The success rate of an influencer can be drilled down to several factors. While there is no fixed formula for success, certain factors generally play a significant role in determining an influencer’s success rate.

Firstly, the quality of content produced by an influencer is crucial. It should be engaging, unique, and resonate with the target audience. High-quality content is more likely to attract and retain followers, ultimately leading to a higher success rate.

Engagement and interaction also play a vital role. Successful influencers actively engage with their audience by responding to comments and messages and participating in discussions. Building a community and fostering relationships with followers increases engagement and develops loyalty.

In addition to content creation, influencers need to have business savviness. Understanding the business side of their industry, including negotiations, contracts, and branding, can significantly contribute to their success. Knowing how to effectively monetise their influence and manage partnerships is essential for achieving a higher overall success rate.

Why brands should tap into influencer marketing in Indonesia

Influencers in Indonesia are categorised by follower count and are split into end-users (100 – 1,000 followers), nano-influencers (1,000 – 10,000 followers), micro-influencers (10,000 – 100,000 followers), followed macro-influencers (100,000 – 1,000,000 followers), and finally mega-influencers (over 1 million followers) in 2023.

Also Read: How can influencer marketing help the travel industry in a post pandemic world

Influencer marketing has evolved beyond its initial purpose of engaging and raising awareness among target audiences. It now plays a significant role in creating trends and driving various marketing strategies.

These include influencers expanding into video content, affiliate programs, and live shopping experiences, which present new and compelling opportunities for brands to connect with their target audiences.

According to the State of Influence Report 22/23, brands in Indonesia, particularly in the food and drink, fashion and beauty, lifestyle and home, and entertainment and hobbies industries, utilise influencer marketing as an effective way to reach their desired audience.

Besides selecting appropriate influencers, brands should also be aware of their objectives when running an influencer marketing campaign, which includes choosing the right social media platform.

Based on the same report, Instagram dominated the market in Indonesia, accounting for 69.9 per cent of total influencer marketing campaigns. Additionally, TikTok has quickly gained popularity, with nearly 1 in 4 campaigns delivered through the AnyTag platform in the past year.

Influencer marketing is a collaborative effort between the brand and the influencer. By maintaining strong relationships, providing value to the influencer and their audience, and tracking results, brands can harness the power of influencer marketing to effectively reach and engage their target audience.

Is your brand ready?

—

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic

Join our e27 Telegram group, FB community, or like the e27 Facebook page

Image credit: Canva Pro

The post Influencer marketing strategies: Driving engagement and reach in Indonesia appeared first on e27.

Last week, PepsiCo announced the 10 startup finalists for its inaugural Greenhouse Accelerator Program -Sustainability Edition in APAC. These startups came from various countries across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, including China, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore.

“PepsiCo’s collaboration with the ten startup finalists in the APAC Greenhouse Accelerator Program marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward responsible growth and environmental stewardship. By embracing innovative solutions and integrating sustainability across our operations, we aim to redefine industry norms and inspire the next generation of business leaders to drive positive change,” said Wern Yuen Tan, CEO of PepsiCo, APAC, in a press statement.

These startups were the results of an open call that PepsiCo did in March when it sought innovative solutions for sustainable packaging and climate reduction. A committee of leaders within PepsiCo selected the finalists based on their ability to deliver innovative solutions that effectively mitigate climate impact.

They will receive valuable support, including US$20,000 in grants during the four-month business optimisation programme designed to accelerate their growth. They will also benefit from personalised mentorship from experts across different functional areas within PepsiCo.

At the end of the program, one standout startup will be awarded an additional US$100,000 and the opportunity to continue partnering with PepsiCo on future projects.

Also Read: Collaboration with corporates plays a crucial role in climate tech startups’ success

The programme includes a list of four startups from countries in Southeast Asia, from Singapore to Thailand to Vietnam. The following is an email interview with the startups that e27 has done.

