This prestigious startup competition X-PITCH has earned its reputation as one of the most challenging pitching competitions in the world. The program serves as a dynamic arena where visionary entrepreneurs battle it out for recognition, accolades, and investments that can help shape the future of their respective companies. From the adrenaline-charged intensity of 15-second pitches to the artful precision of 60-second presentations and the comprehensive mastery of 3-minute showcases, every moment is an opportunity for participants to capture the attention and the interest of prospect investors and other ecosystem stakeholders.

In the past iterations of X-PITCH, the 60-second showdown has been held in the most unconventional settings including TAIPEI 101’s high-speed elevator, self-driving car and even MRT, whisking contenders skyward as they delivered their game-changing concepts.

This year, X-PITCH is transcending boundaries, making its triumphant debut in the vibrant cityscape of Singapore, one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after hotspots for startup tech entrepreneurship. In the 2023 edition of the program, the pitching competition finds its unique stage aboard Singapore’s iconic bumboats, drifting past the gaze of a thousand city lights.

Also read: Engage your peers in roundtable discussions at Flux Series

Throbbing at the heart of this year’s X-PITCH is its theme, “Accelerating Deeptech”. In the wake of the pandemic, this theme resonates across the globe, inspiring innovators and thinkers committed to tackling challenges and shaping a future marked by positive societal impact and sustainable progress. Participating startups have a clear goal: to leverage the potential of technology in four key categories: sustainability (clean energy, cleantech, and circular economy projects), advanced manufacturing (robotics, automation, digital twins, AI, and machine learning-driven manufacturing), healthcare, and the digital economy (cybersecurity, Web3 technology, computer vision, and more).

X-PITCH believes that emerging technologies supporting and operating in these key areas help open up a world of possibilities that extend far beyond this competition. Essentially, participants who excel in these areas are already pioneers, ready to influence the digital landscape of tomorrow.

Exciting startups to expect from X-PITCH 2023

It brings together outstanding startups, all under a decade old, hailing from Asia and beyond, encompassing those in the seed to series B funding stages. Over time, the event has transformed into a global stage for investment opportunities and fruitful collaborations. Staying true to its vision, X-PITCH presents a diverse group of high-calibre startups who will be competing in Singapore.

The numbers underscore the widespread international participation and varied backgrounds of participating startups who made it to the TOP100. A majority of the semi-finalists, totalling 88%, hail from Asia, while the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa collectively account for the remaining 12%. These startups exhibit a range of development stages, with 53% in Seed/Pre-A, 40% in Pre-Seed, and 7% in Series A/B. In terms of focus areas, they mirror the urgent concerns of today’s world, with 39% dedicated to Digital Economy, 29% to Sustainability, 20% to Healthcare, and 12% to Advanced Manufacturing.

Investor Matching on e27’s Pro Connect

As the official investor relations partner, e27 will be facilitating the investor matching program through Pro Connect. Pro Connect is one of the e27 Pro membership plans that gives its members access to 500+ active and verified investors and tools to assist startups in discovering and connecting with the right investors for their fundraising goals.

Also read: How PriyoShop is revolutionising the B2B procurement process

For X-PITCH Investor Matching Program, the startups will be given complimentary access to Pro Connect to access a list of X-PITCH’s investment partners. They will be able to connect directly with the investors, schedule meetings, and manage the deal status for each investor. 

After the investor matching program, the startups will be able to continue their fundraising journey on their own and connect with more investors from e27’s 500+ active and verified investors in the region.

The X-PITCH challenge

At the X Games for Startups, X-PITCH contestants navigate through 15-second, 60-second, and 3-minute pitches in pursuit of coveted awards and investments. This year, after a rigorous application screening process, the top 100 teams will embark on the exhilarating X Journey.

While the Semi-finals will be hosted on the charming bumboats of Singapore River Cruise, the elite 10 teams advancing to the Finals will grace the illustrious stage of the National Gallery Singapore. Here, they will vie for a remarkable US$1 million capital injection from X-PITCH Investment Partners, to be awarded to the Top 3 Winners. Additionally, the 15-second Number Pitch remains a highly valuable voluntary side event for participants seeking an extra edge.

Being a part of X-PITCH offers a wealth of remarkable advantages for aspiring entrepreneurs. It not only grants access to prime resources and markets but also serves as a platform for participants to acquire invaluable skills and hands-on expertise.

Also read: 5 common challenges marketing professionals face today

The TOP100 startups for X-PITCH will go through a series of activities encompassing a diverse range of formats and mediums, including seminars for accessing the Asian market, pitch training, hands-on workshops, opportunities for corporate connections, and facilitated investor matchmaking. Each of these activities is meticulously curated to provide participants with a learning experience guided by seasoned experts, investors, and peers. This environment fosters dynamic networking opportunities with like-minded individuals exploring various industries or similar ventures. Additionally, participants gain crucial insights into prevailing market trends, equipping them to make informed decisions when launching or expanding their enterprises.

The X-PITCH 2023 Finals: Accelerating Deeptech will happen on 9 November 2023 from 2 PM to 4:30 PM SGT at the National Gallery Singapore where the top 10 startups selected from semi-finals will advance to the grand finals. The awarding ceremony will follow whereby participating startups will be awarded Deeptech Startup of the Year for Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Other awards include Best Advanced Manufacturing Startup, Best Sustainability Startup, Best Digital Economy Startup, Number Pitch – Champion, and Number Pitch – People’s Choice.

