Episodes
-
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
-
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
-
Episodes manquant?
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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.
-
Jeremy Au explored the evolving venture capital landscape in Southeast Asia by linking GDP per capita thresholds (US$5K in Vietnam, Indonesia & Philippines vs. US$94K Singapore) to the rise of unicorns like Gojek and Grab. Jeremy also explored the implications of high global interest rates, which have reshaped venture capital deployment, shifting focus toward early-stage investments while reducing late-stage funding. Lastly, he analyzed the diversification of startup models, such as Vietnam's localized mini-conglomerates and Singapore’s globally focused virtualized teams, emphasizing adaptability as a key driver for success in a fragmented yet promising ecosystem.
Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/gdp-per-capita-vs-unicorns
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
-
Jeremy Au examined the evolution of technology marketing and communication, emphasizing the transformative impact of AI, the importance of addressing consumers' primary problems, and the iterative nature of innovation in startups. Jeremy stressed the necessity of solving consumers' most pressing problems at the right moment to achieve product-market fit, illustrating this with real-world scenarios where timing dictated success. Additionally, he underscored the iterative principles of the Lean Startup and Kaizen, which prioritize rapid building, measuring, and learning cycles to meet evolving consumer needs while minimizing errors. The discussion also touched on notable examples like Netflix’s shift from DVDs to streaming and the development of reusable rockets by SpaceX to illustrate these principles in action.
Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/product-market-fit-pivot
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
-
Kristie Neo, VC (Southeast Asia) Editor at DealStreetAsia, and Jeremy Au discussed:
1. Channel News Asia to DealStreetAsia VC Editor: Kristie began her journalism career at Channel News Asia (CNA), working in documentaries and later transitioning to business news. She emphasized CNA’s commitment to telling stories through an “Asian perspective,” which shaped her approach to reporting. Later, Kristie also joined DealStreetAsia (DSA) as a venture capital and startup reporter, contributing to its growth from a small team. She highlighted the challenges of establishing credibility as a startup newsroom, including building relationships with key stakeholders and securing access to major press events.
2. Investigative Journalism: Kristie spearheaded the use of Singapore’s ACRA database to access private company filings, uncovering financial insights that shaped investigative reporting at DealStreetAsia (DSA). Her work involved analyzing complex financial reports, connecting the dots between stakeholders, and leveraging this data to produce in-depth reports. Over time, these efforts evolved into Data Vantage, a proprietary tool offering comprehensive company data and insights across Southeast Asia, becoming a critical resource for DSA’s operations.
3. Unicorn Mismanagement (Revolution Precrafted): Kristie led an exposé on Revolution Precrafted, a Philippine unicorn valued at over $1 billion, revealing fraudulent activities. Through on-ground investigations in Manila, she uncovered unfulfilled development projects and inconsistencies in financial operations. Her findings triggered a national government investigation, highlighting the risks of informal structures in Southeast Asia’s startups and emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in the ecosystem.
Jeremy and Kristie also discussed ethical challenges in journalism, declining media trust, technology's impact on storytelling, and Southeast Asia’s cultural nuances in startup reporting.
Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/kristie-neo
Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea
English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
#InvestigativeJournalism #SoutheastAsiaTech #MediaInnovation #StartupEcosystem #DigitalStorytelling #AsianNarratives #VentureCapitalInsights #TransparencyMatters #TechJournalism #BRAVEpodcast
-
Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed:
1. eFishery Fraud Allegations: Once an Indonesian agritech darling, eFishery’s end-to-end aquaculture solutions were lauded for their potential to improve farmers’ productivity and incomes. eFishery had achieved a $1 billion valuation in 2023, backed by investors like Temasek, Sequoia, Northstar, and GGV Capital. Whistleblower allegations against the founders surfaced despite significant financial oversight, including audited accounts and reputable due diligence processes. Shiyan emphasized the trust deficit such incidents cause, and drew parallels to Zilingo’s earlier downfall which caused a chilling effect on Southeast Asia’s growth-stage investments.
