Singapore-based private equity firm ABC Impact has announced the first close of its second impact fund.

Launched in August 2023, ABC Impact Fund II has garnered support from new and existing investors, including Temasek Trust, Temasek, SeaTown Holdings, and Mapletree Investments.

Also Read: The key to tackling climate change: Electrify shipping

Fund II Assets Under Management now exceeds US$550 million, with the final close expected in 2024.

Established in 2019, ABC Impact aims to generate positive and measurable social or environmental outcomes in Asia. Its inaugural US$300 million fund has been strategically deployed across various sectors, including financial and digital inclusion, better health and education, climate and water solutions, and sustainable food and agriculture.

Since its inception, ABC Impact Fund I has invested in 11 portfolio companies. The portfolio showcases impact-driven companies addressing environmental and societal challenges through innovative solutions.

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

Last May, ABC Impact and sustainable chemical company Indorama Ventures led a £20 million Series B funding round in Polymateria Limited, a biotransformation technology company combating plastic pollution.

In 2022, the fund exited Singapore-based solar company Sunseap.

As per a study, impact investing is expected to see faster growth compared to other ESG investing approaches, with the main drivers being institutional adoption, next-generation wealth, and Asia transition progress.

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In the world of startups, you’re expected to dance with risk like it’s a familiar partner. But, there’s a sneaky, often ignored shadow called burnout that can step on your toes, changing the way you lead this dance. It’s more than just being tired; it reshapes your worldview, messing with your decisions.

Today, let’s dive into how burnout tweaks an entrepreneur’s risk-taking moves. We’ll peek into the latest neuroscience, spot the warning signs, and talk management, merging science with real stories. This is about keeping your decision-making groove sharp, even when the music gets too loud.

Understanding burnout in entrepreneurs

Burnout’s like running on empty for too long. It’s emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion from constant stress. It drains your energy and makes you feel less accomplished. Symptoms? Think persistent tiredness, cynicism, feeling detached, and a sense of not getting anywhere.

Your brain on burnout

When burnt out, your brain’s stress response goes into overdrive. The prefrontal cortex, your decision-making HQ, gets sluggish. Neurotransmitters, which keep your mood in check, go haywire. This isn’t just feeling low; it changes your thinking style and decision-making skills.

Burnout in the entrepreneurial world

Founders, listen up! You’re in the danger zone for burnout. The thrill of innovation, high-stakes choices, and blurred lines between work and life brew the perfect stress storm. It’s a rollercoaster ride, exciting but exhausting, paving the way to burnout city.

The neuroscience of risk-taking

Risk-taking is wired in your entrepreneurial brain. It’s tied to your brain’s reward centre, especially the ventral striatum, dancing with the decision-making prefrontal cortex. Stress, however, messes with this dance. Stress hormones like cortisol can blur your decision-making vision, making you either too cautious or recklessly brave.

Burnout’s effect on risk-taking

Burnout can make you see risks differently. You might become too scared to jump on opportunities or too impulsive, skipping the usual checks. This skewed risk perception can lead to business flops, strained relationships, and a tarnished reputation. Plus, it can spiral into chronic health problems, making things worse.

Also Read: How startup leaders can delegate to prevent burnout  

The latest from neuroscience

Stress harms the brain’s decision-making areas, like the prefrontal cortex. It can blur your vision for long-term outcomes, making short-term gains look more tempting. Also, stress messes with your brain’s chemicals, leading to either too much caution or reckless choices.

Beating burnout: Strategies for founders

As a coach, I’ve seen certain tactics work wonders in fighting burnout:

• Spot the early signs: Tired all the time? Snappy? Feeling detached? Notice these early signs to stop burnout in its tracks.
• Manage stress: Prioritise, delegate, and set work-life boundaries. Try mindfulness, deep breathing, or yoga. And don’t forget to exercise; it’s a stress-buster.
• Build resilience: Adopt a growth mindset. See challenges as learning chances. And lean on your network for support and fresh perspectives.

Real stories, real impact

I’ve seen entrepreneurs turn things around by managing stress and building resilience. One client, overwhelmed by the workload, learned to prioritise and delegate, easing his stress and sharpening his decision-making. Another, scared of failure, embraced a growth mindset, leading to bold, business-boosting decisions.

Lessons to remember

• Act early: Tackle burnout signs early to avoid bigger problems.
  Balance is key: A healthy work-life balance is crucial for your decision-making skills.
• Shift your mindset: Viewing challenges differently can transform your approach to risk and stress.

