Dear Pro members,

A new DealStreetAsia study reveals that about 67 per cent of Southeast Asia’s venture capital firms don’t have a single female investment decision-maker (the one with authority to lead deals and sign cheques). 

The startup industry has long been highly male-dominated. Women are massively under-represented among VC investors. A recent Harvard Business Review report found that women account for less than 15% of check-writers globally. This has often resulted in companies founded solely by women receiving less than 3% of all VC investments.  

In a recent interview with e27, Delta Blockchain Fund Founder and Managing Partner Kavita Gupta revealed that she had to work extra hard to earn her seat at the companies she previously worked for. 

This is changing, and more women are joining VC firms as partners, although they are not the decision-makers. More female representation in the highest decision-making body is the need of the hour as globally, an increasing number of women is diving into the startup world and seeking investments. This way, the gender gap in the startup world could be filled to a certain extent.

Today’s Ecosystem Roundup also has several exciting articles.

Have a nice day.

Sainul,
Editor.

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Not a single female chequewriter at 67% of SEA’s VC firms
While a cause for concern, the figure is still an improvement from 2022, when about 77% of investors lacked a single female chequewriter.

Zalora raises US$32.6M from parent GFG
Global Fashion Group (GFC) connects a population of 800M+ with thousands of brands through three established e-commerce platforms Zalora, Dafiti, and THE ICONIC.

Thai crypto exchange Bitkub raises fresh US$17.8M
The investor is local game publisher Asphere Innovations; Bitkub will use the money to expand its digital asset services in Thailand, a country where over 6.2M people owned crypto as of last year.

SEA firms to increase AI spending by 67% in 2023: report
The proportion of APAC businesses using AI in their operations jumped from 39% in 2020 and 2021 to 76% last year, according to an IDC InfoBrief commissioned by Dataiku.

SG yellow biotech startup Ento Industries raises funding
Ento leverages Black Soldier Flies to help address the growing food waste problem; It upcycles food waste to produce a sustainable protein suitable for farm animal and pet feeds.

China’s Shein files for US IPO, sources say
The stock market debut could make the fashion e-tailer the most valuable Chinese company to go public in the US since Didi Global listed in New York in 2021 at a US$68B valuation.

Rebel Foods eyes US$100M in revenue in Saudi expansion
Rebel Foods hopes to operate 60 cloud kitchens by the end of this year and has partnered with Dubai-headquartered cloud kitchen operator KitchenPark and Saudi-based Kitch.

Good Capital launches US$50M fund to back AI startups in India
The fund aims to invest in AI startups in India that are using the tech in areas such as distribution, personalisation, and business operations; The cheque size is up to US$1.5M.

Romanian firm Bitdefender to acquire Singapore’s Horangi Cyber Security
Horangi offers a cloud-native solution that secures critical cloud infra for enterprises across all major public cloud platforms.

Thai insurtech firm Roojai buys FWD General Insurance
Singaporean insurtech unicorn Bolttech owns FWD General Insurance; The deal will allow Roojai to boost its market share in Thailand with a joint portfolio of over US$50M in annual premiums.

Singaporeans to embrace AI-enhanced, immersive dining by 2040: report
Called “Snack to the Future,” the Deliveroo report predicts a shift toward personalized diets, with the emergence of “Me-ganism” as the mainstream dietary approach surpassing the popularity of the ketogenic diet.

Founders of Jirnexu step down from executive roles
Hann Liew was an executive director, while Lucas Ooi was corporate development director; Jirnexu provides tools and advice to its users and helps banks and insurance companies streamline their application processes.

British crypto exchange Blofin enters Vietnam
The exchange is customising its services to cater to the specific language and requirements of the local population; With 21% of its population reportedly owning cryptocurrencies, Vietnam has emerged as a global leader in cryptocurrency adoption.

Meet the 25 investors that invested in AI startups in SEA in 2023 so far
With AI fast becoming the most popular tech tool in the new era, we look at the investors that invested in SEA’s AI startups in 2023.

How to build customer trust with improved data privacy
Protecting customer data privacy is paramount for cultivating consumer trust and ensuring business operations run smoothly.

Sustainable solutions for energy-intensive data centres in humid SG
Addressing the environmental impact of energy-intensive data centres is crucial for ensuring a more sustainable future.

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Artificial Intelligence has become a transformative force in various industries, and marketing is no exception. With its ability to analyse vast amounts of data, personalise experiences, and predict consumer behaviour, AI is revolutionising the way businesses approach marketing strategies.

In this article, we will explore the various aspects of AI in marketing and its potential to revolutionise the industry.

