The Echelon X fireside chat titled ‘The Evolution of the Early Stage Investor: Tactics for Investors and Founders to Have a Productive Relationship to Drive Strong Outcomes’ delved into the minds of early-stage funders and founders, exploring the dynamics of their relationships.

The session offered an investor’s perspective on how these dynamics have changed over time in Southeast Asia (SEA) and how current relationships can be leveraged to build successful partnerships and long-term investments.

Moderated by Mohan Belani, Co-Founder and CEO of e27, the fireside chat featured Fandy Cendrajaya, Founding Partner of Kopital Ventures.

The conversation focused on the critical aspects of the investor-founder relationship, with particular emphasis on how these interactions have transformed over time. The discussion provided an investor’s perspective on the shifts in expectations, communication, and collaboration between the two parties. The session delved into the nuances of building trust, aligning goals, and navigating challenges together to create a strong, mutually beneficial partnership.

The fireside chat underscored the importance of a well-nurtured relationship between early-stage investors and founders in driving the success of startups in Southeast Asia. By embracing open communication, aligning goals, and remaining adaptable, both parties can build a strong foundation for a productive partnership.

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Fundraising or preparing your startup for fundraising? Build your investor network, search from 400+ SEA investors on e27, and get connected or get insights regarding fundraising. Try e27 Pro for free today.

The post Echelon X: Fandy Cendrajaya of Kopital Ventures on building successful investor-founder relationships appeared first on e27.

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

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

In this episode, we feature Digital Strategist Felicia Theodorus. With over 10 years of marketing experience, she brings expertise in Singapore and Indonesian business law. Felicia has managed corporate marketing, created content, and built brands, with customer relations skills that boost company profits.

Thoughts, goals, and journey

Theodorus’s journey in the fintech industry began with an interest in revolutionising financial services through technology. She was drawn to fintech’s potential to make transactions more accessible and efficient. Her early experiences with B2B and B2C payment solutions, as well as mobile payment apps, solidified her passion and deepened her understanding of the industry’s complexities and impact.

Looking ahead, she seeks to contribute to the development and implementation of cutting-edge payment technologies that bridge traditional financial services with modern digital solutions. Particularly interested in exploring new markets and expanding fintech’s reach to underserved communities, she is committed to ensuring financial technology is inclusive.

On a personal level, Theodorus focuses on deepening her knowledge of emerging trends such as blockchain and AI-driven payment systems, believing that staying ahead of the curve is essential in this rapidly evolving industry.

She remarked, “I’m committed to maintaining a balance between my professional ambitions and personal growth, dedicating time to continuous learning and wellness to ensure that I remain resilient and innovative in the years to come”.

The driving force

Theodorus recently joined our contributor community and has been an exceptionally active member since joining last month. Her motivation to join stems from a deep desire to share insights and contribute to the dynamic conversation around technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Asia.

Also Read: Jeffrey Liu: Transforming fintech and democratising access to capital

“e27 has always been a platform that I respect for its dedication to fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem, and I saw this as an opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much,” Theodorus said. “Becoming a contributor allows me to share my experiences and perspectives, particularly in fintech and digital payments, with a broader audience. I’m passionate about helping startups and entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of scaling in a rapidly changing industry.”

She added, “I’m motivated by the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and thought leaders through e27. It’s an incredible platform for collaboration and exchange, and I’m excited to be part of a community that’s shaping the future of technology in the region.”

