The recent improvement in global risk sentiment, driven by milder-than-expected concerns over tariff implications, strong corporate earnings, and growing expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut, has created a fertile ground for optimism across equity and cryptocurrency markets.

Concurrently, geopolitical warnings from US President Donald Trump regarding a potential Russian ceasefire and the evolving dynamics of US treasuries, the US Dollar Index, gold, and digital assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP underscore the complexity of the current economic environment.

The improvement in global risk sentiment stems from several interconnected factors. First, the market’s reaction to tariff policies under President Trump’s administration has been less severe than anticipated. Earlier concerns about aggressive trade barriers, particularly with major partners like the European Union, Japan, and China, had sparked fears of disrupted supply chains and inflationary pressures.

However, recent trade agreements, such as the US-EU deal setting a 15 per cent tariff rate on most EU goods (excluding select sectors) and a similar US-Japan agreement, have alleviated some of these worries. These deals suggest a more measured approach to trade policy, reducing the immediate risk of widespread economic disruption.

For instance, J.P. Morgan Global Research notes that the US-Japan trade deal, with tariffs set at 15 per cent rather than the feared 25 per cent , could boost Japanese corporate earnings by approximately 3 percentage points, supporting both equity markets and the yen. This moderation in tariff expectations has allowed investors to focus on other positive signals, such as robust corporate earnings.

Corporate earnings have played a pivotal role in bolstering market confidence. Despite initial concerns about tariff-related cost pressures, US companies, particularly in technology and consumer discretionary sectors, have reported strong quarterly results. The S&P 500, for example, is projected to see modest earnings growth of 2.8 per cent year-over-year for Q2 2025, though this represents the smallest increase in two years.

Notably, 83 per cent of S&P 500 companies have exceeded earnings expectations, with an average beat of 6.9 per cent , providing a tailwind for equity indices. This resilience has been particularly evident in large-cap technology firms, which have benefited from lower borrowing costs and increased investor appetite for growth stocks. The Nasdaq’s marginal gain of 0.1 per cent and the S&P 500’s 0.3 per cent rise to record highs reflect this optimism, even as the Dow Jones Industrial Average outperformed with a one per cent increase, driven by strength in cyclical sectors.

Also Read: Why tonight’s inflation report could shake global markets to their core

The prospect of a Federal Reserve rate cut as early as the September 2025 FOMC meeting has further fuelled market enthusiasm. Investors are increasingly pricing in a 75.5 per cent probability of a rate cut, spurred by weaker-than-expected labor market data, including a July 2025 nonfarm payrolls report showing only 73,000 jobs added against expectations of 100,000. The unemployment rate’s uptick to 4.2 per cent and downward revisions to prior job growth figures have heightened concerns about an economic slowdown, prompting calls for monetary easing.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s mention of a potential 50-basis-point cut in a post-market interview has added to these expectations, though market pricing currently leans toward a more modest 25-basis-point reduction. Goldman Sachs Research has revised its forecast to include rate cuts starting in September, projecting a terminal federal funds rate of 3-3.25 per cent by 2026, citing smaller-than-expected tariff impacts and moderating inflation pressures. This dovish outlook has driven a rally in US treasuries, with the 10-year yield stabilising near 4.235 per cent and the 2-year yield dropping to 3.68 per cent , reflecting investor confidence in a softer monetary policy stance.

Geopolitical developments, however, introduce a layer of uncertainty. President Trump’s warning of “very severe consequences” if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to a ceasefire adds a volatile dimension to the global risk calculus. While the specifics of these consequences remain unclear, the rhetoric suggests potential escalations that could impact energy markets, global trade, and investor sentiment.

A failure to secure a ceasefire could lead to heightened geopolitical risk premiums, potentially offsetting some of the positive momentum from domestic economic indicators. For now, markets appear to be discounting immediate escalation, focusing instead on the improving economic narrative, but this remains a critical variable to monitor.

The performance of US equity indices reflects the market’s ability to compartmentalise these risks. The S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Jones reaching all-time highs underscore a robust risk-on environment, driven by expectations of lower borrowing costs and sustained corporate profitability.

Asian equity indices, mainly opening higher in early trading, mirror this sentiment, though US equity futures suggest a mixed open, indicating some caution among investors. The US Dollar Index’s decline of 0.3 per cent reflects the anticipated Fed easing, as lower interest rates reduce the appeal of dollar-denominated assets. Conversely, gold’s modest 0.2 per cent gain to US$3,356 per ounce highlights its role as a safe-haven asset amid lingering geopolitical and economic uncertainties.

