Product-Market Fit, Persevere Vs. Pivot & Lean Build, Measure And Learn - E527 BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech: Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand & Malaysia Startups, Founders & Venture Capital VC (English) podcast

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Jeremy Au discussed key aspects of venture capital decision-making and tech regulation including how VCs make sequential investment choices, navigate acquisition offers and public listing routes, and address regulatory challenges. He also examined how customer advocacy and jurisdictional differences shape tech policy, while debating the trade-offs between asking for permission versus seeking forgiveness. 1. Sequential Investment & Timing: VCs re-evaluate decisions over time, balancing past rejections with new opportunities. 2. Acquisition Offers & Public Listings: Companies with similar acquisition terms can choose different paths, and public offering routes vary widely. 3. Regulatory Environment & Legal Lag: Laws only regulate what exists, leaving tech companies to navigate gaps in regulation. 4. Permission vs. Forgiveness: Startups must choose between seeking approval or risking later consequences based on local rules. 5. Customer Advocacy & Jurisdictional Impact: Mobilizing customers can influence regulators, and success depends on local political and legal climates. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-decision-making-playbook 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 English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts…

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Yuying Deng: Esevel's Product Iteration Strategy, Mastering Delegation & Parent Founder Learnings - E541 38:46

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Yuying Deng , CEO of Esevel , and Jeremy Au talked about Esevel’s IT service business evolution over the past few years. They trace the journey from handling simple device procurement in Southeast Asia (with a focus on Singapore, India, and Indonesia) to offering full IT life cycle management and cybersecurity support. They also discussed how customer feedback and real pain points drive service expansion, the importance of a targeted sales approach, and the need for clear leadership and delegation, especially for companies with 200–300 employees. They share personal insights on balancing startup life with parenting, noting that Yuying started her first company when her daughter was just two. 1. From Procurement to Full IT Support: Esevel began by helping teams in the APAC region procure IT devices and later expanded to include device setup, repair, offboarding, and cybersecurity support. 2. Customer-Driven Service Expansion: Feedback from clients in regions like Singapore, India, and Indonesia pushed the business to grow step by step beyond simple procurement, meeting broader IT management needs. 3. Targeting Clients at Their Peak Pain Points: The most effective sales approach emerged by reaching out when companies faced high-stress moments such as during rapid overseas hiring or critical IT issues. 4. Building Trust Through Incremental Engagement: Clients initially engage with low-risk services and, over time, entrust the company with more complex IT functions, proving that trust is built gradually. 5. IT & Cybersecurity Standards: Yuying emphasizes the importance of certifications like ISO 27001, SOC2, and GDPR to secure client trust, satisfy insurers, and mitigate risks. 6. Effective Leadership Through Delegation: Yuying learned that trying to do everything herself was unsustainable. For companies with 200–300 employees, delegating to trusted team members is key to growth. 7. Balancing Startup Life & Parenthood: Drawing a parallel between raising a child and building a company, Yuying noted that starting her first company when her daughter was two taught her the value of clear goals and simple focus. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/yuying-deng2 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 English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts…

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Southeast Asia Startup Evolution, eFishery’s $100M Capital Burn Lessons & Private Equity Style VC Insights with Mohan Belani - E540 59:08

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59:08

Mohan Belani , CEO and Cofounder of e27, and Jeremy Au talked about how the Southeast Asia startup scene has transformed over the past decade, including the shift from early-stage exuberance to a more cautious, capital-efficient mindset, and citing specific cases like eFishery and Carousell. They touched on regional challenges, with markets as different as Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, while urging investors to adopt a more hands-on, private-equity approach. They highlighted the importance of personal growth, and they advocate for curiosity and balance in leadership. 1. Southeast Asia Startup Ecosystem Evolution: The early days (2010–2015) were marked by wild “what if” dreams and a Silicon Valley mindset. By 2014–15, that excitement had given way to healthy skepticism. 2. Investor Caution: Cases like eFishery, which raised over $100M, show that excessive capital without sustainable growth can backfire. 3. Founder Maturity: Founders now, often serial entrepreneurs, are more experienced, with clear goals, as seen in companies like Carousell. 4. Regional Challenges: Scaling is tough when starting in a strong market like Singapore and expanding into countries where purchasing power drops (e.g., to Indonesia where GDP per capita is 10× lower, or Malaysia where GDP per capita is 5× lower). 5. Shift to a PE-Style Model: There’s a growing call for VCs to be more hands-on and adopt a private-equity approach to drive liquidity and realistic exit strategies. 6. Exit Realities: While VC valuations can be 10–20× revenue, public listings in Southeast Asia often fetch around 1× revenue, highlighting a significant exit gap. 7. Personal Growth & Leadership: There’s a need for curiosity and balance—staying childlike in innovation while being pragmatic—to solve problems and build great companies. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/southeast-asia-startup-evolution 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 Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464…