Enhancing customer segmentation

Customer segmentation involves dividing a target audience into distinct groups based on shared characteristics, preferences, and behaviours. AI plays a crucial role in enhancing customer segmentation by analysing vast amounts of data and identifying patterns that human analysis might overlook.

AI algorithms can process and analyse diverse data sources, including demographic information, purchasing behaviour, browsing history, social media interactions, and more. By examining this data, AI algorithms can uncover hidden patterns and insights that help businesses understand their customers better.

With AI-powered customer segmentation, businesses can go beyond basic demographics and create more nuanced and dynamic customer profiles.

Hyper-targeted advertising campaigns

Hyper-targeted advertising campaigns take personalisation a step further by delivering highly relevant and customised content to individual customers. AI enables businesses to create hyper-targeted campaigns by leveraging the insights gained from customer segmentation.

AI algorithms can analyse customer data in real time and make instantaneous decisions regarding the delivery of ads. This allows businesses to deliver personalised ads that match the specific interests, preferences, and needs of individual customers.

Also Read: AI-powered legal solutions: Revolutionising the future of law practice

Through hyper-targeted advertising campaigns, businesses can reach the right audience at the right time with the right message. AI algorithms can dynamically optimise ad placements, adjust bidding strategies, and select the most suitable ad formats based on individual customer behaviour and preferences.

Predictive analytics and decision making

Data-driven insights

AI algorithms can process large volumes of data and extract valuable insights. By analysing consumer behaviour, market trends, and competitor activities, marketers can gain a deeper understanding of their target audience and make informed decisions. These data-driven insights help businesses refine their marketing campaigns, allocate resources effectively, and stay ahead of the competition.

Forecasting Consumer Behaviour

AI-powered predictive analytics enables businesses to anticipate consumer behaviour and trends. By analysing historical data and identifying patterns, AI algorithms can generate accurate forecasts regarding customer preferences, purchase patterns, and market demand. This foresight allows marketers to tailor their strategies proactively and deliver relevant experiences, driving higher conversion rates and revenue.

Content creation and curation

Automated content generation

AI algorithms can generate content automatically, reducing the time and effort required for content creation. From generating product descriptions to writing blog posts, AI-powered content generation tools can produce high-quality, SEO-optimised content at scale. This enables marketers to meet the ever-increasing demand for content without compromising quality.

Content recommendations and personalised experiences

AI algorithms can analyse user preferences, browsing behaviour, and historical data to provide personalised content recommendations. By understanding individual user interests, AI-powered platforms can curate content that resonates with each user, increasing engagement and driving conversions. This personalised approach enhances the user experience and fosters long-term customer relationships.

Considerations in implementing in-house enterprise walled garden

Whilst OpenAI and ChatGPT are suitable for casual queries, most enterprises will not be comfortable exposing their confidential marketing strategies and campaigns on open platforms. The term “In-House Enterprise Walled Garden” refers to an approach where businesses establish their own AI infrastructure, data systems, and analytics capabilities internally. Instead of relying solely on external AI platforms or solutions, organisations develop their AI capabilities to create a closed ecosystem within their marketing operations. Here are some key considerations for implementation:

Also Read: Unleashing the power of specialised AI startups in the era of generative AI

Business alignment and data management

Firstly, alignment with business objectives is crucial. The LLM should be designed to support specific marketing goals, whether that’s customer engagement, conversion rate optimisation, or something else entirely. Next is data management. LLMs are data-driven by nature and necessitate a robust, secure, and compliant system for handling vast volumes of data.

Integration and scalability

Integration capabilities are another significant factor. The LLM must seamlessly integrate with other tools and systems in the tech stack, including CRM, analytics platforms, and more. Scalability is also essential. As the business grows, the LLM needs to scale along with it, accommodating larger data volumes and increasingly complex analytical tasks.

Privacy, compliance and maintenance

Additionally, privacy and compliance concerns cannot be ignored. With data privacy regulations becoming increasingly stringent, the LLM must be designed to comply with all relevant laws and guidelines. Lastly, the ongoing maintenance and support of the LLM are important considerations. Regular updates and improvements will be necessary to keep the system running smoothly and to adapt to changing marketing needs and technologies.

By adopting the In-House Enterprise Walled Garden approach, businesses gain greater control and customisation over their AI initiatives. They can tailor AI algorithms and models specific to their unique marketing needs, aligning them closely with their business objectives and strategies. This level of customisation enables organisations to leverage AI in a way that seamlessly integrates with their existing marketing systems and processes.

