In the ever-evolving landscape of financial markets, understanding and managing trading psychology has long been a formidable challenge for retail traders and investors. Despite the availability of resources on fundamental and technical analysis, over 85 per cent of retail traders continue to incur losses, indicating the existence of other contributing factors.

However, a groundbreaking solution has emerged, promising to revolutionise the way we perceive and navigate the complexities of trading psychology.

Hoc-trade, an innovative AI-driven platform, represents a significant advancement in trading psychology on multiple fronts. It transforms previously qualitative applications of trading psychology into quantitative insights, providing traders and investors with a deeper understanding of the impact of their emotions on performance.

At its core, Hoc-trade provides comprehensive analysis that outlines identified trading behaviors, severity levels, performance impacts, and underlying contexts. Leveraging AI, Hoc-trade bridges the gap between behavioural finance concepts and trading decisions, empowering traders with actionable insights and education.

Also Read: How should non-tech companies approach AI?

Hoc-trade has conducted a study with the ultimate dataset encompassing 2.75 million trades of in total 6.5 thousand traders trading real funds. The data collection criteria stipulated that traders must have a minimum total of 50 trades, including at least 10 trades identified as having an issue.

The determination of whether a trade was categorised as having an issue or not hinged on surpassing a specified threshold of detrimental behavioural issues within a singular trade. These behavioral issues were discerned exclusively from the trade history of the user up to the point of deciding the subsequent trade issues.

The result is eye-opening! Through over two million trades of data, Hoc-trade AI categorises trades into two distinct possibilities:

• Those exhibiting behavioural issues
• Those that do not

Statistically, more than 90 per cent of traders lose in FX trading. This is confirmed in the study when a trade is classified as having an issue. The average performance of such trade is -1.15 per cent of the traders’ balance.

However, when AI technology is introduced, the average performance shows an improvement at -0.43 per cent. While a trade without issues has not yet reached a profitable outcome, there is already a significant uplift in performance of up to 63 per cent!

The impact of Hoc-trade AI has been demonstrated across millions of trades, highlighting its potential to address the persistent underperformance experienced by retail traders and investors. Recognising the significance of trading behaviors and psychology in shaping market outcomes, the team at Hoc-trade embarked on a mission to develop an AI-powered trading analytics tool designed to monitor and mitigate detrimental trading behaviors.

The results of Hoc-trade’s analysis underscore its efficacy in identifying destructive behaviors and predicting underperformance in trades. Trades free from issues demonstrate significantly better performance, reaffirming the pivotal role of trading psychology in shaping trading outcomes. While AI has yet to optimise for all potential behavioural issues, its impact on enhancing traders’ performance has already demonstrated significance.

Also Read: The AI revolt: How our love affair with technology could turn into a hate story

Looking ahead, Hoc-trade envisions a future where AI-driven insights revolutionise retail trading and investments. By providing personalized insights, establishing causality, and quantifying issues, Hoc-trade paves the way for unprecedented opportunities for learning and improvement.

With the capacity to identify negative trading behaviors, filter out undesirable trades, and alert traders to emotional decisions, Hoc-trade AI heralds a new era of user protection and empowerment.

In conclusion, Hoc-trade AI offers a distinctive opportunity for brokers, exchanges, and other entities within the trading industry to integrate groundbreaking technology that delivers tangible benefits to their traders. As the retail trading landscape continues to evolve, Hoc-trade remains at the forefront, driving innovation and transforming the way we approach trading psychology.

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Sustainability has become one of the top business priorities in the past years, and 2024 is no exception. As companies adopt sustainable tech with increasing urgency, we’ll see the rise of more sustainable tech startups entering into the game. With more businesses adopting new technologies to reach sustainability goals, investors will also continue to accelerate the development of these new and exciting solutions.  

However, according to Accenture, 40 per cent of CIOs cite a lack of solutions and standards as a critical obstacle in their sustainable tech strategy — a gap that startups are poised to fill. Businesses will increasingly tap into an ecosystem of startups to harness technology in completely new ways, solve crucial problems and deliver sustainable outcomes.

At The Mills Fabrica, we believe that sustainable tech startups play a critical role in protecting our planet. From creating dyes for clothes from DNA sequencing and nature’s own colours, using automated micro-factories to create carbon-conscious apparel, to deriving sugars from fibres of agricultural side streams, startups deliver groundbreaking solutions which, with the right investment, partnerships, and implementation, can be adopted en masse to drive change and social good across communities.