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Blitzscaling: Uber vs. Lyft, First-Mover Traps & VC Power Laws - E539 26:55

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26:55

Jeremy Au explored the strategic dynamics of venture capital, network effects, and first-mover risks in technology markets. He illustrated how Uber outmaneuvered Lyft by aggressively raising capital to fuel network effects, while Airbnb achieved superior capital efficiency through globally pooled inventory. Using the case of Henn Tan, the Singaporean inventor of the USB thumb drive, he highlighted the vulnerabilities of weak patent enforcement and the unintended benefits of fast followers in driving mass adoption. He also examined how VCs allocate capital, using Instacart’s funding history to demonstrate the high returns of early investors versus the diminishing gains of late-stage backers. Through the lens of blitzscaling, he emphasized the importance of understanding unit economics—where strategic capital deployment can lead to market dominance, while miscalculations, as seen in the failed bike-sharing boom, can result in rapid collapse. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/blitzscaling-strategic-capital-deployment 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 English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts…

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Jeraldine Phneah: Journalism to Tech Sales, Enterprise Sales vs. Content Creation Gender Bias & Building an Authentic Online Persona - E538 33:53

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Jeraldine Phneah , Content Creator & Account Director of one of the top AI SaaS companies, and Jeremy Au discussed: Journalism to Enterprise Tech Sales: Jeraldine studied journalism and public policy but pivoted to enterprise tech sales in 2016 for financial stability, future-proofing, and work-life balance. Initially hesitant, she realized B2B SaaS focused on problem-solving and improving efficiency and saw how technology streamlined workflows and freed up time. Her role involved research, contract negotiations, and internal coordination. The job provided autonomy and senior client exposure but came with high pressure, performance scrutiny, and a drinking culture. Sales remains an unconventional career in Singapore, where government and engineering roles are more common. Establishing credibility was an added challenge, as leadership and client interactions were largely male-dominated. Sales Gender Bias & Online Scrutiny: She encountered gender biases ranging from inappropriate client remarks to doubts about her competence in tech sales. Raised by a father who championed gender equality, she expected fewer barriers but found workplace realities different. While tech firms promoted inclusivity, biases emerged in external client interactions. Sales leadership remained male-dominated, making credibility harder to establish. Content creation brought harsher gendered criticism, with scrutiny often shifting from ideas to appearance, something male creators rarely faced. Adjustments like neutral-toned attire and refined messaging helped manage perceptions. Unlike in sales, where company policies offered some protection, content creation left her exposed to unfiltered public backlash. Online Discourse Shifting Norms & Content Creation: A 2015 blog post about Lee Kuan Yew’s legacy sparked backlash due to timing and tone, shaping Jeraldine’s approach to content. She learned that framing and sensitivity mattered as much as the message. The digital landscape made past content permanent, increasing scrutiny on young creators. Singapore’s online discourse favors diplomacy over confrontation, unlike Western norms. She and Jeremy reflected on how younger generations now curate their digital presence more carefully and how content creation remains a powerful tool, but requires balancing authenticity with audience perception and societal expectations. They also discussed Singapore’s rising cost of living, the shifting housing market, workplace well-being, the role of private universities in career progression, and how cultural norms influence leadership and communication styles. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jeraldine-phneah2 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 English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts…

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Trump’s Trade War Acceleration, $100M DeepSeek Ban Proposal & Grab-GoTo Merger Talks - E537 36:33

