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I didn’t realise I was the only woman on my team, and honestly, that’s not the point

Deep into product testing.

Contracts need to be signed.

Getting revenue in is the only thing on my mind because hardware is already in production.

One night, after a call with a potential customer in the US, my teammate in New York said something that caught me off guard. “You’re leading all these men, bringing everyone together on this mission. And you’re the only woman on the team, too.”

I paused.

Not because it bothered me. But because I hadn’t even noticed.

When you’re building at speed, you don’t stop to count

I didn’t pause to think, “Do we need balance?” I thought, “Who can deliver under pressure?”

That’s what founders do. They move.

So I moved fast. I found people who were skilled, focused, and could execute. And somewhere along the way, I ended up in a room where I was the only one of us with a womb.

That’s not a problem to solve. It’s just a reality I noticed.

Also Read: 6 lessons I learned as a B2C hardware startup founder

I don’t need a label, I just want to win

People love to box everything.

“Female founder.”

“Woman in tech.”

“Trailblazer.”

Honestly, I’m just here to build. I care about products that work, systems that scale, and teams that move fast without drama.

If you can do that, I don’t care where you come from, what you look like, or what box the world puts you in.

Build products for people who need it most, with the heart and intention to do good for humanity.

That’s it.

This moment wasn’t about identity, it was about clarity

I didn’t feel left out. I didn’t feel special. I felt something else: clarity.

Clarity that leadership isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about setting the standard. And right now, that standard is execution.

We’ve got SDKs in the wild. We’re integrating with real-time rendering stacks. We’re closing on deals across verticals from healthcare to sports and entertainment. And we’re about to launch a full-stack AI glasses platform into global distribution.

You don’t need a headline to lead. You just need to show up, make decisions, and move.

Final founder thought

I didn’t notice I was the only woman. Then someone else did. And I moved on. Because the point isn’t who’s in the room.

The point is whether we’re shipping and bringing in the signed contracts.

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 InstagramFacebookX, and LinkedIn to stay connected.

Image credit: DALL-E

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1337 Ventures backs Philippines’s AI-powered HRtech firm Betterteem

Betterteem CTO Rey Leonard Dumasig and CEO and founder Bo Discarga (R)

Malaysia-based venture capital firm 1337 Ventures has announced a strategic investment in Betterteem Technologies, an AI-powered HRtech startup headquartered in the Philippines.

“At Betterteem, our mission is to equip business leaders with data-driven insights to navigate the complexities of talent management and retention. Partnering with 1337 Ventures marks a pivotal moment for us, providing the resources and expertise needed to enhance our technology and expand our impact,” said founder and CEO Bo Discarga.

Founded in 2021 by Discarga and Rey Leonard Dumasig (CTO), Betterteem is a predictive workplace app focused on the overall employee journey. It uses machine learning to predict churn, provides on-demand mental health support, and is a digital community platform to influence their experience positively. Betterteem does this by sifting through volumes of data coming in and out of the app after its daily use by employees.

In simple words, Betterteem amalgamates the features of several HR apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, HRIS, SharePoint, and Intranet. This allows the app to collect usage data and create predictive analytics of a team member’s experience. It alerts people leaders/HR executives about their experience and attrition possibility using its predictive analytics.

Also Read: Betterteem is Slack, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Intranet all rolled into one

The firm has clients across Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, and the Philippines.

Beyond its predictive analytics capabilities, Betterteem also offers integrated employee assistance programmes aimed at supporting mental health alongside flexible benefits functionality. This allows companies to personalise their offerings and enhance employee satisfaction levels.

Bikesh Lakhmichand, CEO and Founding Partner of 1337 Ventures, commented: “Betterteem addresses one of the most critical pain points in business with a unique blend of predictive analytics and mental health support. Their innovative approach has already gained traction across multiple countries, and we believe they are well-positioned to make a global impact.”