2. Early Exits Signals: Jeremy highlighted the divergent strategies of eFishery’s investors during its Series D round. Notable exits included Ideasource, which achieved a 40x return over a decade, and Sui Ling Cheah from Wavemaker, who bought in via secondaries in 2019 and accomplished a similar return in five years. These moves showcased varying approaches—early-stage investors seeking liquidity versus late-stage investors balancing signaling effects. They also discussed the challenges of timing exits in Southeast Asia’s market context, balancing growth ambitions with prudent capital recovery.
3. Ecosystem Red Flags: Jeremy and Shiyan debated how weak financial governance impacts Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem. Citing eFishery’s CFO resignation and earlier signals as red flags, they stressed the need for stricter board oversight and robust due diligence practices. Jeremy noted how fraud incidents strain ecosystem trust, making diligence processes longer and more expensive. Drawing parallels to the U.S., Shiyan emphasized how trust and long-term reputation are critical for founders aiming to sustain multiple ventures. They discussed how practices like misreporting revenue—common in sectors like e-commerce—distort valuations and create cascading governance failures.
Additional topics included Southeast Asia’s funding culture, revenue-quality metrics, exit dynamics for early employees, and honest advice to founders.
Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/efishery-unicorn-fraud
Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com
WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea
English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts
-
Jeremy Au discussed the financial returns of venture capital. Firstly, he explored the concept of power law returns, emphasizing that only 4% of startups generate 10-50x returns, with examples like WhatsApp achieving 50x and Zoom delivering 22x even at later stages. He highlighted this phenomenon's prevalence in industries such as Hollywood (blockbusters vs. average films) vs. aviation (budget airlines). Secondly, he explained the three-fund trajectory for venture capitalists to become established, while noting that Fund 1 and Fund 2 for emerging managers often outperforming due to industry veterans leveraging insider insights—citing crypto as an example where early adopters thrived in the 2010s. Lastly, he underscored the importance of governance, pointing out how founder-investor relationships hinge on balancing control rights and trust. He used examples such as the OpenAI coup attempt vs. Sam Altman and Southeast Asia’s reputation for financial mismanagement to stress the implications of governance misalignment and regulatory challenges in the region.
Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-power-law-bets
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
-
Yudara Kularathne, CEO & Cofounder of HeHealth, and Jeremy Au discussed:
1. D*ck Pics for Science: Yudara described the progress of HeHealth, an AI-powered men’s health app launched in 2022. The app helps users detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by analyzing images. Within two weeks of its release, the app received over 20,000 downloads globally, including from countries like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Yudara recounted a case where a user with monkeypox contributed 150 detailed images documenting his condition over two weeks to help improve the app’s diagnostic accuracy. This approach leveraged community contributions to create robust, annotated datasets while adhering to ethical guidelines.
2. Child Emergency Doctor to AI Founder: Yudara reflected on his journey from managing over 10,000 cases as a pediatric emergency doctor to founding HeHealth. During his time at Sengkang General Hospital, he built a dedicated pediatric emergency department with support from KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted hospital workflows and inspired him to address healthcare gaps. He cited a personal encounter in 2019, when a friend mistakenly believed he had HIV and considered suicide, as the moment that fueled his commitment to bridging stigma-driven healthcare disparities through technology.
3. Model Training vs. Regulatory Affairs: Yudara emphasized the balance between building AI models and navigating regulations. HeHealth used incremental data collection and synthetic data to improve accuracy and reduce biases, particularly for underrepresented groups. In 2023, HeHealth faced a $50 million FTC lawsuit in the U.S., citing privacy concerns about sensitive user data. Using AI tools for legal strategy and transparent communication, Yudara successfully resolved the case within two months. He highlighted how innovation often outpaces regulation and the importance of proactive collaboration with regulators to mitigate risks.