Advice for budding thought leaders

Theodorus advises aspiring thought leaders and contributors that the journey is rewarding but demands a commitment to clear and impactful communication. Her key advice includes:

• Understand your audience: Knowing your audience’s values, needs, and challenges is crucial. Tailor your message to resonate with them for greater relevance and engagement.
• Be clear and concise: Prioritise clarity by avoiding jargon and using straightforward language, making your message more accessible and memorable.
• Develop a unique voice: Stand out by offering a unique perspective. Authenticity, driven by your personality and experiences, is key to connecting with your audience.
• Stay informed and curious: Stay on top of industry trends and cultivate a habit of continuous learning. This ensures your content is enriched with fresh insights.
• Practice active listening: Listen actively to others, whether in conversations or while consuming content, and think about how you can add value to the discussion.
• Engage and interact: Thought leadership is about engagement as much as broadcasting ideas. Respond to feedback and participate in discussions to refine your ideas and build a stronger community.
• Be consistent: Regular contributions are vital for credibility. Develop a content schedule and stick to it to build trust with your audience.
• Embrace feedback and adapt: Be open to feedback and willing to evolve. Thought leadership involves continuous learning and adaptation, so don’t hesitate to refine your style or approach based on constructive criticism.

Juggling too many things?

Theodorus believes that balancing work, contributions, and personal life requires clear priorities and effective time management. She sets boundaries, uses productivity tools, and automates tasks to stay organised.

Also Read: Maggie Po: Balancing purpose and passion in the evolving startup ecosystem

“Incorporating daily learning and self-care routines helps me grow while maintaining well-being,” she said. “I also delegate when possible and stay flexible, adjusting plans as needed to keep everything in harmony. This approach ensures I can manage my responsibilities while fostering both personal and professional growth.”

Staying in the loop

Theodorus relies on a multifaceted approach to stay updated in the fast-paced fintech industry, combining continuous learning, networking, and active engagement with industry-specific resources.

She recommends the following resources for staying informed about fintech:

Websites:

• Finextra
• TechCrunch (fintech section)
• Fintech Futures
• Crowdfund Insider

Reports:

• Deloitte Insights (Fintech)
• CB Insights (Fintech Reports)
• World Economic Forum (Fintech)
• Accenture (Fintech)

These resources offer up-to-date news, trends, and in-depth analysis in the fintech industry.

“I’d like to emphasise the importance of staying curious and adaptable in the ever-evolving fintech landscape,” Theodorus concluded. “The industry is continuously changing, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer expectations. Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and be open to exploring new trends and innovations.”

Take a look at her articles here for more information and perspectives on her expertise.

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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.

The post Felicia Theodorus: Staying ahead in the ever-evolving fintech landscape appeared first on e27.

Dear reader,

The recent analysis of Southeast Asia’s tech startup ecosystem underscores the region’s emergence as a powerhouse for innovation and investment. Over the past five years, healthtech, edutech, and blockchain technology have dominated funding trends, reflecting the region’s dynamic economic landscape.

Healthtech’s rise, particularly post-pandemic, highlights a significant shift towards digital health solutions, driven by increased early-stage investments and the demand for efficient healthcare delivery. Similarly, edutech saw a pandemic-driven surge, though its momentum has slowed since 2021 as the demand for remote learning solutions decreased.

Blockchain Technology, despite a dip in 2023, remains resilient with a notable recovery in 2024, underscoring the sector’s adaptability and ongoing relevance. This resilience is mirrored in the steady growth of energytech and the resurgence of the gaming sector, both gaining traction with renewed investor interest.

Southeast Asia’s tech landscape continues to evolve, marked by significant contributions from these sectors. As the region navigates post-pandemic realities and leverages its strengths, it is well-positioned to solidify its status as a global hub for technological innovation and investment, attracting global attention to its burgeoning startup ecosystem.

Sainul
Editor.

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NEWS & VIEWS

Healthtech, edutech dominated SEA’s funding scene in past 5 years: Tracxn
Insurtech, Blockchain, energy tech and gaming also gained significant momentum in terms of funding in the last five years.

Ovo’s future at stake as Grab pushes Superbank in Indonesia
Grab’s integration of the digital bank Superbank with its app in Indonesia, means Ovo – the e-wallet that Grab has a 90% stake in – will have to compete against the digital bank for transaction volume in Grab’s platform.

EDB commits US$25M to drive corporate-startup collaborations in Singapore
Corporates will work with EDB’s Open Innovation Partners to connect with high-quality startups and partner with them to achieve meaningful commercial outcomes.

