Singapore-based Supermom is Southeast Asia’s leading parenting data platform. It empowers parents to learn from a deep and highly engaged community of peers while also offering “key opinion moms” extra income by promoting brands on their social channels.

In parallel, Supermom arms global consumer brands with troves of proprietary consumer data that, until recently, could not be found elsewhere.    

Launched in 2022, and with early backing from AC Ventures, today it shows impressive credentials with over 100 brand partners and a 100 per cent retention rate of top clients. With more than three million profiled moms across over 6,000 private community groups, it is poised for a projected 100 per cent growth in 2024. As a hub for influential moms and brands, Supermom is reshaping parenting trends and solutions across the region.

The chief influencers

The company’s CEO Luke Lim recently joined an episode of the Indonesia Digital Deconstructed podcast to discuss the outlook on Southeast Asia’s parenting sector and how his company is retaining all of its large, multinational clients, including the likes of Unilever, Nestlé, Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly Clark, and others.

“Let me start by posing a simple question: In most families, who do you think influences the majority of purchases? When I survey families, about 90 per cent consistently identify women as the primary decision-makers,” explained Lim. “Globally, the statistic is approximately 85 per cent. Women are key in determining household purchasing choices. This significant influence of women is fundamental to Supermom’s business model.”

“Now, for the second part: If moms wield such influence at home, guess where they get their cues from? You guessed it—other moms,” added Lim with a smile. “This highlights just how crucial the community aspect is. Statistically, 80 per cent to 85 per cent of their purchases are swayed by their social connections.”

Extra income for parents

Supermom’s thousands of private community groups help moms and parents share information and learn from one another at various stages of their journeys. The platform leverages this baked-in social dynamic, subsequently empowering mothers to become micro-entrepreneurs in their own right.

Also Read: AC Ventures aims to drive positive societal change, economic impact in SEA

Supermom community members can earn supplementary income by endorsing products on their public-facing social channels. By quickly tapping into and mobilising the communities on its platform, Supermom can offer brands rapid content generation, deploying thousands of moms to produce user-generated content that gives brands timely and relevant insights across Southeast Asia.

Lim added, jokingly, “I can trigger a community of over 6,000 members to start posting publicly about your brand. Who knows? Maybe it will get famous overnight.”

Priceless data for brands

One of the keys to Supermom’s success is its community-centric approach to brand service. By letting mothers rank brands across 16 different categories and answer internal surveys and polls about products and the problems parents need solutions for, Supermom not only engages its user base but also strengthens relationships with top clients. It offers the Unilevers of the world priceless colour and first-party consumer data from Southeast Asia that simply cannot be sourced elsewhere. 

Looking forward, Lim is enthusiastic about the prospects of expanding Supermom’s influence and operations in Southeast Asia. Speaking to the user journey, he envisions a platform integrated into the lives of Southeast Asian parents to the point where they will keep coming back to learn and earn continuously – regardless of whether they’re pregnant for the first time, or already raising a family with kids of various ages. 

Lim said, “In the next five to ten years, we aim to engage at least 20 per cent to 30 per cent of Southeast Asia’s parenting community. Our goal is not just for families to have heard of Supermom, but for them to actively use our platform. It’s pretty simple, but that’s our vision for the long term.”

Get the full episode on Spotify and Apple.

—

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.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to stay connected.

Image credit: AC Ventures

The post How Southeast Asia’s Supermom retains its Fortune 500 clients appeared first on e27.

The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with an increasing focus on sustainability and a drive to transition away from fossil fuels. As we stand at the precipice of this energy transition, the choices we make today will shape the future of our planet.

The opportunities for powering our world are expanding rapidly, with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind leading the way. Additionally, alternative sources like hydrogen and nuclear fission are showing great promise in the pursuit of a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape. 

In this article, we will explore the possibilities and challenges associated with the energy transition, taking a closer look at the innovations that are driving change and the obstacles that must be overcome.

The current energy landscape

According to statistics released by the International Energy Agency, 80.9 per cent of global energy came from fossil fuels, 9.4 per cent from biofuels and waste, 5.0 per cent from nuclear energy, 2.5 per cent from hydro energy, and the remaining 2.2 per cent from other sources in 2019.

Today’s landscape is largely characterised by its over-reliance on fossil fuels which have detrimental impacts on the environment. Alternative sources of cleaner energy, such as solar, wind and hydrogen, are being increasingly adopted. Yet, the extent of technological advancement needed to effectively facilitate the transition is still nowhere in sight. 

Challenges 

Environmental degradation

The combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas causes large amounts of greenhouse gases to be released into the atmosphere, trapping heat and causing global temperatures to rise. This leads to climate change, resulting in rising sea levels, unpredictable precipitation problems and extreme weather events.

The combustion of fossil fuels also releases a variety of pollutants into the atmosphere, including sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These gases contribute to smog and can cause respiratory problems. They can also react with rainwater to form acid rain, which can corrode buildings, destroy marine life and damage ecosystems.