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36:33

Shiyan Koh , Managing Partner of Hustle Fund , and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Trump’s Economic Policies, Tariffs & Crypto Initiatives: They examined the economic impact of Trump’s 2025 return, including a 10% tariff hike on Chinese imports and new tariffs on Canada and Mexico. The administration also ended the de minimis exemption for low-cost e-commerce imports, affecting platforms like Temu and Shein, which had relied on duty-free shipping to US consumers. These changes disproportionately impacted lower-income Americans, despite cost-of-living concerns being a key election issue. Canada and Mexico secured a 30-day tariff delay, while Trump also launched Trump Coin and proposed a US Bitcoin reserve, signaling a pro-crypto stance that could draw US crypto firms back onshore. 2. DeepSeek & US-China AI Dynamics: They discussed the launch of DeepSeek-V3, a Chinese AI model matching GPT-4 but with lower training costs, which Jeremy called a “Sputnik moment”. The model’s success exposed the limits of US chip export bans, as Chinese engineers developed efficient AI training methods despite NVIDIA H100 restrictions. DeepSeek’s open-source availability via Hugging Face complicated regulatory enforcement, leading US Senator Josh Hawley to propose severe penalties, including 20-year prison terms for users and $100M fines for corporations. Meta’s AI lead, Yann LeCun, framed the issue as a debate between open-source and closed-source AI rather than a purely U.S.-China rivalry. 3. Grab-GoTo Potential Merger: They revisited ongoing Grab-GoTo (Gojek) merger talks, noting that Grab’s stronger financial position made it the likely acquirer. While Singapore’s regulators were expected to approve the deal, Indonesian authorities might impose conditions such as fare caps or job guarantees to prevent monopolistic practices. Reduced competition could push ride-hailing fares higher, with some Singaporeans already shifting back to public transport as Grab’s peak-hour prices reached $40. SoftBank, a major investor in both companies, had long pushed for consolidation, and with Gojek’s founding team no longer involved, negotiations had become more financially driven. Jeremy and Shiyan also discussed Waymo’s self-driving taxis and their potential impact in Southeast Asia, Singapore’s emphasis on “future-proofing” careers versus the US culture of embracing disruption, and how US trade and AI restrictions are accelerating Chinese firms’ shift towards Southeast Asia and the EU. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/deepseek-and-us-china-ai-race 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 English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts…

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How eFishery Fooled Investors, Informal Business Practices, Agritech Future – E536 31:41

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31:41

Adriel Yong , Orvel Venture Partner, and Jeremy Au discussed: How eFishery Fooled Investors : They examined the elaborate scheme that allowed eFishery to inflate revenue and mislead major investors. They broke down the warning signs, such as financial irregularities, CFO departure (similar to Zilingo failure signal) and too-good-to-be-true business model that were ignored until it was too late. Informal Business Practices : They discussed how informal business practices in Indonesia contribute to the perpetuation of fraud by senior executives. Adriel shared stories of where kickbacks, inflated supplier numbers, and fraudulent financial reporting were common. They noted that many investors struggle with due diligence in Southeast Asia because operational transparency is often low, and cash-based businesses make fraud harder to detect. They contrasted the startup environment with family-owned businesses, where profitability and dividend payouts serve as stronger incentives for financial discipline. Jeremy explored why foreign founders often exit Indonesia due to ethical dilemmas. Agritech Future : With eFishery’s implosion leaving a gap in the market, they analyzed whether competitors will rise or if investor confidence in the sector has been permanently damaged. They debated whether eFishery can stage a recovery similar to Luckin Coffee in China, or whether the board will write off the investment. They acknowledged the chilling effect the scandal has already had on future investments in Indonesia, agritech and Southeast Asia. Jeremy and Adriel also discussed prior fraud cases, ethical business executives and board governance. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/efishery-agritech-implosion 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 English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts…

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Viktor Kyosev: Navigating Startup Failure, Greenhouse Founder to Docquity Chief of Staff & Southeast Asia Startups Integrity Risks - E535 45:31

