Episoder
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What makes a top live commerce host or KOL (Key Opinion Leader)? Is it their appearance, emotional intelligence, talent, or training? Or are these just the bare minimum requirements?
Our team visited the top three Multi-Channel Networks (MCNs) in China last week (as part of our MW Immersion: Live Commerce), uncovering the secrets behind their success in such a competitive landscape.
With millions of aspiring KOLs, how does one truly stand out and become the best of the best?
Tune in as we dive into what MCNs are doing to nurture talent, as well as the innovative business strategies they are exploring to grow without over-relying on KOLs.
This episode also distills eight key learnings from our immersion, touching on diverse topics from the rise of AI hosts and sustained platform investments to leveraging Chinaâs robust supply chain for live commerce.
Featured materials:
MW Immersions: Live Commerce [Hangzhou, May 2024], Momentum Works
Who is Temu?, Momentum Works
Is MCN a good business model?, The Impulso Podcast
Our learnings from visiting top MCNs in China, The Impulso Podcast
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Last week, both Sea Group and Grab released their Q1 2024 results, and the market responded positively - is tech in Southeast Asia recovering?
Grab reported strong Q1 results, but investors are still curious: will Grab become profitable? Over the past few quarters, the management team at Grab has consistently focused on relentless execution and continuous operational improvement. It will be interesting to see how Grab balances its path to profitability and growth (given its penetration in Southeast Asia is only around 5%).
Sea Group also reported a relatively good quarter (evident from the much happier tone during their recent earnings call), with steady growth not only in Shopee but also in SeaMoney and Garena. The group is also trying to deepen its moat through Shopee Xpress (its in-house logistics arm).
On the other hand, we see TikTok Shop taking a much less aggressive approach in Q1. Earlier this year, TikTok Shop started increasing take rates (possibly as a strategy for sustainable growth in the region) - Does this mean that TikTok Shop is giving up on overtaking Shopee?
Featured materials:
Sea Limited Reports First Quarter 2024 Results, Sea Limited
Grab Reports First Quarter 2024 Results, Grab Holdings Inc.
Ecommerce in Southeast Asia, Momentum Works
The TIkTok Shop Playbook, Momentum Works
Does Shopee have a moat, The Impulso Podcast
Dmitry Levit & Boon Ping Chua on the distress in Southeast Asia, and why itâs not evenly distributed, The Impulso Podcast
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Mangler du episoder?
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In the latest episode of the Impulso podcast, we are joined by special guest Shawn Teow (who makes his podcast debut), diving deep into live commerce in Southeast Asia.
Shawn, the co-founder and former COO of Upmesh, now leads his new venture, Hitwave, which aims to connect live sellers in SEA with cross-border brands. With over five years of experience in live commerce in Southeast Asia, he has a wealth of insights to share.
Tune in as Shawn discusses the current state of live commerce in Southeast Asia, describing it as "patchy" due to different stages of development and category focuses; explores the competitive landscape between major platforms like TikTok, Shopee, and Facebook; as well as the critical factors needed for live commerce to thrive in the region - audience growth, content quality, and the role of mid-scale domestic brands.
Is Southeast Asia at the tipping point of live commerce? Check out our latest episode for more insights and our predictions on the future of live commerce in Southeast Asia
Featured materials:
Is MCN a good business model?, The Impulso Podcast
Why you should join MW Live Commerce immersion to Hangzhou, TheLowDown -
Both Starbucks and Luckin Coffee recently unveiled their Q1 2024 earnings, eliciting varied market responses.
In China, Starbucks faced a challenging quarter with comparable store sales declining by 11%, attributed to an 8% drop in average ticket sales. Meanwhile, Luckin has stayed committed to rapid expansion, opening over 2,000 stores in Q1, albeit at a slower pace than usual. Who is winning in China's competitive coffee scene?
Tune in as we delve into the latest results of these two coffee giants, the evolving landscape of coffee consumption in China, and examine the competitive dynamics between traditional giants and agile disruptors in the digital age.
Featured materials:
Coffee in Southeast Asia, Momentum Works
Sip, Innovate, Repeat: Immersive Workshop, Momentum Works
E63: How does Luckin Coffee open 1000 new stores every month?!, The Impulso Podcast
E65: Will health labels reduce bubble tea consumption?