MEDS Venture

MEDS Venture provides end-to-end decarbonisation solutions for industries through the combination of the extensive energy industry and EPCM experience of its founding partners and digital platform DECAPLAN originated at Energy Research Institute @ NTU.

This combination allows MEDS Venture to deliver carbon footprint assessment and verification; net zero master planning and solutions; tender and green financing management; turn-key implementation management; net zero operations optimisation; and carbon footprint reduction verification and certification.

The company focuses on market segments that are known to be large energy consumers with electric and thermal loads, including infrastructure, manufacturing, and smart districts.

“At the moment, MEDS Venture is working based on a consulting business model, using DECAPLAN as an internal tool to deliver projects. However, we are also working on further DECAPLAN improvement in order to make it a stand-alone SaaS platform,” the company explains.

MEDS Venture has recently completed two major projects, and it considered being selected by PepsiCo as one of its key milestones.

“Our plans for this year include the development of DECAPLAN Light, which should become our first SaaS version, expansion to new APAC markets and to new industries such as F&B, which is perfectly aligned with PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator APAC Program since we will be closely working with PepsiCo mentors to learn about F&B business and processes, identify a pilot project in APAC region and based on these learnings improve DECAPLAN.”

Also Read: How climate tech companies in Asia measure the impact of their work

Green2Get

Green2Get describes its product as a circular economy platform that aims to revolutionise the way stakeholders in the recycling value chain connect and collaborate.

“The problem we address is the lack of a seamless and efficient solution for consumers, recyclers, and brands to promote sustainable recycling. We connect consumers with recycling centres through our user-friendly Green2Get app, provide recyclers with a marketplace for new waste types through the Hero Recycle app, and enable brands to communicate directly with consumers for responsible waste management,” the company explains.

Its revenue model is based on transaction fees between recyclers (“junk shop”) and recycling factories, as well as brand partnerships and sponsorship opportunities. By facilitating transactions and providing marketing opportunities, the company generates revenue while driving the circular economy forward.

Regarding the different types of users of their platform: “Consumers are attracted to our app’s user-friendly interface and the rewards they can earn through responsible recycling. Recyclers join our platform to expand their client base and gain access to new waste types. Brands utilise our platform to communicate directly with consumers and enhance their green image. We acquired our users through a combination of targeted marketing efforts, partnerships with recycling centres, and word-of-mouth referrals.”

Some of the milestones that Green2Get has made include over 30,000 downloads of its Green2Get app, partnerships with more than 1,000 recycling centres, and engagement with numerous brands.

“We aim to streamline the recycling process further, introduce new tools for junk shops, and attract more brands to join our platform. Participating in this programme [with PepsiCo] will provide us with valuable mentorship, coaching, and connections to industry experts. It will accelerate our growth, help us refine our strategies, and provide access to resources that can support our plans for expansion and impact.”

Also Read: How to navigate the investment opportunity in climate tech sector

Muuse

“At Muuse, we provide a convenient alternative to disposable packaging: a smart platform for reusable packaging that allows for optimised inventory management and accurate impact data. With our platform, we make it easier to reduce or even eliminate disposable packaging!” the company explains.

Muuse works directly with corporates, cafes, food courts, and event organisers to bring reusable packaging to their customers. It charges a monthly service fee which allows them to use the Muuse platform, either by using the Muuse reusables or integrating their own branded items into the platform. It also provides logistics and cleaning services, return infrastructure, and smart data analysis where required and works with strategic partners to help them build out reuse platforms for their communities.

“We provide our reuse platform in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Toronto. Our users are people who are looking for convenient and easy ways to reduce their waste footprint. We aim to make the reuse experience as seamless as possible for them: our service is free to use, and there is no need for cash deposits. Most of our users hear about us from the clients we work with, which are often their offices or workplaces, their favourite coffee spots, their neighbourhood food court, or their friends and family!”

There are several milestones that Muuse made this year, including a strategic partnership with Starbucks in Hong Kong and a hawker centre programme with the Singapore Government.