The cryptocurrency market, particularly Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP, has emerged as a significant beneficiary of the current risk-on sentiment. Bitcoin’s surge past US$124,000 on August 13, 2025, marks a new record high, aligning closely with the rally in US equities. This milestone, surpassing the previous peak of US$123,205.12 from July 14, reflects a broader embrace of risk assets, fueled by a favorable legislative climate under President Trump. Public companies, led by Michael Saylor’s MicroStrategy, have increasingly adopted Bitcoin as a corporate treasury asset, driving demand and inspiring smaller firms to follow suit.

This trend has spilled over to other cryptocurrencies, with Ethereum breaking through an 18-month resistance zone and eyeing US$7,000. Ethereum’s strength is underpinned by its central role in decentralised finance (DeFi), bolstered by scaling upgrades from Ethereum 2.0 and rising activity in staking, NFT markets, and Layer 2 solutions. On-chain data showing large wallet movements further supports a bullish outlook, though challenges like high gas fees and slower transaction speeds persist, creating opportunities for competitors like Cold Wallet to capture market share with user-friendly alternatives.

XRP’s potential breakout above US$3.70, with a possible climb to US$5, is supported by technical patterns like the cup-and-handle formation and fundamental drivers such as increased adoption by financial institutions and clarity on its legal standing. The cryptocurrency’s stability and growing acceptance among major players enhance its appeal as a dependable asset in the top-cap space.

These developments in the crypto market highlight a broader trend of financial innovation and adoption, driven by both institutional and retail investor enthusiasm. However, the volatility inherent in digital assets necessitates caution, as rapid price movements can amplify risks in an already uncertain macroeconomic environment.

Also Read: Storytelling in diverse markets: How you can effectively market as you expand

From a personal perspective, the current market dynamics present both opportunities and challenges for investors. The improved risk sentiment and expectations of Fed easing create a favorable backdrop for equities, particularly in sectors like technology and real estate, which stand to benefit from lower borrowing costs. However, the potential for tariff-related inflation and geopolitical disruptions warrants a diversified approach. By allocating to quality stocks with strong fundamentals, as suggested by iShares, and incorporating safe-haven assets like gold or high-quality bonds, one can provide a buffer against volatility.

In the cryptocurrency space, Bitcoin and Ethereum offer compelling growth potential. Still, their high valuations and technical challenges suggest a balanced exposure, possibly complemented by emerging platforms like Cold Wallet or XRP for diversification. The interplay of monetary policy, trade dynamics, and geopolitical risks requires investors to remain agile, leveraging data-driven insights to navigate this complex landscape.

In conclusion, the global financial markets are at a pivotal juncture, with improved risk sentiment driven by moderated tariff concerns, strong corporate earnings, and expectations of Fed rate cuts. While US equity indices and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP reflect this optimism, geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties underscore the need for cautious optimism.

By balancing exposure to growth assets with defensive strategies, investors can position themselves to capitalise on opportunities while mitigating risks in this evolving environment.

—

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Indonesian digital giant GoTo Group has announced its second-quarter 2025 financial results, touting “record-breaking performance” across key metrics.

While the headlines celebrate significant growth in gross transaction value (GTV), net revenue, and a move to positive EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, a deeper dive into the figures reveals a more complex picture, particularly concerning the company’s reliance on “pro-forma” reporting and the underlying challenges in its core segments.

The pro-forma pivot: A key reporting strategy

GoTo’s press release prominently features “pro-forma” numbers for its group-level performance, explicitly stating that these figures assume Tokopedia and its related delivery and fulfilment businesses under GoTo Logistics were deconsolidated as of 1 January 2024. This accounting adjustment significantly impacts the reported growth rates and profitability, potentially presenting a more favourable view of the remaining business.

Also Read: GoTo posts record Q1 but adjusted metrics tell only half the story

While the company heralded a 23 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase in net revenue to US$260 million (Rp4.3 trillion) based on pro-forma figures for Q2 2025, the “actual” figures tell a different story. According to the “actual” table, net revenue growth for the quarter was a more modest 18 per cent YoY, a noticeable five percentage point difference.

The discrepancy is even more pronounced for the six-month period ended 30 June 2025, where the pro-forma net revenue growth was 30 per cent YoY, compared to a significantly lower 11 per cent YoY under actual reporting. This substantial divergence suggests that without the deconsolidation, GoTo’s overall revenue growth trajectory appears less robust.

Furthermore, while the pro-forma net loss for Q2 2025 was reported at US$13.42 million (Rp222 billion), the actual loss for the period was considerably higher at US$22.66 million (Rp375 billion), marking an 80 per cent reduction from the previous year’s loss but still a substantial figure. The positive “profit from operations” of US$1.27 million (Rp21 billion) is also a pro-forma figure.