The Luckin x Moutai partnership that sold 5 mil cups of coffee in one day, ThelowDown -
From leveraging top Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) like Luo Yonghao at BeFriends, to signing up celebrities at YoWant, MCNs are employing various strategies to stand out. But it's not just about the hosts; MCNs are also exploring other diverse approaches, from studios to real-store experiences, to differentiate themselves and stay competitive.
And in this dynamic industry, every detail matters, from the critical role of hosts in driving sales to the meticulous operational details to the real-time decision-making during live streams.
Join us as we explore the MCN landscape, from business strategies to operational intricacies, including:
Is MCN a good business model?
What are the different business models of MCNs?
How is it like to actually run a MCN?
Featured materials:
Most unfortunate entrepreneur’s first live streaming experience, on TikTok, TheLowDown
How did KFC sell 190m cups of coffee in China?, TheLowDown
How did this company reach $280m sales in Live commerce?, TheLowDown
Why you should join MW Live Commerce immersion to Hangzhou, TheLowDown
Momentum Works Immersion: Live Commerce [Hangzhou edition] -
Everyone knows that digital transformation poses numerous challenges and pitfalls, but does it really have to be this arduous?
In the latest episode of the Impulso Podcast, we are joined by special guest, Jing Li, founder and CEO of Sirius Technologies and co-author of our report "Transforming Digital Transformation," as we unravel the complexities and triumphs of digital transformation.
Digital transformation isn't just about technology; it's also a mindset shift towards innovation and agility - “Agility is the outcome, not the approach”.
Join us as we explore the challenges of digital transformation in the financial sector, the concept of fusion teams and the role of the enterprise architect in bridging the gap between business and tech. We also explore WeBank's Success, highlighting how their pioneering approach to embedded finance propelled it to become the world’s best digital bank.
Featured materials:
Transforming Digital Transformation, Momentum Works -
“In China’s online business, one or two years is not a very long time… it changes so fast.” - Connor Li shares insights on the rapidly evolving live commerce scene in China in the latest episode of the Impulso Podcast.
Is China already transitioning into the second phase of live commerce?
Connor is the head of curriculum development at Ji Tang, a “S Level” MCN in China, managing 170+ influencers, with a total of more than 200 million followers. He was also a featured speaker at Momentum Works' March Live Commerce Immersion event.
Tune in as he shares his insights on the evolution of live commerce in China and:
The rise of key opinion consumers (KOCs);
Who do consumers trust - KOLs or KOCs;
Ji Tang's approach to collaborating with KOCs;
Measuring the ROI of using KOCs as a marketing strategy;
Advice on those who want to learn about China’s live commerce ecosystem. -
In this latest episode, Jianggan takes over as the host, and interviews the team, Sabrina, Yorlin and Liz, about Momentum Works recent Live Commerce immersion, where we brought 20+ delegates from Southeast Asia to Shenzhen.
During the 3 day immersion, participants engaged in over 10 visits, including exclusive tours of leading MCNs. Tune in as we reflect on the trip, sharing memorable experiences - going behind-the-scenes at MCN studios, interactions with AI virtual hosts, and gaining insights into China's live commerce ecosystem from our panel of expert speakers.
Interested in going behind-the-scenes at MCN studios? Or want to delve deeper into China's live commerce landscape?
Join the Momentum Work Live Commerce Immersion taking place from 28 to 30 May in Hangzhou, China. Register here! You'll have the opportunity to engage in equally impactful visits, discussions, and networking sessions with expert practitioners and potential partners.
Featured materials:
Live Commerce Immersion [May], Momentum Works
Live Commerce Immersion [March - completed], Momentum Works
Five top learnings from MW Live Commerce Immersion to China, TheLowDown -
In a recent interview, Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba, redefined Alibabaâs customers as users shopping on their apps, a shift from their previous focus on merchants. This marks a shift from their previous emphasis on merchants, and with Alibaba's revenue historically heavily reliant on merchant advertising, Alibabaâs shift towards user-centricity challenges this model. So, what does this mean for Alibaba's strategy moving forward? How will Alibaba balance between user and merchant satisfaction? As Alibaba undergoes its biggest transformation yet, its leaders will have to make crucial decisions. Joe Tsai stresses the importance of humility and leaders being willing to acknowledge mistakes and pivot or backtrack on decisions when necessary. Featured materials:Joe Tsai Co-founder & Chair of Alibaba | In Good Company | Norges Bank Investment Management, Norges bank Investment Management Transforming Alibaba, Momentum WorksE70: Succession â successful tech foundersâ dilemma, The Impulso PodcastE68: Alibaba is giving up on new retail, The Impulso PodcastE47: Why does Alibaba replace taobao CEO?, The Impulso Podcast
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From Alibaba to Meta, and now Meituan, it seems like founders and co-founders can’t retire.