“Our plan this year is to accelerate growth in our three core markets and build out our brand partnerships. Through the Greenhouse Accelerator, we aim to work with PepsiCo to build out a reuse model to serve their clients best. It will help us tap into PepsiCo’s experience and expertise in the F&B industry and help us modify our model where necessary to reduce as much disposable waste from the trash as possible.”

Also Read: Preference for green jobs is the “most exciting” climate tech development: Lightspeed

HRK Group

HRK Group is the company behind Aquaflex, a water-soluble plastic technology made in Vietnam. Made from PVA, a non-toxic synthetic polymer, Aquaflex is a recyclable, biodegradable, compostable, marine-safe, and animal-safe alternative to traditional plastics.

“Our PVA PRO tech combined with paper and finished with a beautiful eco-friendly water-based printing, is a perfect packaging solution for the circular economy,” the company explains. “It comes in rolls for auto-packing lines or in preformed bags that performed well and remains 100 per cent recyclable in the normal paper recycling stream making it a unique solution for the circular economy.”

Implementing a direct sales model to businesses, Aquaflex users are businesses in various industries–from farming to retailers to e-commerce companies–that are looking for better packaging and have an eco-friendly conscience. The company has secured big-name clients that include L’Oreal, Decathlon, PepsiCo, and Takashimaya.

“We came up with this idea because we saw a need for a better packaging solution that is more sustainable. We knew that many businesses were struggling to find a good solution, and we saw an opportunity to solve their problem and make a difference in this world for a better society.”

This year, HRK Group aims to expand its business and raise funding to increase its production capacity. It also wants to reach 100 employees by the end of the year.

Also Read: How Third Derivative assesses the impact of a potential climate tech investment

“Participation in this programme will help us achieve our goals in a number of ways. First, we will have the opportunity to connect with other businesses that are working to reduce plastic pollution. This will give us a chance to learn from each other and share resources. Second, we will have the opportunity to meet with PepsiCo, one of the world’s leading FMCG companies. This will give us the chance to pitch our product to them and hopefully secure a partnership,” the company says.

“Third, we will have the chance to receive mentorship from experts in the field of sustainable packaging. This will give us valuable advice and guidance as we grow our business. Together we have a chance to tackle plastic pollution and give a real dynamic, starting a needed change in the supply chain to build a sustainable industry.”

—

Image Credit: Nik on Unsplash

The post Meet the 4 SEA startups of PepsiCo’s climate tech accelerator programme appeared first on e27.

In a riveting interview with the visionary leaders at OpenAI, CEO Sam Altman and CTO Mira Murati, profound insights were revealed that shed light on the transformative power and potential risks of artificial intelligence (AI), a technology that has taken the world by storm.

According to recent statistics, the global AI market size is projected to reach a staggering US$190 billion by 2025, with industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail embracing AI-driven solutions to drive efficiency and innovation. With AI technologies becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives, it is imperative to delve deeper into the implications and possibilities they present.

This interview provided a unique opportunity to gain invaluable perspectives on AI’s exponential growth and its impact on society while also addressing the critical need for responsible and ethical AI development.

Here are the key takeaways from this thought-provoking discussion:

• The CEO, Altman, expressed a nuanced sense of apprehension regarding the enormity of what has been built. It is a sentiment that resonates with us all, as the implications of AI’s capabilities are both awe-inspiring and potentially daunting. However, rather than allowing this fear to cripple us, it should serve as a catalyst to empower us in our pursuit of responsible and beneficial AI development.
• Acknowledged as the pinnacle of human technological advancement, AI also carries the weight of being potentially the most dangerous creation thus far. The interview underscored the imperative for OpenAI to diligently establish appropriate boundaries, addressing the numerous challenges and potential pitfalls that lie ahead.