About X-PITCH

Since its inception in 2021, X-PITCH has not only gained global traction but has also expanded its reach to over 50 countries, engaging with a staggering 8,000+ startups and involving more than 100,000 participants. This competition has played a pivotal role in securing a total of US$2 million in investment prizes and facilitating over $38 million in funding for its accomplished winners. Beyond the competition, X-PITCH’s esteemed global partners are dedicated to offering an array of value-added activities to greatly benefit the TOP100 startups. These activities encompass market access seminars, comprehensive pitch training, hands-on workshops, investor matching sessions, and a host of other enriching initiatives.

Made possible through the collaborative efforts of XCEL NEXT and e27, X-PITCH 2023 stands on the strong foundation of support from Enterprise Singapore and A*StartCentral. Additionally, it enjoys the co-organization of leading entities from ten thriving Asian economies, including Block71 Singapore, BSSC, Cool Japan Fund, DOST-PCIEERD, HKSTP, HUB.ID, KOVA, MDEC, TA, TINVA, TusStar, and VITTBI. The event is further bolstered by the generous sponsorship of AIOX Apex Angel Fund, Foxconn Technology, Media OutReach Newswire, Quanding Enterprise, and Yulon Motor.

To check out the complete TOP100 list, you may visit https://www.xpitch.io/top100.html. If you’re interested in attending the finals at the summit, you may register through the official event page here.

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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by X-PITCH

We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Visit us at e27.co/advertise to get started.

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In a world that is becoming increasingly conscious of its environmental impact, industries are awakening to the imperative of sustainable practices. Governments around the globe have also been extending their support through various grants and incentives, fostering a climate of eco-friendly initiatives.

Standing at the forefront of this transformative journey would be the hospitality sector. From eliminating the usage of single-use items such as shampoo bottles to reducing water wastage, hoteliers and other businesses in the hospitality industry have started finding new ways to become more eco-friendly.

Governments as catalysts for sustainable change

The hospitality sector, integral to economies globally, has been actively looking for solutions that are sustainable to cater to the growing eco-consciousness of its guests. In response, governments are emerging as key catalysts for sustainable change, propelling the industry toward responsible practices.

Through a range of grants and initiatives, policymakers are encouraging hotels and brands to adopt innovative solutions. This partnership between governments and the private sector paints a powerful picture of commitment to preserving the planet and fostering sustainable growth.

Hotels’ and brands’ shift toward adopting ESG

According to Booking.com’s Sustainable Travel Report published in 2022, four out of five respondents said that travelling sustainably is important to them. Besides changing attitudes towards environmentalism, the hospitality industry is also susceptible to the effects of climate change. Hence, we are seeing an unprecedented shift in hotels and brands adopting environmental, social and corporate governance frameworks in their businesses. 

Also Read: How Retykle is weaving sustainability into the fabric of children’s fashion

One leader in the industry would be Accor. As a goliath in the industry, it has set a positive example by committing to a set of goals to take incremental steps towards achieving a net zero business. They plan to do so by reducing water, waste, energy and carbon emissions. Such exemplary attitudes toward environmental stewardship are fundamental in conferring importance on adopting greener attitudes.

Entrant startups are crucial to hacking sustainable practices

At first mention, the adoption of eco-friendly practices might seem boring or uninteresting. But with the usage of technology and innovation, startups have created many solutions ranging from the simple to the complex, focusing on meeting needs. 

As a testament to the significant impact of water filtration, AmGlow’s hospitality clients have successfully eliminated the use of plastic water bottles in guestrooms, averting the need for approximately 20,000 bottles daily.

Such startups are important in providing solutions to revolutionise the ways in which the hospitality sector carries out its businesses. Besides appealing to eco-conscious guests, hotels can improve internal operations and generate long-term productivity improvements, as they no longer need to leverage on manual labour and can cut unnecessary costs.

Conclusion

As governments and industries unite, SMEs and startups are crucial in illuminating the path towards a brighter, eco-conscious future. The hospitality industry is a complex one, with many cogs in the machine. By working hand in hand, business and the environment can coexist harmoniously.

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The economic crisis of recent years has had far-reaching implications for various industries, but the tech sector has continued to thrive despite the challenges. However, concerns about salary overpayments in the tech industry have also emerged alongside its resilience.

This begs the question: Will tech salary overpayments end once the economic crisis subsides?

Understanding tech salary overpayments

Tech salary overpayments, like any other industry, occur when employees in the technology sector receive more compensation than they are entitled to. This can happen for various reasons, including payroll errors, miscalculations, or misunderstandings between employers and employees. Such overpayments can significantly affect individual finances and a company’s bottom line.

Causes of tech salary overpayments during the economic crisis:

• Rapid hiring and scaling: some tech companies experienced rapid growth during the economic crisis as demand for tech services and products surged. Scaling up operations quickly can lead to payroll mistakes, especially when onboarding many new employees.
• Complex compensation packages: tech companies often offer complex compensation packages that include bonuses, stock options, and other incentives. Calculating these components accurately can be challenging, increasing the risk of overpayments.
• Remote work challenges: the tech industry is known for its flexibility and remote work opportunities. Managing remote employees and accurately tracking their work hours can pose challenges contributing to salary overpayments.
• Fluctuations in project work: tech projects often involve a dynamic workforce that can fluctuate in response to changing project demands. Keeping track of these fluctuations and adjusting compensation accordingly can lead to errors.
• Tech leaders’ limited people management and inexperienced HR: tech managers often lacked knowledge about practical employee assessment, communication, and compensation benchmarks, leading to inaccuracies. Similarly, inexperienced HR staff struggled with benchmarking, efficient payroll processing, and negotiation skills. 

