Collektr, a livestream collectibles platform based in the Asia-Pacific region, has raised US$1.3 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by AC Ventures Malaysia.

The round also saw participation from The Hive Southeast Asia, Creador Foundation, and 18 unnamed angel investors.

This follows a seed round led by First Move, bringing the total investment to date to US$1.3 million.

Also Read: Toki aims to bring transparency, trust to the collectible e-commerce space

The fresh capital will be used to drive Collektr’s expansion across APAC, beginning with Singapore and another key market. The company also plans to strengthen strategic partnerships with sellers, merchants, and collaborators to expand its marketplace offerings with exclusive, rare, and unique collectibles.

Launched in April 2023, Collektr boasts over 100,000 unique, authenticated items from a growing network of vetted sellers. The platform specializes in high-demand categories like trading card games, comics, sneakers, handbags, and art. Collektr emphasizes rigorous seller vetting and a robust dispute resolution system.

Since its inception, Collektr claims to have grown significantly, boasting over 10,000 monthly active users and exceeding engagement metrics typically seen in traditional e-commerce startups.

Adlin Yusman, CEO of Collektr, said: “This funding empowers us to scale rapidly across the APAC region, starting with Singapore, whilst continuing to offer a dynamic and secure platform for collectors. We invite merchants and sellers across the region to join us in building a vibrant ecosystem where enthusiasts can explore, connect, and indulge their passions through innovative livestream auctions.”

Also Read: Stanible lets celebrities, superfans embrace Web3 via digital collectibles

Ng Yi Chung, Partner at AC Ventures Malaysia, added: “The world of commerce is changing. Livestream commerce is a multi-billion industry that is growing rapidly. The new way to delight and excite shoppers and Collektr’s bold, revolutionary approach with the ability to do live-bidding has truly captured the hearts of collectors across the region. We believe they’re on the path to fundamentally reshape the collectibles and livestream landscape as they continue to scale.”

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Last week, I attended the Tech in Asia Conference and met with tech startups from Indonesia and other countries. It was exciting to see the innovative ideas and projects coming out of these communities. However, one recurring observation caught my attention: many Indonesian startups tend to focus primarily on product development, sometimes overlooking critical aspects like security.

It’s understandable—startups are often under pressure to develop quickly, capture the market, and deliver value to their users. Security, however, shouldn’t take a backseat. Risks in the digital space are continually evolving, and a single breach could impact brand reputation and customer trust, especially for growing companies.

For instance, some companies still merge diverse IT roles under a single title, not fully recognising that IT is an umbrella term that covers areas like development, engineering, and security. When responsibilities are blurred, security can be inadvertently deprioritised. Moreover, in some cases, “security” may only mean installing antivirus software, which—while essential—is only a starting point for effective protection.

Affordable security tips for startups

Recognising the importance of security doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Here are some affordable ways startups can bolster their security without disrupting their budgets or workflow:

• Implement basic security protocols: Simple, consistent practices like enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), using strong passwords, and regularly updating software can make a big difference. For instance, 2FA adds an extra layer of security that’s simple but effective against unauthorised access.

• Leverage free or low-cost security tools: Many security solutions offer free tiers or affordable subscriptions specifically designed for small businesses and startups. Tools like Bitdefender, Avast, or open-source options like ClamAV provide basic protection at low or no cost.

Also Read: Securing tomorrow’s metaverse today: Why safety in the new frontier must leverage on hardware

• Train the team on security awareness: Phishing and social engineering are major security threats that often target employees, not systems. Regular, simple training sessions can raise awareness and help team members recognise and avoid scams or suspicious activity.
• Regularly back up data: Data backups are crucial in the event of data breaches, accidental deletions, or hardware failures. Regular, automated backups to secure cloud storage can safeguard data and ensure business continuity.
• Consider managed security services: If hiring an in-house security expert is too costly, consider managed security services, which offer professional oversight at a fraction of the cost. This could be especially useful for monitoring and protecting against more complex security threats.
• Use free DevSecOps tools for code security: Startups can integrate free DevSecOps tools to automatically scan their code for vulnerabilities before deployment. By incorporating these tools into their CI/CD pipelines, startups can prevent vulnerabilities from reaching production without adding extra costs.