Fighting burnout is not just about your health; it’s about keeping your risk-taking skills on point. By staying alert to burnout signs, understanding its brain effects, and using stress management techniques, you can maintain a sharp, balanced entrepreneurial mindset.

So, here’s to your health and success! Are you ready to change the way you dance with risk?

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e27 has been dedicated to nurturing a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs since its inception. Our Contributor Program offers a platform for sharing unique insights.

As part of our ‘Contributor Spotlight’, we shine a weekly spotlight on an outstanding contributor and dive into the vastness of their knowledge and expertise.

In this episode, we feature Sapna Chadha, Google’s Vice President overseeing business growth, strategy, and operations in the Southeast and South Asia Frontier. With over 25 years of global management and marketing experience, she is a founding member of Google APAC’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, advocating for increased representation across the company.

Chadha shares his personal and professional journey in this episode of Contributor Spotlight.

The driving force

In discussing Google’s commitment to supporting startups and the motivation behind her participation in the e27 Contributor Program, Chadha remarked:

“At Google, we have programs such as Google for Startups to connect them with the right people, products and resources while sharing best practices to help them scale. When we launched the e-Conomy SEA Report 2023 in November, there were insights that I found helpful for SEA startups, including the use of AI solutions to leapfrog competition and carve a new future in the region as it can potentially be a US$1 trillion digital economy by 2030. Moreover, I have witnessed many moments across Southeast Asia of the region’s relentless pursuit of progress, including seeing a small hospital in Thailand use AI to optimise health diagnostics. This motivated me to contribute an article about my optimism about the future of Southeast Asia.”

Thoughts, goals, and journey

Chadha credits her mother, a role model in the tech industry, for shaping her interest in data and technology. During the early days, her mother, navigating a male-dominated field, juggled coding sessions and classes while caring for Chadha. The mother’s strength, dedication, and passion became a profound source of inspiration, influencing Chadha’s aptitude for data, information and technology.

“My mother was incredibly supportive when I decided to join Google back in 2014. Looking back at my journey with the company (It’s my 10th year this year!) I’m immensely grateful for the opportunity to work alongside remarkable teams to introduce impactful products and services that have touched the lives of millions across Asia Pacific,” she expressed.

Also Read: Izwan Zakaria: Navigating legal frontiers in the startup landscape

As the Vice President for Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier over the past year, Chadha oversees business outcomes and growth in a diverse, innovative, and growing region. Leading a region characterised by diversity, innovation, and significant growth potential, she finds it incredibly exciting to spearhead operations in Southeast Asia — a tech-forward region that has showcased remarkable resilience in navigating challenges posed by the pandemic and macroeconomic conditions.

In observing the region, Chadha notes a notable trend where digital businesses increasingly leverage technologies like AI to achieve profitability. A Google Cloud survey reveals that 8 in 10 organisations anticipate significant industry changes or transformations due to AI, reflecting the rapid adoption witnessed in 2023.

“I shared in my contributing article how we are already seeing companies using AI-powered solutions for their advertising campaigns and as part of their business strategy. I was intrigued by Fairprice Group, which is using AI to help them with forecasting workload and manpower needs at each of their retail stores. I believe more companies will start turning to similar solutions in this new year to support automation and increase productivity across industries, generating greater value and further augmenting the region’s digital growth,” she said.

Looking ahead, challenges are diverse, but Chadha remains committed to the timeless mission of universal information accessibility. With AI advancements, she focuses on developing products catering to advertisers, communities, and the broader ecosystem. Personally, she aims to strengthen Prompt Engineering, embrace more Gen AI tools, and actively contribute to the industry.

Advice for budding thought leaders

For aspiring thought leaders, her foremost advice is to stay curious, be open to alternative viewpoints, and fearlessly challenge assumptions. This approach fosters the development of unique perspectives, contributing to a healthy environment of curiosity and growth within the startup community, especially amid the constant evolution of technologies.

Also Read: Tristan Chiappini: A decade of excellence in fintech and digital payments

Juggling too many things?

From her perspective, Chadha emphasises the importance of finding equilibrium amid work and personal life demands. Balancing responsibilities doesn’t necessarily mean a strict 50-50 split, but rather adjusting and finding equilibrium over time, allowing no single aspect to dominate and overwhelm others.

Staying in the loop

In her exploration of the digital landscape, Chadha expressed:

“We’re incredibly fortunate to live in a digital world where we can get information at the tap of our fingertips, and I enjoy keeping myself updated by reading insightful articles by tech leaders, entrepreneurs and industry experts who offer different perspectives.”