Also Read: Myths vs reality: Remote and hybrid managers report high productivity and trust

Will tech salary overpayments end?

While salary overpayments in the tech sector may have been more pronounced during the economic crisis, they are unlikely to disappear entirely in its aftermath. Several factors support this assertion:

• Rapid growth: Tech companies are known for their fast-paced growth, which can result in frequent hiring and organisational changes. This dynamic environment increases the potential for payroll errors. Every year, each new technology created catalyses the shortage of skilled labour, leading to the hunt for talent in rare skills.
• Complex compensation structures: The tech industry’s unique compensation structures, from base salary bonuses to incentives, benefits, stock options.. are inherently prone to calculation errors.
• Remote work remains: Remote work is expected to remain a significant part of the tech industry’s work culture, and managing remote employees can continue to be challenging regarding payroll accuracy.
• Competitive talent market: Tech companies often offer competitive compensation packages to attract and retain top talent. This intensifies the need for precision in payroll processing. By 2030, the talent shortage and skills gap in the U.S. alone are expected to total a loss of $8.5 trillion (PwC).

While tech salary overpayments may have been more prominent during the economic crisis, they will likely persist in the post-crisis tech landscape.

The dynamic nature of the industry, complex compensation structures, and the continuation of remote work all contribute to the ongoing challenge of payroll accuracy. Nevertheless, tech companies can proactively mitigate these issues and ensure that salary overpayments remain manageable in the industry’s ever-evolving ecosystem.

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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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Kiddocare, an on-demand caregiving platform in Malaysia, has concluded an undisclosed pre-Series A financing round led by Artem Ventures.

Gobi Partners, MSW Ventures Asia Fund X, and ScaleUp Malaysia also joined. Gobi invested via the Khazanah Nasional Bhd-backed Gobi Dana Impak Fund (GDIV). 

The capital will be used by Kiddocare for growth and innovation. It will leverage these resources to expand its platform, reach a wider audience demographic, and create fresh opportunities for women.

Founded in 2019 by Nadira Yusoff and Muhaini Mahmud, Kiddocare is an online platform connecting parents with verified childcare providers based on their preferences for time and location. These caregivers undergo rigorous screening and training before being onboarded.

The platform primarily caters to urban millennial mothers, who wield substantial purchasing power and seek reliable childcare solutions.

Also Read: Khazanah-backed Gobi Dana Impak Ventures invests in Care Concierge

Kiddocare offers the potential for weekly earnings of up to RM1,500 (US$318), affording women the flexibility to navigate motherhood and education. The Kiddocare Academy further provides opportunities for career advancement through specialised training programmes for carers, such as counselling, eldercare, tutoring and entrepreneurship.

The company has employed a dedicated customer service team to manage each booking, providing real-time updates.

The startup is currently serving the Greater Klang Valley and expanding its reach to regions like Seremban and Johor Bahru, with nationwide expansion plans in the pipeline.

Kiddocare Founder and CEO Nadira Yusoff said: “Through innovative technology, necessary training and certification, career paths and social safety nets, Kiddocare ensures that caregivers are equipped with the skills, knowledge and support necessary to provide top-tier care.”

A 2018 Time Use study by The Khazanah Research Institute revealed that Malaysian women spent an average of 3.6 hours (15.2 per cent) of their time on unpaid care work, compared to men’s 2.2 hours (9.3 per cent). This disparity signifies that women spent 63.6 per cent more time on unpaid care than men. According to the United Nations Development Program report, structural changes in this area can generate millions of jobs for women and contribute significantly to Malaysia’s GDP.

MSW Ventures Asia Fund X General Partner Jeffrey Seah said: “Acquisiting  childcare services is a stressful, high-involvement parenting process, and the triumvirate factors of quality, availability and consistency underwrite the decision-making process.  Kiddocare has significantly reduced those parenting insecurities through their focus on quality — market-leading training programs, qualification-based service standards set by industry experts and building up a caregiver base motivated to constantly upgrade skillets and service delivery.”

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Earlier today, LinkedIn released a list of top companies–with startups having their own list–where professionals want to work globally, based on the unique data on the platform. These lists were separated based on the countries that these startups operate in; startups were shortlisted based on factors such as employee growth, jobseeker interest, member engagement within the company and its employees, and the startups’ ability to attract talent from the flagship LinkedIn Top Companies list.

In Southeast Asia, the platform published a list of top startups in Singapore and Indonesia–two of the leading startup hubs in the region.

The differences between these two startup ecosystems could not be more obvious.

In the case of Singapore, the fintech sector dominates the list with eight out of the 10 startups working in the fintech or fintech-related businesses. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, there is a great variety of companies that have made it to the list, from aquaculture to e-commerce.

So, what does it tell us about the state of these startups ecosystems today?

Also Read: Stripe, LinkedIn Co-Founders back Entrepreneur First’s US$158M Series C round

Two different directions

If there is one thing that we can conclude from these two list about top startups in Singapore and Indonesia, is that these two countries are heading towards different directions. Because of this, they provide different kinds of opportunities for both founders and investors.

The dominance of fintech sector in the top startup list comes out as no surprise with the country being known as a hotbed for fintech innovation. There are many reasons why Singapore is that way. According to Tenity in a blog post, it involves having a “well-established banking system, strong legal and regulatory frameworks, and a talented pool of financial professionals.”