By taking these small yet effective steps, startups can begin building a foundation of security without disrupting their focus on innovation and growth. After all, building trust with users today sets the stage for sustainable growth in the future.

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Turing Space, a Taiwan-based trust-tech company, has raised over US$3 million in a strategic funding round led by Profederal, a corporate counselling platform.

The company plans to use the capital to accelerate research and development of its digital identity infrastructure and expand its operations in Taiwan, Europe, and Japan, where it aims to develop more cross-border verification solutions.

A portion of the funds will also be used to hire new talent and enhance user experience in Taiwan.

Also Read: Verifiable digital identity startup Accredify raises strategic funding from Okta Ventures

The company is also looking to strengthen its partnerships in Europe by collaborating with major enterprises in Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands on initiatives like the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and other digital identity solutions.

The investment comes as the global identity verification market is experiencing significant growth, with projections to reach over US$82.73 billion by 2036. This growth is driven by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 16.5 per cent.

Founded in 2020, Turing Space aims to simplify and streamline certifications across various industries. It leverages blockchain technology to build a secure and borderless digital trust network, contributing to global digital transformation.

Jeff Hu, Founder and CEO of Turing Space, said that the startup has already completed two national-level projects in Taiwan: Turing Facts and the Turing Green renewable energy certificate declaration platform. Building on this success, it is now moving beyond certificate issuance and verification to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive digital identity infrastructure.

Hu also highlighted Turing Space’s partnership with Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) in establishing the Asia Pacific Digital Identity Consortium (APDI). This partnership positions it as a technology integrator in the international market, facilitating the development of cross-border digital identity applications that bridge trust between Taiwan and the world.

Also Read: Empowering fintech and e-commerce through digital identity verification

Ted Wen, Chairman of Profederal, highlighted Turing Space’s focus on knowledge-driven services and its ambitious global expansion plans. Beyond funding, Profederal will provide additional resources to help Turing Space capitalise on the opportunities in the digital era.

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This week we saw the downfall of Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX, highlighting the lack of communication that caught employees and client’s completely off guard. The importance of transparency in leadership becomes even clearer when it promotes a workplace culture of an open community and responsible behaviours by employees and leaders.

As we steer towards 2023, one key area NewCampus clients and learners focus on is cultivating an honest culture. 

Transparent leadership is the key to creating a culture of trust between leaders and their employees. Here’s how we’re seeing future-forward leaders put money where their mouth is.

Staying in the loop

Transparent leaders make sure that their teams are kept up-to-date and that they freely share information. These leaders keep their team in the loop, share information freely, and encourage open communication throughout the company.

Also Read: Follow the steps of these 35 growth leaders to The Big Leap Roadshow in Indonesia

Dan Harvey, the Head of Growth at ReverseAds, learned this lesson as a young manager working at a large hospitality brand when he spent his first month working in every role, be it in the kitchen, the front of the house, or anywhere else. The goal was for managers to work with the people they would be managing to understand their daily work and the pressures they face.

Rather than demanding ad hominem obedience, the transparent leader gains the buy-in and confidence of his employees by answering questions, hearing their concerns, and working with them. By acknowledging this, even developing policies that safeguard employees’ confidentiality, transparent leaders demonstrate that they care and they enjoy their employees’ respect and loyalty in return.

Jeremy Wong, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Atome, emphasises the value of empowering employees to learn on the job with the fear of making mistakes, especially early in the role.

By representing leaders as real people (rather than mysterious superiors hiding behind scary office doors), transparent leaders will gain a lot of understanding and support from their employees, who are then more willing to take bad news or open themselves to constructive feedback if they feel that they have a personal connection to their leaders.

Trust is underrated

The more transparent you are, the more you are likely to create a sense of trust among your team. The more transparent you are, the more people trust and respect you. It’s as simple as that.

With the crypto ecosystem in a loom, with potentially other platforms at risk of failure, lessons can be learnt from what drove projects like LUNA into catastrophic failure. The project, like many before them, lacked transparency.