Energy security

The Russia-Ukraine war has worsened the global energy crisis. Supply-chain disruptions from one of the world’s major oil suppliers, Russia, this has, in turn, driving up energy prices. This increases the number of households unable to afford energy – especially those in developing countries. 

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

Furthermore, due to political tensions, Russia has cut gas flows to the EU by 80 per cent between May and October 2022. This has caused a significant shortage in the EU’s energy mix. This highlights the over-reliance on major fuel-exporting countries, making the diversification towards alternative or domestic sources of energy a pressing need.

Affordability

The main reason why sustainable sources still remain relatively more expensive today is the sheer cost of infrastructure required to build solar farms and wind farms. When produced on a large scale, these costs can add up quickly. This makes sustainable energy sources more expensive than traditional ones.

As a result, it poses a significant barrier to the large-scale adoption of sustainable energy sources, as many countries and businesses tend to prioritise cost savings at the expense of the environment. 

Recent innovations and developments

Alternative sources 

Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom is split into two or smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation. This process is the basis of nuclear power plants, which use the heat generated by nuclear fission to produce steam, which in turn drives turbines to generate electricity.

Advantages:

• Clean source of energy that does not generate greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.
• It also reduces our dependency on fossil fuels, which are finite resources that exacerbates climate change. 

Gaps:

• Nuclear produces radioactive waste, which must be carefully stored and disposed of.
• Safety concerns associated with nuclear power plants, particularly in the event of a nuclear accident, which can release dangerous levels of radiation.

Hydrogen Fuel is produced by chemically reacting hydrogen gas with oxygen to create water. This process releases energy that can be harnessed to power fuel cells and generate electricity directly. 

Advantages: 

• It produces no harmful emissions when burned. In fact, the only byproduct of hydrogen fuel is water vapour, making it an extremely clean source. 
• Hydrogen fuel can be produced from a variety of sources, including water, natural gas, and biomass, making it a versatile and sustainable fuel option.

Gaps:

• Difficulty in storage and transport; requires specialised equipment and infrastructure to handle safely. 
• The production of hydrogen fuel can be energy-intensive, which can limit its overall sustainability.

Energy storage and distribution

Battery storage

Energy storage is the capture of energy produced at one time for use at a later time. The aim is to reduce imbalances between energy demand and energy production. Recently, there have been innovative solutions for battery recycling, driving a more sustainable energy landscape.

Also Read: How Ampotech helps energy, facilities managers improve the performance of their buildings

For example, NEU Battery Materials, a startup from the HyperScale accelerator programme created a way to recycle lithium batteries using a clean and sustainable electrochemical and produce battery-grade materials. This solution addresses the sustainable redox targeting battery recycling issue.

Microgrids

A microgrid is a small-scale electrical grid that can operate independently or in conjunction with the main power grid. It typically includes distributed energy resources such as solar panels, wind turbines, battery storage, and backup generators, which can generate and store electricity locally.

Microgrids are designed to provide reliable and resilient power to specific communities, facilities, or regions. They are often used in areas that are prone to power outages or that are far from the main power grid, such as remote communities, military bases, or hospitals.

The energy transition

Supply-chain concerns

There are several challenges in the large-scale adoption of alternative energy. It must be cheap, abundant, clean, safe, easy to transport, and sustainable. To build resilience and reduce the geopolitical risk of energy insecurity, each country should self-sustain and bring the supply chain to its own backyards.

Energy systems

Today, our predominant energy system is centred around natural gas. In the future, however, multiple systems of energy storage and distribution are foreseen. This includes electricity imports, hydrogen networks, combustion technology and infrastructure, etc. 

With the proliferation of alternative energy such as solar, thermal and nuclear, there is an increasing need to design an integrated system that is robust, resilient and reliable – perhaps one that is co-reliant. 

The role of accelerators in shaping the future 

Accelerator programmes drive innovation and expedite the transition of the current energy landscape into a more sustainable one. Startups benefit from active guidance from industry professionals, access to resources, connections with investors, collaborations, and a structured framework for innovation. 

With potential funding, startups with innovative solutions tackling real-world problems are empowered to conduct further research and development and upscale their ideas to revolutionise the energy landscape. 

PETRONAS FutureTech 3.0 accelerator programme

One of the initiatives driving innovation within the energy space is PETRONAS FutureTech 3.0, powered by StartupX, which was launched on 23 Feb 2023.

The programme focuses on five verticals: Future of Energy and Mobility, Sustainability, Future of Industry and Work, Future of Chemicals and Material, and Frontier Technology.

Find out more here: https://petronasft.thestartupx.com 

–

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

Join our e27 Telegram group, FB community, or like the e27 Facebook page

This article was first published on April 3, 2023

The post On the precipice of energy transition appeared first on e27.

As we advance into the age of technology, the transformative power of innovation continues to reshape industries, economies, and societies. Each technological leap—from the steam engine to the internet—has catalysed change, redefining how we live, travel, and connect.

In the early industrial era, inventions like trains and airplanes revolutionised transportation, while breakthroughs in communication, such as the telegraph, bridged distant parts of the world. These developments paved the way for globalisation, fostering economic growth and interconnectivity.

