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 Pierrick Bouffaron, Operating Partner at Main Sequence, a technology investment firm. He is a corporate executive and serial entrepreneur with experience in enterprise management and investing, from startups to multi-billion dollar international corporations such as VINCI, BNP Paribas, and EDF.

Thoughts, goals, and journey

The driving force

Bouffaron joined our contributor community in early 2023 and has since been writing on entrepreneurial trends, deep tech, and related topics.

“I’ve consistently been blogging as a way to structure my thoughts and share insights with the entrepreneurial community. When I arrived in Singapore a few years ago, I looked for a regional audience of entrepreneurs and investors. e27 was a perfect fit, and I quickly proposed some contributions,” he said.

Also Read: Ivy Nhi Chau: The CEO making PR accessible and impactful in Vietnam and beyond

Advice for budding thought leaders

Juggling too many things?

Staying in the loop

Bouffaron notes that Twitter/X, newsletters, key publications, and various tech influencers each morning represent about 20 per cent of his efforts to stay informed. The remaining 80 per cent comes from his close network, supplemented by occasional events and conferences. He recommends checking the Hello Tomorrow network for mainstream deep tech news and attending their annual event.

He concluded, “Be bold! And keep on loving.”

Take a look at his articles here for more information and perspectives on his 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 Pierrick Bouffaron: Navigating the frontier of deep tech and entrepreneurship appeared first on e27.

Dear reader,

The recent findings from India’s Competition Commission (CCI) against Amazon and Flipkart underscore the ongoing challenges faced by global e-commerce giants in the Indian market.

Both companies have been accused of anti-competitive practices, including giving preferential treatment to certain sellers and using deep discounting tactics to dominate key product categories like mobile phones.

If proven, such practices hurt smaller sellers and skew the competitive landscape, as highlighted by complaints from trade bodies like the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

This isn’t the first time these platforms have faced scrutiny. Amazon’s alleged preferential treatment of sellers, corroborated by previous reports, points to a systemic issue in how the company operates in India.

The CCI’s findings further strain the companies’ relationship with Indian regulators, while echoing similar complaints in other markets, including the US.

With the Indian e-retail market projected to grow significantly in the coming years, Amazon and Flipkart face high stakes. Their ability to navigate these legal challenges while balancing the interests of regulators, consumers, and smaller businesses will be key to their continued success in the region.

The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for e-commerce operations in India.

Sainul,
Editor.

——-

NEWS & VIEWS

Genesis Alternative raises US$125M for second SEA venture debt fund
New and notable investors in Fund II include Japanese mega bank, Mizuho Bank, and OurCrowd; Philip Yeo, former Chairman of Singapore’s Economic Development Board, has joined Genesis’s Advisory Board.

India probe finds Amazon, Flipkart breached antitrust laws
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) in 2020 ordered an investigation into Amazon and Flipkart for allegedly promoting certain sellers with which they had business arrangements and giving priority to certain listings.

On-chain analytics firm Nansen acquires staking provider stakeWithUs
This strategic acquisition will enable Nansen to broaden its service offerings for both retail and institutional participants; Nansen also launched a loyalty programme to reward its community of stakers and subscribers.

Xendit arm XenCapital receives US$50M credit facility from Helicap
XenCapital is an alternative lender offering flexible financing to highly viable under-banked businesses; Xendit CEO Moses Lo said the collaboration enables the firm to expand its reach and provide much-needed capital to its merchants in the Philippines.

Oman firm leads US$50M financing round of Singapore’s digital asset exchange SDAX
SDAX will use the funds raised from Muscat Precious Metals Refining Company for client acquisition, adding new business lines, and launching a digital asset exchange in Oman.

Blockchain for good: BGA Web3 Key Fund raises US$5M to empower social impact ventures
The fund focuses on firms leveraging blockchain to reduce inequality through education, improve health and security, and promote financial inclusion.

TRIVE Ventures launches Digital Frontier Fund to back AI and blockchain startups
Digital Frontier Fund targets investments in early-stage companies within infrastructure, entertainment, and financial services.

