A fast-evolving startup landscape has drawn a significant number of investors, such as venture capitalists, private equity companies, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, to Singapore from around the globe.

The island nation’s strategic geographical location, world-class infrastructure, and conducive business environment have contributed to this accomplishment, turning it into one of the most preferred destinations. The government has been actively supporting the local startup ecosystem through various initiatives such as grants, tax incentives, and co-investment schemes.

The growth of the local venture capital (VC) landscape over the past few years has been particularly inspiring. Singapore now has over 1,100 VC funds from Asia, Europe, and the US, supporting startups and young entrepreneurs working in verticals, spanning e-commerce, fintech, biotech, artificial intelligence, Web3, blockchain, climate tech, and sustainability, among many other industries.

This spectacular growth has kindled local students’ interest in the VC investment space. Students are now keen to pursue a career in VC and take direct entry into the VC world. However, navigating the VC landscape and establishing a name for oneself is easier said than done because of the complex nature of the industry. One needs to possess the proper skills, knowledge, and experience to make sound judgments, pick promising startups, and take calculated risks while investing in a startup.

But this does not come easy.

Fortunately, several local universities and colleges in Singapore have come forward with a solution to address this challenge by offering courses and programs focusing on venture capital, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The aim is to equip students with the right skills to succeed in VC. It also aligns well with the nation’s goal of becoming a true startup nation.

Also Read: Startups in Singapore raise US$121M over 12 rounds in Sept: Tracxn report

NUS and SMU leading from the front

Singapore’s universities have long been actively fostering entrepreneurship and innovation among students. They have produced several highly successful student startups, such as Carousell, ShopBack, and PatSnap, and they grew big, raising multi-million dollar investments from regional and global VCs.

Among the universities offering VC and entrepreneurship courses are two premier institutions, the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Singapore Management University (SMU).

The NUS offers an undergraduate course in VC and private equity that covers topics such as deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management. In addition, it has set up the NUS Entrepreneurship Centre and the NUS Overseas Colleges program.

Similarly, the SMU offers the Business Innovations Generator (BIG) programme, which provides students with mentorship, funding, and access to resources to help them develop and launch their start-ups. Besides, its entrepreneurship and VC courses provide opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through internships and other experiential learning programs.

Apart from these, many other tertiary institutions provide programs, resources and opportunities for students to connect with prominent venture capitalists and entrepreneurs in the island nation. For example, some universities host events and conferences that bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and students.

These meetups allow students to network, learn from industry experts, and gain valuable insights into venture capital. Other than these, there are institutes that help students enter the VC world by providing access to funding and mentorship.

Also Read: Navigating wealth management: The emergence of new family offices in Singapore

Some universities have gone a step ahead by setting up venture funds to support early-stage companies founded by students and alumni. Protégé Ventures and NUS Alumni Ventures are two shining examples.

Launched in 2017, Protégé Ventures is Southeast Asia’s first and Singapore’s only student Venture Capital (VC) fund. A sector-agnostic fund, this SMU-backed fund invests in early-stage tech startups founded by students or recent graduates raising their pre-seed to seed rounds. In addition to helping student entrepreneurs build scalable ventures, it also trains the brightest young minds to be VC-ready.

To date, Protégé Ventures has backed ten startups that have collectively raised over SG$35 (US$2.21) million from notable institutional investors. Protégé Ventures also recently announced the launch of their second fund at the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business Plan Competition in September.

On the other hand, NUS Alumni Ventures – established in 2020 – is Southeast Asia’s first student alumni-run angel investment network. It is a community created by NUS students and alumni that seeks to strengthen the NUS and Southeast Asia startup community by fostering relationships and support amongst students, entrepreneurs and investors.

These two funds provide students with the financial support required to get their businesses off the ground and access to mentorship and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and investors.
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During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for these two funds grew significantly, with a 60% rise in applications.

All these initiatives point to the fact that tertiary institutions play a crucial role in helping students enter the world of VC in Singapore. As it gains momentum and the industry continues to grow and evolve, students should be able to get easy access to the knowledge, skills, and resources required to succeed in this industry.

With the right guidance and support, the next generation of venture capitalists in Singapore is poised to make a big impact on entrepreneurship and innovation.

