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.

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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.

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In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, enterprises find themselves at a crucial juncture. While many have made strides in digital adoption, legacy systems, fragmented data, and operational silos often hold them back.

The key to unlocking unparalleled agility and value lies in a strategic transition from a “Siloed” to a “Platform-Centric” operational model. However, this transformation is easier said than done.

This comprehensive guide aims to explore these challenges, offer actionable solutions, and provide a roadmap for what lies ahead.

The roadblock: Fragmented organisational structures

The promise of digital transformation is immense, offering a plethora of advantages. Yet, many enterprises find themselves unable to unlock their full potential. The challenges lie in integrating various elements — people, processes, data, technology, and networks — effectively.

In an evolving digital environment, traditional businesses aspire to match tech giants’ agility and market dominance. However, they often stumble upon a significant obstacle: fragmented organisational frameworks.

These fragmented structures result in isolated data pools, operational inefficiencies, gaps in information, departmental isolation, and complex technological ecosystems. Market research firm IDC has pointed out that such inefficiencies can cost companies a staggering 20-30 per cent of their annual revenue.

These organisational silos primarily emerge from adopting point solutions that are not scalable and suboptimal technology investments. These point solutions hinder organisations from having a holistic view of their operations and require significant time and financial resources for management and collaboration across multiple platforms.

Furthermore, the need for training resources in various tools and distinct support processes to resolve issues adds to the burden on employees and negatively impacts customer experience.

Many organisations are caught in the trap of focusing solely on cost efficiencies, neglecting the transformative power of digital technologies for strategic differentiation through innovation.

Also Read: What facilitates the adoption of digital currencies in Southeast Asia?

As a result, they often opt for incremental changes rather than embracing comprehensive, well-planned digital shifts. While such an approach may yield short-term gains, it fails to secure sustainable cost savings, operational efficiencies, and quicker market entry.

The need for a connected enterprise approach

The root cause of these silos often lies in fragmented strategies that neglect the human element and underestimate the need for modern, integrated systems. So, how can businesses break free from these constraints?

The first step is a fundamental shift in mindset, transitioning from mere digital adoption to becoming a truly digital enterprise. This involves adopting a “Connected Enterprise Approach,” which challenges traditional tech transformations and emphasizes a holistic organisational culture and processes change.

• Evolve into a fully digital-first organisation: The most crucial step in this transformation is to go beyond the limited scope of merely using digital technologies. It’s about evolving into a Fully Digital-First Organisation, where digital capabilities are seamlessly integrated into every aspect of the business, from operations and customer interactions to decision-making and innovation.
• Prioritise human engagement: Success doesn’t solely depend on hiring specific skill sets; it requires fostering digital proficiency across all employees. This involves training and creating an environment where digital dexterity is valued and rewarded.
• Customer-centricity as the ultimate goal: Any automation should enhance customer experience and value; otherwise, it serves little purpose. This means customer needs should be at the forefront of any digital transformation strategy.
• Sustainable resilience over quick wins: This is a continuous journey that demands a digital innovation and collaboration culture rather than merely upgrading existing systems. The focus should be on long-term gains contributing to the organisation’s overall growth and sustainability.

The platform-centric model: A proven strategy

Once the organisational culture has been realigned to embrace digital transformation, the next logical step is to adopt a platform-centric operational model. This approach ensures seamless processes and complete visibility across the organisation, thereby eliminating data silos and enhancing operational efficiency. Platforms offer the flexibility to adapt to changing business needs, maximising the utility of current and future tech investments.

Also Read: Will the new digital banks sound the death knell for traditional banks?

• Unlock efficiencies at scale: Utilise data-driven insights to scale transformation efforts. This involves leveraging analytics and machine learning algorithms to make informed decisions that align with business objectives.
• Amplify human potential: Enhance productivity while maintaining a human-centric approach. This means leveraging technology to eliminate mundane tasks, thereby allowing employees to focus on more complex, value-added activities.
• Harness the power of a connected ecosystem: Minimise operational gaps and maximise customer value through a connected ecosystem approach. This involves integrating various business functions and data sources to create a unified, efficient operational model.