Jeremy and Yudara also talked about the role of synthetic data in addressing racial biases in AI healthcare tools and the challenges of scaling health tech in emerging markets.
Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/yudara-kularathne
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
-
Jeremy Au explored the nuances of venture capital through three lenses. He described how LPs, such as sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors, pursue diversification and long-term returns, often seeking a 25% net IRR to justify the high risks of VC, as seen in Southeast Asia's emerging tech ecosystem. Using the "2 and 20" model, Jeremy explained that a. general partners commit 1% of the fund size (e.g., $1M for a $100M fund) as skin in the game while limited partners provide 99% of the capital. b. GPs spend 2% of the fund size on operations for 10 years and c. GPs receive 20% of the fund exit upside and LPs 80%. He shared examples like Sequoia's $100M investment in Zoom, yielding 22x returns, and Facebook's acquisition of WhatsApp, which turned a $60M investment into $3B. Lastly, he likened VC to 19th-century whaling, where only 6% of deals produce 60% of returns, drawing parallels to how power-law distributions shape the industry’s focus on rare, high-value investments.
Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-vs-whaling-power-law
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
-
Jeremy Au discussed the nuanced challenges faced by venture capitalists in assessing startups, emphasizing the importance of local expertise and first-principles thinking. For example, he shared how his understanding of Singaporean founders—gained through years of personal interactions—provided him with an edge over Silicon Valley VCs. He highlighted the risks of fraud in Southeast Asia, citing cases like Zilingo and comparing them to global examples such as Theranos and FTX, which underscore the need for robust due diligence. He explained how VCs use strategies like hiring fraud analysts or leveraging local networks to address these risks. Drawing parallels to the 19th-century whaling industry, Jeremy illustrated how power law dynamics dominate VC returns, with only about 6% of investments producing 60% of total returns, as seen in analysis from Horsley Bridge. This perspective frames VCs as high-performance scouts navigating a market where a single unicorn, like Grab or Gojek, can make or break a fund’s success.
Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/vc-edge-vs-fraud
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
-
Pinn Lawjindakul, Partner of Lightspeed Southeast Asia and Jeremy Au discussed:
1. Bain Consultant to Grab Head:
Pinn recounted her shift from Bain & Company, where she started as an intern in 2011, to joining Grab in 2015 during its rapid expansion. She highlighted the operational and cultural differences between consulting in San Francisco and Southeast Asia, noting the latter’s more hierarchical and less mature environment. At Grab, Pinn tackled challenges such as competing with Uber, Easy Taxi, and Rocket Internet, emphasizing the importance of localized operational advantages.
2. Tiger Global to Lightspeed VC Partner:
Pinn reflected on her pivotal time at Tiger Global (2016–2019), where she immersed herself in growth-stage investments like Flipkart. The fast-paced environment and exposure to trend-driven, data-backed decision-making helped her realize the impactful nature of venture capital. This experience solidified her passion for working closely with entrepreneurs and shaping transformative businesses. Transitioning to Lightspeed Ventures, she embraced a focus on early-stage startups in Southeast Asia, drawn by the opportunity to guide founders from the outset and help them adopt a regional mindset critical for success
3. Southeast Asia vs. China & India:
She highlighted Lightspeed’s report, which debunked the longstanding comparisons of the region to China and India. The report argued that Southeast Asia’s fragmented markets, diverse consumer profiles, and smaller economic scale require a unique approach, defying the traditional narratives borrowed from larger, more homogenous markets. They also championed Singapore's underestimated potential as a key driver of economic growth, countering the conventional wisdom that focuses almost exclusively on larger markets like Indonesia, e.g. Gojek vs. Grab. Pinn also highlighted the need for a more rational approach to capital allocation, underscoring how sustainable growth requires founders and investors alike to balance ambition with market realities.
Jeremy and Pinn also discussed her perspective being a parent has changed her perspective on startups, what they learned as Bain interns and what advice she would give her younger self.