While there is much potential, there is a looming recession on the horizon, and securing investor backing becomes more crucial, yet more difficult. Sustainable tech startups will need to demonstrate they are ready for success, with a well-defined possibility for growth, financial resilience, and an innovative product and go-to-market strategy that is different from competitors. 

When evaluating startup investment opportunities as an investor, here are some key factors to consider:

Identifying problem areas and making your impact tangible

Investors will inevitably prioritise how startups offer solutions to vital problems. Sustainability and planet-positive actions must be “baked” into a startup’s business strategy from the get-go, with ways to show that solutions are delivering tangible results. 

Startups must not only be able to articulate their positive impact on the general environment, but also how they can help their customers and partners accelerate their sustainability goals. It is also important to utilise comprehensive and rigorous tools to define goals and report impact metrics. 

The more we speak a ‘common language’ using such tools, the more effective and impactful our work can become. This also puts your goals in clear terms for investors worldwide. For example, startups can get started with the Stockholm Resilience Centre’s Planetary Boundaries Framework, which is a scientific approach that defines the safe operating space for humanity within Earth’s natural systems.

Also Read: How Alternō’s vision is changing the energy landscape with sand batteries

It lists nine planetary boundaries that must not be crossed to avoid irreversible environmental changes, including climate change, human pollution, and freshwater availability, among others. A startup can make use of this framework and showcase how their solutions can create a holistic impact on the planet’s wellbeing. 

Stand out from the competition

To stand out from the sheer volume of competition, resilience and creativity is key. Fundraising may be more competitive than ever, but startups can source for research and grant opportunities beyond VCs, like those provided by governments and corporations looking to drive technological disruption. Startups can also look out for project funding at various stages of their development, including during the infrastructure-building phase.

The Singapore government, for example, sets up multiple grants to start-ups, such as the Early Stage Venture Fund (EVSF), which provides financing to early-stage startups in Singapore to support their growth and help them scale up their business. Under the ESVF, The NRF invests US$10 million on a matching basis to seed corporate VC funds that invest under this initiative in Singapore-based early-stage high-tech companies.

Aside from capital, incubation programs by organisations dedicated to helping bring sustainable tech to the forefront, like The Mills Fabrica, could also provide extensive support from industry connection market exposure to potential clientele. 

Taking advantage of various schemes and support from the private and public sectors, in addition to a solid fundraising strategy balancing all capital opportunities, will signal to investors that founders are savvy, well-connected, and have clear, attainable milestones along each step of the growth journey. 

Local problem-solving with global scalability 

Investors want to know how startups can grow so they can get returns on investment. A startup’s capabilities to address environmental challenges at a local level while having a clear plan to scale up regionally or globally will become a key consideration, especially for enterprises and investors. This indicates the potential for widespread impact and growth on the consumer level, enacting genuine difference for our planet.

Also Read: Balancing act: Carbon Balance’s quest to tackle climate crises with tech-driven sustainability

For example, Colorifix, a startup that pioneered the first entirely biological process of dyeing textiles, offers a unique solution to incumbent technologies that completely cuts out the use of harsh chemistry and leads to huge reductions in energy and water consumption. It brought bio-based dyes to mass consumers with popular brands like Pangaia and H&M.

Another startup, unspun, aims to reduce global carbon emissions by at least one per cent by using automated, localised, and on-demand manufacturing for jeans. With the textile and apparel industry contributing 8-10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, every step counts.

Building the right bridges and educating the wider ecosystem

It should be a responsibility for all startups to prioritise educating different players in the ecosystem about sustainable innovations. Sustainability is a collective effort, and only by working cohesively with ecosystem players can we bring forth impactful changes in lifestyle habits for the betterment of our environment. 

Startups need to look beyond their own four walls to solve problems in the wider world. Apart from honing their solutions, they need to understand what corporations and the wider industry, including regulators and funding firms, are looking for.

Active participation in industry conversations, awards, and events shape a well-rounded worldview that can help startups build not only credibility, but also strong value propositions and become agile, solution-oriented partners.