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Viktor Kyosev , Chief of Staff at Docquity , and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Navigating Startup Failure: Viktor shared his experience as a founding team member of Greenhouse, a premium coworking space startup in Indonesia. Faced with declining performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company went through layoffs and failed pivots before he made the difficult decision to shut down operations. He reached consensus with co-founders and investors, stressing the need for clear decisions and good communication with all involved. The closure process, prolonged by Southeast Asia’s regulatory hurdles requiring up to five years for dormancy and proper shutdown, highlighted the challenges of operating in emerging markets. 2. Greenhouse Founder to Docquity Chief of Staff: Following Greenhouse’s closure, Viktor joined Docquity as Chief of Staff, and leveraged relationships built while Docquity was Greenhouse’s largest customer. He shaped his role based on his entrepreneurial background, given the trust between both sides. The transition from founder to employee required him to adapt to organizational dynamics, build internal credibility, and lead without formal authority. He highlighted the challenge of managing his ego and shifting focus from individual decision-making to team-oriented contributions by aligning with larger organizational goals and applying lessons from his startup experience. 3. Southeast Asia Startups Integrity Risks: They examined how competitive pressures and Southeast Asia’s complex regulatory environment create opportunities for ethical compromises. Viktor discussed how unchecked ambition and overconfidence can lead founders to bend rules, especially when faced with financial constraints or performance targets. He also emphasized that long-term success depends on strong governance, trust with investors, and adherence to ethical boundaries. His experiences underscored the importance of balancing innovation with integrity to maintain sustainable growth. They also discussed the role of external-facing positions in building strategic networks, the impact of serendipity in career transitions, and how understanding personal insecurities can help leaders navigate challenges and maintain resilience. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/viktor-kyosev 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 English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts…

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Indonesia eFishery Unicorn Scandal Q&A, Fraud, Due Diligence & Governance Failures & Toxic Founder Pressure & Temptations - E534 48:23

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BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast: Indonesia eFishery Unicorn Scandal Q&A, Fraud, Due Diligence & Governance Failures & Toxic Founder Pressure & Temptations - E534 Jeremy Au and Gita Sjahrir discussed: 1. Indonesia eFishery Unicorn Scandal Q&A: Jeremy and Gita analyzed the fraud involving eFishery’s co-founders, including Gibran Chuzaefah, who allegedly falsified financial statements to show $750 million in revenue for the first nine months of 2024, when actual revenue was only $157 million. They also fabricated metrics, such as reporting 400,000 active fish feeders, though only 25,000 were verified. The fraud hid over $35 million in losses, falsely portraying profitability and attracting high-profile investors like Temasek and SoftBank. Gita highlighted that the damage was not limited to eFishery, as the scandal undermined investor confidence in Indonesia’s agritech and broader startup ecosystem. A listener argued that many investors lacked an understanding of agritech’s technical and hyper-local challenges, leading them to misjudge risks. Jeremy agreed, pointing out that the scandal is reshaping how international investors view the region, with many pausing future investments. 2. Fraud, Due Diligence & Governance Failures: The discussion explored how due diligence failures allowed the fraud to go undetected through several funding rounds, despite the involvement of seasoned investors. Gita noted that the lack of on-the-ground validation—such as direct visits to rural fish farms and checks on vendors—created blind spots. Fraudulent activities, including round-tripping funds through multiple shell companies, could have been caught with stronger local diligence. Jeremy dismissed this as unlikely, explaining that the inflated metrics were so extreme that many investors were likely unaware until whistleblowers raised the alarm. Both agreed that hiring and training local talent, along with a focus on hyper-local checks, are critical to preventing future scandals. 3. Toxic Founder Pressure & Temptations: Jeremy and Gita discussed how the pressure to achieve unicorn status creates dangerous incentives for founders. The inflated valuation of eFishery, which had raised hundreds of millions of dollars, pushed its founders into unsustainable growth strategies and ultimately fraudulent behavior. Gita explained that many founders, particularly younger ones, struggle to handle large amounts of funding and the accompanying expectations. Jeremy reflected on his own early startup experiences and how founders often conflate their personal worth with their company’s success. He emphasized the need for emotional resilience, disciplined governance, and mentorship to help founders navigate the pressures of high-growth environments. Gita and Jeremy also discussed the role of whistleblowers and internal audits in uncovering the fraud, media investigations led by DealStreetAsia that brought the scandal to light, the failures of Series A and B investors to identify risks during early funding rounds, Indonesia’s evolving legal framework and how it could impact future cases, and advice for agritech founders to prioritize profitability and operational transparency to rebuild trust with investors. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/efishery-scandal-qa 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 English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts…

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Southeast Asia Series B Valley of Death & VC Bet Market Timing - E533 23:46

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Jeremy Au discussed three key insights on Southeast Asia venture capital. First, he highlighted the "Series B Valley of Death," where local funds support pre-seed to Series A, and global investors focus on later stages, but Series B and C funding gaps force startups into aggressive cost-cutting or revenue expansion. Second, he emphasized the importance of timing in venture bets, arguing that startups must be positioned in the right economic window—neither too futuristic nor too late—illustrating with examples like AI-driven call centers in the Philippines and Vietnam’s emerging luxury goods market. Third, he discussed how VCs balance two roles—judging founder potential and adding value—to maximize the likelihood of building unicorns - where startups adapt and learn quickly using the Lean Startup and OODA loops, with examples from sectors like HR tech, AI call centers, and consumer goods. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/series-b-valley-of-death 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 English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts…

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Jingjing Zhong: AI Impact on Service Businesses, CRM vs. RAG Reality, Founder Productivity Lifestyle - E532 52:23

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JingJing Zhong, the Co-founder and CEO of Superbench and Jeremy Au discussed: AI Impact on Service Businesses: JingJing explained how AI advancements have transformed traditional service industries. Previously, AI struggled with logic and calculations, making it unreliable for tasks like generating service quotes. Now, improved reasoning allows AI to think through multi-step processes, reducing human workload and increasing efficiency. Superbench helps businesses like cleaning and plumbing services scale without needing more employees. She shared how her former company, Helpling, reduced its sales team from five agents to one while increasing conversion rates from 30% to 70%. CRM vs. RAG Reality: JingJing pointed out that traditional CRM systems don't integrate well with AI-driven customer support. She introduced Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) as a way to improve AI accuracy by linking responses to verified business knowledge before generating answers. Many AI chatbots still struggle with anything beyond FAQs and simple transactions, particularly in handling complaints. She predicts AI will advance even faster in the next two years, further reshaping service industries. Customers now assume AI agents are human because AI responses feel more natural than scripted templates used by actual employees. Founder Productivity Lifestyle: JingJing reflected on how managing stress as a founder led her to restructure her daily habits. She quit alcohol, shifted to a healthier diet with more vegetarian meals, and committed to consistent journaling. She noted that these changes had a direct impact on her business performance, saying that after quitting alcohol, her sales "went crazy." She emphasized the importance of therapy for founders, citing YC President Gary Tan’s advice: “Do therapy before you start a company.” She believes founders should address their fears and anxieties early to avoid making poor decisions under pressure. Jeremy and JingJing also talked about startup fraud cases like eFishery, the effects of investor ghosting in Southeast Asia, and cultural differences in venture capital practices between the U.S. and Southeast Asia. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ service-industry-ai-transformation 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 Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464…

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Startup Unicorn GDP Per Capita Time Machine & VC as Olympic Coaches - E531 49:55

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Jeremy Au referenced Asia Partners’ report predicting a surge in Southeast Asian unicorns based on macroeconomic fundamentals, and discussed the GDP per capita “time machine” phenomenon where Chinese and American founders enter Southeast Asia to replicate proven business models in frontier markets. He also shared an LP’s perspective on Southeast Asia's underperforming VC funds, questioning whether it was due to fund selection or broader market dynamics, e.g. Vietnam’s struggle to produce a successful tech IPO and high U.S. interest rates that have constrained regional Series B/C capital. He compared VCs to Olympic coaches, explaining that top investors prioritize 10x teams, product, and defensible economics—but competition is fierce for the best startup teams, e.g. Rewind AI receiving 170 term sheets via a Google form auction as an extreme case of a bidding war where VCs fight to get into the round. === Jeremy Au (区汉辉) hosts BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech, the region’s #1 tech podcast and global top 10% podcast with 50,000+ monthly listeners. He cofounded Orvel Ventures (network-driven VC fund), leads the Harvard Business School Alumni Angels for Southeast Asia and is an angel investor in 24 startups. Jeremy teaches venture capital fund strategy and entrepreneurship at National University of Singapore and Singapore Management University. Previously, Jeremy was a VC investor and Chief of Staff at Monk's Hill Ventures, Southeast Asia’s leading pre-A and Series A investor. Jeremy founded and led CozyKin, an early education marketplace to Series A and acquisition by Higher Ground Education. The startup was recognized for winning Harvard Business School's New Venture Competition and the MassChallenge grand prize. Jeremy also cofounded and bootstrapped Conjunct Consulting, an impact consulting platform, to profitability, 100+ clients and thousands of trained impact leaders. He was a Bain management consultant and an infantry sergeant in Singapore. Jeremy is a keynote public speaker on entrepreneurship, leadership and community engagement for thousands across Harvard, Deutsche Bank, e27 Echelon, Singapore Global Tech Network, Boston SPARK Council, Institute of Policy Studies, Civil Service College and many others. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30, Prestige 40 Under 40 and LinkedIn Top Voice. Author of BRAVE10, showcasing the top 10 journeys of Singapore tech leaders. Harvard MBA and UC Berkeley honor degrees in Economics & Business Administration. Jeremy enjoys science fiction, hiking and being a dad of two daughters. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/gdp-per-capita-time-machine 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 Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 #VentureCapital #StartupFunding #SoutheastAsiaTech #PowerLawReturns #UnicornHunting #TechInvestments #InnovationEconomy #EntrepreneurshipInsights #TechGrowth #BRAVEpodcast…