Bitcoin, NFTs may get greater legal protections under proposed UK law
The proposed law comes in response to a 2023 report from the Law Commission that laid out the need to update current legal provisions around personal property rights.

Wealthtech firm Arta Finance gets EDBI backing for global expansion
Arta Finance provides investment opportunities and financial strategies typically only available to the ultra-wealthy via family offices and private banks.

Maybank announces strategic investment in Modalku to tap into SME communities
This investment marks the first in Maybank’s recent foray into the regional digital space, focusing on SMEs in SEA.

VPCA to boost Vietnam’s investment landscape with US$35B private capital target
The agency aims to empower the country’s investment landscape by promoting best practices in the VC and PE sectors; It offers a platform that unites investors, industry partners, and entrepreneurs under a shared vision of growth and innovation.

Humble Sustainability raises funding round led by Gobi Partners to drive SEA expansion
The investors include Gobi Partners, ADB Ventures, and the Philippines government; Humble Sustainability is tackling the problem of electronic waste, with an estimated US$62.5 billion worth of discarded technology.

Kredit Hero launches to revolutionise SME lending in Southeast Asia
By connecting borrowers with multiple lenders through a single application form, Kredit Hero leverages advanced profiling techniques to deliver rapid and accurate loan approvals.

46% of Indonesian businesses unprepared for AI-generated fraud despite risk knowledge
According to VIDA’s findings, identity fraud, particularly driven by AI and deepfakes, has affected 56% of businesses in Indonesia.

Number of crypto owners in Singapore drops slightly: study finds
Crypto platform Gemini said in its 2024 Global State of Crypto report that crypto adoption remained steady across the US (21%) and the UK (18%) from 2022 to 2024; The number of crypto owners in Singapore dropped slightly from 30% to 26%.

Malaysia’s Sidec launches accelerator program to boost SMEs and startups ecosystem
The programme comprises the 7th cohort of the Selangor Accelerator Program (SAP24) and the 2nd cohort of the Selangor E-Commerce Accelerator (ECX24); 50 startups focusing on AI, smart mobility, bio-based solutions, and net zero have been shortlisted for SAP24.

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

From fintech to blockchain: Meet Vietnam’s leading startups powering the next wave of growth
Vietnam’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem is driven by innovation across fintech, e-commerce, AI, and blockchain, with rising regional players.

From real estate to automotives: How iMyanmarHouse is expanding through strategic acquisitions
iMyanmarHouse is developing tools that will offer more tailored recommendations to users based on their browsing and purchasing history.

Overcoming obstacles: A new entrepreneurial playbook for Filipino startups
The Philippine startup scene presents opportunities but faces regulatory and funding challenges, requiring a fresh entrepreneurial approach.

How Fishlog aims to revolutionise Indonesian fisheries with cutting-edge tech solutions
Fishlog aims to improve operations for fishermen indirectly by enhancing the efficiency and transparency of the seafood supply chain.

Bridging healthcare gaps in the Philippines: Innovation and opportunities beyond telehealth
Philippine healthcare is evolving with technology, but innovation is needed to enhance access and affordability, particularly in rural areas.

Skilledin Green empowers sustainability careers through innovative digital solutions
Currently collaborating with organisations in Indonesia and Europe, Skilledin Green attracts diverse range of users.

How Ailytics is shaping the future of workplace safety with AI
Ailytics serves users primarily from project and management teams, including safety officers and project managers.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Bridging the financial inclusion gap in Asia: The role of fintech
The future of fintech in Asia is bright, driven by innovation and financial inclusion, as tech companies play a crucial role in the shift away from cash.

A guide for insurance card capture and benefit verification automation
Strong insurance capture systems are extremely necessary, as the industry deals with US$262 billion in insurance denials every year.

Navigating the future of Web3: Top trends shaping blockchain careers in 2024/25
Job seekers should build specialized skills, while companies must adapt hiring strategies to meet Web3’s evolving demands.

