrounded by family members who are engineers played a role in fostering a learning mindset and passion for tech and innovation.

2. The Impact of Coaching: Andy talks about his experiences as both a recipient and a provider of coaching, underscoring the significance of introspection and self-improvement. He explains that coaching goes beyond addressing technical challenges and that it extends to the "people side" of building an organization. He shares that instead of founders seeking coaching only when they encounter setbacks, they should see it as a proactive step and seek it early on to equip themselves with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate challenges effectively.

3. Risks and Decisiveness: Andy challenges the conventional perception of risk as something to be feared or avoided, and encourages people to have a more nuanced understanding of it. He argues that risk isn’t a binary concept, where something is either entirely risky or entirely safe, but with varying degrees of potential outcomes. He also talks about how fear holds people back from taking necessary risks and emphasizes the importance of considering the possibility of success and positive outcomes. He also shares that startup founders often need to make decisions and explains that the ability to make choices promptly and confidently helps them navigate challenges more effectively and seize opportunities as they arise.

They also talk about cultural stigmas related to Asian males asking for help, the evolving startup landscape in Southeast Asia, the significance of self-awareness for founders, and the transformative power of empathy in coaching.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/andy-hwang

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

In this discussion, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au, talked about three key topics:

1. Southeast Asia Tech Investment Landscape: Shiyan and Jeremy talked about the significant developments in the region’s tech investment landscape, such as Vertex Ventures closing a fund of $541 million and GlobalFoundries, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, opening its $4 billion chip fabrication plant in Singapore. They also discussed that with the right infrastructure and support, Singapore could have become a prominent player in the semiconductor industry, potentially rivaling countries like Taiwan.

2. Web3 and Cryptocurrency: Shiyan and Jeremy delved into Web3 and cryptocurrencies, and emphasized the value of stablecoins in providing financial stability, especially in regions where traditional currencies are subject to inflation and volatility. They also shared how digital assets are making cross-border transactions more accessible and efficient. They explained how Web3 is disrupting traditional industries and how this shift toward decentralized systems can empower individuals and communities by reducing the reliance on centralized intermediaries.

3. Dollarization of Currencies and Interoperability Challenges: Shiyan and Jeremy touched on the dollarization of currencies of other countries, like Latin America, unofficially adopting the USD as a standard for transactions due to the instability or inflation of their local currency. They explained that it isn't just limited to physical USD cash but can extend to digital assets like USDC. They also shared the interoperability challenges faced by tech companies operating in the region, and how CVCs can potentially help by working with regulators and creating solutions that adhere to different regulations while enabling cross-border operations.

They also explored the impact of recent Singapore events on the country’s economy, the different cryptocurrency use cases, the impact of regulatory dynamics on the crypto space, and the fluctuating nature of Web3-focused funds.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/web3-and-crypto

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Yann Shuermans, Founder & CEO of Baskit, and Jeremy Au, talked about three key topics:

1. Career Transitions and Entrepreneurship: Yann recounted his journey to join AB InBev and reflected on the valuable experiences and insights he gained, which equipped him with a broad perspective on supply chain complexities and industry nuances. He shared his decision to leave his secure role at AB InBev, joining Circles.Life, and later starting his own venture, Baskit. He explained the different considerations behind every career move, including factors like access to capital, geographic location, and even the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to gain experience and build a strong foundation in their chosen domain before embarking on entrepreneurial endeavors.

2. 400 Years Family Legacy: Yann shared his background of growing up with a family history deeply rooted in supply chain expertise spanning 400 years. He discussed how he witnessed his father navigating various supply chain crises and how this upbringing ignited his own passion for the industry. Unlike conventional career paths, where individuals often pursue professions like law or finance, his family legacy exposed him to the world of supply chain management from a young age, which not only provided him with valuable insights but also fueled his passion for the field.

3. Indonesia's Supply Chain: Yann provided his insights on the supply chain from his time at the global beverage company, AB InBev. He talked about Indonesia's vast and multi-faceted supply chain, highlighting the country’s market, geographic challenges, and diverse topography. He also provided a tiered structure of the supply chain, distinguishing between various layers, including wholesalers, distributors, and brands. He also shared his insights on monetization strategies, and unit economics, and to carefully assess whether it’s better to disrupt or complement an existing supply chain model.

They also discussed Yann’s vision for Baskit as a software-defined supply chain platform, the importance of staying light and flexible in the industry, various monetization strategies within the supply chain space, and the significance of multi-category approaches.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/yann-schuermans

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Jennifer Ong, Founder & Career Coach at Ctrl Alt Career, and Jeremy Au, discuss three main topics:

1. Personal and Career Journey: Jennifer shares her career transition from finance to the tech industry, eventually becoming a career coach. Six months into her tenure at BlackRock, she realized that she needed to leave. However, it took her 6 years to reflect and eventually pull the trigger on moving on to a new chapter in her career. She shared her struggles with following societal and parental expectations vs. pursuing her own path, and emphasized the importance of unpacking these pressures when making significant career decisions.

2. Coaching Insights & Approaches: Jennifer shares her structured coaching method and her belief in setting clear frameworks to guide her clients. She highlighted the value of both personal and business coaching, and how her seeking guidance from a coach has accelerated her business and personal growth. She also explained the trade-off between time and money, advocating for the proactive seeking of expert guidance to avoid long-term pitfalls.

3. Reframing Success Narrative: Jennifer introduces the concept of reframing one's success narrative. She emphasized the importance of aligning one's career and life choices with personal values. She discussed various elements that contribute to success, including financial stability, external validation, passion, and professional achievement. She stressed the idea that it's not a black-and-white choice between money and purpose, but finding the right balance that aligns with one's unique values and aspirations.

They also talk about the misconception that coaching is solely about resume and interview preparation, the challenges of reinventing oneself in new professional roles, the criteria in choosing a good coach, and the value of support networks in one’s career journey.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jennifer-ong

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com

WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz