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

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. 51% SE Asia Favor China (vs. USA): Jeremy and Shiyan debated how the region is politically and economically reacting to the China vs. USA's "strategic competition". If ASEAN decision-makers were forced to pick sides, 51% opted for China vs. 49% for USA (ISEAS Institute poll). Pro-China: Malaysia 75%, Indonesia 73%, Thailand 52%, Singapore 39%, Vietnam 21%, Philippines 17%. 2. Sequoia & GGV VC Decoupling: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed how global investment firms are structuring themselves to mitigate US-China risks. Sequoia spun off Peak XV and Hongshan, while GGV announced their split into Granite Asia and Notable Capital (USA). They discuss how Limited Partners (LP) are driving the geographic re-delineation of investment coverage, and why GGV and other funds are exploring more debt instruments. 3. Mobility Competitor Game Theory: Jeremy and Shiyan analyzed the bike-sharing market in Singapore, including public-private partnerships and challenges like weather and infrastructure. They were amused that Anywheel, a bootstrapped (unfunded by VC) company outlasted VC-backed competitors such as Mobike, Obike, and Ofo to win and become the market leader. They discussed how cash efficiency interacted with economies of scale, the promise of winner-takes-all markets, negative blitzscaling, and competitive game theory created the "boom vs. bust" nature of last-mile mobility startups. Jeremy and Shiyan also replied to listener feedback about overlooking Trump investment links in the TikTok ban issue, the role of public-private infrastructure partnerships in supporting infrastructure projects, and blitzscaling vs. sustainable growth strategies. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sea-favor-china Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sea-favor-chin-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sea-favor-china-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Jeremy Au delved into startup founders’ decision to choose between bootstrapping and venture capital funding. He shared his dual experiences as both a founder (who had done both routes) and a venture capitalist (who had to judge startups). He reset the framing that bootstrapping has historically been the norm and the default financing pathway for startups even today, whereas VC funding has only 50 years of history and is aimed at high-growth potential businesses. He explained the VC fund model’s expectation of $1B returns within a decade creates both a judgment yardstick and pressure-cooker board pressure for businesses to rapidly scale, regardless of unit economics or profitability. He also touched on the dangers of mismanaging large capital inflows, where excessive funding can lead to inefficient spending which can hasten a company’s failure. He suggested using a 2x2 matrix to think through their company’s fit for VC funding. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bootstrap-vs-vc Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bootstrap-vs-vc-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bootstrap-vs-vc-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Richard Armstrong, Venture Partner at TA Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed three main points: 1. 267,000 Instagram Followers Insights: Richard recounted his formative years growing up in multiple countries leading to his interest in sharing his personal journey. He debunked common myths about media creators: emphasizing that success in the space requires more than just creativity, but also demands business acumen and a strong support system. He highlighted that despite popular beliefs, most creators are not wealthy and that success in the media follows a power-law curve where only a small percentage of top earners can earn a good living. 2. Founder Transition to Venture Capital: Richard shared about his first ventures in e-commerce and food waste management, and why he eventually moved into angel investing and eventually into venture capital. He highlighted the stark differences, particularly the challenges of accessibility and the importance of networking within the VC community. His journey was motivated by the desire to leverage his understanding of emerging markets and bridge the funding gap faced by startups in these countries. 3. Thailand Startup Ecosystem Challenges: Richard pointed out that despite Thailand’s strong GDP, the startup ecosystem remains underfunded relative to other Southeast Asian peer countries - particularly at the seed stage. He discussed his optimism for potential growth in the next two years, driven by investor interest, improved market conditions and more focused government support. Jeremy and Richard also talked about the global impact of regional strategies, the importance of building partnerships vs. focusing solely on disruption, and the role of personal background and global exposure in enhancing VC effectiveness. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/richard-armstrong Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/richard-armstrong-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/richard-armstrong-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Valerie Vu, Founding Partner of Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. $12B Fraud Death Penalty: Jeremy and Valerie discussed Vietnam's largest-ever fraud trial regarding Vietnamese tycoon Truong My Lan and the Van Thinh Phat group. The $12B case impacted 6% of Vietnam's GDP and has led to real estate distress, economic uncertainty and regulatory upheaval. They elaborated on Truong’s moves to control Saigon Commercial Bank (SCB), far beyond legal limits (90% control versus the regulatory cap of 5% for individuals). They also talked about Vietnamese regulators’ harsh response by tightening financial controls, mandating bank ownership disclosures, and proposing to reduce the maximum ownership stake an individual can hold in a bank from 5% to 3%. They touched on the similarities between China and Vietnam for the intertwining of real estate and banking. 2. "Blazing Furnace" Anti-Corruption Campaign: Jeremy and Valerie discussed the campaign by Nguyễn Phú Trọng, general secretary of the Communist Party that has arrested or forced resignations of key political figures, including ministers and deputy prime ministers. They drew parallels between Vietnam and China’s anti-corruption campaign under Xi Jinping, where both aim at purging the system of corruption yet lead to power vacuums that will be filled by individuals loyal to the new leadership. 3. Cambodia China 180km Canal Tensions: The planned $1.7B Funan Techo Canal project allows Cambodia's imports and exports to bypass Vietnam's Mekong River ports and directly access the South China Sea. China's financing and development partnership is tied to its Belt and Road Initiative, investments to escape US military containment of key trade routes, and rebalancing with Vietnam. They discussed the negative environmental impact on downstream Vietnamese farmers already struggling with saltwater intrusion and climate change. Jeremy and Valerie also talked about the psychological impact of fluctuating property values on Vietnamese consumers, ongoing economic reforms to diversify away from real estate dependency, and parallels with Singapore's concern regarding the Thai Kra Canal. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-fraud Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-fraud-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-fraud-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Jeremy reflected on how becoming a father of 2 daughters has reshaped his self-identity and the complex interplay between career ambitions vs. family responsibilities. He explored the evolving discourse on work-life balance, the brutal reality of trade-offs and the importance of intentional sacrifices. Jeremy tied together insights from Sheryl Sandberg’s "Lean In" movement, Anne-Marie Slaughter’s rebuttal “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All," and Harvard MBA Professor Clayton Christensen’s "How Will You Measure Your Life." Success in both domains requires thoughtful planning, the willingness to ask for help, a great support system, resources and good luck. He also stressed the responsibility of current generations to pay it forward and support future parents through advocacy for family-friendly policies and honest conversations about the realities of balancing career and family life. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/parenting-vs-career Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/parenting-vs-career-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/parenting-vs-career-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Maxime Chaury, Cofounder of Upworth, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Rocket Internet GM: Maxime shared his transition from working in management consulting to embracing the dynamic startup environment in Southeast Asia, notably with Rocket Internet and later ZEN Rooms in Malaysia. He discussed the strategic considerations behind opting for leasing rooms, franchising, or adopting a white label approach in the hospitality industry, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the general manager role's complexity, involving strategic planning, team leadership, and quick industry adaptation, reflecting his shift from a strategic consultant to a hands-on leadership role in startups. 2. Flash Coffee Indonesia Learnings: Maxime recounted his role in transforming Flash Coffee's performance in Indonesia from the least to the most profitable market segment. He highlighted the importance of understanding market-specific consumer behavior, noting significant differences across Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Hong Kong. He discussed the tailored strategies for each market, underlining the local autonomy within a global brand strategy, and the challenges and implications of venture capital liquidity and investment decisions, which are crucial for startups navigating rapid growth and scalability. 3. Courage as a Muscle: Maxime reflected on courage as a foundational virtue in leadership and entrepreneurship. He argued that courage facilitates the practice and effectiveness of other virtues, essential for personal growth and professional decision-making. His narrative of choosing to become a general manager, navigating roles in Malaysia and Indonesia, and eventually founding his own startup underscored courage's role in stepping into unknown territories and embracing growth opportunities. Jeremy and Maxime also talked about the strategic pivot of ZEN Rooms towards technology solutions, the nuances of market-specific strategies and consumer behavior in the coffee retail industry, and the implications of global venture capital trends on startup scalability and market focus. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/maxime-chaury Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/maxime-chaury-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/maxime-chaury-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Wing Vasiksiri, General Partner of WV, and Jeremy Au discussed three main points: 1. Pheu Thai Pro-Business Reform: Wing and Jeremy discussed the new Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's ambitious plans to stimulate the economy through pro-business reforms. The administration has decided to focus on helping and investing in the tourism sector to recover, from a pre-pandemic 19.3% of GDP to a potential 30% of GDP in 2030. They debated whether this is a strategic or differentiated sector to invest in, vs. Vietnam's focus on China + 1 manufacturing and Singapore's focus on finance and trade. They also discussed the electoral promise to stimulate the economy by distributing 10,000 Thai baht to every citizen, and the political pressure on the Bank of Thailand to lower interest rates. They discussed Thailand's GDP forecast, and whether the country would be able to escape the middle-income trap. 2. Cannabis, LGBTQ & Gaming Legislation: Wing and Jeremy discussed the legislative push to roll back the legalization of weed and the prior administration's distribution of 1 million cannabis plants to households. Wing expressed skepticism about the complete rollback of cannabis decriminalization, given its popularity, integration into the economic retail landscape, and its attraction as a tourism booster. They also discussed how 96.6% of public support for same-sex marriage is driving LGBTQ legal reforms and the parallels with Taiwan. They also touched on the push towards legalizing gaming casinos to attract foreign investment with a 17% tax on gross gaming revenue (one of the lowest tax regimes in the region) and further boost tourism receipts. 3. Fintech Market Study Optimism: Wing shared about WV's recent market study on Thailand's financial tech sector (which is ranked 4th globally in transaction value of real-time payments), thus indicating a robust digital payments infrastructure and entrepreneurial optimism. They also discussed the broader fintech landscape, including the country’s debate on whether the consumer handout stimulus should incorporate blockchain technology (vs. existing mobile wallets), as well as the potential issuance of virtual banking licenses (despite challenges such as high minimum capital requirements). Jeremy and Wing also talked about the underreported issue of Bangkok’s poor air quality, the importance of the national soft power strategy, and how the various reforms are synergistic with each other. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thailand-pheu-thai-reform Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thailand-pheu-thai-reform-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/thailand-pheu-thai-reform-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Adriel Yong, Head of Investments at Ascend Angels, and Jeremy Au frankly discussed the public's skepticism about Southeast Asia's venture capital (VC) landscape. They contrasted USA VC exit outcomes vs. the reality of regional exits: smaller at around $0.1-0.5B (refer to Cento Ventures report), taking longer than 10 years (vs. closed fund lifecycle requirements) and weaker trade sale + IPO pathways (NYSE/ NASDAQ vs. IDX, SGX, SET). Portfolio math models thus need to be updated in light of the young ecosystem's structural market challenges, resulting in the current funds' moves towards earlier-stage deals with lower pricing risk, secondary sales, deploying venture debt, and more disciplined investing with tighter economic and control terms. They contrast this to the small-cap private equity model and the usage of debt leverage for revenue multiple expansion. Founders must decide on profitability over growth, conflicting with VC mandates that are disempowered by minority ownership norms. They also discuss the Series B death valley/cliff, reverse human capital arbitrage (hiring expensive talent to solve low-margin markets, vs. cheap labor to attack high-margin markets), why VCs have to up their game at actual value creation (rather than trading on momentum), and how founders can better plan their fundraising with an honest view of reality and behind-the-scenes incentives. Watch, listen or read the full insight in English at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-returns-suck Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-returns-suck-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-returns-suck-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 Learn more about HDMall here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Jeff Lonsdale, Partner of Starstorm Ventures, and Jeremy Au embark on a comprehensive exploration of how Y Combinator's 20 startup requests flies (or flunks) within the Southeast Asian (SEA) entrepreneurial landscape. They debate sectors poised for regional adaptation and growth, such as robotics (per capita deployment), defense technology and the strategic repositioning of manufacturing away from China. They discuss SEA's inherent benefits, like cost-efficient engineering resources and burgeoning markets, juxtaposed against the challenges of market fragmentation and complex regulations. They also explore whether the economics of climate tech could work in the region, space exploration viability, how healthcare is actually built in the region. They also touch on how to actually capture value in Southeast Asia from productivity-improving AI, in a region with low cost of labor as a substitute for automation vs. global market opportunities. We encourage listeners to review Jeff's original blog review and the base YC Request for Startups in parallel with the episode, due to the in-depth discussion. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jeff-lonsdale Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jeff-lonsdale-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jeff-lonsdale-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 the Singapore Growth & AI Summit with Sean Ellis! Use code seanbrave7 today.

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. TikTok Trump vs. Biden Ban Resurrection: Jeremy and Shiyan delved into the USA political establishment's snowballing momentum to nationalize TikTok via divestment due to national security, anti-China, social media regulation and moderation of public opinion concerns. China is most likely to veto a forced sale of the TikTok algorithm and team, thus leading to a possible total market exit of TikTok rather than the sale desired by American legislators. They concluded on the low likelihood of a ban before the US election to avoid turning off Gen Z and millennial Democrat voters but speculated on the higher likelihood of an eventual ban in the Biden 2024 electoral victory scenario since Trump is now against the Ban. They also touched on the negative impact on mental health, and the importance of encouraging in-person interactions outside of digital platforms. 2. Grab "Too Big To Fail" Debate: Jeremy and Shiyan critiqued the recent media speculation of Grab being "too big to fail," arguing that this concept traditionally applies to financial institutions with systemic importance, rather than tech companies. They also debated Grab's competitive position, its eventual profitability after years of market subsidies, and how fast Gojek would be able to substitute for Grab's logistics, mobility, and consumer operations. 3. ShopBack Best-In-Class Layoffs: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed ShopBack’s layoff and commended the professional handling by the founder and executive team. They highlighted the transparent communication regarding their prior decision-making, comprehensive support package (e.g. severance, immigration support, job transition services, etc.), and the surrounding tech industry's boom and bust cycles. They discussed whether this was comparable to Silicon Valley packages and whether this approach had been best-in-class in terms of process in Southeast Asia. Jeremy and Shiyan also discussed the impact of rapid scaling on startup sustainability, the regulation of social media platforms, and the nuances of employment and layoff policies in different jurisdictions. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tiktok-us-ban Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tiktok-us-ban-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tiktok-us-ban-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 the Singapore Growth & AI Summit with Sean Ellis! Use code seanbrave7 today.

For the 400th BRAVE episode, Jeremy discussed the hard 4-year journey of founding the podcast during the global pandemic to becoming Southeast Asia's #1 tech podcast. He shared why he decided to spotlight local tech stories and how he almost quit due to burnout multiple times. He learned to value "oyakodon" craftsmanship over maximalism, continue "kaizen" continual improvement and prioritize authentic conversations. Jeremy's vision for BRAVE is fostering a stronger community with more features for premium membership, writing his second in-depth book and being more honest (yet growth-oriented) about the region's true tech ecosystem while bringing in more of his personal humor and interests. Watch, listen or read the full insight in English at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/400-podcast-episodes Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/400-podcast-episodes-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/400-podcast-episodes-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 the Singapore Growth & AI Summit with Sean Ellis! Use code seanbrave7 today.

Adrian Li, Founder & Managing Partner of AC Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Cambridge & Stanford MBA Childhood Inspiration: Adrian shared his multicultural upbringing across Hong Kong and the UK, leading to a pivotal teenage moment where he decided to study his way into Cambridge University. He evolved from academic success towards the ambition to use technology for social and economic betterment in emerging markets due to being exposed to rural poverty while backpacking and his early career in investment banking. He also shared about how he used his Stanford MBA education to find a cofounder and begin entrepreneurship. 2. China Edtech & Rocket Internet Founder Journey: Adrian shared his personal learnings vs. mistakes in founding a China edtech venture that used innovative call center technology for English language training. He discussed navigating uncharted markets and the challenges of finding the right product-market fit. He also shared about his leadership at Rocket Internet, where he led a competitive "Airbnb" online accommodations platform in China for scaling, carving out differentiation, and executing strategic maneuvers in challenging market conditions. He highlighted the critical role of timing in entrepreneurship, noting that while being early to the market offers first-mover advantages, it also presents challenges like market education and regulatory hurdles, which significantly impact a startup's success trajectory. 3. Indonesia VC Outlook (Pure Play vs. Small-Cap Private Equity): Adrian articulated his investment vision for the transformative power of digital technology. He addressed common misconceptions about the country’s tech market, particularly the belief that it's overly expensive for investors - and argued that higher valuations are justified by Indonesia's vast market potential and the opportunity for significant business growth. He also discussed Indonesia's tech investment evolution from the 2010-2021 internet boom where pure-play tech platforms like Tokopedia, Gojek and Traveloka grew from modest valuations into multibillion-dollar enterprises, to the current focus on digital transformation in the real economy. He noted how this shift implies a future where investments resemble those of small to mid-cap private equity, prioritizing disciplined financial strategies and operational efficiency. Jeremy and Adrian also talked about the role of cultural adaptability in global ventures, the sobering impact of the 9/11 attack on his first days joining the workforce, and the importance of leadership in fostering growth among startups. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adrian-li Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adrian-li-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/adrian-li-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 the Singapore Growth & AI Summit with Sean Ellis! Use code seanbrave7 today.

Gita Sjahrir, Head of Investment at BNI Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed three main themes: 1. Prabowo & Gibran 59% Electoral Win: Gita shared the aftermath of Indonesia's election, highlighting Prabowo’s landslide victory in a 3-way contest. She delved into opposition voters' dismay and demonstrations in Jakarta, tempered by the fasting month which limited the extent of public protests. She also revealed that despite Gerindra's presidential candidates' landslide victory, the winning party's failure to secure a leading position in the legislature forecasts a complex political landscape and potential governance challenges. The percentage of voter blocks, Jokowi's moves on the Golkar party and division among major candidates underscored the evolving debate within the country’s electorate on the influence of political personas vs. party ideologies. She also highlighted Indonesia’s increased freedom of expression allowing for political discourse across social and mainstream media, in contrast with the Suharto era. 2. Quick Commerce Viability Debate: Gita discussed the sustainability and profitability challenges in quick commerce within markets like Indonesia, where lower GDP per capita and high capital burn rates demand significant model adjustments for viability. She noted that market size and consumer behavior emphasized the critical need for adapting quick commerce to align with the local population’s purchasing power and real needs, rather than replicating models from India and more affluent economies like USA and Europe. She also talked about the potential integration of quick commerce with traditional commerce, leveraging infrastructure to blend digital speed with physical market realities and focusing on areas like private label products for sustainability. 3. VC Accountability & Founder Dynamics: Jeremy and Gita delved into the accountability of VCs and the crucial role of frank discussions between VCs and founders. They underscored the importance of VCs being more than just financial backers by becoming genuine thought partners for founders. They critiqued the "negative blitzscaling" model in Southeast Asia, cautioning against scaling businesses with negative unit economics. They also emphasized that founders should scrutinize their growth strategies and prioritize sustainability over rapid expansion, highlighting the risks of scaling inefficiencies rather than solutions. They need to retain decision-making authority and evolve towards prioritizing long-term business viability and market relevance. Jeremy and Gita also talked about the importance of political party financing transparency, the role of media in shaping public opinion post-election, the significance of recalibrating growth and scaling expectations for startups, and the evolution of e-commerce models in response to market demands. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/indonesia-electoral-win Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/indonesia-electoral-win-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/indonesia-electoral-win-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 the Singapore Growth & AI Summit with Sean Ellis! Use code seanbrave7 today.

Jeremy Au talked about the multifaceted nature of startup failures through insights from Professor Tom Eisenmann's book, "Why Startups Fail." He highlighted how startup failure is more common than people think, revealing that only 4% of companies were able to achieve 10x to 50x or higher returns. He discussed the six types of startup failures from the book: good idea, bad fellows, where a promising concept flounders due to team issues; false start, involving misjudged product-market fit; false positives, where early enthusiasm doesn't translate to broad market appeal; speed trap, depicting rapid growth that outpaces sustainable development; help wanted, indicating operational or strategic missteps in a growing company; and cascading miracles, which requires multiple, high-risk achievements for success. He underscored that learning from these failures can equip founders, investors, and operators with the knowledge to navigate the complex startup ecosystem more effectively. Watch, listen or read the full insight in English at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/why-startups-fail Saksikan, dengarkan atau baca wawasan lengkapnya dalam Bahasa Indonesia di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/why-startups-fail-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/why-startups-fail-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 the Singapore Growth & AI Summit with Sean Ellis! Use code seanbrave7 today.

Justin Banusing, Cofounder & CEO of Clout Kitchen, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Philippines Gaming & ESports Boom: Justin shared that the Philippines, and by extension, Southeast Asia, has a vibrant gaming and esports ecosystem. He attributed this enthusiasm to the country's usage of mobile gaming and esports as both socialization and competitive engagement in the realities of an urbanizing emerging economy. Justin highlighted the "loading screen of commuting" (local challenging commute conditions) driving mobile gaming's popularity. He also delved into the symbiotic yet complex relationship between publishers, fans, third-party companies, and creators - and the inherent challenges and opportunities in monetizing and sustaining a viable niche within eSports in Southeast Asia. 2. Founding Communities & Startups: Justin shared his beginnings as a high school student passionate about gaming and organizing a Super Smash Brothers gaming tournament in a Chinese restaurant's back room. He went on to found AcadArena, the leading campus gaming startup that scaled to 250,000 verified students across Southeast Asia and Latin America. Justin talked about his commitment to building in the Philippines despite the allure of opportunities abroad, and his eventual decision to remain in the country to contribute to the growing startup ecosystem. He also highlighted the importance of taking risks and the potential for significant impact through building companies that address local needs and opportunities and encouraged others to dream big and pursue their passions with determination. 3. Content Creator Monetization & AI: Justin touched upon the potential of digital creators as the next generation of entertainment icons, and their broader evolution beyond gaming as a content vertical. He also discussed the hurdles they face, such as time constraints, scalability and earning more. He explained why he founded Clout Kitchen, an AI studio aimed at transforming content creators into interactive digital experiences, and highlighted their mission to facilitate deeper fan interactions with creators. Jeremy and Justin also discussed the importance of aligning business ventures with personal missions, the impact of digital hobbies and gaming on the region’s youth, the socioeconomic factors influencing gaming habits in Southeast Asia, and the nuanced understanding of privilege in the startup ecosystem. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/justin-banusing Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/justin-banusing-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/justin-banusing-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 the Singapore Growth & AI Summit with Sean Ellis! Use code seanbrave7 today.