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Algenesis Corporation, a plant-based material science company in the US, has secured US$5 million in a seed funding round co-led by First Bight Ventures and Singapore-based Circulate Capital.

MIH Capital, Diamond Sports Group, and RhinoShield also participated.

The investment follows a US$5 million grant from the US Department of Energy to scale up the production of bio-based isocyanates from algae oils using a green-flow chemistry process.

Also Read: IFC, French firm Proparco back impact investor Circulate Capital’s ocean fund

Algenesis develops bio-based plastics using its patented Soleic technology, which it claims is the world’s first renewable, high-performance, fully biodegradable, backyard compostable bioPolyurethane (bioPU) made from plants and algae.

Unlike petroleum-based PU, Algenesis’s Soleic bioPU can biodegrade in compost within a matter of months and does not contain harmful PFAS chemical additives found in other plastics. The company claims its production process further leads to up to 50 per cent lower GHG emissions than petroleum PU.

The Soleic PU is currently available in soft foam applications, such as midsoles and insoles for footwear.

Also Read: Lack of visibility, track record deter VCs from investing in firms combating plastic pollution: Rob Kaplan of Circulate Capital

The startup will use the new funds to expand Soleic product lines into breathable waterproof textiles and injection moulded products like phone cases. It also plans to expand and strengthen its supply chain by bringing more of its processes in-house to scale production and commercialisation of these materials that are increasingly in demand by various consumer-facing brands, further cementing its position as a leader in eco-innovation.

“We invest in industrial biomanufacturing and Algenesis is an excellent representation of new companies creating a highly demanded product, such as bioPU, that come from Biology versus Petroleum. This is a win for the industry, sustainability, and the world,” said First Bight Ventures Founder Veronica Wu. “To save our planet and ourselves, we must move away from petroleum-based plastics and toward bio-based alternatives. Algenesis is clearly at the forefront of making this possible.”

Today, 25 million tons of PU are manufactured annually (6 per cent of total plastics) for extensive use across footwear, medical, and textile industries. Due to the material’s composition, PU is hard to recycle and primarily ends up in landfills or as microplastics in the environment.

Also Read: Reciki raises funding from Circulate Capital to set up new waste management facilities in Indonesia

Circulate Capital is an environmental impact investor advancing the circular economy for plastics in high-growth markets – with activities and teams in over ten countries. Launched in 2018, the firm is scaling solutions across the recycling and innovative materials value chains. Founded in and focused initially on South and Southeast Asia, the firm now targets untapped opportunities in high-growth markets to spark further development in the emerging circular economy.

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YouTrip, a Singapore-based fintech company providing multicurrency wallets, has secured US$50 million in a Series B round of financing led by Lightspeed Venture Partners.

This brings the company’s total funding raised since its inception in 2018 to US$100 million.

YouTrip will use the Series B capital to accelerate growth and expansion plans by launching new products and features that complement its existing offerings. The company also plans to expand into new markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Also Read: YouTrip raises US$30M to expand to B2B space, enter new markets

A portion of the funds will be invested in technology to make the products more user-intuitive and reliable.

“YouTrip launched in 2018 with the bold vision to empower everyone with a smarter and more convenient way to pay in foreign currency. We achieved tremendous growth despite the pandemic, strengthening our position as the region’s leading digital payment solutions for consumers and businesses,” said CEO and Co-Founder Caecilia Chu.

Licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, YouTrip offers services such as payments, foreign exchange, remittances and cards. Its multi-currency mobile wallet with a prepaid Mastercard lets users shop online and offline worldwide with zero FX fees. Users can use the wallet in over 150 countries and withdraw cash from overseas ATMs (only available for Singapore app users).

Also Read: Multi-currency e-wallet YouTrip secures US$25.5m funding

The fintech firm claims to have processed about US$10 billion in annualised transaction volume to date.

In 2021, YouTrip announced a US$30 million Series A funding round from undisclosed investors, including returning investors from Asian family offices and fintech investors. Since then, its e-commerce payment volume has grown 238 per cent in annualised transactions.

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In its latest report on global fintech funding, McKinsey revealed that global fintech funding faced a 40 per cent year-over-year funding decline from US$92 billion to US$55 billion after industry funding increased by 177 per cent YoY in 2021.