Fast forward to the 21st century: the dot-com boom and the rise of the internet have accelerated globalisation, allowing businesses to scale rapidly across borders. Today, we find ourselves on the brink of the AI revolution, where emerging technologies are creating unprecedented opportunities for innovation and disruption.

Why Indonesia? The window of opportunity

While developed markets have integrated technology as a commodity, Indonesia—the largest economy in Southeast Asia—stands at a pivotal juncture. The nation is undergoing rapid digital transformation, positioning technology as a key driver of economic growth. With its developing technological infrastructure and one of the world’s largest young populations, Indonesia presents fertile ground for both emerging and established players to make a meaningful impact.

The government’s EMAS 2045 initiative serves as a strategic roadmap for Indonesia to become a sovereign, advanced, fair, and prosperous nation by 2045, offering significant opportunities to harness this potential.

Despite its nascent tech ecosystem, Indonesia is ripe for innovation and growth. Major players like Gojek, Tokopedia, and Bukalapak have garnered substantial attention, yet there remains considerable room for expansion within the mid-tier sector. This evolving landscape is particularly attractive for investment in startups poised to capitalise on the impending wave of technological advancements.

Also Read: For Indonesia’s 2nd generation unicorns, international expansion is the name of the game

This is where InvestIdea Capital Ventures, an Indonesia-based venture capital firm focused on impact investing in technology solutions that enhance livelihoods, steps in, with a strategic emphasis on assessing founders and startups rather than adopting a “spray and pray” approach, which has been key to their success.

Notably, our key portfolio companies have successfully navigated the recent tech winter, emerging even stronger in challenging conditions. For instance, Halodoc is now Indonesia’s largest healthcare, demonstrating resilience despite the pandemic and global downturns. Similarly, other portfolio companies like Bobobox and Cakap remain committed to scaling their operations, increasing their valuations while consistently gaining investor trust, showcasing the resilience and strength of our Indonesian investees.

Indonesia’s startup showcase 2024

This November, we’re hosting a Tech Startup Showcase 2024—an event designed to connect global investors with Indonesia’s next big tech disruptors. Scheduled for 29 November 2024 at Block71 Singapore, the showcase will be a hub for discovering innovative solutions that address real-world challenges and drive significant growth.

The Tech Startup Showcase offers an unparalleled opportunity for investors to meet the founders and visionaries behind some of Indonesia’s most promising startups. The event will feature live pitches, product demos, and networking opportunities designed to foster connections and explore collaborations.

Key highlights:

• Exclusive networking: Engage with top-tier founders, industry leaders, and fellow investors shaping Indonesia’s tech future.
• Live pitches and demos: Experience firsthand the cutting-edge solutions disrupting industries.
• High-potential startups: Gain early access to startups across sectors such as health tech, fintech, edutech, and more.

For more information, please visit the website here, and register for the event here.

—

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.

Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn to stay connected.

Image credit: Canva Pro

The post Indonesia’s startup showcase 2024: The launchpad for Southeast Asia’s tech future appeared first on e27.

The growing luxury segment can be attributed to its accessibility over the years. What once was a status symbol for the selective few has become logistically available. This can be attributed to the advancement of e-commerce, cross-border logistics, and payment systems. Utilising consumer products as a form of an alternative investment plays a strategic role in broadening an investor’s portfolio. This serves to expand their potential income sources and serve as an inflation hedge.

Clearly, there is growing interest in alternative investments. There is thus a need for a platform that can democratise investment in collectible assets through buying and selling fractionalised equity shares. Imagine DRC wine, Rolex watches, Hermes bags, and Macallan whiskey being readily available for purchase at a small share of $1. This would effectively equalise the investment landscape. It can do this by removing entry barriers and creating a social trading platform that addresses information asymmetry.

In response to this need, Treazer is offering fractional ownership in high-value collectible assets. This ranges from luxury items to emerging asset classes such as music royalties and NFTs. By lowering the barriers to entry and leveraging blockchain technology, Treazer is allowing anyone to become a stakeholder in prestigious collectibles.

Changing the narrative of the ultra-wealthy to ultra-accessible

Based in Singapore, Treazer is a fractional investment platform specialising in luxury collectibles that tend to appreciate over time. Blockchain technology plays a crucial role in creating transparent and secure investment opportunities, ensuring verified ownership of these assets.

To make their platform work, Treazer collaborated with Pohang University of Science and Technology Blockchain Center. They developed blockchain-based ownership, transfer, and voting functions for fractional ownership. Treazer contributed to the system design and processes. Pohang University on the other hand built the blockchain certification system which operates on the ERC20 network.

Their mission is to bridge the gap between collectors and regular investors through fractional ownership. Treazer currently offers more than 200 investment opportunities. Further, to make it even more investor-friendly, it provides daily price updates to enable decision-making for younger investors.

Ryan Kim, COO of Treazer, echoes this sentiment in an interview. He shares, “As a young investor myself, I’ve always been interested in investing in items people are passionate about, beyond traditional assets.”

He adds that Treazer’s inspiration comes from Ryan and their CEO, Ted Kim. The latter once invested in a bottle of Romanee Conti, which “we successfully sold within six months, earning a 20% profit. 

Also read: Blockchain is revolutionising the real-estate market through fractional ownership

Expanding the Investment Opportunity to Everyone with Treazer

Inspired by the enthusiasm of their friends who later joined them in their wine and whiskey investments, the co-founders soon realised the potential to expand this opportunity to everyone. Treazer was born to allow anyone to invest in high-quality collectibles—or “treasures”—and benefit from the value they bring.

Their thesis paid off with a rapidly growing user base and ongoing partnerships with large financial institutions. In 2023, Treazer was able to secure a 361 per cent user growth with over 600,000 registered users. Their platform records a 42.1 per cent highest return and an average investor return of 14.6 per cent in over 200 collections.

In 2023, Treazer partnered with SK Planet and, more recently, with KB Pay and Lotte in 2024. As interest in collectibles has grown, these partnerships have helped Treazer expand its reach through its platforms. These collaborations have enabled Treazer to attract users from partner networks. More than that, they also provide easy access to services through the use of leftover points.

Treazer teases its plans to expand its offerings to include properties, classic cars, rare books, sports memorabilia, trading cards, and more. As long as there’s a viable market, its team is positioned to make it available within the platform.

Ryan Kim discloses that while Treazer has its roots in Singapore, they plan to expand next into Vietnam. Treazer is also looking for partners in Hong Kong who can provide international storage solutions and Japan-based securities firms.

Investing in their passion, thriving in the business

Treazer’s key differentiators against other fractional ownership platforms are summarised in three items. First, their blockchain-backed certification of ownership. Second, partnerships with securities firms. And third, the addition of innovative assets like music royalties, IP, and rare collectibles.

Apart from its diverse asset offerings, Treazer has made significant technological advancements in asset verification and ownership. For one, they are able to showcase daily and historical price data similar to a traditional public trading platform. 

Treazer has officially launched their platform, Treasurer, which uniquely provides daily price updates along with historical price data for each item. Its standout feature is proprietary data crawling technology and sophisticated algorithms. As a result, Treasurer Global tracks and analyses over 300,000 transaction data points from global markets in real-time. This level of transparency and data accessibility is a significant advantage for users.

“Treasurer Global democratises access to the luxury markets by enabling anyone to invest in high-value assets through fractional ownership,” says Ted Kim, CEO of Treasurer Global. “With our advanced data crawling technology, clients can confidently make transactions based on the most accurate and reliable information. This launch represents a significant shift in the global luxury and collectible investment landscape.”

Treasurer Global is now live and providing investors worldwide with the opportunity to invest.

Also read: Preparing your company for Southeast Asia: A strategic guide to the market

Treazer Generating Profitability with a Data-Driven Approach

Treazer has already generated profitability at this stage. It boasts 52 per cent on its listed items by using its AI engine to pre-select blue-chip collectibles. With an average IRR of 17.8 per cent, Treazer’s performance significantly outpaces that of other fractional investment platforms globally. This demonstrates the strength of Treazer’s data-driven approach and the quality of assets available on the platform.

Kim assures that their upcoming partnerships with securities firms and cryptocurrency exchanges will serve to enhance Treazer’s offerings further. 

“As many investors already hold stocks and cryptocurrencies, incorporating these assets into our platform can create a more complete portfolio experience for them. On the flip side, Treazer has the potential to introduce passionate young investors to these brokerage firms and exchanges, fostering a symbiotic relationship.”

Treazer just recently secured their Pre-series A funding. This is primarily allocated to enhancing their AI engine that provides daily pricing for over 200 items within the platform. Additionally, their presence in Singapore has been established to facilitate entry into the Southeast Asian market. Before Series A, Treazer aims to launch a global version and gather enough users for beta testing.

If you’re interested in learning more about fractional ownership of collectibles through Treazer, visit www.treazer.com and contact them for investment opportunities.

—

This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by Treazer

We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Visit us here to get started.

Featured Image Credit: Treazer

The post Unlocking the world of high-value collectible assets for alternative investors with Treazer appeared first on e27.

Beyond The Playbook: Redefining The Journey of a Startup Entrepreneur

Echelon Philippines 2024 brought together startup leaders, entrepreneurs, and investors from the Philippines and Southeast Asia to support the region’s rapidly growing tech market and drive economic progress.

The tech conference’s keynote speech titled ‘Beyond The Playbook: Redefining The Journey of a Startup Entrepreneur’ was delivered by Minette Navarrete, President and Co-Founder of Kickstart Ventures.

She discussed the unpredictable nature of the startup journey, emphasising that each founder’s path is unique, with no standard roadmap to success. Navarrete shared how successful founders navigate unexpected challenges by relying on adaptability, resilience, and unconventional wisdom.

Also Read: Julian Cua of BCG at Echelon Philippines 2024: Understanding Filipinos’ daily challenges to drive meaningful innovation

She outlined four key lessons from successful startups:

• Mission over valuation, exemplified by Bagosphere, which trained over 10,000 participants and achieved 80 per cent job placement.
• Creating or capturing markets, as Wattpad did by cultivating a new reading audience in the Philippines.
• Execution excellence, demonstrated by Pickup Coffee’s expansion from 12 to over 250 locations.
• Forming unexpected partnerships, such as Sarisuki’s collaboration with Asin on solar-powered agricultural projects.