There is a strong focus and clear direction on what a startup can achieve here.

This means that, if your goal is to build a strong presence and a sustainable business, a market with clear advantage like Singapore might be where you should be at.

Meanwhile, Indonesia is more of a jack-of-all-trades.

Also Read: 5(-6) LinkedIn marketing tips you were too ashamed to apply

I see the variety of the top startups in the list as a reflection of the different problems available in the market for startup founders and investors to tackle–and the opportunities it provide. As a representation of the unique geographies of Indonesia, these companies catered their products and services to the different segments of the Indonesian society.

Does this mean it is impossible to build a sustainable business in Indonesia?

There may not be a quick answer to this. Different verticals may have its own unique challenges and opportunities–and there is definitely room for everyone in Indonesia. But if there is one strength that we can attribute to the Indonesian market is that it provides plenty of space for founders and investors to explore and experiment. If you have bold ideas, and you would like to see if it can actually take off, Indonesia might be the one for you. But if you already know what is working, and need a solid support system to get your idea to take off, Singapore might be the better option.

In the end, choosing the right market to grow your company is all about understanding yourself and what you want to achieve–and see which market might accommodate that best. Because the beauty of the SEA startup ecosystem is the diversity of it.

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Image Credit: RunwayML

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At e27, we foster the growth of visionary minds and offer a platform for exceptional individuals to share their expertise and unique perspectives. Our Contributor Programme serves as a gateway for passionate voices to join the dynamic dialogue on entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation.

Join us for our weekly presentation of curated articles sourced from our Contributor Programme. From emerging trends to industry insights and groundbreaking ideas, these articles promise to broaden your horizons and stimulate your curiosity.

What I learned after launching a successful business in Asia

Learn from Statrys’ founder as he shares practical advice on entrepreneurship, including risk-taking, timing, location choice, and performance measurement.

By Bertrand Theaud, Founder of Statrys

Statrys, launched in 2018, emerged to provide a user-friendly payment and FX platform for Asian businesses. By 2022, it was recognised as the best payment and collections service in Hong Kong.

Lessons from this journey include embracing risk, validating ideas, building a strong team, timing the launch, choosing the right location, using MVPs for testing, and strategic fundraising. Establishing measurable KPIs and paying attention to ‘weak signals’ in the market were also key takeaways, all contributing to a solid foundation for a successful business venture.

Cash 2.0: How CBDCs are shaping the future of money

CBDCs combine the benefits of cash with digital usability, ensuring a broader scope for SMB-friendly transaction modes across industries.

By Luke Fitzpatrick, Guest Lecturer at Sydney University

The global shift away from cash towards digital payments has had a profound impact on the fintech industry and commercial banks.

While digital payment adoption is on the rise, there is a concern about financial inclusion, especially for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and retail consumers who still rely on cash-based transactions. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) offer a solution by combining the benefits of cash, such as low transaction fees and instant payments, with digital usability.

CBDCs can bridge the gap between accessible public money and digital currency innovations, benefiting both businesses and consumers. However, CBDCs also raise privacy concerns that need to be addressed through innovation and thoughtful design to ensure their successful adoption.

Adding value beyond capital: How angel investors should support portfolio companies

As entrepreneurs navigate uncertainties, angel investors expertly chart paths to success they may overlook.

By Pranay Mathur, Partner and CEO at Realtime Angel Fund

In the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship, startups face numerous challenges on their path to success. Angel investors have emerged as crucial support for these fledgling companies, offering not only funding but also mentorship and guidance.

Drawing on personal experience, the author, the founder of Realtime Angel Fund, highlights the significance of angel investors in a startup’s growth journey. They provide tailored mentorship, powerful networks, operational support, critical resources, and long-term commitment, fostering a collaborative ecosystem that propels startups towards success. Angel investors are more than financiers; they are navigators in the uncertain entrepreneurial landscape, sharing their knowledge and experience with those they support.

Also Read: Voices of innovation: Showcasing e27’s top contributors of the week

Examining global hybrid and remote work trends beyond the West

Beyond Asian markets lagging, even countries and companies that have embraced hybrid still have a lot to figure out.

By Daan van Rossum, CEO of FlexOS

Hybrid and remote work adoption varies widely across Asia. While Singapore actively promotes hybrid work, countries like Vietnam and Indonesia face challenges due to micromanagement and limited digitisation. Cultural factors, industry, and leadership play a role. A survey reveals room for improvement in employee satisfaction with hybrid work models. Strong management practices are essential as the work landscape evolves.

Banks must solve their core banking conundrum – or fail

While the prospect of modernising a bank’s core may seem daunting, the right roadmap can indeed pave the way for lasting success.

By Andy Male, Client Partner at Publicis Sapient

Banks in Southeast Asia face challenges with legacy systems as they struggle to meet digital expectations and comply with new regulations. However, progress is being made, with 37% of bank leaders in the region acknowledging the hindrance of legacy technology.

To modernise their core systems, banks should take an iterative approach, starting with clear alignment from top to bottom, mobilising the program, proving the platform with the first release, and progressively modernising in tranches. This approach can help banks enhance customer experiences, drive growth, and increase resiliency for the future.

Beyond the classroom: How education companies are rewriting the rules with relationships

The journey of education is more than textbooks; it’s about forging bonds, nurturing collaborations, and creating meaningful impact.