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Startup Customer Personas & Long Game Marketing– E530 35:56

acum 4 weeks35:56

35:56

Jeremy Au explored the intricacies of understanding customer personas and the challenges of market research. He emphasized the importance of creating nuanced personas for effective marketing, distinguishing them from harmful stereotypes by grounding them in real customer behaviors and needs. He shared insights on the pitfalls of traditional survey methods, particularly how timing and context can lead to inaccurate data, as seen in an example where sober participants misrepresented their preferences for draft beer. Jeremy also analyzed the economic mechanics of customer lifetime value, citing a Southeast Asian SaaS company that generated $100,000 per customer lifetime by charging $1,000 monthly with a 75% margin and a 10-year average retention. Additionally, he discussed Disney's long-term marketing strategy to cultivate lifetime loyalty across generations, contrasting it with the scarcity-driven luxury branding of Hermès and its Birkin bags. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ marketing-personas-loyalty 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 Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464…

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Nicolas Bivero: 8-Year Side Hustle to Full-Time Founder at 44, Japan Intern to Philippines Director and PEO Industry for Filipino Talent - E529 37:18

acum 5 weeks37:18

37:18

Nicolas Bivero, CEO & Co-Founder of Penbrothers, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Japan Intern to Philippines Director: Nicolas Bivero shared his journey as a Venezuelan-German, transitioning across continents and industries. His early exposure to Japanese culture through karate and aikido, influenced by his father, inspired his eventual move to Japan. Initially planning a six-month stay, Nicolas secured an internship at a 160-year-old Japanese logistics company after a chance connection through his uncle. This role evolved into an 18-year career, focusing on replicating Japanese logistics operations across Southeast Asia. Nicolas detailed his adjustment to Japan’s hierarchical corporate culture, his unique position as one of the few foreigners in the company, and his extensive travel across Southeast Asia to develop new business opportunities. 2. 8-Year Side Hustle to Full-Time Founder at 44: In 2014, Nicolas co-founded Pen Brothers with his best friend to address the challenges of global talent shortages by leveraging the Philippines’ vast pool of skilled professionals. Starting as a side hustle, Pen Brothers initially supported startups by hiring remote Filipino teams for roles like software development and business development. Nicolas emphasized the importance of retaining Filipino talent locally to combat brain drain, reflecting his observations of Venezuelan and Portuguese migration trends. By 2022, after eight years of part-time involvement, Nicolas transitioned to leading Pen Brothers full-time. He highlighted the impact of COVID-19 on enabling remote work nationwide, allowing skilled professionals in provinces like Mindanao to work with global clients without relocating. 3. PEO Industry for Filipino Talent: Nicolas dispelled misconceptions about the Professional Employer Organization (PEO) industry, noting its ability to provide high-quality, long-term roles. He cited examples of senior engineers and specialized staff hired through Pen Brothers, including one who earned a competitive U.S. salary while working for a startup remotely from the Philippines. Nicolas also shared his optimism for Filipino talent, emphasizing their English proficiency and adaptability. He stressed the need for continued government support for education and the importance of positive feedback loops in fostering globally competitive talent. He also discussed the return of some Filipino diaspora members, who bring valuable international experience back to the country. Nicolas also reflected on Japan’s hierarchical work culture, how his father’s passion for martial arts influenced his professional journey and the challenges of scaling remote teams.…

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GDP Per Capita vs. Unicorns, Interest Rate Liquidity Lever & Localized Approached - E528 31:16

acum 5 weeks31:16