While developing a new solution from the ground up may be a daunting task, resilient entrepreneurs will be able to continue the pipeline of innovation and weather any economic condition. It’s by making genuinely measurable impacts, being self-sufficient and resourceful, and fostering ecosystem-wide connections and partnerships, a startup can innovate to bring a truly planet-positive product to the market.  

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The Indian Army heavily relies on the age-old practices of using porters and mules to move essentials in challenging Himalayas terrains. While there are nearly 15,000 porters employed for the purpose, they can carry out only up to three trips per day. Winter is often more challenging for the movement of essentials, forcing troops to eat frozen food.

“Imagine the soldiers who protect us and our nation day and night not getting fresh food. Isn’t it a misery?” asks Satyabrata Satapathy.

It occurred to Satapath, an avionics engineer, that aerial mobility could help address this burning problem. He discussed this opportunity with his friends in aerospace and joined hands to develop heavy-lift electric aerial vehicles or logistics drones.

Also Read: Equatorial Space is on a mission to make space launches cost-effective and eco-friendly

And that was how BonV Aero was born.

BonV Aero, based in Orissa (a state in northeast India), was founded by Satapathy (CEO), Gaurav Achha (Co-CEO), Abinash Sahoo (CTO), Rahul Kumar (Chief of Design), Sultan Khan (Chief of Manufacturing) and Umang Rathi (Chief of Operations), who collectively bring diverse expertise from renowned companies like Asteria Aerospace, Bosch Automotive, and ISRO.

The startup aims to revolutionise aerial mobility through cutting-edge electric vehicles for goods and passenger transportation. It has developed heavy-lift aerial vehicles for quick logistics movement in hilly, challenging Himalayan terrains.

The aerial vehicle is capable of carrying 50 kilos over ten kilometres at 10,000 feet in hilly regions. Thanks to its self-flying technology, this innovative vehicle operates autonomously without constant pilot intervention. Its in-house propulsion system ensures efficient flights in extreme weather and high altitudes.

“Our self-flying technology is an advanced system integrated into its aerial vehicles, enabling autonomous and intelligent flight operations. This technology leverages innovative flight software, terrain-following capabilities, adaptive payload management, and auto-path generation to achieve a high degree of autonomy in the operation of the drones,” he explained.

BonV has already garnered interest from the defence sector, disaster relief organisations, emergency medical services, logistics, and quick commerce deliveries, claims Satapathy. These vehicles cater to specific needs by efficiently transporting goods and supplies in challenging terrains, enhancing disaster response, facilitating emergency medical transport, streamlining logistics operations, and providing a unique solution for rapid deliveries in the quick commerce sector.

So far, the startup has secured orders worth INR 15 crore (US$1.8 million) from India Defence, Satapathy revealed. “The heavy-lift electric aerial vehicles developed by BonV are tailored for challenging terrains, especially in the Eastern Himalayan region. Military collaboration is pivotal in shaping the company’s future as it allows for real-world product trials and validation, further supporting logistical arrangements for such trials at remote places and ensuring that the technology meets the stringent requirements of defense logistics. This collaboration will help in the quick development and validation of the technology and also open avenues for defence contracts, strengthening BonV Aero’s position in the defence and aerospace sectors.”

The firm, which is conducting product trials with the Indian Arm, sees its technology contributing significantly to defence logistics by providing efficient and rapid aerial mobility solutions.

Also Read: Being prudent in spending should be at the heart of every management conversation: Aerodyne CEO

BonV Aero was one of the top 3 finalists on “Meet the Drapers” TV show. According to Satapathy, this feat has significantly impacted its growth and visibility.

Last month, the startup secured US$700,000 in a funding round led by Inflection Point Ventures. The capital will be primarily directed towards client demonstrations, team expansion and internal R&D focused on enhancing products for customers, researching propulsion systems and advancing power plants.

BonV Aero aims to achieve several key milestones in the near future, including the successful completion of product trials with the Indian Army, delivery of the ordered logistic aerial vehicles, and expanding its presence in the defence sector. “To scale operations beyond the initial trials, we plan to focus on securing additional contracts, scaling up production capacity, and exploring opportunities in other sectors such as disaster relief, emergency response, and commercial logistics. Strategic partnerships, continuous innovation, and efficient execution will play crucial roles in achieving these milestones,” he added.

