Raising capital from a venture capital (VC) firm is an important moment for any startup founder, but it’s a process fraught with complexities, demanding adherence to the industry norms. As a startup lawyer, I’ve guided countless founders through this journey. 

This article sets out five steps to successfully navigate a VC funding round, from preparation to closing, ensuring you’re equipped to secure investment while protecting your startup’s interests.

Step one: Preparation and due diligence

Before approaching VCs, ensure your startup is ready for scrutiny. VCs will usually conduct thorough due diligence, so your legal and financial stuff must be in order. 

Formally incorporate your company based on where you are domiciled, ideally as a company, which is the standard for VC-backed startups due to its flexibility and investor familiarity. 

Ensure all founders, employees, and external contractors have signed agreements covering equity, intellectual property (IP) assignment, and confidentiality agreements. Confirm that all intellectual property assets (e.g. source code, patents, trademarks, or proprietary technologies) are properly documented and owned by the company.

Organise your financial records, including balance sheets, cap tables, and revenue projections. A clean cap table, free of disputes or unclear equity allocations, signals that you know what you’re doing. 

Engage a lawyer to take a look at your corporate documents, as any gaps (e.g., missing board approvals or unsigned contracts) can derail negotiations. 

Finally, prepare a compelling pitch deck that highlights your team, market opportunity, traction, and financials. 

Step two: Identifying and approaching VCs

Before reaching out to any investor, take time to identify a potential VC firm that may have a proven interest in your industry and stage of growth. Use platforms like e27 to look up recent investments and understand each VC’s focus areas.

Some VCs specialise in early-stage or seed deals, while others only come in at Series A or later. Pay attention to sector preferences, some funds are deep into fintech, climate tech, or enterprise SaaS, while others stay clear of capital intensive or hardware driven businesses.

Also Read: VC funding can’t guarantee a crypto project’s survival: Chainplay

As a founder, it may also be important to understand how VC funds actually work behind the scenes. Don’t be afraid to ask if the VC is still deploying capital, especially if it’s later in their fund cycle. Most funds operate on a 10-year life cycle, and VCs typically make new investments during the first 3 to 5 years. If you’re speaking to a fund that’s nearing the end of its deployment period, they may be more focused on follow-on investments or supporting portfolio companies, rather than backing new ones.

Leverage your network to seek warm introductions. Cold emails might work, but a personal referral from a mutual connection like a founder they’ve backed may increase your chances of getting a meeting.

From a legal perspective, resist making overly optimistic claims about revenue or market share that could be construed as misleading. If you get asked for projections, label them clearly as estimates. At this stage, you may wish to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), but many VCs usually avoid NDAs to maintain flexibility so you may want to discuss sensitive information cautiously.

Step three: Term sheet negotiations

If a VC is interested, they’ll issue a term sheet outlining the deal’s key terms. A term sheet should contain valuation, investment amount, equity stake, and governance rights. 

This is where legal expertise is critical. A term sheet isn’t usually legally binding but sets the framework for the final agreements. Focus on valuation (pre-money and post-money), as it determines your dilution. A startup lawyer can help model scenarios (e.g., how dilution affects your stake in future rounds) and push back on terms that could harm long term flexibility.

Be wary of liquidation preferences, which dictate how proceeds are distributed in an exit. A 1x non-participating preference is standard, but more aggressive terms, like 2x participating preferences, should be resisted as it is not the usual norm.

VCs often request board seats so you may need to negotiate board composition carefully while maintaining founder control. Anti-dilution provisions, reserved matters, and tag-along and drag-along rights also require scrutiny. 

Step four: Due diligence and definitive agreements

Once the term sheet is signed, the VC’s due diligence intensifies. They’ll request detailed records of contracts, financials, IP filings, and compliance documents that you may make available in a virtual data room. 

Any discrepancies (e.g., unfiled taxes or unresolved disputes) can lead to re-negotiation or deal termination. 

Also Read: How do you raise VC funding as a student entrepreneur? Find out the answers here

Concurrently, your lawyer can help to review  the definitive agreements, including the shares subscription agreement and the shareholders agreement in a priced round. These documents formalise the term sheet’s terms.

Pay attention to representations and warranties, where as a founder you would be needed to attest to the company’s legal and financial health. Negotiating the warranties is crucial to limit your exposure as missteps here may lead to post-closing liabilities. 