Wang Huiwen's recent return to Meituan, albeit as a part-time consultant, raises questions about why founders struggle to leave their companies. His departure and subsequent comeback highlight the complexities of succession planning and the unique role founders play in navigating turbulent times.
It’s true that leadership transitions in tech are complicated due to the fast-paced environment and constant need for innovation, but is this really the main issue for lack of/ poor succession planning?
Join us in this episode as we delve into the intricacies of organisational leadership, the search for suitable successors, and the importance of trust.
Featured materials:Why did Meituan buy a generative AI company?, TheLowDown
Why Meituan CEO takes over overseas businesses?, The Impulso Podcast -
ShopBack has announced the shutdown of PayLater, its Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) scheme, marking the latest withdrawal from the BNPL scene in Singapore.
Unlike traditional credit card models, BNPL allows consumers to split payments over time, offering convenience and flexibility at the point of sale. However, the road to success is not easy - BNPL players, particularly independent ones, encounter various challenges ranging from high customer acquisition costs to merchant acceptance and regulatory hurdles.
Join us in this latest episode as we explore:
The complexities of the BNPL landscape;
The struggles of BNPL services in the region, from regulations to consumer behavior;
Key success factors for BNPL to thrive, particularly in Southeast Asia;
Differences between standalone BNPL apps and integrated platforms;
Future prospects of BNPL in the region.
Featured materials:
Buy Now Pay Later in Southeast Asia – “you either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain”, TheLowDown
pace | Buy now, pay later (and later) -
Last week, Alibaba announced that Hou Yi, the founder of the Hema (or 'Freshippo') retail chain, will retire as CEO, to be replaced by CFO Yan Xiaolei. What does this mean for Hema?
Hema, positioned as premium retail, reflected Alibaba's anticipation that consumers would become more affluent and upgrade their consumption habits. However, Alibaba is now pivoting back to its core focus on Taobao and its users as it undergoes its biggest transformation in history.
Amidst this transformation (which prioritises core ecommerce and cloud/AI), the role of Hema and other offline retail stores becomes uncertain. Where do Hema (and Alibaba's other offline retail stores) fit into this overall strategy? And what's next for them?
Featured materials: Alibaba is giving up on Hema and offline retail?, TheLowDown
Alibaba’s Hema Supermarket – China’s new retail revolution, TheLowDown
Transforming Alibaba, Momentum Works
Why is Lazada CEO taking over Daraz?, The Impulso Podcast
Why does Alibaba replace taobao CEO?, The Impulso Podcast -
After almost a decade, is winter finally here in Southeast Asia? Join us in our latest podcast episode featuring special guests Dimitry Levit and Boon Ping Chua (aka BP), partners from Cento Ventures, each with over a decade of experience in venture capital, particularly in Southeast Asia. Cento Ventures recently unveiled their Southeast Asia tech investment 2023 H1 report, and we have invited Dmitry and Bp to share further insights into their perspectives on investment in the region. Tune in as we ask the experts: Is tech & VC in Southeast Asia game over?Why do we even bother with Southeast Asia anyway? Why is it still exciting?How do they see VCs in the region deploying money in 2024?Featured materials: Southeast Asia Tech Investment â 1H 2023, Cento Ventures2023ćčŽäžććčŽäžćäșéŁé©æè”æ„ć, Momentum Works Our investment in Doxa: Unlocking new growth within the supply chain finance, Cento ventures
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Yesterday, the US House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a Bill dubbed the “Protecting Americans From Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,” that would give ByteDance about six months to divest the US assets of TikTok or face a ban.
What does this mean for TikTok?
Join us on the latest episode of the Impulso Podcast as we delve into:
The likelihood of the ban;
TikTok's options - there seem to be no good options
Donald Trump's opposition to the ban - will he really stand against it?;
Will other countries follow suit?
Featured materials:
[Event Deck] Indonesia after the TikTok Shop ban, Momentum Works
E44: The winners and losers of the TikTok-GoTo deal, The Impulso Podcast -
Is Shanghai mirroring Singapore's nutritional labelling approach?