In 2022, Betterteem secured an undisclosed sum in funding from Techstars, Crestone Venture Capital, 1337 Ventures (Malaysia), and Suresh Thiru (ex-CEO of JobStreet). Previously, the firm raised undisclosed funding from local angel fund Buko Ventures and IdeaSpace.

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Ecosystem Roundup: ASEAN fundraising struggles | Chocolate Finance sees US$374M withdrawn in 2 weeks | OpenAI nears US$40B round

Dear reader,

The latest State of the ASEAN Technology Ecosystem Report CY2024 underscores a paradox in the region’s startup landscape—while capital deployment is stabilising, early-stage founders continue to struggle with fundraising. This reflects a broader global trend where investors remain cautious, prioritising proven business models over speculative growth.

The sharp 23% decline in deal volume highlights a key challenge: the scarcity of dedicated seed funding. Without robust early-stage investment, ASEAN’s startup pipeline could face long-term constraints. While Series A and B funding appear to be stabilising, founders are often forced to accept lower-than-expected valuations, signalling a market still favouring investors over entrepreneurs.

Geographically, the shifting focus beyond Singapore and Indonesia suggests a maturing ecosystem, where emerging markets like Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines offer fresh opportunities. However, capital invested remains below pre-pandemic levels, reinforcing the uneven recovery.

Sector-wise, fintech’s dominance is unsurprising, given its established role in the region. What’s more striking is ASEAN’s relative lag in AI investment, especially compared to North America and Europe. This suggests a potential gap in deep tech funding that could hinder long-term innovation.

Ultimately, despite challenges, founder optimism remains strong. However, without renewed early-stage capital and stronger investor-founder alignment, ASEAN’s tech growth may remain constrained.

Sainul,
Editor.

—–

REGIONAL

Fundraising remains tough in ASEAN despite capital stabilisation
As per a January Capital report, fintech remained the most active sector in 2024 in ASEAN, followed by healthtech, F&B/agritech, and software/AI | The total number of deals completed witnessed a 23 per cent year-on-year decrease.

Chocolate Finance takes US$374M hit in 2-week withdrawal spree
It has slashed the firm’s assets under management (AUM) by some 40% | The genesis of Chocolate Finance’s troubles, arguably, lay in its decision to pull the plug on transactions via payment services provider AXS.

Philippine startups break records in 2024: What’s driving the boom?
The Philippine startup scene is booming with record investments and fintech growth—but can it sustain momentum amid lingering challenges?

SEA embraces crypto payments, but security and merchant adoption lag
For 51% of respondents in the region, the speed and efficiency of transactions are the paramount reasons for embracing crypto payments | However, security risks were cited by 43% of users as a major barrier.

Millennials, Gen Z will shape 79% of SEA’s fintech landscape by 2030: Report
By 2030, UnaFinancial anticipates the total number of fintech users in the region to reach 505.6 million from the current 400 million.

Blibli posts 14% revenue growth in 2024
The Indonesian omnichannel commerce firm’s direct sales business grew 66% to US$51.89M | Meanwhile, its marketplace sales, including travel and lifestyle products on tiket.com, rose 26% due to higher customer demand.

SeaX Ventures unveils US$6M climate fund to back startups focusing on carbon reduction
SeaX Zero plans to invest in 15 to 20 startups by the end of 2025, deploying initial cheques between US$100,000 and US$500,000.

Flagright clinches US$4.3M to bolster AI-native anti-money laundering solutions
The investors include Frontline Ventures, Y Combinator, and Pioneer Fund | Flagright’s no-code platform offers a centralised solution encompassing dynamic risk scoring, automated case management, real-time transaction monitoring, and AML screening.

Singapore Deep Tech Alliance charts new course for impact-driven innovation
The SDTA has marked the past year with significant milestones, including the launch of a non-profit division, which is designed to leverage philanthropic and catalytic capital for projects outside the traditional venture capital model.