Also Read: Exploring AI capabilities for business advancement

• Despite the risks involved, the sheer magnitude of AI’s positive impact on society overwhelmingly outweighs the negative aspects, at least thus far. It is crucial not to stifle its progress due to unwarranted fears, as the benefits and opportunities it presents are vast and transformative.
• While AI models can provide valuable insights and guidance, complete reliance on their outputs should be avoided. Over time, dependency on AI for “correct” answers can undermine the critical thinking abilities of humans, making it essential for us to maintain a discerning perspective.
• AI’s true essence lies in its capacity for reasoning, surpassing mere regurgitation of facts or rote memorisation. It opens up new possibilities for intelligent problem-solving and creative exploration.
• The interview shed light on the challenges posed by the rapid pace of technological change. If the adoption of new technologies forces humans to adapt too quickly, significant pushback and resistance can be expected. To truly appreciate and harness the value of emerging technologies like AI, it is crucial to allow for time, experimentation, and gradual acclimation.
• The responsibility of establishing appropriate safeguards and regulations for AI rests with society as a whole rather than solely with companies or governments. Collaborative efforts are needed to define the right guardrails that can ensure AI’s responsible deployment and mitigate potential risks.
• The interview emphasized the importance of candidly addressing the downsides of AI. While certain jobs may become obsolete, new and better opportunities will arise. It is imperative for humanity to collectively strive for a brighter future while also acknowledging and addressing the impact on the current workforce.
• The interview raised the prospect of implementing temporary slowdowns in the progression of AI technology. Such measures would prevent overly rapid advancements that may lead to disruptive societal changes. Striking a balance between progress and the pace of change is vital for the well-being of humanity.

Also Read: How Salmon aims to promote financial inclusion with AI banking in the Philippines

• It was clarified that ChatGPT, a creation of OpenAI, should not be seen as a competitor to Google or approached merely as a search tool. Its true effectiveness lies in its ability to engage in meaningful conversations and provide personalised assistance beyond traditional search functionalities.
• Getting AI “right” and effectively navigating the associated risks were highlighted as paramount concerns for the future of humanity. A concerted effort must be made to develop AI technologies that are aligned with the broader interests and well-being of society.
• “Right” in the context of AI means ensuring that the majority of people perceive themselves as better off with the integration of AI into their lives. Striving for widespread benefit and improvement is a key metric of success.
• The interview dispelled notions of AI resembling the malevolent superintelligence depicted in science fiction movies like Skynet. AI, including ChatGPT, remains far from dystopian.

As we delve into the realm of AI, it is crucial to approach its development responsibly, with a keen understanding of the risks and rewards it presents. By fostering collaboration, addressing downsides, and striving for widespread benefit, we can shape an AI-powered future that enriches humanity rather than replaces it.

—

Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic

Join our e27 Telegram group, FB community, or like the e27 Facebook page

The post Captivating interview with OpenAI’s CEO and CTO: Insights and reflections appeared first on e27.

The world embraced digital means to survive the disruptions caused by COVID-19, mainly on the communications front. After the pandemic, communication platform-as-a-service (CPaaS) grew at a CAGR of over 10 per cent. Infobip, a cloud communication platform-as-a-service company, saw B2C communication grow 80 per cent on WhatsApp, 75 per cent in SMS, and 91 per cent in email in 2022 compared to 2021.

However, a 2022 survey by Workday found that the sudden frenetic pace of digital transformation triggered by the pandemic has started losing steam, and companies started putting off their digital transformation.

What caused the sudden change in things?

We spoke with Matija Kapic, Regional Director of Customer Services at Infobip, a full-stack, cloud communication platform-as-a-service, to understand about this trend.

Edited excerpts:

What caused the sudden slowdown of the pace of digital transformation globally? Why are companies putting off their digitalisation plans? Does it have anything to do with the economic slowdown?

In 2020, Workday reported that 36 per cent of companies expected digital transactions to account for 75 per cent or more of their revenues in the next three years. However, in 2021, only 13 per cent affirmed this, a mere 12 per cent increase from what was reported in 2019.

Additionally, most businesses that initially adopted a “fail fast” experimental mentality went from 77 per cent in 2020 to 53 per cent in 2021. Most (59 per cent) of businesses agree that changing to an automated business practice may take a considerable amount of time to have it properly in place, slowing down the transformation even further.