Implementing the In-House Enterprise Walled Garden approach requires a dedicated investment in talent, infrastructure, and ongoing development. Organisations need to build a team of skilled AI professionals who can develop, maintain, and optimise AI capabilities internally.

Final thoughts

Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a transformative force in the marketing industry. Its ability to analyse data, personalise experiences, and optimise strategies has revolutionised the way businesses approach marketing. From enhanced customer segmentation to AI-powered chatbots, predictive analytics, and automated content generation, AI is reshaping every aspect of marketing.

The future of AI in marketing holds exciting possibilities, promising hyper-personalisation, voice-activated marketing, and immersive experiences. By leveraging AI effectively, businesses can unlock new levels of customer engagement, conversion rates, and ROI.

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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

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At e27, we believe in fostering thought leadership and providing a platform for talented individuals to share their expertise and unique viewpoints. The Contributor Programme serves as a channel for passionate voices to contribute to the broader conversation surrounding entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation.

We are thrilled to present the weekly compilation of articles published through our Contributor Programme. This curated collection brings together a wealth of diverse and insightful perspectives from our community, offering a fresh lens on emerging trends, industry insights, and thought-provoking ideas.

Why Japanese startups are interested in the Southeast Asian market

“South East Asia offers a great opportunity for Japanese startups to expand. With a large population, supportive governments, and low costs of entry, the region is an attractive proposition for ambitious startups looking to tap into the potential of its markets. Japanese startups are increasingly taking advantage of the region’s opportunities, propelling the growth of their businesses and strengthening Japan’s regional influence.”

Marketing and Operations Director at Rainmaking, Meghan Bridges’ byline explores the rising interest of Japanese startups in the Southeast Asian market. It also showcases the success stories of Japanese startups in Southeast Asia, highlighting their strategies and key growth factors and offering insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by Japanese startups expanding into this dynamic market.

Sustainable solutions for energy-intensive data centres in humid Singapore

“Prioritising sustainability in operations and regulations is crucial for reducing data centres’ carbon footprint and energy consumption. By embracing sustainable practices, data centres can reduce costs and improve efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable future for all. Data centre operators and policymakers can help shape a more eco-conscious and responsible digital landscape in Singapore and beyond.”

Chief Commercial Officer at Iceotope Technologies, Nathan Blom’s byline introduces sustainable solutions for energy-intensive data centres in humid Singapore, specifically addressing the challenges of maintaining efficient operations in a high-humidity environment. It also delves into innovative approaches aimed at reducing energy consumption, optimising cooling systems, and maximising the utilisation of renewable energy sources.

How to build customer trust with improved data privacy

“Protecting customer data privacy is paramount for cultivating consumer trust and ensuring business operations run smoothly. A brand that conveys strong security measures is more likely to foster customer trust and develop a solid reputation.”

Features Editor at ReHack, Zachary Amos’s byline emphasizes the importance of data privacy in building customer trust. It also explores strategies for enhancing data privacy practices, including transparent data handling, obtaining informed consent, implementing secure storage, and complying with regulations.

AI revolution in marketing: Transforming the way businesses connect with customers

“Artificial Intelligence has become a transformative force in various industries, and marketing is no exception. With its ability to analyse vast amounts of data, personalise experiences, and predict consumer behaviour, AI is revolutionising the way businesses approach marketing strategies.”

Expert Venture Builder, Strategic Advisor at KingSwap and Technicorum Holdings, Malcolm Tan’s byline delves into the AI revolution in marketing, highlighting how it is reshaping customer-business connections and transforming marketing strategies. It also explores the benefits of AI-powered tools and techniques, such as personalised recommendations, chatbots, and predictive analytics, in enhancing customer engagement and driving business growth.

The checkout revolution: Transforming transactions into brand experiences

“But a smooth end-to-end customer journey is not only within reach of the super apps with huge teams at their disposal. Retailers of any size should consider establishing strong partnerships with payment providers or platforms that can support them in establishing and automating a seamless end-to-end customer experience.”

Head of Sales (APAC) at Primer, Kailash Madan’s byline, explores how businesses are revolutionising the traditional checkout process to create memorable brand experiences and highlight the shift from transactional-focused interactions to customer-centric experiences that leave a lasting impression. The article delves into various strategies, such as seamless digital payments, personalised recommendations, and interactive technologies, that are transforming the checkout journey.

Breaking the myth: The reality of social entrepreneurs and their business approach

“Your social enterprise must also be able to put a clear offering in front of that banker. They get this if they pay this. But they get more if they pay more. The question is, ‘What’s in it for them?’ And the only way to answer it is to think about market value and business opportunity.”