However, the report also stressed that when analysed over a five-year period, fintech funding as a proportion of total VC funding remained fairly stable at 12 per cent, registering only a 0.5 percentage point decline in 2022.

“In 2022, a market correction triggered a slowdown in this explosive growth momentum. The impact continues to be felt today. Funding and deal activity have declined across the board, and there are fewer IPOs and SPAC (special purpose acquisition company) listings, as well as a decline in new unicorn creation. The macro environment also remains challenging and uncertain,” the report explained.

“In such a scenario, fintechs are entering a new era of value creation. The last era was all about firms being experimental—taking risks and pursuing growth at all costs. In the new era, a challenged funding environment means fintechs can no longer afford to sprint. To remain competitive, they must run at a slower and steadier pace.”

Also Read: 

The report also revealed that as of July, publicly traded fintech companies represented a market capitalisation of US$550 billion, a two-times increase versus 2019.

“In addition, as of the same period, there were more than 272 fintech unicorns, with a combined valuation of US$936 billion, a sevenfold increase from 39 firms valued at US$1 billion or more five years ago,” it stated.

When it comes to market-specific insight, the report mentioned that emerging markets will “fuel” the majority of the revenue growth for fintech companies.

“Fintech revenues in Asia Pacific (excluding China), Africa, Latin America and the Middle East represented 15 per cent of fintech’s global revenues last year. McKinsey estimates that they will increase to 29 per cent in aggregate by 2028,” it stated.

The report also spotlighted new tech innovation related to fintech and how it will affect the industry in general.

“To capture the extra US$200 billion to US$340 billion generative AI adds to overall banking revenues, fintechs need to include a medium to long-term talent strategy and find ways to emphasise change management and adoption,” it stated.

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Flux Series: Marketing Leaders is happening at the St. Regis in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 15 November 2023. Are you working in the field of marketing? Don’t miss out on this focused and curated event designed especially for marketing professionals!

Visit Flux Series: Marketing Leaders for more information! Read on to get discounted tickets.

Partnerships are the cornerstone of success in any venture, and the forthcoming Flux Series: Marketing Leaders event exemplifies this principle. The Flux Series offers an exclusive platform for industry trailblazers to engage in immersive learning sessions, granting access to industry knowledge and actionable strategies that can fuel sustainable growth and profitability for your brand.

Set against the elegant backdrop of the St. Regis in Jakarta, Indonesia, on November 15, 2023, the inaugural edition of the Flux Series promises to bring together influential marketing leaders. Their mission: to deliberate, brainstorm, and formulate actionable strategies for optimising marketing endeavors through AI-driven innovations and cutting-edge technology, all with the goal of achieving fresh marketing milestones for your company.

Also read: Learn how to Harness AI for cost-efficient strategies with GDP Labs CEO & CTO

Within Flux Series: Marketing Leaders, attendees can anticipate enlightening keynote speeches, dynamic panel discussions, and hands-on workshops covering an array of topics surrounding the complex world of marketing. These sessions will delve into harnessing artificial intelligence to fortify marketing initiatives, cultivate deeper connections with customers, and explore the latest trends in technology.

Partners that are committed to our mission

Sponsors hold a pivotal role in the triumph of Flux Series: Marketing Leaders on multiple fronts. Firstly, they extend diverse forms of support and coverage for the various facets that make the event an enriching and exhilarating experience for participants.

Furthermore, sponsors contribute their wealth of expertise and insights, affording attendees exclusive benefits. Through their extensive networks and marketing channels, sponsors extend the reach of the event, offering valuable insights to a broader demographic.

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Equally significant is the presence of sponsors at the event. This creates invaluable networking opportunities for attendees to acquaint themselves with the products and services on offer. This facet aligns seamlessly with the core purpose of the Flux Series — to serve as a curated gathering for marketing leaders, fostering connections between all stakeholders. By championing Flux Series: Marketing Leaders, participants can engage with fellow marketing professionals, gaining access to industry best practices and actionable wisdom, ultimately forging novel partnerships and collaborations poised to propel business growth and triumph.