Meet the 7 founders from SEA selected for EY’s Entrepreneurial Winning Women 2025
This bespoke executive initiative aims to identify and champion a select group of high-potential founders who have established profitable enterprises.

1337 Ventures invests in Philippines-based Betterteem
Betterteem is a business intelligence platform that leverages AI to predict and mitigate employee resignations while enhancing workplace satisfaction | It has secured clients in Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, and the Philippines.

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

SEA’s US$48B agritech revolution: Startups cultivating a smarter future
Southeast Asia’s agritech market, projected at US$24-48B by 2030, grows with IoT, AI, and startups enhancing efficiency and sustainability.

For SMEs eyeing global growth, efficiency is everything: Insights from Payoneer’s Nagesh Devata
According to the Payoneer SVP of APAC, steady cash flow is critical for SMEs to survive economic instability.

INTERNATIONAL

OpenAI nears US$40B funding round led by SoftBank
Additional investors include Magnetar Capital, Coatue Management, and Founders Fund. According to PitchBook data, this round could value OpenAI at US$300B, nearly doubling its US$157B valuation from October 2023.

Trump may cut China tariffs to secure TikTok deal
ByteDance must sell TikTok to a non-Chinese buyer by Apr. 5 or face a US ban due to national security concerns | Trump indicated he may extend the deadline and offer tariff reductions to encourage a resolution.

ByteDance pressures US team as TikTok Shop falls short
TikTok’s shopping division failed to hit its goals in the US last year, and leadership is cracking down, company insiders told Business Insider | During a call, Bob Kang, the company’s China-based e-commerce head, singled out the US team as underperforming.

US-based 2am VC targets India’s Gen Z with new US$25M fund
Set to close by July, the new fund plans to invest in up to 30 Indian startups at the pre-seed to seed stages | Its average ticket size ranges from US$500,000 to US$1 million.

BYD targets 800K overseas EV sales by 2025
To address potential tariff challenges, BYD plans to assemble vehicles locally while sourcing key components from China | It’s building factories in Brazil, Thailand, Hungary, and Turkey but has no plans to enter the US or Canada due to tariffs.

SEMICONDUCTOR

From lab to fab: Inside Applied Ventures’s stage-agnostic deep tech investments
Applied Ventures’s Global Head Anand Kamannavar speaks about the key focus areas, investment criteria, trends, and expansion.

Malaysian chip designer SkyeChip secures investment from Gobi Partners
The funding will bolster SkyeChip’s talent acquisition, business expansion initiatives, and working capital | SkyeChip designs and develops semiconductors for cutting-edge applications in areas such as AI and high-performance computing.

AI boom drives increased demand for semiconductors: Industry leaders
According to industry leaders at the Nano Electronics Roadshow and Conference, they observed a sharp uptick in semiconductor consumption, with expectations for substantial growth moving forward.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Is AI the end of originality or a new dawn for creativity?
The future of creativity extends beyond adapting to AI; it’s about riding the wave to unlock new imaginative dimensions.

AI infrastructure: The unsung hero of technological innovation
While AI’s applications and ethics dominate discussions, the crucial infrastructure powering its development remains a silent force shaping our future.

Responsible technology and AI: Shaping Asia’s digital future
Hong Kong leads responsible AI development in Asia, balancing innovation with ethics through governance, transparency, and inclusivity.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

US consumer confidence dips: How it’s hitting Asian stocks, crypto and beyond
Asian markets tread cautiously as Trump’s tariff plans loom, impacting stocks, currencies, and crypto amid shifting economic trends.

US tariffs vs crypto wins: An economic shift
Trump’s 25% auto tariff shakes markets, impacts industries, fuels crypto shifts, and raises big questions on trade, inflation, and policy.

The shifting geopolitics of sustainability, energy, and climate
Policy shifts in Europe, the UK, and Canada reveal a new balance between sustainability, energy security, and geopolitical strategy.