Step five: Closing and post-funding

After due diligence clears and agreements are signed, you would need to fulfil the conditions precedent set out inside the agreement. 

The conditions precedent include delivering the signed copies of the board and shareholders resolutions of the company for the allotment of the new shares to the VC and obtaining the existing shareholders preemptive right waiver for the new shareholders

Once these are satisfied, VC disburses the funds, and the company secretary may give effect to the shares issuance.

Post-closing, maintain open communication with your new VC shareholder as they’ll expect regular updates on financials, milestones, and strategic decisions, often based on the agreed investor reporting obligations.

Final thoughts

A VC funding round is a marathon, not a sprint. Get an experienced startup lawyer early to avoid pitfalls. By preparing diligently you may increase your chances of securing capital while positioning your startup for long-term success.

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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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The post A startup founder’s guide to navigating a VC funding round: A lawyer’s perspective appeared first on e27.

The global financial markets are currently experiencing a period of uncertainty, with risk sentiment retreating due to stalled progress in US-China trade negotiations and investor caution ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decision. These factors are creating a challenging environment for investors, who are grappling with mixed economic signals, shifting market performances, and significant developments in the cryptocurrency space.

This article explores the current state of the global economy, delves into key corporate strategies involving digital assets, and examines the implications of new regulatory changes from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Economic data and market performance

Recent economic data from the United States paints a picture of an economy at a crossroads. The US Conference Board’s July Consumer Confidence Index rose to 97.2, up from 93, surpassing analyst expectations. This increase suggests that American consumers are feeling more optimistic about their financial prospects, possibly due to stable income levels or an improving outlook on inflation.

However, this positive signal contrasts sharply with signs of a cooling labour market. Job openings in June dropped by 275,000 to 7.437 million, while the job openings rate fell from 4.6 per cent to 4.4 per cent. These declines indicate that employers are pulling back on hiring, which could foreshadow slower economic growth if the trend continues.

This mixed economic backdrop has had a direct impact on financial markets. US stock markets closed lower, with the S&P 500 declining by 0.30 per cent, the NASDAQ by 0.38 per cent, and the Dow Jones by 0.46 per cent. Investors appear to be reacting to the uncertainty surrounding trade negotiations and the upcoming FOMC decision, which could influence interest rates and monetary policy.

At the same time, US Treasury yields fell across the curve, reflecting a shift toward safer assets. The 10-year UST yield dropped by 8.9 basis points to 4.320 per cent, and the two-year UST yield fell by 4.7 basis points to 3.869 per cent. Lower yields often signal investor concerns about economic growth, as they seek the relative security of government bonds.

Currency and commodity markets also reflect this cautious mood. The US Dollar Index climbed by 0.25 per cent, reinforcing the dollar’s role as a safe-haven currency during turbulent times. Gold prices, meanwhile, rebounded by 0.36 per cent after four consecutive sessions of losses, suggesting that investors are turning to traditional hedges against uncertainty.

Also Read: ESG frameworks and standards: Cutting through the complexity for private markets

In Asia, stock markets opened with mixed results, indicating regional variations in how investors are processing these global developments. However, US equity index futures point to a higher opening for US stocks, hinting at a potential rebound as new data and events unfold.

Key events on the horizon

The coming days promise to bring clarity or further complexity to this evolving situation. Monetary policy decisions from the Bank of Canada and the Federal Reserve loom large, with the Fed’s announcement drawing particular attention. Investors are eager to understand whether the central bank will adjust interest rates or signal changes in its approach to inflation and growth.

Additionally, second-quarter GDP data from the United States and the Eurozone will provide a broader view of economic health in these critical regions. Strong GDP figures could bolster confidence, while weaker numbers might deepen concerns about a slowdown.

Earnings releases from the tech sector also feature prominently on the calendar. Companies in this influential industry often serve as bellwethers for the broader market, and their performance could sway investor sentiment. These events collectively represent a packed docket that will likely shape market trajectories in the near term, making it a pivotal moment for financial observers.

Michael Saylor’s strategy: A bold bet on Bitcoin

Amid this uncertain economic climate, some companies are making striking moves in the cryptocurrency space. Michael Saylor’s Strategy, formerly known as MicroStrategy, recently purchased 21,021 Bitcoin after raising US$2.5 billion through its fourth preferred stock offering, dubbed STRC.