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X marks Echelon. Join us at Singapore EXPO on May 15-16 for the 10th edition of Asia’s leading tech and startup conference. Enjoy 2 days of building connections with potential investors, partners, and customers, exploring innovation, and sharing insights with 8,000+ key decision-makers of Asia’s tech ecosystem. Get your tickets here.

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If you are alive in 2024 (and given you are reading this blog, chances are that you are), you have to know a founder or two. And if you live in Bengaluru, it’s likely your local Barista, your ex-girlfriend, and your high-schooler neighbour are working on a startup idea — together. 

So, given this surfeit of founders in your vicinity, you probably know by now what to say to get them grinning from ear to ear. (Ask them about their first-born, first-born startup that is, compliment them on their CAC, the usual). 

But did you know that there are some things you absolutely must NOT say?

Yes, today I am here to talk about those questions that you must never ask a founder, no matter how strongly you feel the urge to. 

Treat this guideline as precious insight into a befuddling group of individuals or as insurance for when the founder in your life hits the big time. 

So how is it going?

The “it” in question is the startup. 

Now we understand the intent, we really do. People want to show interest, bless them. And they probably expect a platitude in response, such as “Oh, you know, same old” or “Things are ok, can’t complain”. Corporate folks have fine-tuned these responses to an art form, let’s give credit where it’s due. 

But ask a founder how it is going, and you will witness a breakdown. 

While you chomp on your starter, waiting for a banal response that allows the table to move on, the entire life of a founder will flash in front of their eyes. Metrics will come to their fevered mind, an update on funding perhaps, or the latest organizational challenge? Caught between their many avatars, the hapless founder will wonder which one to trot out for this audience — the optimistic, the brazen or the honest. And if they are given to reflection, they may even start pondering the very question — how, indeed, is it going? 

In short, their brain will short-circuit, and before you know it, you will have one frazzled founder on your hands, who either won’t talk or won’t stop talking. 

Also Read: Why finding your co-founder is a lot like meeting your soulmate

So my suggestion is to attempt at your own risk. 

When are you retiring?

Now, I know there are people who plan their lives around their financial goals. They share analyses about money to save up by varying ages of retirement. They buy homes and dream of buying more homes. 

None of them are founders. For, founders don’t have financial goals. They have financial hopes and financial dreams, which are often nested in the ambition they have for their companies and a byproduct of their efforts towards realizing them. 

That ambition could be big or small, slow or fast, but either way, it does not involve a steadily accumulating nest egg to keep you warm and cosy through the uncertain nights. 

How was your vacation?

Now, I have to admit I am more privileged than most, and with my partner being one of the steady paycheck types, we do go on vacation.

But no one can accuse me of enjoying said vacation. 

Founders don’t let go, they don’t relax, they don’t enjoy breaks. Oh, it’s possible they may not always be hustling towards a deadline or making pitch decks, but vacate. They simply do not. 

The red of the setting sun reminds them of the red in their PnLs. White sands are reminiscent of the white spaces yet to conquer. And every fellow vacationer is a prospective client, yet untapped.  

So the next time you ask a founder about their vacation, don’t pay heed to the words but look into their eyes, look under their eyes, and ask yourself if that harried countenance is indeed that of one who has enjoyed relaxation recently. The answer will be obvious. 

And finally…

What about your funding?

Let it come to you, dear people. When the founder is ready, they will happily break it to you. 

Otherwise, you run the risk of spending your night listening to their woes. And no one who didn’t expressly sign up for it should have to subject themselves to the trials that befall a founder on their funding journey. It would unstoic a stoic. 

Also Read: How to split founder equity without splitting up

Well, I am only kidding. 

You can ask a founder anything. Used to being asked why we are not growing at 10x speed and why we aren’t profitable, in the same breath, we can field anything and everything with ease. 

And no matter what I say here for fun, to evoke laughs, we do enjoy this wild, tempestuous roller-coaster. That is, once the head stops reeling. 

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Marketing strategies have undergone a significant transformation in the evolving digital landscape. Businesses can create highly tailored experiences that resonate with individual preferences by leveraging customer data.

However, this shift toward personalisation has brought privacy concerns to the forefront as consumers grow increasingly cautious about how companies collect and use their information. As a result, marketers must find a balance between delivering personalised experiences and upholding stringent privacy standards.