The impact of eSIM on international roaming and travel
eSIMs simplify travel—no roaming fees, SIM swaps, or WiFi hunts. Stay connected seamlessly and affordably worldwide.

Embracing sustainability: A circular design perspective on e-waste
Explore sustainable design’s impact on tackling e-waste, focusing on responsible product lifecycles and recycling for a greener future.

Profitable e-commerce: Making real money in the new year
In the world of e-commerce, the most common tailwinds are the events and occasions when people are ready and willing to shop more.

How fintech in Asia is enabling and making education affordable for everyone
Financing has always been the key barrier for enrolment and retention, and is a top-of-mind issue for schools.

Navigating the diverse crypto regulatory landscape in Southeast Asia
Cryptocurrency regulation and adoption in Southeast Asia vary widely, reflecting each country’s unique circumstances.

How to tackle employee mental health to build a resilient workforce
World Mental Health Day is the perfect opportunity to reflect on how organisations have supported their workforce.

A better way to work: independent doers lead the way
No matter how you’re employed, embracing change is the best way to stay relevant; and independent doers are leading the way, let’s keep up.

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Can Bitcoin rescue US debt? Senator Lummis says yes

The market wrap offers a fascinating snapshot of where we stand on March 28, 2025—a moment marked by cautious sentiment, looming trade tensions, and a bold proposition from Senator Cynthia Lummis about Bitcoin’s potential to halve the US national debt over two decades. Let me offer my perspective on this complex tapestry, weaving together the threads of traditional finance, geopolitical strategy, and the disruptive promise of cryptocurrency.

The global risk sentiment pulling back isn’t surprising given the spectre of reciprocal tariffs and an escalating trade war under US President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump’s promise to announce new tariffs by April 2, following the already imposed 25 per cent tariff on car imports, has investors on edge. Trade wars are notoriously double-edged swords—they can protect domestic industries in the short term but often lead to higher consumer prices, disrupted supply chains, and retaliatory measures that dampen global growth.

The cautious mood in the markets reflects this uncertainty, with investors weighing the immediate risks against the longer-term implications. The fact that Asian equities are trending lower in early trading and US equity futures suggest a flat open only underscores the hesitancy rippling through the financial world.

Amid this unease, attention is shifting toward key economic data points like the upcoming US personal consumption expenditures (PCE) report due later today. As the Federal Reserve’s preferred gauge of inflation, the PCE will offer critical insights into the health of the US economy. If it signals slowing growth—perhaps exacerbated by trade tensions—we could see louder calls for interest rate cuts.

The bond market seems to be pricing in this possibility already, with shorter-maturity yields dipping as the prospect of Fed easing looms. The steepening of the 10Y-2Y Treasury yield curve, with the 10-year yield ticking up to 4.36 per cent and the 2-year falling to 3.99 per cent, suggests a nuanced outlook: short-term relief from potential rate cuts, but longer-term concerns about inflation or debt sustainability. It’s a delicate balance, and one that investors are watching closely.

Meanwhile, defensive sectors like Consumer Staples and Health Care are holding up better than the broader MSCI US index, which slipped 0.4 per cent. This flight to safety is a classic move when uncertainty reigns—staples and health care tend to weather economic storms more resiliently than cyclical sectors. Gold’s 1.3 per cent climb toward US$3,100 per ounce reinforces this haven-seeking behaviour, as does Brent crude’s modest rise to US$75 per barrel despite the tariff threats.

The US Dollar index, down 0.2 per cent, seems to be taking a breather after recent gains, perhaps reflecting mixed signals between Fed cut expectations and the dollar’s safe-haven status. Across the Pacific, Tokyo’s accelerating inflation keeps the Bank of Japan on its gradual rate-hike path, a contrast to the Fed’s potential pivot that highlights the diverging monetary policies shaping global markets.