The flaws in its tokenomic model and lack of diverse utilities eventually resulted in a too-easy loss of confidence and panic selling which eventually led to its demise.

Transparency leads to a meeting of minds between your employees and the leaders in your company; people know exactly what is expected of them and what needs to be done.

Priska Lampangateia, Head of Brand at GoToko exemplifies this. While numbers and deadlines are still important to GoToko, she ensures team members stay open and honest when they hit brick walls. The shared purpose and knowledge that their work is impacting help them get through higher-stress periods.

Transparency in leadership means keeping employees informed, sharing both good things and bad things (while not being too open about it), and welcoming candid feedback from members of your team. Transparency does not mean that you have no filters with your employees, but simply that you value honesty and open communication. 

Habit building starts early

Encouraging transparency means being forthright and leading by example. Encouraging transparency removes ambiguity and builds confidence among managers and employees while working to create healthy, happy, and fulfilling workplaces.

Also Read: What makes Bee Kheng Tay a remarkable leader

Evan Januli, VP of Brands and Marketing at Astro, creates a safe space for learning, space to make mistakes, even if it’s high stakes.

You might not have the power to instruct your leadership team to communicate more openly about the performance of the business, but that does not make you any less of an essential part of workplace transparency. 

Workplace transparency could mean executives sharing company information with their entire team or individual teammates sharing reviews among themselves and could even extend beyond walls to include what your organisation says to candidates, customers, and the general public. Start early.

Final thoughts

Transparency, as a value, is all about being open, honest, visible, and available as a leader. Ultimately, transparency builds an open, honest culture, which benefits all involved.

Transparency, combined with the willingness to acknowledge successes and mistakes, helps companies achieve a higher level of organisation. Being transparent means your business goals are shared with the rest of your organisation and understood well by your teams. 

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This article was first published on November 28, 2022

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It is unrealistic for an organisation to conduct a company-wide meeting or a town hall tailored to each employee’s unique needs, as different people have different personalities, grasping powers, and learning habits. This could impact the effective delivery of the message that the organisation wants to convey. Some employees may not fully grasp the message, which could often lead to their disengagement and disconnect.

What is the way out of this problem? More specifically, how can communication be made more inclusive and effective?   

The answer lies in ‘personalisation’.

The rise of personalisation in a digital-first world

We live in a digital-first world where audience needs are fast evolving. As the world progresses and the communication industry undergoes a revolution, companies will have to be more inclusive in their communications with employees and customers to stay ahead of the game. 

This is where ‘personalisation’ comes into the picture.

Personalisation is now a widely used term in business parlance. It is critical for businesses today because it enables companies to deliver tailored experiences that meet individual needs, enhancing satisfaction, loyalty, and overall engagement. As a result, employees feel valued and are more likely to feel understood and appreciated, leading to a more positive and memorable experience.

Personalisation can significantly impact large organisations with multiple offices or global operations, where cultural nuances, time zones, age, and life experiences influence how employees connect and engage. Employees who don’t understand an organisation’s mission, values, and goals may feel disconnected. This lack of clarity and communication can lead to costly turnover, disengagement, and talent attrition. 

It is even more essential in smaller organisations each person’s contributions are more critical to the business. Poor communication can lead to increased recruitment costs and brain drain, thus, personalised engagement has a heightened impact on small teams.  

However, many industries and businesses have struggled to keep pace with these evolving audience needs, leading to employee churn. According to a 2023 survey, many companies faced challenges in terms of employee engagement, with 51 per cent of disengaged employees actively seeking new job opportunities.  

Engaging the future workforce: The Gen Z factor

Understanding your team on a deeper level—knowing the type of communication that engages them—is critical here. It’s not about broad lifestyle choices like enjoying beach walks versus mountain climbing. Instead, it’s about understanding how someone prefers to consume content. ‘Are they more introverted or extroverted? ‘Do they enjoy routine or seek new experiences?’ 