The value of personalised marketing

Personalisation tailors interactions to meet individual preferences and needs, making each customer feel uniquely valued. For instance, a survey in the Asia-Pacific region found that 30 per cent of respondents felt an increase in trust toward brands that effectively used technology to personalise their experiences.

This marketing approach can take various forms, such as product recommendations and customised email marketing campaigns. These methods improve the shopping experience and strengthen the customer-brand relationship.

Respect opt-in and consent

Obtaining explicit consent from customers before collecting and using their data is crucial in today’s privacy-conscious environment. This practice aligns with legal requirements, and fosters trust between consumers and brands.

Interestingly, research shows that 71 per cent of consumers expect personalisation and will disclose their data to receive targeted messaging that aligns with their interests and preferences. Prioritising explicit consent helps companies comply with privacy laws and build stronger customer relationships.

Understand that transparency is vital

Being open with customers about collected data and its usage offers numerous business benefits. This transparency builds trust, which is critical to client relationships, as it reassures people that companies handle their information with care and respect.

Also Read: How data can be used to empower mental healthcare in Asia

Moreover, customers who understand how their data contributes to personalised experiences are likelier to feel valued and see the relevance of sharing their information. Such openness aligns with ethical practices and compliance with privacy regulations and enhances consumer loyalty and confidence in the brand.

Use data wisely

Businesses should focus on collecting only the essential information to enhance the customer experience and use data effectively for personalisation without violating privacy boundaries. Implementing robust data governance policies, including who is responsible and what tasks they perform, helps boost consistency and efficiency in data management while reducing confusion.

Anonymising and aggregating data can protect individual identities while providing valuable insights for personalisation strategies. Moreover, giving customers control over their information — like options to opt out of data collection or customise their personalisation settings — can further guarantee personalisation efforts are respectful and transparent.

Invest in privacy-friendly technologies

Adopting technologies that enhance personalisation and safeguard user data is essential for modern businesses aiming to deliver exceptional customer experiences without compromising privacy. AI and machine learning can analyse behaviour and preferences in real-time, offering personalised recommendations while securing individual information.

Blockchain technology offers another layer of security, enabling transparent and tamper-proof storage of customer data. Encouraging such technologies guarantees businesses can build trust and loyalty by demonstrating a commitment to protecting their information.

Regularly update privacy practices

Regularly reviewing and updating privacy practices is crucial for businesses to stay aligned with evolving regulatory changes and shifting customer expectations. This proactive approach ensures compliance with the latest data protection laws, which can vary across different regions and over time.

Keeping privacy policies updated demonstrates a commitment to data security and respects customer privacy, enhancing trust and credibility. By staying informed and adaptable, businesses can effectively navigate the complex landscape of privacy regulations.

Focus on value exchange

People are more inclined to share their data when they perceive clear value is crucial. This exchange of information for personalised services or benefits can enhance the customer experience.

Also Read: Innovation in HR: Hacking Talents’s journey in personalised professional development

However, a notable concern is that 45 per cent of consumers distrust companies handling their website behaviour or cookie data, highlighting the need for transparency and value in data exchange practices. Businesses that effectively communicate the benefits of information sharing can mitigate distrust and encourage a more open and mutually beneficial relationship.

Leverage anonymous personalisation

Behavioral data — like purchase history or website interactions — can tailor recommendations and content that resonate with individual preferences. Contextual data — like device type or location — refine personalisation by adapting experiences to the customer’s current situation.

Companies can guarantee personalisation efforts are not intrusive and maintain customer anonymity by focusing on anonymised or aggregated data. This approach maximises the relevance of personalised content and offers without directly accessing or exposing sensitive personal information.

Personalise with security first

Businesses must prioritise the security of their data infrastructure to safeguard against breaches and unauthorised access as the sophistication of cyber threats evolves. For instance, in 2022, Vietnam experienced a high frequency of phishing attacks, impacting over 17 per cent of its internet users.

This statistic underscores the prevalent risk of data security threats worldwide. Investing in advanced security technologies — like encryption, multifactor authentication and continuous monitoring systems — lets businesses create a secure environment that protects customer data from such attacks.

Balancing personalisation and privacy in marketing

Marketers must adopt these strategies to enhance their marketing efforts and protect customer privacy. Balancing personalisation with privacy considerations helps businesses build deeper trust and loyalty among their audience, improving consumer relationships and brand reputation.

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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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