This transaction stands out as the largest US initial public offering (IPO) in 2025 so far, surpassing even the much-anticipated US$1 billion IPO of stablecoin issuer Circle Internet Group in June. Strategy acquired the Bitcoin at an average price of US$117,256 per coin, bringing its total holdings to 628,791 BTC, the largest stash among public companies according to BitcoinTreasuries.NET.

This acquisition underscores Strategy’s unwavering commitment to Bitcoin as a core component of its corporate treasury. The company raised US$2.5 billion by selling 28 million shares of Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock at US$90 each, a deal that ballooned from an initial target of US$500 million due to strong investor demand. This move is not just a financial play but a statement of belief in Bitcoin’s long-term value.

Also Read: US-Japan ties strengthen markets, crypto rides the wave

By amassing such a significant position, Strategy positions itself as a pioneer in corporate adoption of cryptocurrencies, potentially encouraging other firms to follow suit. For investors, this strategy raises intriguing questions about the role of digital assets in hedging against inflation and diversifying traditional portfolios.

Windtree Therapeutics: Biotech meets blockchain

While Strategy’s Bitcoin haul grabs headlines, Windtree Therapeutics is charting an equally bold path in the crypto realm. This biotech company, listed on NasdaqCM under the ticker WINT, has secured up to US$520 million in new funding, with 99 per cent of the proceeds earmarked for acquiring BNB, the native cryptocurrency of the Binance ecosystem.

The funding package includes a US$500 million equity line of credit (ELOC) and a US$20 million stock purchase agreement with Build and Build Corp, reflecting a deliberate pivot toward digital assets.

Windtree’s CEO, Jed Latkin, emphasised the strategic importance of this move, noting that the opportunity to bolster BNB holdings aligns with the company’s broader vision. Unlike Strategy, which focuses solely on Bitcoin, Windtree is diversifying its treasury with BNB, a token tied to one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. This approach suggests confidence in the Binance ecosystem’s growth potential and its utility in decentralised finance.

For a biotech firm traditionally focused on healthcare innovation, this aggressive shift into blockchain-based assets marks a hybrid strategy that blends cutting-edge medicine with cutting-edge finance. It also highlights how companies across industries are rethinking their financial strategy in light of cryptocurrency’s rising prominence.

SEC’s new rules: A game-changer for crypto ETPs

Regulatory developments are adding another layer of intrigue to this narrative. The US Securities and Exchange Commission recently approved new rules that allow authorised participants to create and redeem shares of crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs) using in-kind transfers of Bitcoin and Ether.

Also Read: What’s next for markets: Navigating trade threats, earnings, crypto and central bank signals

This decision departs from the previous cash-only requirement for spot crypto funds, bringing these products in line with commodity-based ETPs like those backed by gold or oil. The change promises to reduce operational costs and enhance efficiency for issuers, potentially making crypto ETPs more appealing to a wider range of investors.

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins hailed this as a step toward a more tailored regulatory framework for crypto markets, emphasising that it benefits investors by lowering costs. Beyond in-kind transfers, the SEC also greenlit additional enhancements to the crypto ETP ecosystem.

These include approval for a mixed ETP holding both spot Bitcoin and Ether, authorisation of options and FLEX options on certain Bitcoin ETPs, and an increase in position limits on listed Bitcoin options to 250,000 contracts, matching thresholds for other high-volume options. These moves signal a maturing infrastructure for cryptocurrency investments, bridging the gap between traditional finance and the digital asset frontier.

Conclusion

The global financial markets stand at a fascinating juncture. Economic data reveals an uneasy balance between optimism and caution, while upcoming events promise to steer the course ahead.

Meanwhile, Strategy and Windtree Therapeutics are redefining corporate strategy with their crypto ambitions, and the SEC is paving the way for a more integrated digital asset market. For investors, this convergence of factors demands vigilance and adaptability.

The interplay of trade negotiations, monetary policy, and cryptocurrency innovation will likely define the financial landscape for months to come, offering both challenges and opportunities in equal measure.

As this story unfolds, one thing is clear: the boundaries between traditional finance and the digital frontier are blurring, and the implications will resonate far beyond today’s headlines.

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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.

The post Blurring the Lines: The convergence of traditional finance and crypto appeared first on e27.

The South Jakarta District Prosecutor’s Office has detained MDI Ventures CEO Donald Wihardja along with TaniHub’s former President Director Ivan Arie Setiawan and former Director Edison Tobing today, according to various media reports.