By Will Fan, CEO and Head of School at NewCampus

The education sector, much like governance, relies on enduring relationships for its evolution. Lee Kuan Yew’s approach to governance emphasized long-term relationships, a principle that applies to education. Companies like Coursera, Pearson, and McGraw-Hill Education have thrived by building lasting relationships with educators, institutions, and learners.

As education undergoes a digital transformation, relationships remain crucial. Challenger brands like Open Campus exemplify this by forging strong connections with strategic partners, such as Animoca, GEMS Education, and Binance. These partnerships enable innovative approaches to education and credentialing, fostering growth and progress in the industry.

In a rapidly changing education landscape, prioritising meaningful, adaptable, and values-aligned partnerships is key to sustainable growth and impact.

Government support and industry initiatives propel hospitality toward sustainability

As governments and industries unite, SMEs and startups are crucial in illuminating the path towards a brighter, eco-conscious future.

By George Lim, Co-Founder and CEO of Amglow

The hospitality sector is embracing sustainability as it aligns with growing eco-consciousness among guests. Governments play a pivotal role by offering grants and incentives to promote sustainable practices in the industry.

Leading companies like Accor are setting ambitious goals for reducing water, waste, energy, and carbon emissions. Startups are also contributing innovative solutions, such as eliminating plastic water bottles through water filtration systems. Collaboration between governments, established brands, and startups is essential to create a more eco-friendly and sustainable future for the hospitality industry.

Also Read: Weekly roundup: Diving deep with our contributors’ latest

Will tech salary overpayments end after the economic crisis?

While tech salary overpayments may have peaked during the crisis, they are unlikely to disappear entirely in its aftermath.

By Pham Phuong Linh, Co-Founder and COO at Source

Tech salary overpayments are a concern in the industry, and while they may have been more pronounced during the economic crisis, they are unlikely to completely disappear in the post-crisis tech landscape.

Several factors, such as rapid growth, complex compensation structures, remote work, and the competitive talent market, contribute to the ongoing challenge of payroll accuracy. However, tech companies can proactively address these issues to ensure that salary overpayments remain manageable.

The fall of multi-billion-dollar unicorns: A warning tale

It is critical to revisit the stories of failed unicorn ventures to learn their lessons and prevent history from repeating itself.

By Hanh Vu, Business Analyst at Sioux High Tech Software

The failures of unicorn ventures like Powa Technologies, Solyndra, and Babylon Health serve as cautionary tales for investors and entrepreneurs alike. These stories highlight the importance of responsible management, proper planning, and financial accountability.

Rapid expansion without a sustainable business model, unchecked spending, and failed acquisitions were common factors in these failures. By learning from these mistakes, we can make more informed investment decisions and ensure the success of future ventures.

Meeting the customer where they want to be, in an omni-channel world

Businesses can navigate today’s omni-channel challenges by embracing a customer-centric digital innovation.

By Sue Coulter, Head of Group Digital and Analytics at AIA

In today’s complex social media landscape, businesses can create a seamless omni-channel experience by being digitally led, choosing platforms that meet customer needs, personalising content, matching communication preferences, and staying open to new technologies like Generative AI. This customer-centric approach ensures that businesses can engage with customers on their preferred channels while delivering tailored value throughout their journey.

Keeping up with advertising: How brands can make the most out of change

By combining new technology with industry expertise, brands can stay ahead of the curve, reaping the benefits of their advancements.

By April Tayson, Regional Vice President (SEA, India and ANZ) at Adjust

In the dynamic realm of advertising, change remains the only constant. Technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and evolving consumer preferences shape the industry.

Personalised advertising has become the norm, but new privacy-centric frameworks like Google’s Privacy Sandbox and Apple’s App Tracking Transparency pose challenges. Marketers must find innovative ways to personalise campaigns while respecting privacy.

By diversifying the channel mix, leveraging data, and incorporating AI technologies, brands can navigate these challenges and seize opportunities to stay ahead in the evolving advertising landscape. AI, in particular, can help optimise campaigns, analyse user behaviour, and safeguard user privacy, opening new horizons for data-driven precision in advertising.

Automation: Are you leading or lagging in the race?

Being at the forefront of automation entails using it to enhance human capabilities rather than substituting them.

By Vivek Goel, Vice President, Marketing and Evangelism at Quixy

In today’s ever-changing world, the pace of automation has accelerated like never before. It’s no longer a question of if automation is coming; it’s about whether you’re leading or falling behind in this race. Automation, once a distant dream, is now shaping industries globally.

To stay ahead, continuous learning, collaboration with machines, data-driven decision-making, customer-centricity, and innovation are vital. Falling behind means resistance to change, lack of skills, inefficiency, poor customer experience, and stagnation. Embrace automation as an opportunity, not a threat, to secure your place in the future.

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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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Bright Money, a fintech company helping users get out of debt using AI and credit products, has closed a US$62 million financing round.

The capital comprises a US$50 million debt funding from Encina Lender Finance, which provides lending solutions to consumer and commercial speciality finance companies across the US and Canada.

The remaining US$12 million equity was led by Alpha Wave Global, Hummingbird Ventures, and PeakXV Partners (earlier known as Sequoia Capital India & SEA).

Bright Money was founded in 2019 by a team from McKinsey’s Banking Practice (Petko Plachkov and Avi Patchava) and InMobi Data Scientists (Avi Patchava, Varun Modi, Avinash Ramakath, Jay Merwade, and Amit Bendale).

Also Read: 20 global investors fuelling Southeast Asia fintech boom in 2023

The fintech startup provides an AI-powered app that combines the technology needed to manage and get rid of debt. Bright Money products include credit score building, automated debt paydown plans, financial planning, budget planning tools, and refinance loans. It works with credit cards, student loans, and car loans.