Chadha turns to The Neuron, Harvard Business Review, and Benedict Evans (an independent tech analyst) as her go-to sources for insights into AI trends and tools.

In her role as a business leader, Chadha finds value in listening to podcasts like The Verge’s Decoder, participating as a judge in industry thought leadership and awards and serving on boards to broaden her perspectives beyond internal work.

“What I’ve learned in my career is that growth happens when we avoid getting comfortable. I see careers as a jungle gym instead of ladders. I’ve been in roles where I had wondered if it was the right fit. When I took on the role of Chief of Staff earlier in my career, I had assumed that being behind the scenes may not fit me. But looking back, it was one of the jobs that I excelled in, and the experience really helped me to grow. It challenged my thinking and gave me access to executives who played an influential role in grooming my leadership style to date. So, I would always advise others to actively influence how your journey is and not just wait to be asked for the next thing,” she concludes.

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Are you ready to join a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and industry experts? Do you have insights, experiences, and knowledge to share?

Join the e27 Contributor Programme and become a valuable voice in our ecosystem. 

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Singapore-based Web3 advertising platform Linkko has received an undisclosed sum in a strategic round led by Web3 Media Ventures.

With the newly acquired funds, Linkko plans to focus on developing additional features, expanding strategic partnerships, and growing its user base.

Also Read: To leverage Web3 technologies, Web2 companies may start by building the right culture

Established in 2023, Linkko leverages on-chain analytics to provide advertisers with precise targeting capabilities. The LinkkoAds platform introduces a novel incentive system where targeted users are eligible to claim rewards for each advertisement viewed. These rewards range from a few cents to several US dollars per ad, creating an engaging and mutually beneficial experience for consumers.

Linkko’s targeting methodology is centred around public blockchain analytics, incorporating factors such as transaction type and volume, owned assets, including NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), and net worth. This approach results in the generation of hyper-targeted behavioural profiles, offering valuable insights to advertisers seeking more effective and personalized outreach.

Also Read: OKX Ventures leads investment in Web3 venture studio BeWater

The company emphasises that this targeting model caters to the needs of both Web3 and Web2 advertisers, showcasing its versatility in the rapidly evolving digital advertising landscape.

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The Parentinc, a leading content, community, and commerce ecosystem for parents in Southeast Asia, has acquired Motherswork, a luxury retailer for mum, baby, and kids’ products in Singapore and China.

The terms of the deal remain undisclosed.

The acquisition will enable The Parentinc to expand its offline presence by opening up more Motherswork stores in key markets in the region, including Vietnam, where its flagship product Mama’s Choice will be distributed exclusively by Motherswork.

“This acquisition will enable Motherswork to expand its footprint into other countries in Southeast Asia through The Parentinc,” Sharon Wong, Founder and CEO of Motherswork, said.

Also Read: I don’t think true-blue text-based digital media companies exist anymore: theAsianparent Founder Roshni Mahtani

The deal comes even as The Parentinc is preparing to launch an initial public offering and on the heels of recent high-profile IPOs from mother and baby brands, such as First Cry and Mamaearth. Mamaearth’s current IPO valuation is set at US$1.2 billion, and FirstCry, which filed for IPO in December 2023, is anticipated to set its valuation between US$3.5 billion and US$3.75 billion.

Launched in 1998, Motherswork is a premier omnichannel retailer with two stores in Singapore and ten in China. It offers customers in every stage of parenthood a curated selection of over 300 brands, including Avent, Joolz and Stokke.

Headquartered in Singapore, The Parentinc has a reach of over 30 million users. The company also owns Webtretho (a leading online community platform for women, which it acquired in 2022) and Bé Yêu (an app for parents).

The Parentinc also owns and operates the direct-to-consumer brand Mama’s Choice, which manufactures and retails safe, natural, and Halal pregnancy, nursing, baby care, and household products that are designed and tested in Singapore for families in Asia.

Also Read: How theAsianparent aims to help reduce stillbirth rates in Southeast Asia

In 2022, The Parentinc received an undisclosed investment from LINE Southeast Asia Corp. Its other investors are Central Retail Corporation, East Ventures, Fosun International, Global Grand Leisure, JD.com, Mirae Asset-Naver New Growth Fund, Redbadge Pacific, SCB 10X, Tigris Capital, Vertex Ventures, and WHG Holdings.

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