The detentions were part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged corruption and money laundering tied to the management of investment funds into TaniHub and affiliated organisations by MDI Ventures and BRI Ventures between 2019 and 2023.

The three accused people will remain in custody until August 16.

Also Read: The SEA headcount trap: Why more people ≠ more progress

According to an official, preliminary findings suggested that Wihardja allegedly approved the disbursement of funds illegally while Setiawan and Tobing were suspected of manipulating data to secure funding from the investors. It is also said that the funds were later misappropriated for personal use.

The authorities are also examining the possibilities of other parties’ involvement and the flow of the allegedly misused funds. They conducted raids at various locations in the Greater Jakarta Area and secured evidence in the form of electronic devices and documents.

Founded in 2016, TaniHub is an agritech startup that helps farmers improve their livelihood. It offers products ranging from agricultural commodities trading to a P2P lending platform TaniFund.

In 2024, Indonesia’s Financial Services Authority (OJK) revoked TaniFund’s business license for failing to comply with regulatory directives and meet the minimum equity requirements. Following sanctions and supervisory actions, a growing number of complaints and legal actions led OJK to hand over the case to law enforcement for further investigations.

e27 contacted a former TaniHub employee who was open to sharing about his experiences at the company. The individual, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke about how the financial record of the department that he ran often had additional “vague expenses” called the Special Projects.

“When I asked about this, the CEO just said, ‘You don’t need to know the details, but you are mature enough to know that sometimes there are things we need to spend for our business partners’,” the person said.

After leaving TaniHub, the ex-staffer pursued an MBA at a leading global university and wrote about the mismanagement for an assignment. He highlighted the management’s “habit of presenting exaggerated and inaccurate metrics in order to paint a promising image to the investors.”

“The founders sometimes spoke to the employee about the importance of raising more funds by framing it as an important way to support the company’s mission in helping farmers. The logic goes that the effort to help farmers requires the company to invest capital in infrastructure as well as needing a strong cash position to support an intensive operation cost,” he wrote. “In other words, there might be some dishonesty involved, but ultimately they claimed it was to support the greater good.”

Also Read: Vietnam’s scaling challenge: Why the next tech boom needs strategic leaders, not just smart capital

He also gave examples of the shady practices, including TaniFund’s claim of a 100 per cent successful repayment rate of its borrowers, which he described as “defying common sense.” “Any credit business has an inherent element of risk, and there is no way among the 1,500 farmers who received a loan from TaniFund that nobody has faced harvest failure.”

“So what happened? To put it simply, when the farmers failed to repay their loan, TaniFund does not report the project as a failure to the lender. Instead, they report the project as a success, and they used their cash to repay the lender,” he remarked.

“By doing this, they indeed lose money, but they reported it on TaniHub’s financial statement as a loss that is called ‘produce breakage’, which is an unavoidable loss when you are trading perishable goods,” the person said.

More on this story as it develops.

The post “Special Projects” and shady metrics: TaniHub whistleblower speaks as top execs detained appeared first on e27.

Echelon Singapore 2025, held on June 10–11 at Suntec Singapore, brought together thousands of startup founders, investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers shaping the future of Southeast Asia’s innovation landscape. Across two packed days, attendees gained valuable insights from fireside chats, keynote presentations, and panel discussions that tackled everything from AI and semiconductors to digital healthcare and voice interfaces.

If you missed it or want to revisit the best sessions, you’re in luck. You can now watch Echelon Singapore 2025 Recorded Sessions on Demand for just $4.90, or get 50% off your first month—that’s less than the price of your daily coffee. Not only do you gain access to these exclusive recordings, but your subscription also unlocks 800+ pieces of premium content on e27.

Here are 10 of the latest sessions you can now stream on demand:

Investing in innovation: The role of banks and CVCs in the Indonesian tech startup ecosystem

In this candid fireside chat, Eddi Danusaputro, CEO of BNI Ventures, explains the nuanced role of corporate venture capital (CVC) in Indonesia. Unlike traditional VCs focused solely on ROI, CVCs like BNI Ventures aim to solve strategic problems within the bank, making startup engagement a tool for transformation.

He advises founders to approach CVCs post-Series A, when they’re stable enough to withstand the internal complexities of working with large financial institutions. For global startups, Danusaputro stresses the need for localised strategies when entering Indonesia and introduces a “maturation map” as a growth framework.