The company aims to reshape how global retail banks operate, driven by big data and AI. Bright Money focuses on the liabilities of a consumer: personal lending and credit cards. It currently has a team of over 180 employees.

According to a report, the total US consumer debt has recently crossed US$17 trillion for the first time on record. Bright Money’s products target the deletion of credit card debt, building credit scores, and increasing savings. The platform has now expanded into refinance lending and credit cards.

The company has set up a team in India across all functions, while a smaller team operates out of the US.

The post Bright Money rakes in US$62M to help consumers with credit card debt refinancing appeared first on e27.

With emerging technologies changing the way we live, play and work, many industries find themselves at a standstill: adapt or risk losing. With this ethos throbbing at the heart of many industries, businesses are now faced with new challenges and opportunities in their pursuit of growth and staying competitive. Among these businesses are Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that operate as the lifeblood of many economies.

MSMEs are crucial for a diverse range of reasons, but their paramount importance lies in their role as major contributors to employment, innovation and economic stability. These enterprises serve as vital engines of economic growth, particularly in local communities and emerging markets, playing a pivotal role in accommodating market demands. Furthermore, MSMEs are known for their agility and innovative spirit, often leading the way in developing new products, services and business models, which drive economic progress and ensure competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global economy. Yet, these enterprises frequently find themselves contending with certain challenges that disrupt the way they do business such as supply chain fissures that pose a barrier to flourishing in an increasingly digitised environment.

Traditional supply chain practices, which were once adequate for MSMEs, now struggle to keep pace with the demands of an increasingly interconnected and data-driven global marketplace. As a result, many MSMEs are finding themselves at a crossroads, struggling to adapt to this fast-changing environment.

Thankfully, with new technologies, MSMEs can better navigate challenges in the supply chain sector, enabling them to operate more efficiently and deliver products and services in a more stable, secure and effective manner.

Bolstering B2B Marketplaces with the right kind of technology

One of the primary challenges faced by this sector is the technological education gap among MSMEs. Despite limited digital infrastructure, access to high-speed internet and online payment gateways is essential for ensuring the seamless operation of B2B e-commerce platforms. 

On the other hand, efficient logistics and timely distribution are subject to geographical conditions and limitations, and overcoming these hurdles requires a strong ongoing relationship with suppliers. Working capital is tied up in inventory, which must be regularly replenished, leaving the stores lacking products. These conditions can make sustaining a shop difficult and even harder to grow. 

As a result, retailers are facing issues due to disconnected supply networks. This challenge can be fixed by harnessing technology to connect retailers straight to the brands where they can access supplies. 

PriyoShop is stepping up to the plate to change the landscape

Enter PriyoShop, a Bangladesh-Singapore-based on-demand B2B marketplace that empowers retailers by connecting them directly to suppliers to fix the fragmented supply chain. PriyoShop is a pure tech-driven E-Commerce B2B Marketplace connecting retailers directly to suppliers (e.g. Product Manufacturers or Wholesalers). 

The business model is pretty simple. PriyoShop connects brands and suppliers directly with MSMEs through their platform and makes money through take-rates. Their platform provides a digital catalogue to MSMEs so that the latter can access all the brands and distributors in a single overview. Also, part of their platform features includes a place where brands and distributors can upload and manage their stock-keeping units (SKUs) and orders. This makes it all the more efficient for businesses to conduct inventory through a seamless merchandising structure, allowing merchants to arrange inventory in their stores or warehouses according to product SKUs.

PriyoShop’s core mission is to empower retailers and streamline the supply chain 

PriyoShop achieves this through direct retailer-supplier and retailer-big brand connections, with technology playing a role to address connecting all vital parts of the market.

According to Asikul Alam Khan, Founder and CEO of PriyoShop, “Instead of fighting with other digital commerce in the red ocean market, we decided to partner with the small retailers and make them the hub of digital commerce.”

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He added, “PriyoShop is betting that its unique marketplace approach would eventually give it the edge in the B2B e-commerce space in Bangladesh.” This system’s edge above other solutions is its emphasis on convenience, transparency and reliability in the platform.

The advantages of the PriyoShop platform

While the marketplace model is common in consumer e-commerce, the opposite is true in the B2B sphere. Almost all of the other tech players in Bangladesh’s supply chain industry have opted against the marketplace model in favour of an inventory-carrying approach involving companies sourcing goods from principals and directly selling them to retailers.

PriyoShop, on the other hand, connects players within the supply chain without holding its own inventory. Instead of acting as a distributor, the company allows wholesalers to list their products and sell directly to retailers on the PriyoShop app.

PriyoShop boasts a user-friendly and complete interface to serve a complicated market

As the fastest-growing B2B e-commerce platform in Bangladesh, PriyoShop has pushed out a product that can compete in this digital transformation.  

After joining PriyoShop, retailers can now save time and money and can boost their revenues by at least up to 20%. With its user-friendly interface, retailers have access to real-time inventory tracking, order management and analytics. Security measures are also in place to ensure safe transactions and data protection.

PriyoShop is committed to its MSME-friendly approach, often catering to a wide selection of retailers including mom-and-pop shops. Mehedi Hasan, an owner of a small retail store in Bangladesh, stands as a testament to this experience. Previously, Hasan needed to collect goods from different sources to cater to his customers. Other than that, he had to deal with different types of problems like not having price transparency, dealing with logistic issues and many more.