Meet Braze at Flux Series: Marketing Leaders

Braze is a leading comprehensive customer engagement platform that powers interactions between consumers and the brands they love. With Braze, global brands can ingest and process customer data in real-time, orchestrate and optimise contextually relevant, cross-channel marketing campaigns and continuously evolve their customer engagement strategies.

Braze’s mission is driven by the company’s passion for fostering meaningful connections between consumers and their cherished brands.

Also read: Taking customer engagement to the next level with hyper-personalisation

“Our participation in Flux Series 2023 signifies our commitment to this mission. At the event, we eagerly anticipate engaging with top marketing leaders to delve into the future of customer engagement. This collaborative experience will inspire us to enhance our ability to assist our clients in strengthening their connections with consumers, keeping them at the forefront of the evolving marketing landscape,” shared Germaine Thomas, Field Marketing Manager at Braze.

At the Flux Series: Marketing Leaders happening in Jakarta, Braze will be engaging in thought-provoking conversations with marketing leaders to discuss the future of marketing and customer engagement. “Additionally, as we have a dedicated Braze office in Indonesia now, we’re eager to support and connect with our community in the region, strengthening our local relationships and collaborations,” added Thomas.

Join Flux Series: Marketing Leaders

Flux Series: Marketing Leaders goes beyond conventional learning environments by providing a curated selection of growth-oriented content stages. These stages serve as dynamic platforms where attendees gain invaluable knowledge on how to leverage disruptive technologies and harness the power of AI to supercharge their marketing efforts. Here, participants get to immerse in active knowledge-sharing guided by industry trailblazers who will be lending their expertise and experiences. From decoding AI-powered tools to unveiling transformative marketing strategies, these content stages are designed to equip marketers with actionable insights that can be seamlessly integrated into their business strategies.

Also read: Adjust: Leader in app marketing will be at Flux Series!

For marketing leaders aiming to elevate their company’s marketing goals, Flux Series: Marketing Leaders is a must-attend event. Join us in Jakarta on November 15, 2023, for a day of insightful discussions, interactive workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities that will reshape the way you approach marketing in the digital age.

Join the Flux Series or become our partner and be a driving force in the AI-powered marketing revolution. To learn more about the event, you may visit the official Flux Series: Marketing Leaders page.

Get ready to embark on a journey that will not only deepen your understanding of AI-driven marketing but also equip you with the actionable insights needed to thrive in the dynamic world of modern marketing.

Join Flux Series: Marketing Leaders with discounted tickets here.

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Cybersecurity threats evolve rapidly, making them an unavoidable concern for startup owners and entrepreneurs. It’s not whether a cyber threat will occur but when. This looming reality makes it critical to optimise every resource at your disposal, and that includes your human resources department.

Often, people think of HR as the team responsible for hiring, payroll and maybe the annual office party. However, it does so much more — it shapes the very culture of your organisation. The values, behaviours and interactions HR fosters can be pivotal in building a robust cybersecurity framework.

HR’s expertise in handling confidential information makes it invaluable for establishing and executing effective security protocols. Integrating HR into your cybersecurity strategy, from pre-incident training to post-incident follow-ups, adds an extra layer of security and optimises your entire approach to cyber threats.

Employee onboarding and offboarding

Employee transitions are crucial moments where companies are especially vulnerable to cyber-risks. New staff may not be familiar with your company’s cybersecurity policies, making them easy targets for phishing scams or unintentional data breaches. On the flip side, departing workers have inside knowledge and access, which could pose risks if not properly managed.

During onboarding, HR can ensure new hires only get access to systems and data they need for their roles. They can also team up with cybersecurity to provide immediate and role-specific training. For offboarding, HR can manage a checklist to revoke digital access rights, collect company property and ensure no sensitive information leaves with the departing employee.

Pre-incident training

Education is fundamental to minimising risks. Ransomware is a looming threat that can debilitate businesses. Imagine a perpetrator holding your entire system hostage until you pay a hefty fee. This is more common than you might think — 68.5 per cent of organisations worldwide were victimised in 2021. What if your employees could spot the signs early or avoid clicking that malicious link altogether?

HR teams are experts in designing and delivering training programs that resonate with employees. They can create engaging, practical sessions on ransomware and other cyber threats with real-world examples and interactive exercises.