Also Read: Unlocking personalisation mastery: 7 principles of intelligent customisation

When companies tailor messages to individual preferences—whether through videos, presentations, or emails—the content resonates more deeply. This personalised approach ensures employees receive information in formats they find engaging and tones that speak to them, fostering a more engaged and cohesive organisation.

For instance, a customised video message from leadership that reflects the specific goals of a team can make each member feel like a valued part of the organisation’s vision, while also catering to those who learn best through visuals. Direct emails, on the other hand, offer one-on-one engagement, helping individuals feel more connected to leadership. Similarly, presentations may appeal to analytical thinkers, providing the structure and depth they need.

By meeting these varied preferences, companies make it easier for employees to absorb information, stay involved, and feel aligned with organisational goals.

This will be especially crucial in the coming years as the number of Gen Zs joining the workforce is set to grow. These digital natives–exposed to a superior user experience using platforms like Amazon, Netflix, and Spotify–would expect a similar experience in their workplace. Therefore, companies must find a way to provide similar superior experiences or risk losing them.

Harnessing the power of AI for personalised communication

Artificial Intelligence can play a big role here. AI ensures the content is tailored to each audience, meeting their preferences and needs in real time. 

Combining AI and human interaction to complement each other can enhance personalisation, offering insights into people’s emotional states and allowing interactions to be more empathetic and responsive.

For instance, imagine starting a conversation via text that seamlessly transitions to a video call because AI recognises the need for deeper engagement. As AI evolves, these transitions will become more intuitive, enabling tools to adapt in real-time and providing a more seamless communication experience.

Traditional workplaces will also need to adjust to accommodate different cognitive styles, embracing neurodiversity as an asset. Diverse perspectives and communication styles can drive innovation, and the future lies in making communication seamless across platforms. Rather than pushing us in a particular direction, AI should support our communications in an empathetic and collaborative way.

Also Read: Leveraging AI for Growth: Learn about hyper-personalisation from the experts

As AI progresses, it should walk alongside us, helping us communicate with understanding and speed, not determining our path but supporting it.

Personalisation in Asia-Pacific: The role of cultural nuance

Personalisation is even more critical for success in markets like the Asia Pacific, which has multiple languages and diverse cultures, where people value more meaningful, authentic communication. Rather than just providing basic translations, brands and organisations should communicate accurately and respectfully to resonate authentically with users. 

Tools like Envoku become helpful here. Envoku is a platform launched by Live Group that leverages AI to revolutionise communication, engagement, and inclusivity across events, workplaces, and customer interactions. With a human-centred, data-driven approach, Envoku uses real-time data and a psychology-based profiling tool, AudienceDNA, to deliver personalised, empathetic interactions at scale. Rather than detaching from humanity, Envoku’s technology fosters meaningful connections by tailoring communications to individual needs and communication styles, proving that AI can enrich, not overshadow, genuine human engagement.

This communication platform supports a range of languages in addition to English and uses high-quality translation tools to capture the nuances of each language, covering a broad segment of the region’s user base. Companies and brands in Asia Pacific can leverage such tools to deliver personalised messages to their employees.

Brands can also use these insights to communicate with inclusivity in mind and align with diverse audiences. Today, customers and employees want to support brands that represent their values, whether it’s inclusivity, diversity, or mental wellness support. As the workforce mirrors global diversity, brands should aim to gain a deeper, authentic connection with employees and customers alike. Embracing diversity within the workforce and the audience isn’t just an ethical choice; it’s a smart business decision that builds long-term brand loyalty and engagement.

Personalised Communication is Key to a Thriving Workplace

In a world where meaningful connections are increasingly forged through digital interactions, personalisation in communication is no longer a luxury but a necessity. 

By understanding each employee’s unique communication preferences and harnessing the power of AI, companies can create a workplace where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. As brands embrace personalised engagement, they foster a stronger internal culture and build a resilient, loyal workforce ready to thrive in an evolving world. 

Personalised communication is more than a trend; it’s the future of meaningful workplace connections.

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Editor’s note: e27 aims to foster thought leadership by publishing views from the community. Share your opinion by submitting an article, video, podcast, or infographic.

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