However, despite the challenges, companies are still keen to enhance their organisations’ capabilities further to meet the changing consumer behaviour.

Also Read: Cloud communication platforms: How to choose one for your business

B2C communication has moved from transaction-based messaging to end-to-end conversational journeys across multiple channels, and businesses will need fast and reliable ways to meet customers’ demands. With a reliable partner, these businesses will be able to acquire a solid omnichannel foundation and build rewarding conversational experiences.

In which specific sectors/industries do you see the trend?

At Infobip, we have seen the use of rich digital channels skyrocket. There have been 107 per cent more WhatsApp interactions, 2x more mobile app messaging interactions in retail and e-commerce, 3x more Messenger interactions in transportation and logistics, and 4x more RCS (rich communication services) interactions in the banking and finance sector that have taken place on our platform in 2022.

Most parts of the world have digitalised themselves in all aspects of their organisation. If the other industries are delaying this practice, there is a high chance they will fall behind in progress and business growth. Board leaders must act fast to get up to speed, overcome digital unfamiliarity, and not decline further.

How does it affect the global communications market in general?

If businesses refrain from adopting digitalisation, they will lose approximately US$145 billion of GDP growth. As mentioned before, the world is now digitalised, and there is a risk that they will lose their most valuable asset – their pool of customers.

It’s important to note that the B2C landscape has drastically changed and is becoming more competitive due to a need for faster one-to-one interactions. This is especially so when customers are engaging with brands that they favour.

The shift in communication preferences has led to industry-wide transformations, and at Infobip, we observe more conversational interactions day by day on various platforms.

If businesses are late to implement digitalisation in their communication channels, they will soon be out of touch with their target audience. They will also lose potential profits as a result of dwindling brand awareness.

When do you expect digitalisation to gain steam again? What factors will contribute to it?

Digital transformation is still complex for businesses to understand and acquires multi-layers of processes, especially after the impact of the pandemic. Even so, more and more brands have moved towards providing conversational experiences now more than ever.

It is vital to remember that digital transformation is beyond just technological implementation but a reformation of business processes and customer experiences. It automates customer communication while maintaining a sense of human touch through every interaction.

Such experiences are set up on various channels, utilising different features, functionalities and technologies to facilitate engagements between the brand and its customers.

Through the opportunities of 5G and cloud-based systems, we can see emerging markets in APAC becoming more driven by a rapid-growth mentality. This is mostly because customers are more than ready to adjust and quickly change their environment.

In effect, we specifically expect to see conversational experiences continuing to expand across sectors, from ride-sharing to healthcare as well as the public sector, as organisations try to become more open to such change and embrace a new conversational landscape through digitalisation. Businesses in Asia Pacific will soon pivot towards digitalisation to keep up and cater to the needs of their consumers.

Given the resumption of brick-and-mortar operations, should businesses maintain investment in customer contact centres (physical or virtual) or explore digital solutions alone?

Brick-and-mortar operations offer an “instant experience” where consumers can experience a “right now-right here” concept. However, it’s important to note that the customer journey will not end there – it will move beyond a customer’s first interaction with the brand and continue even after they have made the first purchase.

Also Read: Unlocking growth and retention: Harnessing the power of omnichannel communication strategies

With a growing e-commerce market, customers seek faster one-to-one engagements with their favourite brands.

In 2022, the average internet penetration in APAC alone was 62 per cent. This surge in digital availability has driven organisations to keep up with their customers’ varying needs and preferences, constantly evolving quickly. Because of this, taking up digital solutions allows businesses to seamlessly engage their target customers without fear of losing loyalty and visibility. Digital technologies also provide access to customer data – helping organisations better understand their customers and how they can offer new or improved services.

Based on a survey we’ve done in 2022, customers expect a uniquely personalised shopping experience. This is where businesses need to step in and reframe their approach to focus on improving and elevating the brand experience for their customers. A better experience can enable customers to make favourable decisions when businesses coordinate the buying journey to tailor fit their needs.