Navarrete emphasised that while traditional frameworks are important, founders must go beyond them by focusing on mission, execution, and people to achieve long-term success.

Watch the session video above to learn more about these insights and the strategies shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

—

The post Echelon Philippines 2024: Beyond traditional frameworks with Minette Navarrete of Kickstart Ventures appeared first on e27.

Dear reader,

In 2024, Southeast Asia’s venture capital landscape faces a challenging reality: funding dropped sharply by 59 per cent in the year’s first nine months, reflecting global economic turbulence, geopolitical uncertainties, and a lingering funding winter.

These conditions have led investors to be increasingly cautious, impacting both domestic and international investment flows into the region’s promising startup ecosystem.

Nonetheless, Southeast Asian-based venture capitalists remain resilient, strategically deploying capital both within the region and globally. Notable firms such as Spartan Group, HashKey Capital, and Temasek Holdings illustrate this commitment by continuing to make impactful investments across sectors, particularly in blockchain, fintech, high-tech, and consumer-driven markets.

This continued momentum by regional investors underscores their strategic role in sustaining Southeast Asia’s innovative ecosystem, even in the face of headwinds.

The current landscape demands that startups and investors alike adapt to a more discerning funding environment, focusing on sustainable growth and long-term value.

Sainul,
Editor.

NEWS & VIEWS

Temasek-backed eFishery cautious on IPO plan
CEO Gibran Huzaifah said an IPO remains a key objective but he stressed that the timing would depend on the company’s overall readiness, including its financial health and operational stability, rather than on riding market trends.

Indonesia’s Sociolla says it hit profitability in Q1 2024
CEO Christopher Madiam says the beauty ecommerce firm’s revenue also grew by more than 50% year on year in 2024; He said the company had “focused on ahead-of-time investments and marketing” instead of “burning money to subsidize the market.”

GCash faces scrutiny in Philippines over gambling addiction
The app, with over 90 million users, connects individuals to platforms like Bingo Plus and Arena Plus; This connection raises concerns about its impact on gambling habits.

ADVANCE.AI’s credit bureau unit nets US$4M to drive financial inclusion in Philippines
The investor is Archipelago Capital Partners; ADVANCE.CBP aims to serve fintech firms, digital banks, and thrift banks to enhance financial inclusion through credit information and data.

Asia’s AI fintech sector to grow 2.2x in 2025 led by India, China, Singapore
The share of funding received by AI fintech companies is projected to grow from US$60.4B in 2023 to US$62B in 2024 and US$65.5B in 2025, says a UnaFinancial study.

TGV invests in Tookitaki to drive innovation in anti-financial crime solutions
Tookitaki claims to have monitored over 10 billion transactions across 100 million consumers among its clients; In 2022, Singapore-based cross-border payments firm Thunes picked a majority stake in Tookitaki for US$20M.

measurable.energy’s AI smart sockets set for SEA expansion with Vertex’s backing
The UK startup’s smart socket automatically turns off power for devices not in use (and backs them on when they are), eliminating unnecessary consumption; The investment will accelerate the company’s growth in the UK and international markets.

Hijau’s zero-capex solar model attracts investment from Clime Capital
The company said it seeks to contribute to the archipelago’s energy transition towards renewable energy by installing solar panels on its clients’ rooftops or ground-mounted areas and charging a rental fee relative to the energy produced.

ConnectingDNA bags US$550K to accelerate DNA-based wellness solutions
ConnectingDNA’s platform serves as a “digital bridge” between an individual’s nature and nurture, delivering bespoke recommendations based on each user’s unique biology.

X’s India revenue falls 90%, filing shows
Revenue plummeted 89.8% to US$2.51M; The company, which had posted revenue of US$24.7M in the previous fiscal year, also significantly reduced its expenses in India to US$2.2M from US$20M year-over-year.

Malaysia’s Borong partners Maybank to launch country’s first B2B halal marketplace
Salaam Market is designed to empower local SMEs by integrating Halal certification support and financial services, paving the way for these businesses to navigate the complex Halal market and expand their reach internationally.

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

Who’s still investing? The 2024 power players in Southeast Asia’s venture capital
A list of top SEA-based venture capital investors actively investing globally across various sectors, despite 2024’s challenges.

Green for tokens: How to use blockchain to promote a more sustainable lifestyle
In creating blockchain solutions that promote sustainable behaviour, startups need to consider the X-to-Earn factor.

Echelon Philippines 2024: Empowering early-stage startups through accelerators, educators, and enablers
The Echelon Philippines panel highlighted the importance of AI, semiconductors, and the creative industry in driving future growth.

Revolutionising content creation: How Eklipse is using AI to empower creators
Eklipse has developed an AI tool that automates the editing process, drastically reducing manual editing time by up to 90 per cent.