Singapore’s Hatcher+, Australia’s Mandalay team up for agtech investment
The partnership seeks to accelerate the growth of startups focusing on solutions from ‘farm-to-fork’; This includes on-farm technologies, farm gate solutions, supply chain innovations, and point-of-sale advancements.

Fleet-tracking startup TransTRACK raises US$12M to expans into Singapore, Malaysia
The investors include Eurazeo, Cocoon Capital, and AppWorks; TransTrack offers an AI- and IoT-powered fleet management system, transportation management system, and truck appointment system for logistics companies.

Philippines launches roadmap to boost Metro Manila’s startup ecosystem
The SCALE NCR initiative aims to map out 17 cities across the NCR to identify opportunities for collaboration and support for startups, guiding the creation of a five-year Startup Development Roadmap for the region.

Cyber risk management startup Protos Labs lands US$2.3M investment
The investors include A2D Ventures, BEENEXT, VinaCapital, and Artem Ventures; Protos Labs is an AI-driven platform that enables enterprises and insurers to reduce cyber risk exposure better and underwrite and price cyber risks.

SurplusLoop attracts funding to streamline surplus asset management process
Antler is the backer; SurplusLoop uses predictive analytics to connect a network of companies and accurately value assets like equipment and machinery.

VinFast strives for first-mover advantage at Middle East’s nascent EV market
VinFast’s selection of the Middle East as one of its key markets is intriguing, considering the region’s historical dependence on fossil fuels and a track record not typically associated with environmental consciousness.

Elon Musk, Tesla win dismissal of lawsuit claiming they rigged dogecoin
A federal lawsuit accuses them of defrauding investors by hyping the cryptocurrency dogecoin and conducting insider trading, causing billions of dollars of losses.

Naver launches crypto wallet in partnership with Chiliz
In South Korea, more than 97,000 online and offline merchants use Naver Pay, a payment service that started its life on Naver’s e-commerce platform Naver Shopping.

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Driving the future of EV charging: Beep’s Kristoffer Soh on scaling and innovating across Southeast Asia
‘The main challenges for Beep are building credibility and trust, especially when expanding beyond our home base in Singapore’.

Empowering female entrepreneurs: MADCash develops a ‘unique’ approach to micro-funding
MADCash combines zero per cent micro-funding with entrepreneurship development for the women enterpreneurs that it serves.

Echelon X: Nurturing the next unicorn in Indonesia’s tech ecosystem
The Echelon X fireside chat provided a comprehensive look into the dynamic landscape of Indonesia’s tech startup scene.

6Estates CEO Huanbo Luan: Public sector plays a key role in nurturing AI ecosystem in Singapore
Supportive policies that promote AI adoption, development, and funding are crucial to strengthening companies’ ability to retain talent.

Echelon X: Growing beyond borders – Scaling opportunities and challenges outside local markets
The Echelon X panel provided insights into the opportunities and challenges faced by local businesses expanding internationally.

Kyrim eyes B2C market expansion with new solutions by 2025
Founded in 2023, Indonesia-based Kyrim is a fintech service specialising in spend management for corporate finance teams.

Jeffrey Liu: Transforming fintech and democratising access to capital
Liu aimed to innovate a financing product that empowers high-growth companies without the burden of constant fundraising or extensive due diligence.

Echelon X: Driving growth through innovative marketing – Insights from Asia’s experts
The Echelon X panel provided a look into the latest trends and best practices in digital marketing, social media engagement, customer acquisition, and brand building.

AI leapfrog: Paving the way for an AI-first tech ecosystem in the Philippines
While investors have shown interest in the Philippines, startups still struggle to secure the funding to develop their technologies.

Echelon X: Unlocking the potential of the Philippines in Southeast Asia’s growth story
The Echelon X panel provided insights into the untapped potential of the Philippines as a key player in the region’s economic growth and innovation.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Server sanctuaries or net-zero derailers? Southeast Asia’s data centre dilemma
Data centre operators must prioritise cooling systems that handle heavy computing and AI, while maintaining efficiency and safeguarding hardware.