With the help of PriyoShop, Hasan explained, “We don’t have to run to markets to purchase goods. PriyoShop gave us shopkeepers lots of facilities to satisfy our customers by selling goods with easy and punctual deliveries.”

Also read: 5 common challenges marketing professionals face today

On the other hand, Mohima, another shopkeeper running a Mudi dokan (a mom-and-pop shop) in Dhanmondi in the small area of Dhaka, shared, “Having more variation in products allows me to fill up the store so the customers will keep coming because more variation means more customers.” She added, “They don’t want any hassle. If my store has everything that they need, it will make them loyal to me and my business.”

Overall, PriyoShop has been a game-changer for Mohima and other retailers like her. “Now I don’t need to go to several markets to collect many products. I find all my necessary needs in PriyoShop App to cater to my customers. It helps me to grow my business and makes me financially more solvent. Now I can support my family more than ever in terms of money and time.”

Revolutionising B2B e-commerce in Bangladesh and beyond

The conventional approach of in-person negotiations and physical transactions is steadily evolving into the emerging trend of B2B e-commerce facilitated by digitalisation. This shift is reshaping the landscape of trade, offering numerous advantages and opportunities to those involved.

The ambition of PriyoShop to embolden businesses is not limited to Bangladesh. Khan explained, “We want to empower all the MSMEs of Bangladesh as well as Southeast Asian countries. Currently, we are catering to Bangladesh, and the dream is global.” PriyoShop recently has experienced an astonishing 15x growth in terms of Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), and an impressive 12x growth in revenue since our last round of funding. This remarkable success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, as well as the trust and support from customers and partners. Currently, PriyoShop is raising funds to reach 10x growth and launching fintech to boost MEMEs’ buying capabilities.

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PriyoShop understands the financial challenges faced by MSMEs. To address this, the platform is currently in discussions with various banks and financial institutions to provide credit facilities to MSMEs. This support will enable retailers to invest in their businesses, expand their product offerings, and grow their operations.

To learn more about how PriyoShop can simplify the MSME supply chain, visit its website  http://priyoshopretail.com/ and get in touch via LinkedIn here.

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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by PriyoShop

We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Visit us at e27.co/advertise to get started.

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When it comes to advertising, change is the only constant. From technological advancements to regulatory changes, the industry has undergone consistent and significant transformation in recent years —  and consumer preferences have followed suit.

For brands, meeting both consumer and business expectations has become an ongoing process of navigating challenges and seizing opportunities. For instance, personalised advertising has now become the standard, offering a potent means for brands to distinguish themselves in a competitive market. 

However, with the emergence of new privacy-centric attribution and measurement frameworks, marketers are now faced with a new challenge. While tools such as Google’s Privacy Sandbox on Android, Apple’s App Tracking Transparency, and SKAdNetwork enhance user privacy and data protection, they also limit the tracking of user activity across apps.

Hence, marketers are compelled to find new ways to personalise and optimise their campaigns that meet both customer expectations and industry standards. 

Luckily for brands, the advancements driving these changes are also unlocking new innovations, efficiencies, and analysis capabilities – enabling brands to optimise their campaigns, resonate with their customers and make more informed decisions. 

Evolving with the industry is key 

To navigate both challenges and opportunities as the industry evolves, brands can benefit from not only exploring new approaches but also expanding on current ones. This includes embracing new technologies and strategies that allow them to reach and engage their target audiences effectively while staying on top of current marketing trends. 

Also Read: 5 common challenges marketing professionals face today

Consider these three core focuses:

• Diversify your channel mix: As consumer preferences and behaviours evolve, it’s crucial for brands to meet their customers where they are. New performance channels like connected TV (CTV) and PC & Console, for example, are seeing rapid adoption. As a result, ad formats on these mediums are also growing in popularity and viewership. 

But to successfully add new channels to the mix, brands need to first measure, analyse and understand what type of messaging and creative format work for their unique audiences at various stages across the funnel. Armed with this information, brands will have the ability to not only fine-tune their strategies but continuously optimise them all the way from brand awareness to conversion and retention.

• Leverage the right data: Despite ongoing concerns around data privacy, personalisation remains a game-changing competitive differentiator. With the ever-increasing usage of digital platforms, marketers have the opportunity to tap into the power of data analytics and insights to tailor their advertising messages and campaigns to specific demographics. 

When it comes to aggregated data analysis, media mix modelling (MMM) and incrementality are two approaches that are leading the next generation of marketing measurement. MMM enables marketers to examine a wide range of marketing channels—from digital to traditional, alongside external influences like promotions, seasonality, press coverage, and more—to determine the impact they have on return on investment (ROI) and predict future campaign success.

Meanwhile, incrementality hones in on the impact of a singular campaign. It isolates the results from organic traffic to help marketers uncover the incremental cost of each conversion (app install) and scale that channel accordingly. 

• Incorporate innovative technologies: Technology today has the potential to improve and optimise virtually every step of the marketing process. AI technologies, in particular, are enabling marketers to know more and do more with less, opening efficiencies and potential for growth. 

Predictive analytics, for example, help by offering actionable insights into user behaviour, enabling faster-than-ever or even automated optimisations. AI-powered sentiment analysis can help gauge customer sentiment, aiding in refining strategies, while Generative AI can help craft compelling visuals and narratives without large in-house teams or high agency costs. 