Echelon Philippines 2024: PayMongo’s Jojo Malolos on adaptation and growth in fintech
The Echelon Philippines fireside chat highlighted the need for adaptation, swift decision-making, and strategic direction for success.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

How are Singapore SMEs taking a proactive stance towards sustainability?
SMEs in Singapore have the ability to be proactive and be well-prepared for the inevitable inclusion of Scope 3 emissions as a business cost factor.

How to use blockchain to fund and create a greener future
Blockchain is providing a foundation for structural changes that support cultural climate awareness, policy-making, and individual commitments to sustainability.

Unlocking business potential: Overcoming decision paralysis with technology transformation
Discover how technology transformation can help businesses overcome decision paralysis and unlock their full potential.

How efficient communication drives positive relationships in product development
Efficient and productive communication across a business, both external and internal, can be the key to driving a successful project.

How to manage risk as a young professional in the startup world
The ability to mitigate risk as a startup founder allows you to acknowledge as well as accommodate such risks proactively.

Dear tech startups, it’s never too early for PR!
PR is the best way to tell your story and amplify your voice as a trusted enterprise amidst a sea of competition.

How marketing will be enhanced through generative AI
With the ability to create written words, videos, music, and more, generative AI is the future for brands’ marketing capabilities.

Creating sustainable futures: The vision of steady-state societies and still cities
Discover the transformative vision of steady-state societies and still cities, and how they can create sustainable futures for our planet and communities.

How fintechs can contribute to the world’s sustainability goals
A new report jointly produced by McKinsey & Company, Elevandi and MAS was recently released, showcasing how fintechs can contribute towards a greener future.

Building a better future: How sustainable architecture is leading the way for the built environment
The built environment sector is expected to focus increasingly on sustainable architecture as environmental concerns continue to grow.

Revolutionise your business operations: A smarter alternative to lengthy paper processes
One of the simplest steps to take is to transition from paper-based processes to more cost-effective digital solutions such as e-signatures.

On the precipice of energy transition
The opportunities for powering our world are expanding rapidly, with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind leading the way; Additionally, alternative sources like hydrogen and nuclear fission are showing great promise.

ESG empowerment: Fueling Malaysia’s SMEs for a sustainable future
ESG practices are extremely vital for SMEs, extending beyond the environment and crucial for growth and success.

Mastering sustainability: Your ultimate guide to hosting eco-friendly events in Asia
Implementing sustainable practices improves event planners’ environmental impact and creates positive community impact.

How Southeast Asian businesses can overcome employee training challenges
The challenge of bringing employees aboard the digital transformation ship is not exclusive to SEA. However, most firms admit to not being adaptable enough.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

Indonesia’s startup showcase 2024: The launchpad for Southeast Asia’s tech future
InvestIdea Capital Ventures is hosting the Tech Startup Showcase 2024, connecting global investors with Indonesia’s next wave of promising tech startups.

Asset classes demystified: Building a strong, diversified portfolio in today’s financial markets
Asset classes are the foundation of successful investing, providing a framework for diversification and risk management.

How Southeast Asia’s Supermom retains its Fortune 500 clients
As a hub for influential moms and brands, Supermom is reshaping parenting trends and solutions across the region.

5 strategies to power possibilities and propel your global growth
The startup landscape in Asia is full of possibilities, but starting and scaling a business calls for more than just a good idea.

The digital revolution in supply chain management: Efficiency, visibility, and resilience
Technology is profoundly impacting your supply chain processes, transforming how you operate and compete in today’s global marketplace.

—

Image Credit: 123RF.

The post Ecosystem Roundup: A look at SEA’s top VCs in a challenging 2024 | GCash faces scrutiny in Philippines | Asia’s AI fintech sector to grow 2.2x in 2025 appeared first on e27.

Borong, Malaysia’s B2B e-commerce and marketplace solution provider, has partnered with Maybank Islamic to roll out Salaam Market, which it claims is the country’s first halal-certified marketplace.

Salaam Market is designed to support local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by offering Halal certification assistance and financial services. The platform provides a digital marketplace for sourcing Halal-certified products at competitive prices, directly linking SMEs with suppliers.

Also Read: How blockchain can help combat ongoing fraud in the Halal food industry in SEA

According to a statement, it enables them to navigate the Halal sector better and extend their market presence internationally from the companies.

Targeted at SMEs across Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Singapore, Salaam Market supports Halal transactions without minimum order requirements and ensures direct access to certified Halal ingredients, helping to lower costs and increase convenience.

With the global Halal market projected to reach US$5 trillion by 2030 and Malaysia’s domestic market expected to grow to US$113.2 billion, SMEs often face hurdles like high ingredient costs, complex certification processes, and limited capital access that slow their growth.

“This initiative represents a significant move to modernise the Halal market,” said Aizat Rahim, MD and co-founder of Borong. “Salaam Market not only aligns with Malaysia’s goal to become a global leader in Halal compliance, but it also addresses affordability, financing, and certification challenges for SMEs, thanks to Maybank Islamic’s financing support and JAKIM’s Halal certification.”