This is echoed by 30 per cent of our respondents that customers will become loyal to a brand thanks to personalised communication content.

Over 448 billion interactions took place on the Infobip platform, and in 2022, we found that the most popular two-channel combination used was SMS and WhatsApp (29 per cent), followed by SMS and email (14 per cent). Businesses can greatly benefit from implementing digital solutions to meet growing demands by identifying the right methods and platforms to contact consumers.

Are SaaS and CPaaS cost-efficient solutions for businesses to improve customer service to drive scalable growth or fear digitalisation?

It is no secret that businesses today are expected to be present on multiple channels to engage with their customers effectively. Implementing SaaS and CPaaS allows businesses to manage these different touchpoints seamlessly and deliver a more consistent and personalised experience to their customers – no matter where they are and what platform they choose to be in.

Providers like Infobip offer a service that covers multiple channels on a single platform – meaning instant access to all the communication methods that are readily available without spending unnecessary time and expense of building the system from scratch. This allows the organisation to focus on its core operations with the peace of mind that it comes with no further costs and resources.

Businesses can unlock unparalleled customer experiences when they work with the right partner. For example, our platform enables brands to kick-start their conversational commerce journey through omnichannel capabilities, an ecosystem-first approach, integration of ICT systems, and speed and agility supported by use cases that drive business growth.

Solutions like these are highly customisable as they can cater to a wide range of business needs resulting in increased customer satisfaction and loyalty. It simplifies communication workflows for businesses that, make the management of internal and external communications easier and smoother.

Adopting CPaaS and SaaS is an effective way for businesses to deliver conversational experiences. For example, about 20 per cent of global organisations today use CPaaS APIs to enhance their digital competitiveness, and by 2023, Gartner foresees that nearly 90 per cent of organisations will use CPaaS. We at Infobip have seen CPaaS traffic double in 2022 compared to 2021.

—

Fundraising or preparing your startup for fundraising? Build your investor network, search from 400+ SEA investors on e27, and get connected or get insights regarding fundraising. Try e27 Pro for free today

The post Is there a sudden slowdown of the pace of digital transformation globally? appeared first on e27.

Singapore-based Apeiron Bioenergy, which converts food and agricultural waste into biodiesel, has secured SG$50 million (US$37 million) by issuing green bonds to organisations, including CGIF, a trust fund of the Asian Development Bank, and an ASEAN+3 initiative to develop local currency bond markets.

Apeiron will use the fresh funds for modernising the collection points and pre-treatment facilities of waste-based feedstocks in the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Also Read: Solarad.ai can forecast accurate energy generation for solar plants, battery storage

Founded in 2007, Apeiron Bioenergy collects and recycles waste to use it as feedstocks for producing biodiesel and renewable diesel. Its first product is UCO, a clean waste-based feedstock for biofuel production. It is a major feedstock for renewable biodiesel products like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The firm collaborates with local communities and collects waste from restaurants, hotels, and food manufacturers.

Apeiron’s strategic advantage lies in its extensive network of suppliers across Asia, providing an opportunity to address the bottleneck in feedstock availability and establish itself as the central hub for consolidating waste-based biofuel feedstocks in the region, in line with the projected 42 per cent compound annual growth rate of the SAF market.

“We are delighted by the overwhelming response to our green bond issuance supported by CGIF, demonstrating strong investor confidence and our shared mission with the Asian Development Bank. This will allow Apeiron to expand our operations and maintain our position as a leader in the bioenergy sector,” said Chris Chen, Co-Founder of Apeiron.

—

Fundraising or preparing your startup for fundraising? Build your investor network, search from 400+ SEA investors on e27, and get connected or get insights regarding fundraising. Try e27 Pro for free today

Image credit: Canva Pro

The post Apeiron raises US$37M to convert food and agricultural waste into biodiesel appeared first on e27.