A well-educated staff is your first line of defence, capable of identifying and reporting suspicious activities before they escalate. Over time, these training sessions will foster a culture of security awareness, making your entire organisation more resilient against cyber threats.

Collaborative threat assessment

Internal threats are among the often overlooked aspects of cybersecurity. While external hackers grab headlines, sometimes the risk comes from within, either intentionally or accidentally. HR and cybersecurity teams can identify these internal vulnerabilities through endpoint security.

Also Read: Understanding the significance of Cybersecurity Awareness Month

HR has a keen sense of the human element in the workplace. Department members can spot changes in employee behaviour, morale or performance that could signal a potential internal threat. Sharing this information with the cybersecurity team lets organisations quickly assess whether these indicators correlate with suspicious digital activities.

Combining HR’s understanding of employee behaviour with cybersecurity’s technical expertise enables companies to achieve a more nuanced and comprehensive threat assessment. This approach helps preempt possible incidents and aids in devising targeted training programs or interventions.

Incident reporting mechanisms

An essential component in combating cybersecurity threats is the ability for employees to report suspicious activities easily. People might hesitate if the process is complicated or intimidating, and that delay could turn a minor incident into a major breach.

HR can enter these situations by establishing straightforward reporting mechanisms like a dedicated hotline or internal portal. It can also promote this system through regular communications, ensuring everyone knows how and where to report concerns.

An approachable, anonymous reporting system encourages more employees to come forward without fear of backlash. It increases the likelihood of catching internal threats early and allows for a more proactive approach to security.

Crisis communication

Precise and swift communication is paramount when a cybersecurity incident occurs. Confusion can escalate problems and lead to panic in moments of crisis, making an already bad situation worse.

HR teams can work closely with the cybersecurity team to craft clear, accurate messages that inform employees about the incident without causing alarm. They can decide the best channels for dissemination — be it email, internal messaging platforms or emergency meetings — and execute swiftly.

Speed and transparency are significant factors in these circumstances. Quick communication minimises the time for rumours to spread, while transparency maintains trust. Well-informed employees are more likely to follow procedures correctly, reducing the potential impact of the incident.

Post-incident follow-up

Once the dust settles after a cybersecurity incident, it’s vital to conduct a post-incident review to understand what happened and how to prevent future issues. HR can help gather employee feedback, analyse current protocols’ effectiveness and identify improvement areas.

Revising policies and training programs is also necessary. Learning from an incident means updating guidelines and training to address exposed vulnerabilities. HR can collaborate with the cybersecurity team to make these revisions and ensure they roll it out in future educational sessions.

Also Read: The state of cybersecurity in 2023: How APAC organisations can stay ahead of the curve

In addition, HR is crucial in supporting affected employees. Cyber incidents can be stressful and may result in lowered morale or mistrust within the organisation. The department can offer counselling services, answer questions and reassure staff, which is essential for maintaining a positive environment.

Building a cybersecurity culture

A security-focused work culture is essential for robust cybersecurity. Ingraining security awareness into the DNA of your company culture makes every employee a de facto security team member.

HR teams are pivotal in building this culture. They can spearhead awareness campaigns that go beyond the obligatory annual seminar. Think monthly newsletters, workshops and employee recognition programs for best security practices. These initiatives make cybersecurity part of the daily conversation, keeping it top of mind for everyone.

A strong security culture pays dividends in cybersecurity effectiveness. Employees become more vigilant, aware of potential threats and proactive in reporting suspicious activities. It’s a virtuous cycle — your cybersecurity posture becomes more resilient as awareness grows.

Compliance and documentation

Accurate record-keeping is a cornerstone of effective cybersecurity, especially regarding compliance with regulations and internal policies. Without well-maintained records, your organisation can be in hot water, securitywise and legally.

HR teams can play a central role in managing these compliance requirements. They can maintain detailed employee training records, incident reports and policy updates. This documentation helps your organisation meet regulatory standards and is invaluable during an audit or legal inquiry.

The benefits of meticulous documentation extend beyond mere compliance. Well-kept records can provide actionable insights for improving security measures. They allow you to track progress, identify trends and make data-driven decisions.