Through its partnership with Maybank Islamic, Borong’s SMEs gain access to specialised Islamic financial solutions, Halal facilitation support, and digital document management tools to streamline entry into local and international Halal markets.

Also Read: How cruelty-free, Halal-certified D2C cosmetics brand RADC achieved 4X growth in 2022

“Salaam Market will simplify online transactions by connecting buyers and sellers through a verified e-commerce platform that ensures Halal authenticity,” said Dr Muhd Ramadhan Fitri Ellias, Maybank Islamic’s Strategic Program Director. “This aligns with our commitment to strengthen the Halal ecosystem and support the national agenda to grow the domestic Halal market to US$113.2 billion by 2030.”

The post Borong, Maybank launch Malayasia’s first digital halal marketplace Salaam Market appeared first on e27.

In an interview with e27, Cosmos Innovation Co-Founder and CTO Joel Li explains that solar panel installation has increased significantly in recent years due to growing levels of commitment to sustainability. However, the silicon used in most mainstream solar cells is quickly reaching its efficiency limit due to technological limitations.

This means that the demand has made it necessary for producers to explore alternative technologies for solar cells that can generate greater amounts of energy.

“The most promising technology in the industry today is perovskite silicon tandem … However, commercialising perovskite silicon tandem solar cells can be challenging. Highly complex optimisation is typically needed across multiple factors during the process development journey, from R&D to mass production,” he says.

Cosmos Innovation is an AI-focused company developing advanced solar technology with the goal of increased efficiency. Their unique approach leverages AI to optimise the last-mile process challenges in commercialising perovskite silicon tandem solar cells.

Their AI platform, Mobius, uses machine learning algorithms to discover the optimal material, process, and architecture combinations for the most efficient solar cells, reducing time and cost compared to traditional trial-and-error methods.

Also Read: What startups need to know about Claims Code, the new rulebook for making credible climate claims

“Since our inception, Cosmos Innovation has built and continuously improved upon Mobius, supported by leading global investors and minds in AI. This has enabled us to massively accelerate the process development journey from lab to mass production for the solar or semiconductor industry, enabling the building of new devices at a fraction of the time and cost it would take using conventional methods,” Li says.

“The effectiveness and viability of Mobius has been demonstrated through our work with leading companies that have achieved outstanding results. We have been able to shorten recipe development timelines by as much as ten times, and significantly improved target performance metrics.”

In 2022, Cosmos Innovation established an AI-centric manufacturing facility dedicated to advanced solar technology. The company said that within a year, it recorded “remarkable” advancements that led to the significant reduction of the R&D process, which typically spans years, to just a few months.

It relies on Google Cloud’s infrastructure for its AI computational, networking, and storage requirements and aims to expand the utilisation of Google Cloud as the business expands.

As a participant in the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First programme, Li says that the support that the company receives has been “incredible.”

“These industry-leading capabilities and expertise accelerated our development of key features and enhancements for Mobius. The programme team was also prompt in organising mentoring sessions, and the mentors provided insightful advice that helped us fully realize the potential of our ideas.”

Also Read: What is left behind in our conversation on climate change

Beyond the academy

Cosmos Innovation was jointly established by Li and Vijay Chandrasekhar. The two co-founders boast unique academic backgrounds.

Chandrasekhar earned his Ph.D. from Stanford University and BS & MS degrees from Carnegie Mellon University, both supported by scholarships from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and the National Research Foundation (NRF).

Before co-founding the company, he led the AI effort at the Institute for Infocomm Research, A*STAR, managing a team of over 150 AI specialists and overseeing a portfolio of more than 50 AI projects across more than 10 domains, with a significant focus on semiconductors. He has also held positions at Google Research and Nokia Research Center.

Li also received his Ph.D., Ph.D. Minor, and M.S. degrees from Stanford University, again under the National Research Foundation (NRF) Scholarship. After graduating from Stanford, he served as Group Head at the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore, leading a team in developing commercial solar cell technologies.

Under his leadership, the team developed an award-winning process technology, which was recognised as one of the Top 25 PV Manufacturing Innovations and received strong industry interest.

Li has also served as an AI team lead at A*STAR. In addition to his current role at Cosmos Innovation, he also serves as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Also Read: Investing in climate tech: Why investors should focus on impactful, low-hanging fruits

“Powered by our AI technology, we have achieved a near vertical learning curve for our next-gen solar technology and are rapidly catching up with the leading companies in this space despite having spent a fraction of the time and cost typically required by traditional industry players,” Li says.

“Cosmos Innovation is today among only a few companies in the world with AI process optimisation technology designed for the solar and semiconductor industry, making us a pioneer and leading innovator in the field.”

When asked about the company’s business model, Li explains that the company specialises in cutting-edge solar panel technology aimed at supplying these innovative solutions to both downstream residential and utility-scale companies. Its strategic focus is primarily on businesses offering residential rooftop solar solutions and selected utility-scale customers.

“In our initial stages, we plan to establish a strong presence in the US and Singapore markets. By capitalising on the US’s dominance in the solar energy sector and Singapore’s increasing emphasis on sustainability, as outlined in the Singapore Green Plan 2030, we aim to seize opportunities and contribute to the global transition towards renewable energy,” he says.