How blockchain can revolutionise ticketing without disrupting the user experience
We now have blockchain platforms that are more efficient, cost-effective, and, crucially, better integrated with existing payment methods.

Debunking myths: The truth about distributed workforces
As we challenge these myths, it becomes evident that distributed workforces are not only viable but also advantageous for modern businesses.

Mastering the craft: 5 essential tips for elevating your B2B marketing game
By treating marketing as a craft, you not only improve your skills but also deepen your connection to the work you do.

A step-by-step guide to protecting your time and energy: The art of pre-qualification
Learn to protect your time and energy by pre-qualifying people and opportunities, setting boundaries, and trusting your instincts for a more balanced life.

The art of balancing speed and sustainability in a fast-paced world
Balancing speed with sustainability has taught me that real success comes from combining quick progress with thoughtful, long-term impact.

5 reasons why energy management is key to individual and organisational success
The ability to manage your energy effectively can dramatically impact personal performance, leadership effectiveness, and organisational success!.

The 3 ways younger generations are boosting financial inclusion
Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping finance with their digital-first mindset, advancing global financial inclusion.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

YouApp helps users find their match using AI and astrology
Singapore-based YouApp aims to differentiate its matching capabilities by matching people for work, play, and dates.

Need an angel to back your early-stage startup? Here are 5 types of investors you should look for
Given that the startup ecosystems are fairly less mature than the US or Europe, the angel investing community tends to be less sophisticated and comes in very interesting shapes and sizes.

The essentials of mapping a customer journey across digital assets
For a digital platform, optimising the customer journey is the key to extracting the maximum value out of them.

The climate change and gender equality connection: How to support underfunded women-owned business
While there is a distinct relationship between gender inequality and climate change, investment mandates rarely combine both of these lenses.

Unlocking green fintech prosperity in Asia: Navigating the top 4 challenges
Despite the ongoing ‘funding winter’ faced by global startups, the trajectory of development for green fintech has shown strong momentum.

Navigating the AI landscape in 2024: Why there is an urgency for enhanced governance
There are two points that stand out in 2024, starting with how AI will experience a shift from a “nice-to-have” to “must-have”.

E-motorcycle adoption in Indonesia: How to tap into this US$19.2B opportunity
In 2022, there were already 25,782 e-motorcycles in Indonesia, with more than 1,500 swapping stations available per Q1 2023.

Will digital banks take off in the Philippines?
Technology is now turning the Philippine’s unbanked population into a viable demographic with enormous potential for financial institutions.

AI in journalism: Thai media show a 95 per cent adaptation rate despite concerns about overreliance
A contrasting attitude was expressed by journalists in the Philippines with only 52 per cent have integrated AI into their work.

Infrastructure, talents are some of the challenges finance industry faces in adopting AI: Provenir
Despite increasing use cases, Provenir sees that there are challenges that the finance industry has to tackle to successfully adopt AI.

Using AI on e-commerce analytics: Data quality, availability remain critical obstacles
Data accuracy, cleanliness, and consistency are essential for building reliable AI models for e-commerce analytics.

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Cento Ventures, in a recent report, stated that though investment flow has slowed, the Philippines saw increased activity from local conglomerates and multiple capital-intensive business models.

“The Philippines market has seen a surge of activity from multiple local conglomerates and the emergence of multiple capital-intensive business models, mirroring Indonesia’s trajectory in 2017-2019. These developments, however, are meeting with the near absence of later-stage capital to power them further,” the report explained.

Investing in startups in the Philippines has become increasingly attractive due to the country’s rapidly growing economy and youthful, tech-savvy population. With one of the youngest populations in Southeast Asia, the Philippines offers a large pool of emerging talent eager to innovate and disrupt traditional industries. This demographic trend, combined with the country’s rising middle class, has led to a surge in consumer demand for digital services, creating fertile ground for startups across various sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, and health tech.