==
Pinn is a founding member of Lightspeed Southeast Asia, a global early-stage investment fund. Prior to Lightspeed, she was at Insignia Venture Partners and Tiger Global Management, where she focused on consumer and financial technology across SEA, India and China. She worked closely with Flipkart (sold to Walmart), Ola, Policybazaar, Hike, Games 24x7, Razorpay, Uxin (IPO exit). Pinn started her career as a management consultant at Bain & Company and also founded Grab’s motorcycle-on-demand in Bangkok, Thailand. Pinn graduated from Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania with a double degree in Psychology and Finance.
===
Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/navigating-sea-markets
Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/navigating-sea-markets
观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/navigating-sea-markets
Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/navigating-sea-markets
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
-
Jianggan Li, Founder & CEO of Momentum Works, and Jeremy Au discussed:
1. China Exporters vs. Trump:
Jianggan Li shared his experiences from nine trips to China, highlighting how exporters are stockpiling goods to mitigate U.S.-China trade tensions amid 2025 Trump-era tariffs. Discussions in Hangzhou emphasized the limits of the “China Plus One” strategy, with countries like Vietnam and Indonesia struggling to match China’s scale and supply chain efficiency. The conversation also covered China’s cross-border logistics innovations, including the Xi’an-to-Budapest rail route, and the integration of Chinese labor into global supply chains, such as assembly work in Italy’s luxury goods sector.
2. Expansion to Saudi Arabia & Middle East:
Saudi Arabia’s energy surplus, social contract with foreign labor and government openness to tech and e-commerce firms, such as Talabat and Bytedance, create market expansion opportunities for China exporters and manufacturers. Jeremy and Jianggan noted Saudi Arabia’s interest in Singapore’s industrial policies as a model for economic transformation and compared this approach to Southeast Asia’s more protectionist policies.
3. Electric Vehicle Wars:
Jianggan provides a candid look at the competitive landscape of China’s EV sector, from the collapse of smaller players to BYD's dominance. They discuss how scale, innovation, and investment strategies are reshaping the industry. They discuss the implications of the price war vs. consolidation for both domestic and global producers and consumers.
Jeremy and Jianggan also discussed startup drone delivery tests in Dubai, Vietnam VNG’s struggles and competition vs. Chinese platforms, and the implications of U.S. 2025 “reverse CFIUS” regulations.
===
Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/chinaexportersvstrump
Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/chinaexportersvstrump
观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/chinaexportersvstrump
Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/chinaexportersvstrump
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
Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities
-
In this lighthearted episode, Jeremy Au sits down with fellow podcaster Edric Poon, host of Podcaster’s Playground, for a unique twist on the usual format. Armed with a deck of “Truth or Drink” cards, the duo tackles unexpected and hilarious questions that reveal surprising insights about their lives and quirks. Highlights include:
- Edric sharing his passion for the iconic Elvis-inspired Super 55 microphone and how it became a symbol of his podcasting journey.
- Jeremy confessing his love for the bizarrely catchy jingle, Baby Monkey Riding on a Pig, as his undergrad alarm clock anthem.
- A debate on tights, "mantyhose," and how functional fashion changed Edric’s perspective on masculinity.
- Reflections on dogs and personalities, where Jeremy introduces his Shiba Inu, Keiko, as his perfect companion.
- A heartfelt moment as Edric recounts the best compliment he's received from his wife, inspiring a deep dive into self-acceptance.
- Jeremy’s journey of overcoming procrastination and the personal growth sparked by understanding the science behind habits.
The conversation takes poignant turns as the duo reflects on love, loss, and resilience, including Jeremy’s emotional story of grieving a past relationship and finding healing in love. With humor, vulnerability, and unexpected wisdom, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, a good laugh, or an inside look at the personal lives of two seasoned podcasters.