The alliance for a resilient future

The collaboration between HR and cybersecurity is a strategic necessity for the modern business landscape. Integrating these two departments creates a powerful alliance that enhances every facet of your business strategy — from employee training to crisis communication.

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Starting a business is like setting sail on an uncharted journey. You have a great idea, a dedicated team, and dreams of success. But to get there, you need money. That’s where funding comes in.

However, every funding round comes with a critical decision: how to share ownership. Your capitalisation table, which shows who owns what is like your North Star.

Let’s explore the world of equity distribution in a clear and simple way.

Pre-seed capital: Planting the first seeds

The journey begins with pre-seed funding. At this stage, your startup is more idea than reality, and your team is small. You get funding from Friends, Family, Angels, and Accelerators, usually between US$50,000 and US$500,000. Aim to give up about 10 per cent of your company to outside investors.

Seed round: Growing your idea

As your team grows, your product develops, and you start getting user feedback, it’s time for the seed round. You’ll raise between US$500,000 and US$3 million, and your company’s value will be around US$5 million to US$10 million. The goal here is to give around 15 per cent of your company to outside investors.

Series A round: Building a strong foundation

The Series A round is a big step. Your product and market understanding are getting better. Traditional Venture Capital firms usually lead this round and look to own 15 per cent to 25 per cent of your company. However, make sure you and your team keep at least 50 per cent of your company’s ownership. This ensures you stay in control of your vision.

Also Read: Regional expansion, careful approach to fundraising remain key for SEA fintech startups to grow

Series B: Scaling up

As your user base expands, you need more money to grow. Series B rounds typically raise between US$15 million and US$50 million. Venture Capital firms might take 10-20 per cent of your company. While you focus on growing, remember to balance ownership and investment.

Series C and beyond: Full maturity

At Series C, your startup is mature, and expansion is in full swing. Venture capital firms usually aim for 10 per cent to 15 per cent ownership. It’s crucial to keep dilution in check, so you retain a substantial share of your company.

Conclusion: The art of equity distribution

In the exciting journey of startup fundraising, maintaining a clear vision of equity distribution is key. Your equity strategy is your guide to successful fundraising. A well-organised cap table helps you attract investors while keeping your startup’s financial health in check.

Managing equity wisely not only helps you avoid problems but also keeps you firmly in control as you steer your startup toward success.

In the end, remember that equity is about your stake in your own dream. Keep a steady hand on the wheel, and you’ll navigate the path to successful fundraising for your startup. With your equity distribution roadmap in hand, you’re ready to set sail towards a brighter future. 

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Indonesia-based B2B startup Qiscus today announced a US$2 million funding round from Init6, a venture capital firm by Bukalapak co-founder Achmad Zaky.

In a press statement, the company said that the funding would be used to strengthen its expansion plan in Southeast Asia (SEA) in 2024.

The funding is also the first that Qiscus raised since announcing its profitability in 2019, with profits that the company claimed to be continuously increasing.

“With a focus on sustainable growth, we are committed to double our income in 2024 as the first part of this expansion plan,” said Qiscus Co-Founder and CEO Delta Purna Widyangga.

Also Read: 

Founded in 2013 with offices in Jakarta and Jogjakarta, Qiscus provides an omnichannel customer engagement platform that helps businesses improve Customer Experience (CX).

The company said that it has acquired more than 50 million users in 10 countries in SEA. It counts notable companies in various industries, from telco to healthcare to non-profits, such as Telkom Indonesia, Sompo, Dompet Dhuafa, and Halodoc. It has also taken part in the Asian Games 2018 celebration.

In August, the company released a series of new products that include Qiscus AI Assistant, Qiscus Customer Satisfaction Survey, Qiscus Shop, and Qiscus Customer Data Platform (CDP).

Qiscus highlights its ability to integrate third parties to its omnichannel platforms as its strength, enabling customers to rely on their platforms as its go-to toolbox for customer engagement.

In 2020, Qiscus was one of the Indonesian startups who presented at the Facebook accelerator pitching day.

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Image Credit: Qiscus

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Global digital currency payments institution Triple-A has announced a US$10 million Series A fundraising led by returning investor Peak XV Partners, with strategic investment from Shorooq Partners.