Moreover, the Philippine government’s supportive policies and initiatives to foster entrepreneurship have further bolstered investor confidence. Programmes such as the Philippine Startup Development Program and the Innovative Startup Act offer incentives such as tax breaks and grants to startups and their investors. Additionally, the country’s improving infrastructure, particularly internet connectivity and mobile penetration, provides a solid foundation for tech-driven businesses to thrive.

Also Read: A fundraising guide for your crypto project

The Philippines is also strategically positioned as a gateway to the larger Southeast Asian market. Investors recognise the advantage of backing startups that can expand beyond the Philippines into neighbouring countries, leveraging the regional similarities in culture and consumer behaviour.

This regional scalability, combined with the relatively lower operational costs in the Philippines compared to more established startup hubs like Singapore, makes investing in Filipino startups appealing.

Founders seizing opportunities in the Philippines

So how can startup founders in the Philippines tap into this opportunity and score promising collaborations with investors? What opportunities are available for them to seize?

Find the answers at Echelon Philippines 2024! Join us on September 26-27 at the SMX Convention Center Manila for the panel discussion “Navigating the Funding Maze: Exploring Startup Funding Options for Filipino Founders.”

In partnership with Brainsparks, this event will give Filipino founders a unique chance to hear from industry leaders about the various funding opportunities available in the local ecosystem. Joan Yao, Vice President of Kickstart Ventures, will moderate the panel, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging discussion.

Also Read: Do you need to rethink your startup fundraising strategy?

The panel features an impressive lineup of speakers, including Paulo Campos III, Founding Managing General Partner of Kaya Founders, John Aguilar, Founder and Host of The Final Pitch, and Ankit Upadhyay, Founder & General Partner of A2D Ventures.

These experts will share their experiences and insights, offering practical advice on navigating the complex funding landscape in the Philippines. Whether you’re a startup founder looking for your next funding round or simply interested in learning more about the startup ecosystem, this discussion is a must-attend event at Echelon Philippines 2024. Find out more about it here.

The post Mastering the funding maze: Unlocking financing pathways for founders in the Philippines appeared first on e27.

Singapore-based student-led VC fund Protégé Ventures (PV) has invested S$25,000 (US$19,000) in rocket propulsion and space launch startup Equatorial Space Systems (ESS).

Founded in 2017 by National University of Singapore alumni Simon Gwozdz and Praveen Ganapathi Perumal, ESS provides space access at reduced risk, cost, and environmental impact. In December 2020, the startup successfully launched a commercially built prototype rocket test flight from Malaysia, and it will begin orbital launch services in 2026.

Also Read: Protégé Ventures backs food order, delivery automation startup ZOLO

ESS’s patent-pending eco-friendly technology is a fuel formulation known as “HRF-1” that can eliminate up to 90 per cent of costs and 69 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional liquid propulsion systems. HRF-1 is manufactured in Singapore and is a safer option than other fuel formulations because of its non-explosive nature, which means it can be stored and transported safely.

In December 2020, ESS launched a Low Altitude Demonstrator prototype space rocket from Malaysia. In 2022, ESS created a rocket that was launched in Tamil Nadu by Indian aerospace company Space Zone India.

Established in 2017 by the Singapore Management University (SMU) ‘s Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE), Protégé Ventures is a nationwide training programme and student VC fund. The programme aims to nurture the next generation of venture capitalists and tech and entrepreneurial leaders, empowering youth to fund the future they believe in.

PV has invested over S$300,000 in 12 student startups since its launch. This is its 12th investment in a student-founded startup and the first investment from its second fund, PV Fund II.

Also Read: Protégé Ventures launches Fund II to support student-led startups in Singapore

Launched in September 2023, PV Fund II is a sector-agnostic fund with a S$500,000 corpus and was contributed by David Su, Founding Managing Partner of Matrix Partners China (MPCi).

Student-led startups who are interested in seeking investments from PV can visit here.

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