Business Coach and Co-Founder of Impactified, Antoine Martin’s byline challenges common misconceptions surrounding social entrepreneurs and explores the realities of their unique business approach. It also sheds light on how social entrepreneurs balance social impact with sustainable business practices, debunking the notion that they prioritise one over the other.

Web3 needs novel prevention tools for novel attack vectors: AI saves the day

“The Web3 community must thus rethink threat detection and prevention. It’s high time to build and adopt innovative, problem-specific solutions. Leveraging AI and ML is crucial. But it also requires understanding Web3’s unique security concerns and where it currently stands concerning cybersecurity.”

Guest Lecturer at Sydney University, Luke Fitzpatrick’s byline explores the evolving landscape of Web3 and the need for innovative prevention tools to address emerging attack vectors. By harnessing the power of AI, Web3 platforms can enhance security measures and ensure a safer environment for users. The article also emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of novel attack vectors and leveraging AI as a key defence mechanism.

Embracing AI’s promise: Navigating the future of marketing

“As the dawn breaks on the digital age, marketers face a horizon gleaming with the promise of Artificial Intelligence. For Temus, an upstart in the fast-evolving business of digital transformation, the future of marketing is a captivating narrative — a story of transformation, unprecedented possibilities, and discerning navigation through uncharted territory.”

Director at Temus, Marcus Loh’s byline explores the transformative impact of AI on marketing, highlighting its potential for personalised experiences and improved campaign optimisation. The article also discusses the challenges and opportunities that arise with AI adoption, emphasizing the need for marketers to understand AI’s capabilities and ethical considerations.

Do cards have the opportunity to flourish in Southeast Asia’s digital payment services landscape?

“As the region continues to evolve, the adoption of cards has the potential to transcend limitations and redefine financial inclusion, providing consumers with convenience and security while fostering economic development. With the right mix of innovation, collaboration, and regulatory support, Southeast Asia can unlock the true potential of card adoption, empowering businesses and individuals.”

Founder and CEO of Ayoconnect, Jakob Rost’s byline examines the role of cards in the rapidly evolving digital payment services landscape of Southeast Asia. It also discusses the factors contributing to the growth of digital payments in the region and explores whether traditional cards can still thrive amidst the rise of mobile wallets and alternative payment methods.

Is generative AI the game-changer for productivity?

“As we integrate Gen AI more deeply into our lives, we must remain mindful of its limitations and potential pitfalls, striking a balance between leveraging the benefits of AI and preserving the irreplaceable value of human ingenuity.”

Senior Content Strategist at Insignia Ventures Partner, Paulo Joquino’s byline explores the potential of generative AI in revolutionising productivity across various industries. It also delves into how generative AI technologies, such as natural language processing and computer vision, can automate and augment creative tasks, streamline workflows, and generate novel solutions.

How to create harmony between work and life as a Founder

“Achieving work-life balance is an ongoing process that requires regular assessment and adjustment. It’s important to be kind to yourself and prioritise self-care as you work towards achieving a healthy balance between your work and personal life. And yes, I have pivoted many times!”

Co-Founder and Managing Partner at PeopleKult, Ivan Palomino’s byline provides insights and practical tips on achieving a healthy balance between work and personal life for founders. It also explores the challenges faced by founders in managing their time and priorities effectively and offers strategies for setting boundaries, practising self-care, and fostering a supportive work environment.

Rewriting the creation process of ad creatives using generative AI

“I want to highlight that generative AI tools provide value to the creative production process not so much by replacing the human, mechanical efforts involved in asset creation but rather by mitigating the risks associated with human biases when determining which specific creative elements outperform others because these processes will be led by unemotional machines.”

Founder at Atria, Ray Jang’s byline explores the transformative potential of generative AI in revolutionising the creation process of advertising creatives. It also delves into how generative AI technologies can automate and enhance the ad creation process, enabling marketers to generate unique and compelling content at scale.

Discover TikTok Shop: The ultimate shopping-entertainment experience in Vietnam

“Experts say that social commerce is the future of retail. The combination of social media, video, and e-commerce has made shopping more fun and interactive. This is a two-way interaction between buyers and sellers, instead of one-way from sellers like current e-commerce platforms.”

Co-Founder and CEO at Adamo Software, Kevin Nguyen’s byline introduces TikTok Shop and explores how it is revolutionising the shopping experience in Vietnam. It also highlights the unique combination of entertainment and e-commerce on the TikTok platform, allowing users to discover and purchase products seamlessly.

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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 Contributor corner: Weekly round-up of e27’s latest insights and perspectives appeared first on e27.