Managing stress and workplace pressure: A path to mental well-being
While workplace pressure and stress are common, taking steps to manage them is vital to maintaining mental well-being.

How not to elevate a colleague to a leadership role
Inspiring a colleague to step up and take on more responsibilities in a leadership role, requires a thoughtful approach matched to authentic support.

inDrive: Discovering community-driven transportation options for global commuters
Learn more about how inDrive is creating an equitable platform for commuters and drivers looking for fairer and more flexible pricing.

5 lessons from ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ for compelling brand storytelling
Black Myth: Wukong showcases the power of storytelling, using cultural mythology to create a captivating experience that resonates with global audiences.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Embracing AI in Southeast Asia: The strategy for avoiding cost overruns
As companies embrace AI, they must clarify their strategies to maximise investments and generate revenue while managing costs.

One-third of Singaporeans never used AI tools in their workplaces: Survey finds
As many as 34% of respondents anticipate that AI will considerably affect their jobs, while 14 per cent expect no effect at all.

Global Web3 companies on why Asia Pacific is the future of the industry
These Web3 companies are sharing how they view the Asia Pacific market –and why they believe in its potential for the future.

Base Technology wants to revolutionise consumer engagement in SEA with its GenAI tool
Base Technology sets itself apart by using training dataset from Southeast Asia, enabling stronger diversity and locally relevant results.

On intrapreneurship: Why SC Ventures believes in building innovation from within
The SC Ventures FinTech Bridge was initially developed to facilitate the sourcing of tech solutions within Standard Chartered.

Book Excerpt: What Google, Facebook did to grow from zero to 1,000
In her book From Zero to 1,000, Anne Caron explains the importance of human capital to the success of giants such as Google and Facebook.

For startups, embracing ESG focus is a sure-fire way to secure corporate success
There has been a decisive shift in the startup investment landscape with 80 per cent of investors now cautious of “greenwashing”.

The fine art of building presentations in the AI era
Artificial intelligence tools can help you disseminate the right message across without breaking a sweat.
—

The post Ecosystem Roundup: Amazon, Flipkart breach antitrust laws in India | Genesis raises US$125M for 2nd venture debt fund | Nansen acquires Stakewithus appeared first on e27.

Manila, Philippines — Smile API, a provider of real-time, verified employment data across Asia, is aiming to redefine how HR and Fintech business operations work when accessing and utilising critical employment information. 

By empowering business operations through transparency and the use of user-consented data, Smile API plans to make waves by offering reliable solutions to the dynamic needs of the market through background checks and verification.

The pre-employment screening API that simplifies the recruitment process

For HR professionals, hiring the right talent is paramount to almost anything. Smile Checks is a candidate vetting API that creates background checks for data verification purposes. Through these background checks, Smile Checks is able to simplify the recruitment process by verifying a job applicant’s proof of employment, criminal history records, and more. 

In turn, these enable HR teams to make informed hiring decisions, knowing the data they’re working with is both accurate, user-consented, and up-to-date. The automated background checks done through Smile Cecks ensure that the internal screening across job candidates remains efficient and effective in selecting the best possible hire for companies.

Smile API: An online credential verification tool for smarter and safer lending

Meanwhile, Smile API is the digital employment records solution that helps lenders and financial institutions assess a loan applicant’s creditworthiness. By tapping into the use of verified employment data, background checks done on loan applicants enable lenders and financial institutions to approve loan applications faster than manual background checking efforts to assess an applicant’s capacity to pay back loans. 

Smile API presents these business institutions with an alternative way to reach more loan applicants and approve loan applications quickly despite going through the usual pre-approval process. This gives unbanked applicants an easier time when applying for a loan, while financial institutions are able to reduce the risk of non-performing loans due to proper vetting. 

Security and consent at the core 

Smile API’s commitment to data privacy and security is unwavering, as it adheres to numerous security industry standards and local regulations, including the Data Protection Act of 2012 (DPA), the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, and the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000. Smile API also makes sure its users (also called candidates) have full control over their data by obtaining consent to use their own data for background checks and loan applicant credential verifications. 