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Taylor Swift $500M Singapore Economy Boost: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed the Singapore government’s strategic chess moves for Taylor Swift's concert exclusivity in Southeast Asia. They discussed the excellent return on investment of the $3M move for a $500M increase in Singapore’s tourism receipts, stimulating national GDP by 0.25% points for Q1 2024. They also discussed the regional competition for hosting such blockbuster events, along with the underappreciated aspects of the nationalization of the Singapore sports hub, travel logistics hub infrastructure and sensitivity to cultural norms. 2. Barbell Entertainment Blockbusters vs. Long Tail: Jeremy and Shiyan explored the Internet’s explosion of the content industry, leading to bimodal distribution, where both blockbuster events and niche content find substantial audiences thanks to the zero marginal cost of digital consumption - and the plunge in middle-tier content. They also discussed how generative AI will impact the shape of this barbell. They reference the book Blockbusters by Harvard professor Anita Elberse and The Long Tail by Chris Anderson. 3. City Talent Vortex & Industry Concentrations: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by talent concentrations. They discussed how cities become industry hubs, such as finance in Singapore, entertainment in LA and tech in SF, with a thought experiment on whether Southeast Asia could produce a global superstar like Taylor Swift. They stressed the structural and cultural factors that influence where talent flourishes, the role of national policy in nurturing ecosystems that can compete on the global stage, and how individual talented individuals should react. Jeremy and Shiyan also talked about the social aspects of fasting vs. eating, the fan communities of avatar-driven Vtubers, and their personal preferences for content consumption like Dune by writer Frank Herbet vs. director Denis Villeneuve. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/taylor-swift-economics Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/taylor-swift-economics-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/taylor-swift-economics-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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

BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast: Patrick McGinnis, VC & Creator of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) Sapiens, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) vs. FOBO (Fear of Better Option): Patrick shared how he had created the terms FOMO and FOBO during his MBA student days at Harvard. He shared how he was surprised 10 years later that his lingo with friends had grown into globally recognized phenomena. These behavior patterns of overcommitment, indecisiveness and optionality maximization have been exacerbated by the endless choices and information overload facilitated by digital platforms, leading to widespread analysis paralysis and stress. He discusses why he thinks FOBO is less popular than FOMO due to its darker nature and more insightful lens into human decision-making. 2. Overcoming Career Paralysis: Patrick shared his personal journey from a career in venture capital to becoming an author, speaker, and entrepreneur. He shared how he had to have a heart rate monitor installed due to the high stress of his job that he fundamentally disliked, and the eventually lonely, painful and scary decision to take a career sabbatical and step outside the conventional path that would have been expected from a Harvard MBA graduate. 3. VC & Life Decision Frameworks: Patrick detailed his conscious effort to integrate strategies to combat FOMO and FOBO, sharing a framework for categorizing decisions (high stakes, low stakes, and no stakes) to streamline decision-making processes. Patrick shared his frustrations with the VC industry's incentive structures, including the challenges of decision-making in an environment rife with FOMO and FOBO. He emphasized the importance of discipline, due diligence, and being mindful of underlying motivations when making investment decisions. He also shared examples from his "FOMO folio" strategy to manage investment temptation. He also discussed the societal shift towards constant comparison and indecision, strategies for combating decision fatigue, and why he's exploring coaching and building for the next stage of his career. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/patrick-mcginnis Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/patrick-mcginnis-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/patrick-mcginnis-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 the Singapore Growth & AI Summit with Sean Ellis! Use code seanbrave7 today.

Bernard Leong, Founder of Analyse Asia, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. PhD to Serial Founder: Bernard talked about his initial career in academia, specializing in theoretical physics and obtaining his PhD in Astrophysics and Cosmology, before moving into machine learning at the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, home of the Human Genome Project. His entrepreneurial journey started with the co-founding of Chalkboard, a location-based advertising startup that faced strategic challenges and ended in a shutdown. He also co-founded SG Entrepreneurs, which successfully exited to Tech in Asia. He also shared his experiences heading digital transformation initiatives as a tech executive, such as his digital transformation leader at SingPost and pioneering Singapore's first-ever drone delivery. 2. Disrupting Extractive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems: Bernard shared his vision for revolutionizing ERP systems to address the inefficiencies and high costs associated with traditional ERP software. He discussed the history of ERP systems and the challenges companies face, including high customization costs and the extractive nature of the consulting model associated with ERP implementation. Bernard aims to leverage generative AI technologies like ChatGPT and Microsoft CodePilot to create a next-generation open business operating system that is 10X more efficient, productive, and adaptable than current offerings. He discussed the reasons behind his focus on the medium segment of the small and medium enterprise market and counter-positioning strategy against existing ERP giants. 3. Startup vs. Family Career Decisions: Bernard compared the life of a serial entrepreneur to that of a football team manager, emphasizing the importance of taking each challenge as it comes. He discussed the practicalities of negotiating entrepreneurship with family responsibilities, highlighting the importance of financial planning, shared goals, and open communication with his wife who’s also an entrepreneur. He also discussed what repeat founders do differently than first-time founders, ranging across distribution, mindset and adaptability. Jeremy and Bernard also touched on the "first love startup" problem, first-principles thinking, the people who bet against his success, and the future implications of AI in business. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bernard-leong Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bernard-leong-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bernard-leong-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 the Singapore Growth & AI Summit with Sean Ellis! Use code seanbrave7 today.