Also Read: 3 stages of marketing for your startup that can drive effective results

But the real headline-grabber in this market wrap is Senator Cynthia Lummis’s audacious claim at the DC Blockchain Summit that Bitcoin could slash the US national debt—currently a staggering US$36 trillion—in half over 20 years. It’s a bold statement, one that demands scrutiny given its implications for both fiscal policy and the role of digital assets in the global economy.

Lummis argues that Bitcoin’s scarcity (capped at 21 million coins), immutability (thanks to blockchain’s tamper-proof nature), and storability make it an ideal long-term asset for national stability. She’s not alone in this vision—Microstrategy CEO Michael Saylor, a vocal Bitcoin advocate, doubled down at the summit, calling it “Manifest Destiny” for the US Together, they’re pushing for Bitcoin to become a strategic reserve asset, a move that could redefine America’s financial playbook.

Let’s unpack this idea. The US national debt has ballooned over decades, fuelled by deficit spending, wars, tax cuts, and economic stimulus packages. At US$36 trillion, halving it to US$18 trillion by 2045 would be a monumental feat. Lummis’s plan hinges on the government acquiring and holding a significant Bitcoin stash—Saylor has suggested five per cent of all Bitcoin, or roughly 1 million coins.

At today’s price of US$86,680 per Bitcoin, that’s about US$86.7 billion—a drop in the bucket compared to the debt. The magic lies in Bitcoin’s potential appreciation. If its price were to soar 250-fold over 20 years, as some optimistic models suggest, that US$86.7 billion could balloon to US$21.7 trillion—enough to offset half the current debt, assuming it doesn’t grow further (a big assumption given historical trends).

Is this plausible? Bitcoin’s historical performance lends some credence. Since 2010, its price has surged from pennies to tens of thousands, driven by adoption, scarcity, and speculative fervor. But past performance isn’t a crystal ball. A 250x increase from US$86,680 would push Bitcoin to over US$21 million per coin by 2045—an astronomical leap requiring sustained demand, regulatory clarity, and global economic shifts favouring digital assets.

Critics, like Judd Legum in an X post last year, have called this math “implausible,” noting that even static debt levels would demand unprecedented growth. Add in compounding debt from interest and new deficits, and the hurdle grows steeper.

Yet, Lummis and Saylor see Bitcoin as more than a speculative bet—it’s a hedge against a weakening dollar and a tool to “shore up” its status as the world’s reserve currency. With the dollar losing purchasing power over time (a point Lummis emphasised), a rising Bitcoin stash could offset that erosion, providing a growing asset to balance the books.

It’s a radical rethink of sovereign wealth, akin to nations hoarding gold in the 20th century. Posts on X reflect a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism—some hail it as visionary, others dismiss it as crypto hype. The sentiment is split, but the idea’s boldness is undeniable.

Also Read: When tariffs danced with Bitcoin and markets held their breath

Today’s Bitcoin market offers a microcosm of this tension. At US$86,680, it’s bracing for a record-breaking US$16.5 billion options expiry—yet a recent drop below $90,000 has flipped the script.

Bullish call options, with US$7.6 billion tied to strikes at US$92,000 or higher, now look shaky, needing a 6.4 per cent rally by day’s end. Bears, meanwhile, dodged a US$3 billion bullet, gaining leverage that could pressure prices short-term. This volatility underscores Bitcoin’s dual nature: a high-stakes asset with transformative potential, but also a rollercoaster prone to sharp swings.

Contrast this with Ethereum, where spot ETFs saw a US$4.2 million net outflow yesterday. Unlike Bitcoin’s haven appeal, Ethereum’s ecosystem—tied to smart contracts and decentralised finance—seems less insulated from risk-off sentiment. Its US$6.871 billion ETF net asset value pales beside Bitcoin’s dominance, hinting at differing investor narratives. Bitcoin’s story is increasingly one of scarcity and stability; Ethereum’s is innovation and utility, with less immediate allure in turbulent times.