This not only builds commitment but also trust and alignment with data protection standards, making Smile API a reliable partner for businesses looking to create background checks and verify loan applicant credentials. 

A bright future ahead 

As Smile API continues to expand its operations, the business industry is expected to grow and transform. With more businesses shifting from manual processes to digital, now is the perfect time to make the switch and try out digital tools with easy automation processes and AI-powered solutions.

If you are a recruiter looking to improve your department’s background checks and screening process, visit the Smile Checks portal to see how Smile Checks fits your business needs.

For credit risk managers and financial institutions troubled with numerous loan and credit applications, you can book a call here to learn more about Smile API.

The post The future of HR and fintech: Smile API’s real-time employment data solutions appeared first on e27.

Clime Capital, a Singapore-based investor driving the shift towards a low-carbon economy, has invested an undisclosed sum in solar leasing company Upgrade Energy Philippines (UGEP) through its South East Clean Energy Fund II (SEACEF II).

SEACEF II has the capability to invest up to US$10 million in UGEP.

Also Read: Clime Capital invests US$10M in Vietnamese rooftop solar startup Nami

The capital will support Upgrade Energy in expediting the deployment of solar energy infrastructure in the Philippines, including projects designed for internal consumption by commercial and industrial customers and utility-scale solar projects designed to dispatch clean energy to the electrical grid.

Upgrade Energy leases solar projects for commercial and industrial customers in the Philippines. Since completing its inaugural rooftop solar installation in 2015, the firm is set to surpass 50 MWp of cumulative installed commercial and industrial solar capacity by 2024-end.

Ruth Yu-Owen, President and CEO of Upgrade Energy, said, “Developing infrastructure is urgent so we can meet the Department of Energy’s ambitious targets of 35 percent renewable energy by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040—and accelerated funding is essential to seizing the current opportunity.”

Also Read: Indonesian rooftop solar company Xurya lands US$55M funding

Pieterjan Vanbuggenhout, COO at Upgrade, said, “Creating the infrastructure for the Philippines’ decarbonisation journey requires investors that appreciate the country’s renewable energy landscape as well as helping to meet global ESG standards. Clime Capital’s model is designed to meet these requirements.”

The post Clime Capital backs Philippine solar leasing firm Upgrade Energy appeared first on e27.

Antler has invested in Wubble.ai, a Singaporean startup that has developed an enterprise-grade AI solution for creating royalty-free, personalised music.

Today, acquiring music for commercial use is an expensive and complex process, often entangled in legal red tape and offering limited flexibility.

Also Read: Antler’s Southeast Asia focus: Nurturing the next wave of AI, fintech startups

Founded by Anand Roy and Shaad Sufi, Wubble.ai allows large and small businesses to generate music customised to their content in seconds at a fraction of the current costs, bypassing the traditional hurdles associated with commercial music licensing.

Wubble.ai’s technology has many potential applications, including marketing and social media videos, retail soundscapes, dynamic gaming soundtracks, training videos, and more.

“Commercial music licensing is an archaic, outdated process that has been screaming for change for a while now”, says Anand Roy, founder and CEO of Wubble. “The advent of Generative AI allows us to finally address, and solve this long festering problem and empower businesses to create customised music for their enterprise needs, at a fraction of current costs.”

The startup claims to have won several clients, including some of the world’s biggest companies.

Antler, a Singapore-headquartered global early-stage VC firm with offices in over 30 cities worldwide, including Singapore, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh, and Kuala Lumpur, recently introduced ARC (Agreement for Rolling Capital), an initiative for early-stage founders to secure up to US$600,000, including the initial investment, pro-rata follow-on, and ARC, within the first six to nine months of a company’s lifecycle.

Also Read: ByteGami gets Antler’s backing for its plug-and-play gamification platform

The initial investment, starting from US$110,000, is a pre-seed round provided at the concept stage, often without requiring a product or market traction.

The post Wubble.ai nets funding for its AI-powered commercial music creation solutions appeared first on e27.