Valerie Vu, Founding Partner of Ansible Ventures, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. China Tourism & Taylor Swift: Valerie shared the significant impact of Lunar New Year celebrations on Vietnam's work culture and economy, highlighting the extended holiday period shared with its neighbors like China and Singapore. She explored the potential economic benefits of reviving Chinese tourist numbers to pre-COVID levels, considering China's tourists historically accounted for a third of foreign visitors to Vietnam. They also discussed Taylor Swift's Singapore concert as a case study in tourism marketing. 2. Food Delivery Industry Economics: Jeremy and Valerie discussed the inherent challenges of the food delivery industry, characterized by low margins and, in many cases, negative profitability. They mentioned the failed negotiation between Foodpanda (under Delivery Hero) and Grab, highlighting the tough economic realities of the sector. Valerie also expressed her preference for ShopeeFood over Grab due to the smaller, local merchants, and "mom-and-pop" restaurants that the platform partners with. She also touched on the broader market dynamics, including the exit of other players like Bé Minh, the third-largest food delivery service, which left the Vietnamese market to focus on its primary market in South Korea. 3. Air Quality Pollution vs. Industrial Growth: Jeremy and Valerie talked about Vietnam’s economic benefits from its industrial sector, with the smartphone export growth of 16% year-on-year in January 2024. The economic boon comes at the cost of environmental degradation, with both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City respectively placing 3rd and 10th on alarming air quality index rankings. They explored potential strategies for addressing air quality such as temporarily halting industrial activities which China did around the 2008 Olympics to improve its air quality. They discussed the lack of substantial policy measures from the Vietnamese government to combat the air pollution problem partly due to the government's prioritization of economic growth through manufacturing, which is a key driver of Vietnam's GDP. Jeremy and Valerie also talked about the influence of high-profile educational backgrounds like Harvard, Oxford and NUS on tech startups, environmental policy, and the impact of global cultural events on local economies. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-air-pollution Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-air-pollution-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vietnam-air-pollution-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 Learn more about HDMall here: htps://www.hdmall.co.th https://www.hdmall.id

Sean Ellis, Bestselling Author of “Hacking Growth”, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Growth Hacking Unicorn Successes: Despite not considering himself a "techie," he shared his transition from traditional marketing to growth hacking and helping five startups navigate to unicorn billion-dollar valuations. Sean discussed the strategic pivot of LogMeIn from a paid to a freemium model and thus innovating in pricing and distribution to capture market leadership and differentiate vs. well-funded competitors. He highlighted the lack of established language or tools for scaling companies with product-market fit during his early career and the difficulty in understanding the nuances of what makes products indispensable to users, which he later encapsulated in his book "Hacking Growth." 2. Achieving & Scaling Product-Market Fit: Sean emphasized that achieving product-market fit is a blend of art and science that necessitates deep market understanding, creativity, and rigorous validation. He stressed the critical role of targeted, domain-specific advice for startups and that generic advice lacks the impact of insights tailored to a startup's unique context. He also pointed out the importance of fair compensation for advisors, highlighting that those providing high-value, targeted advice leading to tangible outcomes deserve appropriate rewards. 3. Easy Money vs. Hard Times: Sean discussed bull & bear startup funding environments, from periods of easy money (startups become complacent and focus more on rapid growth at the expense of efficiency and long-term sustainability) to more challenging financial climates (which necessitates a disciplined approach to growth, spending, prioritizing efficiency and lean operations). He highlighted that companies that optimize resources and operations are best positioned for survival and growth regardless of funding availability. Jeremy and Sean also talked about why large tech companies slow down at growth, the critical role of early-stage market validation, the importance of maintaining a growth-focused culture, and the strategies for sustaining momentum. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sean-ellis Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sean-ellis-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sean-ellis-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde 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 Learn more about HDMall here: htps://www.hdmall.co.th https://www.hdmall.id