Building in the semiconductor age: What founders need to know about supply chains, partnerships, and strategic positioning

As ASEAN positions itself in the global semiconductor race, this session breaks down what founders need to know about navigating this high-stakes, capital-intensive space. Speakers emphasised the importance of intelligent manufacturing enabled by agentic AI, as well as the critical role of public-private partnerships like A*STAR’s EDA Garage.

The panel urges startups to move fast, utilise open-source hardware, and align with national initiatives that can ease prototyping and commercialisation. For founders in deep tech, this session offers a real-world guide on turning technical potential into market-ready innovation.

Automotive innovation across borders: What SEA can learn from India’s digital shift

Umang Kumar, Co-founder of CarDekho SEA, shares how India’s car buying experience was digitised through data infrastructure, trust-building, and fintech. With 42% of car sales in India now influenced by CarDekho, Kumar outlines how technologies like UPI and Aadhaar accelerated their success.

As the company expands into Southeast Asia, it’s leveraging its fintech model to tap into underserved markets. This session is especially valuable for founders building cross-border ventures who want to understand how digital infrastructure and smart integrations can drive market dominance.

Vietnam’s next growth engine: How tech ecosystems can collaborate for a regional breakout

This panel brings together voices from JDI, LOTTE Innovate Vietnam, Ascend Vietnam Ventures, and the Vietnamese government to examine the country’s growing momentum as a regional tech hub. The speakers explore how Vietnam’s young, competitive talent pool and pro-innovation policies are fueling the next wave of growth.

Panelists stress the importance of cross-border collaboration in maximizing Vietnam’s potential and attracting global capital. For anyone watching the region, this session offers a blueprint on how Vietnam is primed to become Southeast Asia’s next digital powerhouse.

Unlocking the power of SEZs: How startups can tap into SEA’s cross-border growth engines

Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Southeast Asia are more than just policy experiments—they’re fast becoming strategic platforms for startup growth. Moderated by StartupX CEO Durwin Ho, this session explores how zones in Johor, BSD City, and other key locations are offering startups access to infrastructure, government incentives, and cross-border markets.

Insights from Sinar Mas Land, Iskandar Investment Berhad, and Archisen show how founders can position themselves for regional scale. If you’re looking for new ways to expand in Southeast Asia, this is a must-watch.

Scaling smart: How AI and great product strategy accelerate early-stage growth

AI is no longer a luxury—it’s a growth lever. This panel features leaders from Osome, Odoo, MyRepublic, and A2D Ventures discussing how to integrate AI meaningfully into your product strategy. They dive into practical tactics, like adopting no-code platforms, running faster user feedback loops, and building cost-efficient MVPs.

The speakers caution against “AI for the sake of AI” and instead advocate for customer-centric design and partnerships with proven vendors. For startups navigating early growth, this talk offers clear frameworks on leveraging AI without over-engineering.

The rise of hospital-at-home: Transforming care and shaping the virtual healthcare

Shravan Verma, Co-founder of Speedoc, tells the story of how the company evolved from urgent care to operating one of the largest virtual hospitals in the region. He walks through the challenges of scaling healthcare tech during COVID-19 and how a patient-first mindset—along with smart AI deployment—helped Speedoc offer care at scale.

Verma emphasises hiring for potential, fostering responsibility in junior staff, and balancing automation with trust. This is a powerful session for healthtech founders seeking to scale while preserving care quality.

The first conversation: How voice AI is defining human-AI interactions and the future of AI agents

Voice AI is rapidly evolving beyond assistants and chatbots. In this technical yet accessible panel, David Ding (TechYizu) and William Zhou (iFlyTek) examine real-world applications of voice interfaces in smart homes, retail, and healthcare.

They discuss the challenge of linguistic diversity in Southeast Asia and how localised solutions are essential for user adoption. With iFlyTek leading in voice model development, Zhou also shares bold predictions about the future of narrow AGI and its impact on human productivity.

Reflections on leadership and innovation: Lessons from public service to the digital frontier

Former Singapore Minister Prof Yaacob Ibrahim reflects on the leadership lessons that defined his career—from founding the Cyber Security Agency to navigating governance in the age of social media.

He discusses how the expectations of public leaders have changed in a digitally connected world and the importance of building public trust through transparency and responsiveness. This keynote serves as a thoughtful reminder that in tech and policy alike, leadership must evolve with the times.