In-depth analysis: The long-term implications

Understanding that technology transformations have become synonymous with progress and innovation is crucial. However, organisations often rush to deploy new technologies without thoroughly assessing their long-term implications. They fail to recognise that implementing new technology without first shifting the culture and mindset is a recipe for failure.

Adopting the platform-based model is the key to creating a connected enterprise that harnesses its digital tools to overcome challenges, rapidly responds to employee and customer needs, and is ripe for competition.

In conclusion, businesses can position themselves for long-term success, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape.

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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

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Imagine this: You’re a startup founder, and you’re running on fumes. You’re not alone; many high-performing entrepreneurs are in the same boat. Burnout is a real issue, defined by the World Health Organisation as a syndrome resulting from unmanaged chronic workplace stress.

But what if I told you that neuroscience could offer you a lifeline? Let’s explore how.

The anatomy of burnout

Burnout is more than just exhaustion; it’s a state where your performance flatlines, focus becomes a distant dream, and everything feels like a grind. It’s the antithesis of flow, that magical state where work becomes effortless and productivity soars. Neuroscience tells us that burnout affects both your mind and your brain’s chemistry, disrupting neural pathways crucial for focus and productivity.

Understand the neuroscience of stress to manage burnout

When we experience chronic stress, our bodies release a hormone called cortisol that can negatively affect our cognitive abilities. This can result in impaired memory, decreased attention span, and reduced decision-making abilities. Therefore, it’s important to manage stress levels before burnout occurs. To do this, we can do regular exercise, mindfulness meditation, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

The importance of active recovery

Recovery isn’t just about taking a break; it’s about active recovery—activities that rejuvenate your mind and body. Whether it’s an ice bath, yoga, or nature immersion, these activities are good for your soul and your brain.

Incorporate active recovery into your routine

Active recovery is a technique that involves performing low-intensity exercises. It works by improving blood flow and circulation, which helps to reduce inflammation and soreness in muscles, tendons, and joints.

Additionally, it helps to reset your brain by reducing cortisol levels, which is the hormone associated with stress, and promoting the release of endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones that help to improve mood and reduce pain. By doing so, active recovery rejuvenates your body and mind, allowing you to prepare for the next bout of intense work with more energy and focus.

Also Read: 10 essential steps to unlock your neuroscience-backed leadership mindset

The binary lifestyle: On or off

Living a life where you’re either fully on or fully off eliminates what we call the “grey zone”—that unproductive state where you’re neither fully working nor fully resting. Neuroscience supports this binary lifestyle, showing that our brains function best when they’re either fully engaged or fully at rest.

Live a binary lifestyle to optimise brain function

This “grey zone” can hinder our productivity and affect our ability to recover effectively. By eliminating this state, we can optimise the neural pathways in our brain, which allows us to be more productive when we are engaged in tasks and more effective in our recovery when we are resting.

This optimisation of neural pathways can lead to better overall brain function and improved cognitive abilities.

Defining “done”: The neuroscience of reward

Without a clear definition of what constitutes a “win” for the day, you’re setting yourself up for burnout. Neuroscience tells us that achieving defined goals triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of reward and satisfaction.

Define what “done” means to trigger dopamine release

When you set clear goals for yourself, it triggers the release of a neurotransmitter called dopamine in your brain. This, in turn, creates a sense of pleasure and satisfaction, making you feel good about yourself and your accomplishments. This feeling of pleasure motivates you to keep working towards your goals, creating a positive cycle of productivity. By setting and achieving clear goals, you not only enhance your productivity but also boost your overall well-being and satisfaction in life.

Final thoughts

Burnout is a looming threat for many startup founders, but understanding the neuroscience behind stress and productivity can offer valuable insights into managing and avoiding it. By applying these neuroscience-backed strategies, you can dodge burnout and keep your startup on the path to success.

Further reading

• Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers by Robert M. Sapolsky
• The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal
• Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

So, the next time you feel burnout creeping in, remember that your brain holds the key to surviving and thriving in the startup world.

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Singapore-based Inteluck, a technology-driven supply chain solution provider, has closed its Series C funding round, securing US$34 million in investment.

Philippines-focused private equity firm Navegar led the round, with participation from existing investor East Ventures.

Inteluck, which operates in the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, will use the funds to expand its regional footprint, deepen its presence, and strengthen its capabilities.