For 2025, the company has several big plans.

“Our plan is to start our Series B fundraising and scale up production,” Li closes.

—

Image Credit: Cosmos Innovation

The post As demand soars for alternative solar panel materials, Cosmos Innovation uses AI to make the search faster appeared first on e27.

Eklipse, founded by Weihan Liew and Quan Bui, is tackling a significant pain point in the content creation industry—video editing.

According to Liew, creators spend up to 70 per cent of their time on editing, leaving less room for what truly matters: engaging with their audience. To address this, Eklipse has developed a generative AI tool that automates the editing process, drastically reducing the time spent on manual editing by up to 90 per cent.

The AI detects key moments from long-form videos—whether an exciting gaming highlight, a viral reaction, or a polished product demo—and turns them into shareable, professional-quality clips for social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube within minutes.

“With our technology, creators can produce top-tier content effortlessly, empowering them to grow their audience without breaking the bank,” Liew explains in an email interview with e27.

Liew, a seasoned entrepreneur with a background in AI, media, and gaming, co-founded Eklipse with Quan Bui, who brings expertise in AI development and product engineering.

Also Read: Know thy customer: The only rule for startups looking to build trust on social media

Liew’s prior successes include founding BaBe, an Indonesian mobile news platform that utilised AI for news aggregation, and MainGames, one of Southeast Asia (SEA)’s largest gaming communities.

Together, they share a vision of democratising content creation, allowing creators of all sizes access to world-class editing tools without the hefty price or learning curve, as they continue to push the boundaries of AI-powered content solutions.

The following is an edited excerpt of our conversation with Liew.

What is your product development journey like?

Our journey has been all about empowering content creators to supercharge their growth. We began in the gaming industry, serving creators in Southeast Asia (SEA), but Eklipse quickly caught fire among game streaming communities in the US, with gamers playing titles as diverse as Fortnite, Dead by Daylight, Rocket League, and, more recently, Black Myth Wukong.

Recognising the universal challenges creators face, we expanded beyond gaming into other content verticals like vlogging, tutorials, and e-commerce demos. We evolved from offering just AI highlights to delivering an end-to-end solution where our AI is capable of not only finding the best moments but also editing them with flair, adding relatable memes, eye-catching visuals, captions, and complementary sound effects just like a top-tier video editor would.

Our mission is bold: to make Eklipse the ultimate, affordable alternative to augment the ability and output of human editors and content creators, democratising content creation like never before with the power of gen AI.

Also Read: AI in journalism: Thai media show a 95 per cent adaptation rate despite concerns about overreliance

What are the most important milestones that you made recently?

Surpassing 500,000 registered users in Q3 2024 was a monumental milestone for us, a powerful testament to the value we deliver to creators worldwide. But we did not stop there.

We have processed over 8.3 million hours of content, saving creators an estimated millions of hours of editing time! We have also launched innovative features like real-time AI editing and secured strategic partnerships with leading platforms and influencers, including collaborations with top Twitch streamers and YouTube content creators.

These achievements not only enhance the user experience but also solidify Eklipse’s position as a trailblazer in Generative AI in SEA and beyond.

What is your business model? Who are your users, and how do you acquire them?

We operate on a freemium model because we believe in making powerful AI tools accessible to everyone. Creators can access essential AI-powered video editing features for free, while our premium tiers unlock advanced functionalities like higher resolution outputs, priority processing, no watermarks, and exclusive templates that make their content stand out.

Our users are a vibrant mix of gaming streamers, YouTubers, educators, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and social media influencers across Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. We have grown our user base through strategic partnerships, collaborations with top influencers, and targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with creators.

Also Read: 6 effortless ways to grow your small business through social media

Our strong community engagement—through webinars, tutorials, creator spotlights, and interactive forums—alongside word-of-mouth referrals has been a powerhouse for our rapid growth. We’re not just building a user base; we are fostering a global community of passionate creators who uplift and inspire each other.

How does being part of the AI First Singapore programme benefit you?

Being part of the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First Singapore programme jointly launched by Google Cloud and Enterprise Singapore has been a game-changer for Eklipse.

The program did not just accelerate our development; it propelled us into the future. We gained early access to Google Cloud’s groundbreaking AI technologies, such as the multimodal capabilities of its Gemini 1.5 Flash model on the Vertex AI platform, making us one of the first startups globally to harness these tools.

This has allowed us to elevate our video highlighting and editing capabilities to unprecedented levels, delivering crisper, more dynamic content faster than ever.

Leveraging Google Cloud’s AI-optimised infrastructure, we have slashed our processing times by half, reduced operational costs, and scaled our services to meet growing global demand seamlessly. The mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources provided by the programme have not only accelerated our growth but have positioned Eklipse at the forefront of AI innovation in content creation, opening doors to future collaborations and partnerships.

—

Image Credit: Eklipse

The post Revolutionising content creation: How Eklipse is using AI to empower creators appeared first on e27.

The post Echelon Philippines 2024: Empowering early-stage startups through accelerators, educators, and enablers appeared first on e27.