Lessons from scaling SaaS, cultures, and team from Amity Group’s journey

Keng Teik Koay, Group CEO of Amity Group, unpacks their journey from $10M to $100M in revenue, focusing on two key inflection points: the launch of their AI Lab and their acquisition of UK-based Touring. H

e details how the company balanced cultural integration during M&A while retaining a competitive pricing edge. With plans to go public and expand across Europe, Amity’s playbook is a compelling case study in using AI, strategic hiring, and acquisition to scale a SaaS business globally.

Ready to dive in?

For less than the cost of your daily coffee, you can access every one of these thought-provoking sessions—and hundreds more—via Echelon Recorded Sessions On Demand. Whether you’re a founder looking for strategic guidance, an investor hunting for the next opportunity, or an ecosystem enabler seeking regional insights, this content library is designed to keep you ahead of the curve.

Your subscription doesn’t just include access to Echelon Singapore 2025 (ECSG) sessions—it also unlocks the full video archives of Echelon Philippines 2024 (ECPH) and Echelon X 2024 (ECX). That’s three major startup conferences’ worth of insights from across Southeast Asia, available anytime, on demand.

Start watching now for only $4.90 or get 50% off your first month.

The post Echelon Singapore 2025: 10 powerful sessions now available to stream appeared first on e27.

When we talk about influence today, the spotlight often goes to creators — the faces on screen, the names on feeds. But behind every meaningful movement is someone building the stage.

For Confluence 2025, that person is Hazel Yap. She’s the co-founder and COO of SERIOUS Media, a digital marketing agency that works with some of the region’s fastest-paced brands.

But what most people don’t know is that Yap is also a certified forest bathing guide — someone who once hit burnout so hard, she turned to trees for healing. Literally.

How rest became a revolution

Three years after launching her agency, Yap found herself depleted. She stepped away from the speed of digital life and tried something new: Forest bathing.

It wasn’t a retreat to the mountains. It happened right here in the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

And it changed everything.

What began as a personal reset became a parallel calling. Yap trained with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy and now leads sessions through her side venture, A Good Rest.

“Nature is free. And nature is a healer,” she told CNA Women. “I used to do everything fast. The biggest learning for me is to slow down.”

Yap brings her philosophy of balancing pace with presence to Confluence 2025, set for October 1 at Guoco Midtown, Singapore, highlighting creators’ evolution into strategic brand builders.

Also Read: As the creator economy matures, it’s time to build for speakers

As someone who’s spoken at countless events, I can tell when a summit is designed for optics and when it’s designed for impact. Yap is building the latter with intention, depth, and heart.

My talk: AI-powered influence

In this featured session, I’ll be sharing how creators and brands can build smarter, scale faster, and stay authentic, powered by AI.

But I’m not doing it alone.

I’ll be joined (as always) by Seraphina AI, my digital twin trained to write and support in my tone and voice, helping turn stories into systems

Baked by my company, People’s Inc. 360, and our automation platform Unify, we guide creators and brands to:

• Build sustainable content pipelines.
• Streamline brand partnerships.
• Use AI not to replace creativity, but to reinforce consistency.

Because in today’s digital world, it’s not just about being seen — it’s about being remembered.

Ahead of the summit, I’ll be guiding a hands-on brand collaboration challenge focused on helping creators design smarter, more intentional campaigns with AI and automation. Built on People’s Inc. 360’s Unify platform, it uses the same tools applied across my ventures to show how strategy, storytelling, and systems can align to deliver professional results.

Because influence isn’t luck. It’s a process. You just need the right engine.

Creating with clarity, connecting with purpose

Yap brings a rare dual perspective as both a digital strategist and a nature guide, making her a distinctive leader in today’s creator economy. She understands the hustle while honouring the pause, a balance that sets Confluence 2025 apart.

This summit isn’t about chasing noise. It’s about creating space where creators can:

• Hear honest stories from speakers like Charlene (@aizaiaisteady), Chiou Huey, Ian Jeevan, Jeff (@playingwithpencil), Zhin, Leah, and more.
• Connect with 100+ marketers, agencies, and brand managers.
• Leave not just inspired, but equipped to grow with intention.

Everything I’ve built is rooted in one truth: Your voice is your most powerful asset. Your time is your most valuable currency. This summit gets that.

I’m honoured to be part of this gathering, sharing how creators can build smarter in 2025, achieving growth without burning out.

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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.

The post The evolution of influence: The next chapter of creator leadership appeared first on e27.