Recently, Bawang Tea Ji's (Chagee) Shanghai store has introduced a "Nutritional Choice" logo on all its beverages - a first for freshly-made drinks in China. This mirrors Singapore's Nutri-Grade ratings (A to D), implemented by the Health Promotion Board, from December 2022, which were introduced to increase consumers' awareness, and help them make healthier choices.
But do these labels actually change consumer habits? And are they a hindrance to the bubble tea business, or do they push for product innovation?
Tune into our latest episode for a light-hearted discussion on the impact of these nutri-grades on consumer habits and business operations.
Featured materials
Who is Mixue?, Momentum Works
Bubble tea in Southeast Asia, Momentum Works -
Last night, Sea group published their 2023 Q4 and FY results, announcing its first profitable year. The market had mixed feelings - stock price fluctuated the first trading day post-results, and eventually closed with a 5% increase in share prices.
During the earnings call, Sea executives reiterated the group's dedication to deepening its moat in the region to maintain its position as a market leader in the region. But what exactly is its moat?
Join us in this latest episode as we delve into Sea Group's latest financial results, investor reactions, and explore the rationale behind Shopee's confidence in its guidance of a high teens growth rate, even in the ever-changing ecommerce landscape in the region. -
In Luckin Coffeeâs latest 2023 Q4 report, the company revealed that it opened 2,975 stores in Q4 - almost 1,000 stores every month. The report also unveiled that Luckin has overtaken Starbucks in terms of sales in China. But is Starbucks genuinely their primary competitor in China? If not, who holds the title of Luckin's main competitor in China? In this episode, we are joined by our in-house coffee expert, Weihan. Together, we dive into:The rationale and methodologies driving the rapid expansions of both Luckin and Cotti;Luckinâs success in digitalisation and data collection, as well as the feasibility of other brands replicating such a model;Some key considerations for coffee (or F&B) brands as they expand out of China into Southeast Asia. Featured materials:Coffee in Southeast Asia, Momentum WorksSip, Innovate, Repeat: Immersive Workshop, Momentum AcademyWe did a poll with 1,300 community members on Luckinâs performance in Singapore, TheLowDownLuckinâs latest Singapore outlet mirrors its China stores, TheLowDownâDisgracedâ Luckin founder started a new coffee chain in China, TheLowDown
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Grab recently published their 2023 Q4 and FY results, and during its earnings call, COO Alex Hungate confirmed that Grab is not pursuing acquiring FoodPanda. This aligns with Delivery Hero, FoodPanda’s parent, announcement earlier last week that acquisition talks for Foodpanda in Southeast Asia had collapsed.
Why did Grab give up on the potential acquisition of FoodPanda? Was the €1 billion price tag for FoodPanda (that German media quoted) not the "right price" for Grab?
Tune into this latest episode where we dive into the considerations behind Grab’s decision, examine the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, and discuss what’s next for Foodpanda in the region.
Featured materials:
Grab is buying back shares, but not Foodpanda?
Our thoughts on Grab’s 2023 Q4 and Full Year results
Food delivery platforms in Southeast Asia 2024 -
China's live commerce industry is not just big—it's a trillion-dollar powerhouse with a vast ecosystem, encompassing MCNs, enablers, logistics, and more.
With only a month away from Momentum Works upcoming live commerce immersion in Shenzhen, China (where participants will have will visit/meet key players in this ecosystem), we wanted to address some common questions we’ve received from interested participants, as well as share insights into the ecosystem and trends of live commerce in China.
Tune into this latest episode where we uncover the driving forces behind China's live commerce boom, explore its potential in the US and Southeast Asia, and contemplate the future and influence of AI in this space.
Featured materials:
Live Commerce Immersion, Momentum Academy
Live commerce in Southeast Asia report, Momentum Works
How did this company reach $280m sales in Live commerce?, The Low Down
Why are AI virtual hosts not yet dominant in live commerce?, The Low Down -
Omar Kassim joins us in the latest episode of the Impulso podcast in a candid discussion about the current dynamics of the venture and investment ecosystem in the Middle East.
With over a decade of experiences in venture and investment in the region, Omar has many insights into the appealing yet mysterious market and ecosystem of the Middle East.
Join us as we dive into:
How the two major economies, UAE and Saudi Arabia differentiate in their strategy and compete with each other
The Middle East’s investment and venture capital landscapes
The unique challenges faced by both local and global companies operating in the region
The region's potential for growth and development - Se mer