Also Read: Decoding the shift: The new era of B2B marketing

Navigating privacy challenges with AI 

Looking ahead, brands have the opportunity to further increase their agility by harnessing the full suite of AI capabilities available today. In particular, AI’s ability to analyse large datasets and uncover valuable insights about consumer behaviour, preferences and market trends is increasingly crucial to informing strategic decision-making — as well as navigating challenges like privacy. 

For mobile marketers, limited visibility over user-level data can make attribution and tracking user behaviour on an app challenging. But with the help of AI algorithms, marketers now have the ability to analyse user behaviour, engagement patterns and conversion data to identify the best-performing ad creatives and placements. As a result, they can allocate their budgets more efficiently, improving return on ad spend (ROAS) and overall marketing efficiency —  all without the use of user-level data.

Generative AI also has the ability to improve personalisation and relevancy by analysing aggregated data. It can create highly useful messages for various customer cohorts, tailoring offers and recommendations to their preferences and behaviours at an optimal point in the user journey.

AI’s potential to help safeguard user privacy while heralding a new era of precise, data-driven campaigns is a powerful example of new opportunities in advertising. By harnessing new technology and applying industry expertise, brands have the opportunity to not only evolve but reap the benefits of their advancements by staying ahead of the curve.

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In today’s dynamic business landscape, the value of customer retention cannot be overstated. In a nutshell, it is not only more cost-effective to nurture existing relationships than to acquire new ones, but it also forms the cornerstone of growth, influencing acquisition, monetisation, and organic virality. 

With this in mind, e27 and CleverTap joined forces to launch ‘The Big Leap Roadshow’ in late 2022. This monumental initiative spanned six panel discussions across five major cities in Southeast Asia that focused on trends, insights, and innovations in customer retention and engagement. Engaging audiences in Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh, and Manila, the Big Leap Roadshow proved to be a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on the region’s business landscape.

CleverTap is an All-In-One customer engagement platform that unifies interactions between people, processes and technology. CleverTap is built to convert customers into customers for life with in-moment experiences designed and optimized for scale, in real-time. We enable brands to create truly cross-channel experiences, transcending boundaries between channels, journeys and outcomes. We’re on a mission to be the ultimate growth partner, providing businesses with the insights they need to truly understand their customers and deliver.

The genesis of the Big Leap Roadshow

The brainchild CleverTap in partnership with e27, The Big Leap Roadshow was conceived as a celebration of excellence in customer engagement, conversion, and retention. This groundbreaking initiative did not only provide a learning opportunity for industry stakeholders; it created a platform for hundreds of growth leaders in Southeast Asia to share insights and collaborate on crafting engaging experiences that foster customer loyalty.

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The roadshow’s primary focus was to amplify customer retention, elevate customer lifetime value, and trigger substantial scalable growth, all while keeping customers at the heart of the equation.

The e27 formula

One of the linchpins of The Big Leap Roadshow’s success was e27’s unparalleled ability to assemble a powerhouse lineup of industry leaders and experts. Drawing upon its extensive network spanning the Southeast Asian tech business landscape, e27 meticulously sourced some of the most knowledgeable and influential figures in different industries to help examine their approach to customer engagement and retention. This ensured that each panel discussion was a melting pot of diverse perspectives, providing attendees with a rich tapestry of insights and strategies to elevate their customer retention efforts.

e27’s expertise in marketing and promotion also played an instrumental role in making The Big Leap Roadshow an unqualified success. The team from e27 spearheaded a series of campaigns tailored for each country on the roadshow’s itinerary. This comprehensive approach included strategic website placement, the creation of an official microsite, a series of pre-event and post-event articles, targeted email blasts, and engaging social media promotional materials. These efforts not only generated buzz but also ensured that each event was well-attended by an eager and engaged audience.

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Elevating The Big Leap Roadshow to such heights also required meticulous planning and coordination, a task that e27 undertook with unparalleled expertise. The company took charge of seeking out venues and liaising with third-party suppliers across the five cities on the roadshow’s agenda (Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh, Manila). At each stage of the series, e27’s invaluable contribution helped ensure that each program ran seamlessly and provided an environment conducive to meaningful discussions and networking.

A partnership built for excellence

After the expansive project that ran from November 2022 to March 2023, CleverTap’s successful partnership with e27 is further underscored by the enduring relationship between the two organisations. A testament to this is the recently concluded Engagement Playbook Indonesia held last 20 September 2023 where the two organisations once again took on the daunting task of engaging the tech startup community through informative panel discussions.

Focusing on harnessing automation and artificial intelligence for hyper-personalization in customer engagement, the panel discussion was a resounding success due in part to e27’s expertise that shone through as the team brought together leading minds in the industry through its targeted promotional campaign to cap off the flawlessly executed the event. This collaboration reaffirms e27’s status as the go-to partner for groundbreaking initiatives in the realm of customer engagement, tech, and innovation.

Also read: How PriyoShop is revolutionising the B2B procurement process

The Big Leap Roadshow stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through strategic collaboration and unwavering dedication. e27’s contributions were nothing short of extraordinary. From curating a stellar lineup of speakers to executing seamless marketing campaigns and ensuring flawless event logistics, e27’s impact was felt at every turn.

As businesses forge ahead in the intricate landscape of customer engagement, e27’s impact in this pioneering project stands as a testament to its role in driving sustained growth and success. Through each endeavour, e27 reinforces its position as a leader in reshaping customer engagement not only in Southeast Asia but also on a global scale. For further details, visit the e27 Big Leap Roadshow page.

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We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Visit us at e27.co/advertise to get started.

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