===
Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/podcaster-buddy-truths
Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/podcaster-buddy-truths
观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/podcaster-buddy-truths
Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/podcaster-buddy-truths
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
Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities
-
Dave Overton, Founder of Symph.co & Geeks On A Beach, and Jeremy Au discussed:
1. Philippines Humanitarian Commitment:
Dave recounts moving to the Philippines in 2003 with his wife, a midwife-turned-doctor, who co-founded a nonprofit delivering over 7,000 babies in the past two decades. What began as a temporary three- to five-year plan evolved into a long-term commitment to creating impact in Southeast Asia. Supporting the nonprofit’s growth to a team of 50 medical professionals, Dave reflects on sustainable impact, sharing lessons learned about transforming lives and communities.
2. Serendipity at Geeks On A Beach Community:
Co-founded by Dave and Tina Amper in 2012, Geeks on a Beach (GOAB) was inspired by 500 Global’s Geeks on a Plane and aimed to unite startups, investors, and ecosystem players in a collaborative setting. Dave shares the financial hurdles faced during GOAB’s early days and how the event became a platform for significant deals, including an investor funding five startups at a single event. He emphasizes the importance of creating “gravity” to foster collaboration and serendipitous connections within the startup ecosystem.
3. Cebu Serial Founder:
He discusses his ventures: Symph.co, a software development company with 88 team members, and Flying Tigers Express, a logistics startup shortening delivery times from 12 days to just 24 hours in cities like Cebu and Davao. Dave also reflected on Cebu’s IT Park evolution from a single building in 2003 to a thriving tech hub, illustrating the broader transformation of the local ecosystem. . They explored challenges of balancing Cebu’s regional development with larger hubs like Manila and Singapore
Dave and Jeremy also discussed the lessons learned from stepping back to let new leaders drive community growth, the importance of nurturing students into the next generation of founders and community vs. ego systems.
===
Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/geeks-on-a-beach
Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/geeks-on-a-beach
观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/geeks-on-a-beach
Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/geeks-on-a-beach
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
Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities
-
Franco Verona, Managing Partner of Foxmont Capital Partners and Jeremy Au discussed:
1. Foxmont Capital VC & BCG Report:
Franco recounted Foxmont Capital Partners’ journey since its founding in 2018, highlighting 40 investments across fintech, deep tech, and consumer goods. Their Philippine Venture Capital Report in collaboration with BCG has been instrumental in attracting global attention to the Philippines’ potential as an emerging market. Analysis includes the rise of the middle class, which grew from 12% to 48% of the population within a decade, alongside consistent 6% GDP growth. This economic momentum has driven demand for local consumer brands like Pickup Coffee and Colourette.
2. Philippines Startup Opportunities:
They explored how startups can address gaps between generational low-cost products and premium U.S. imports by targeting the young, experimental population with an average age of 25. Franco emphasized prioritizing profitability and creating Filipino solutions for Filipino problems. Examples included TPG’s investment in BillEase, IFC’s funding of Salmon, and the rise of B2B solutions like Sprout Solutions addressing HR and payroll inefficiencies.
3. 10 Year Predictions:
Franco forecasted that the Philippines would mirror Indonesia’s growth trajectory from a decade ago, with fintech, e-commerce, and logistics driving the next wave of investments. While trends like AI and crypto dominate globally, foundational sectors where the Philippines lags 5–10 years behind peers present the most immediate opportunity. Key investments such as General Atlantic’s involvement in Kumu and MUFG’s funding of GCash signal ecosystem maturity. They also discussed how geopolitical tensions with the U.S. and China could shape future growth and relations. The influx of Chinese goods and EVs was also noted as shaping competition and local demand.
Additionally, they touched on the Philippines’ dual colonial history and its cultural impact on business, the economic implications of the recent POGO ban, and the rise of tech-driven business models replacing BPO-led operations
===
Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/philippine-startups-rising
Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/philippine-startups-rising
观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/philippine-startups-rising
Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/philippine-startups-rising
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
Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to [email protected] if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities
- Montre plus