Also Read: CBDCs in Asia: An opportunity and a challenge

Founded in 2017 by serial fintech founder Eric Barbier, Triple-A is a digital currency payment institution that enables businesses to pay and get paid in both traditional and digital currencies, volatility-free. The aim is to build an efficient global payment ecosystem by bridging the gap between traditional finance and blockchain-backed payments.

Triple-A holds a Payments Institution licence from the MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) and a Payments Institution Licence from the Central Bank of France, allowing it to execute payment transactions across all EU member states. Triple-A is also registered with the United States Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The startup will continue to strengthen its regulatory framework in countries across the globe.

Also Read: Blockchain beyond borders: A dive into global collaboration and innovation

The startup recently partnered with Singapore’s largest Apple products reseller, iStudio, to allow customers to pay using cryptocurrencies at selected iStudio stores. Merchants such as Farfetch, Charles and Keith, Singapore Red Cross, Razer and Reap also use Triple-A to offer
cryptocurrency as payment. Dominant currencies include USDT, USDC, ETH and BTC.

A little over a year ago, the startup raised US$4 million in seed funding.

With a team of over 70 employees, it maintains a global presence with offices in Singapore, Miami, Hong Kong, Paris and Barcelona.

Also Read: Understanding the role of fintech, blockchain in transitioning to net zero

Founded in 2017, Shorooq is an early-stage tech investor across the Middle East, North Africa, and Pakistan (MENAP region). The firm has built deep sectoral expertise in fintech, platforms, software, gaming, and Web3.

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Flux Series: Marketing Leaders is happening at the St. Regis in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 15 November 2023. Are you working in the field of marketing? Don’t miss out on this focused and curated event designed especially for marketing professionals!

Visit Flux Series: Marketing Leaders for more information! Read on to get discounted tickets.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in marketing has already proven its worth. From predictive analytics to chatbots and recommendation engines, businesses are leveraging AI to gain deeper insights into consumer behaviour, personalise user experiences, and optimise marketing campaigns. This not only leads to better customer satisfaction but also boosts ROI for businesses.

Beyond a mere industry buzzword, AI operates as a dynamic, ever-learning tool that fundamentally harnesses a universe of data and optimises them into actionable strategies that can help brands bolster their engagement and outreach. Looking ahead, the future of AI marketing is poised to introduce even more refined and cost-efficient marketing approaches, reshaping the trajectory of the marketing industry.

Personalisation at scale

One of the most significant contributions of AI in marketing is enabling hyper-personalisation at scale. Traditional marketing approaches often struggle to provide individualised experiences for each customer. AI, however, can process vast amounts of data to understand individual preferences, behaviours, and habits, allowing businesses to tailor content and offers to each customer.

For example, e-commerce platforms use AI algorithms to analyse browsing and purchasing history, enabling them to suggest products that are most relevant to a particular customer. This level of personalisation increases customer satisfaction and drives higher conversion rates.

Also read: Adjust: Leader in app marketing will be at Flux Series!

Moreover, AI-powered predictive analytics allows businesses to forecast future trends and behaviours based on historical data. This capability is invaluable for marketing teams, as it helps them make informed decisions about everything from product development to ad placement. AI can also provide deep insights into customer demographics, preferences, and buying habits. By understanding their audience on a granular level, marketers can create highly targeted campaigns that resonate with specific segments.

Another key example of how this technology is helping empower brands is how AI-driven chatbots are revolutionising customer support. They can handle a wide range of queries and provide instant responses, 24/7. This not only enhances the customer experience but also reduces the workload on support teams, allowing them to focus on more complex issues.

Challenges faced by marketing professionals in AI adoption

Adopting AI in marketing brings forth a host of opportunities, but it also presents a set of unique challenges for brands. Firstly, there’s the hurdle of data quality and accessibility. AI relies heavily on robust and clean datasets to make accurate predictions and recommendations. Many brands struggle with the aggregation and integration of data from various sources, as well as ensuring its accuracy and relevance. Additionally, concerns regarding data privacy and compliance with regulations pose significant challenges. Brands must navigate a complex landscape of considerations to ensure that the use of such data is not only up to code but is actually harnessed to its full, most cost-efficient potential.