Also Read: Logistics platform Inteluck closes US$15M Series B round for SEA expansion

Founded in 2014 by Kevin Zhang, Singapore-headquartered Inteluck has built a digital B2B platform that provides technology-driven supply chain services to enterprises, spanning full truckload transportation, warehouse management, international freight forwarding, distribution, and customised supply chain solutions.

For enterprises, Inteluck offers a one-stop supply chain solution that provides access to a fleet of over 14,000 delivery trucks available for on-demand booking. Through the platform, enterprises can expand their geographical coverage throughout the supply chain, maintain real-time oversight of shipments, and scale operations flexibly during high-demand periods.

Also read: How the logistics partner can make or break the online shopping experience

Inteluck empowers small to mid-sized truckers by boosting demand for first-to-mid-mile trips, improving fleet utilisation, and facilitating faster payments. It has provided supply chain services to over 300 international and local enterprises across telecommunications, fast-moving consumer goods, manufacturing, e-commerce, and express delivery.

“By providing enterprises (demand) with access to more trucks on a single platform, along with advantages like faster dispatching, improved delivery times, and competitive pricing, we empower them to streamline operations and achieve significant cost savings. Simultaneously, our trucker network (supply) experiences increased utilisation and profitability, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem for all stakeholders,” said Zhang.

Founded in 2013, Manila-based Navegar invests capital and lends expertise to fast-growing Philippine companies. It has over US$300 million in assets under management, and its portfolio companies include TaskUs, Intellicare, The Bistro Group, Royale Cold Storage, Great Deals E-commerce Corp., and Dali Discount AG.

Also Read: Logistics startup Inteluck raises funding from FutureCap

In January 2022, Inteluck announced the completion of its US$15 million Series B financing round led by Creo Capital, a Hong Kong-based investment firm under New World Group.

The Southeast Asian logistics sector is estimated at US$300 billion and is undergoing a prominent shift, with emerging markets rapidly developing.

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Image Credit: Inteluck.

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Moosa Genetics, an animal genomics and biotechnology startup based in Indonesia, has raised an undisclosed investment in funding led by East Ventures, with participation from unnamed angel investors.

This funding will be allocated to build a laboratory, team, marketing, and Wagyu (one of the most expensive meats in the world) partnership to fulfil the demand for its customers.

Also Read: Biotech is set to push new frontiers in precision oncology therapeutics

Indonesia’s cattle industry is highly fragmented, and roughly 80 per cent is dominated by smallholder farmers, concentrated mostly on the island of Java; East Java province alone accounts for 30 per cent of the country’s cattle population. Smallholder farmers often raise cattle for their savings rather than for the commercial market, which significantly impedes the potential of the domestic meat supply.

Most cattle breeders are also low-skilled farmers with low-input, low-output production systems and face fundamental challenges in expanding their cattle businesses. This includes limited access to finance and capital, the lack of collateral, and a local financial sector that is cautious in providing loans due to the inherent risks.

As a result, domestic production can only satisfy about 40 per cent of Indonesian demand for beef, which leads to the dependency on importing beef, especially from Australia.

Also Read: The role of biotech in taking India from developing to developed

Founded in 2016, Moosa Genetics leverages embryo transfer technology and innovative gene selection techniques like CRISPR (a technology to modify DNA selectively) to improve cattle breeding and beef production. By doing so, Moosa Genetics improves meat yield and quality and, at the same time, also reduces the costs.

“Through our modern animal reproductive and molecular technologies, we enable lower cost and better meat yield and quality, eventually bringing substantial benefits to the industry and consumers,” said Dr Ivan R Sini, Chairman and Co-Founder of Moosa Genetics.

However, Moosa Genetics recognises the complexity of breeding and acknowledges that a single matrix of genetic improvement can not determine the ideal version of local cattle for Indonesia. The widespread expectation of traits such as disease resilience and superior meat marbling must be empirically proven for their economic value.

Also Read: How biotech is changing the global agriculture game for investors

“To tackle that challenge, Moosa Genetics emphasises the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders, the platform provider, and dedicated researchers to comprehensively assess and measure the magnitude of improvement over the current cattle breeding standards,” added Ivan.
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