So, where do I land on all this? I’m both intrigued and cautious. The market’s current mood—wary of tariffs, hopeful for Fed cuts, and leaning into havens—feels like a prelude to bigger shifts. Lummis’s Bitcoin proposal is a lightning rod: it challenges conventional fiscal wisdom while spotlighting cryptocurrency’s growing clout.

The data backs its theoretical upside—Bitcoin’s scarcity and past growth are real—but the leap to national debt savior requires faith in uncharted waters. Trade wars and inflation could bolster its case if traditional systems falter, yet execution risks (regulation, custody, market crashes) loom large.

Ultimately, we’re at a crossroads. The markets are jittery, policymakers are experimenting, and Bitcoin’s role is up for debate. Whether it’s a pipe dream or a game-changer, Lummis has ignited a conversation that’s worth watching—preferably with a keen eye on the PCE data tonight and a tariff announcement next week. The stakes, like the debt, are sky-high.

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 InstagramFacebookX, and LinkedIn to stay connected.

Image credit: DALL-E

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NUS expands BLOCK71 to Tokyo, strengthening Singapore-Japan deeptech collaboration


Singapore’s National University of Singapore (NUS) is expanding its footprint in Japan by launching its second BLOCK71 office in Tokyo to propel deeptech innovation.

This follows the inauguration of its first Japanese location in Nagoya in November 2024.

NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial arm of NUS, collaborates with key partners Central Japan Innovation Capital (CJIC), Kyoto University, and TIS Inc., a leading Japanese IT company, to support startups, researchers, and students while fostering investor connections. These strategic alliances align with Japan’s national agenda to accelerate the growth of its burgeoning startup ecosystem.

Also Read: Why Japanese startups are interested in the Southeast Asian market

Located at the TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars’ Hub, BLOCK71 Tokyo will serve as a crucial hub for Southeast Asian tech-driven startups seeking to expand into Japan. The initiative also aims to equip Japanese startups with the necessary resources to venture into Southeast Asia and beyond.

The strategic location within an urban development focused on environmental sustainability, mobility and robotics, and smart health provides a pertinent ecosystem for relevant startups.

Professor Tan Eng Chye, NUS President, emphasised Japan’s robust foundation in technology and research as an “ideal environment for startup growth”. He highlighted that Japan ranks among the top three globally for patent applications and invests over three per cent of its GDP in R&D.

“With BLOCK71 Tokyo located in the country’s latest innovation hub, we have a strategic platform to connect startups and drive cross-border collaboration,” Professor Tan stated. He further noted the partnerships with a leading Japanese university, a major corporation, and a prominent venture capital firm, all sharing a vision to cultivate deep tech innovation and establish a robust global ecosystem.

To deepen its impact, NUS has forged three new strategic partnerships. Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CJIC, a subsidiary of the Tokai National Higher Education and Research System, CJIC will invest up to five per cent of its assets under management in NUS-affiliated deep tech startups. CJIC’s fund aims to raise approximately ¥5 billion (approximately US$32.5 million) by the end of its fundraising, expected in November 2025.

The collaboration with Kyoto University will enhance entrepreneurial support for deeptech startups. As a primary step, Kyoto University will send startups to participate in the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (NUS GRIP) and become the first overseas university partner in a localised version of the programme.

Also Read: Vertex Ventures Japan launches with US$67M fund to propel Japanese startups globally

NUS partnered with TIS to build a globally connected startup ecosystem through the Deep Tech Seed to A Growth Expansion Programme (Deep-SAGE). TIS will commit a total of ¥840 million (~US$5.46 million) to support Deep-SAGE over the next three years, with plans to invest a minimum of ¥55 million (~US$357,500) each in at least two startups per cohort.

Following the success of previous immersion programmes, BLOCK71 Japan will launch its third edition in Tokyo in May 2025, focusing on environmental sustainability, mobility and robotics, and smart health. This will provide Southeast Asian startups with opportunities to showcase their solutions and build connections with local partners.

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