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Moreover, implementing AI-driven marketing strategies requires a workforce equipped with the necessary skills and expertise. However, there’s a shortage of professionals well-versed in both marketing and AI technologies. Brands face the task of either training existing employees or recruiting new talent, which can be a time-consuming and costly process. Furthermore, the fast-paced nature of technological advancements means that marketers need to continually update their skills to stay abreast of the latest AI applications. This demands a commitment to ongoing education and professional development, which can be a logistical challenge for many organisations.

This is why when it comes to integrating AI technology into one’s marketing strategies, companies need to constantly and rigorously engage in knowledge-sharing.

Learn how to harness AI for cost-efficient strategies at Flux Series: Marketing Leaders

Flux Series is a curated, intimate, and focused convergence of top industry leaders to engage in active learning sessions, enabling access to in-depth knowledge and actionable insights that can propel sustainable growth and profitability for your brand.

For the premiere edition of Flux Series, we will gather key leaders in marketing to discuss, ideate, and strategise actionable steps to optimise your marketing efforts using AI-driven innovations and technology with the objective of reaching new marketing goals for your company.

Also read: Digimind: Trusted social listening and intelligence platform will be at Flux!

One of the highlights of Flux Series: Marketing Leaders is a special keynote entitled Future of AI Marketing: Harnessing AI for Cost-Efficient Strategies in a Dynamic Tech Marketing Landscape. This section of the program offers participants a unique opportunity to learn about the following key points:

1. Perspectives into the rapidly evolving world of technology and its impact on marketing. Learn how to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, including AI, blockchain, augmented reality, and more.
2. Discover strategies for harnessing AI to not only streamline marketing efforts but also foster sustainable innovation. Explore real-world use cases and best practices for integrating AI into marketing operations while ensuring long-term adaptability and cost-effectiveness.
3. Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the marketing landscape by enabling cost-efficient strategies. Understand how AI-driven technologies are automating processes, enhancing personalisation, and optimising decision-making in marketing campaigns.

On Lee, CEO & CTO of GDP Labs

This keynote will be delivered by none other thant On Lee, CEO & CTO of GDP Labs. On Lee is a renowned expert in ABCD (AI, Blockchain, Cloud, and Data) digital technologies, providing digital solutions across various industries, such as financial services, fast-moving consumer goods, e-commerce, travel, media, entertainment, and more.

He has held various management and technical positions, including Co-Founder, CEO, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Executive VP of Engineering, and engineer, in both startup and Fortune 500 companies in the USA.

Additionally, he holds the position of Senator for Industrial Helix in KORIKA (Kolaborasi Riset dan Industri Kecerdasan Artificial), a part of Indonesia’s National AI strategy. He is also an MIT Technology Review Global Panel member.

One of his key accomplishments is serving as the CEO & CTO of CGP Labs, a software product development-centric organisation based in Indonesia founded in 2012 and is part of GDP Venture. GDP Labs serves customers in Indonesia and US, with their head office in Jakarta and remote offices, in Bali, Bandung, and Surabaya.

GDP Venture is a venture builder focusing on commerce, product, media, entertainment and solution companies. Founded in 2010, GDP Venture is not only about venture capital. It is about growing sustainable and reputable companies of the future.

Join Flux Series: Marketing Leaders

The future of AI marketing is bright and full of opportunities. By harnessing the power of AI, businesses can create more personalised, efficient, and effective marketing campaigns that drive results in an ever-changing tech landscape. The key lies in understanding how to leverage AI to its fullest potential and adapting to the continuous evolution of this dynamic field.

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

This is why e27 proudly invites you to join us in Jakarta on November 15, 2023, for a day of insightful discussions, interactive workshops, and unparalleled networking opportunities that will reshape the way you approach marketing in the digital age.

Join the Flux Series or become our partner and be a driving force in the AI-powered marketing revolution. To learn more about the event, you may visit the official Flux Series: Marketing Leaders page.

Get ready to embark on a journey that will not only deepen your understanding of AI-driven marketing but also equip you with the actionable insights needed to thrive in the dynamic world of modern marketing.

Join Flux Series: Marketing Leaders with discounted tickets here.

The post Learn how to Harness AI for cost-efficient strategies with GDP Labs CEO & CTO appeared first on e27.