EBITDA positivity amidst continued net losses

GoTo highlighted that its Group adjusted EBITDA reached US$25.8 million (Rp427 billion) and was positive for the third consecutive quarter. Group EBITDA also turned positive, reaching US$17.65 million (Rp292 billion).
These achievements are attributed mainly to “stronger revenue performance and better cost management”. The company also reported positive adjusted operating cash flow of US$18.9 million (Rp313 billion).

However, it is crucial to note that both adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA are non-Indonesian Financial Accounting Standards (IFAS) financial measures. GoTo itself clarifies that these measures “have certain limitations in that they do not include the impact of certain expenses that are reflected in GoTo Group’s consolidated financial statements that are necessary to run GoTo Group’s business”.

Despite the positive adjusted EBITDA and EBITDA, the company continues to report a net loss for the period. While the net loss saw a significant reduction of 77 per cent YoY (pro-forma) or 80 per cent YoY (actual), the fact remains that GoTo is yet to achieve overall net profitability.

Segment performance: Strengths and undercurrents

Fintech: This segment appears to be a strong performer for GoTo. It achieved a record adjusted EBITDA of US$5.3 million (Rp88 billion), marking its third consecutive quarter of profitability. Core GTV grew by 46 per cent YoY to US$4.97 billion (Rp82.2 trillion) driven by consumer payments, and net revenue soared by 76 per cent YoY to US$84.6 million (Rp1.4 trillion), underpinned by loan book expansion and payment transaction growth.

Lending revenue, in particular, saw a massive 130 per cent YoY increase to US$53.13 million (Rp879 billion), with consumer loans outstanding principal expanding by 90 per cent YoY to US$398.97 million (Rp6.6 trillion). The segment’s strategic collaborations, including the introduction of GoPay Pinjam on TikTok Shop, GoPay’s partnership with Telkomsel for data packages for TikTok users, and the co-branded Telkomsel Wallet by GoPay, point to robust ecosystem integration and potential for continued growth.

On-demand services: This segment delivered a record adjusted EBITDA of US$19.82 million (Rp328 billion), a 264 per cent YoY increase. While this is a substantial improvement, the nuances within its sub-segments are noteworthy.

Mobility: The gross transaction value (GTV) grew by 10 per cent to US$362.65 million (Rp6 trillion). However, the press release reveals that this adjusted EBITDA improvement of 16 per cent YoY to US$11.06 million (Rp183 billion) was achieved “against a backdrop of intensified competition that prompted the use of strategic, targeted incentives to protect market share”. This indicates that profitability in mobility is being sustained while navigating competitive pressures, possibly at the expense of deeper margins.

Delivery: GTV grew by 8 per cent to US$622.54 million (Rp10.3 trillion). The segment saw a significant improvement in adjusted EBITDA, reaching US$11.24 million (Rp186 billion). While GoTo states it “increased wallet share among higher-income users while widening reach across the broader consumer base”, it also noted that merchant-funded promotion spend rose by a substantial 118 per cent YoY. This highlights a growing reliance on merchant contributions to promotions, which, while beneficial for GoTo’s immediate margins, could potentially strain merchant relationships or their own profitability in the long run if not managed carefully. Advertising revenue, though growing, remains a small fraction at 1.8 per cent of Food GMV.

Strategic moves and outlook

GoTo has actively pursued cost efficiency, notably completing a complex cloud migration to Alibaba Cloud and Tencent Cloud, which is projected to reduce annual cloud spend by more than 50 per cent. The company has also established new tech hubs in China to leverage engineering expertise and accelerate its product roadmap.

Its investment in AI is evident with the launch of Sahabat-AI’s 70-billion-parameter foundation model, which is trained and hosted in Indonesia and supports multiple local languages.

Also Read: GoTo Group sees four top executives resign ahead of AGMS

Despite the underlying complexities, GoTo maintains a solid cash position of US$1.1 billion (Rp18.2 trillion) as of 30 June 2025.

The company has reaffirmed its full-year 2025 Group adjusted EBITDA guidance of US$84.6-96.7 million (Rp1.4-1.6 trillion) and remains confident in meeting its targets. However, this outlook is explicitly subject to “various uncertainties and risks including increasing market competition, cost inflation, macroeconomic conditions and other variables”.

In essence, while GoTo Group’s Q2 2025 results demonstrate notable operational improvements and strong segment growth, particularly in Fintech, the heavy reliance on pro-forma reporting, the continued presence of net losses despite positive EBITDA, and the strategic manoeuvres in competitive markets suggest that the journey to sustainable, overall profitability remains a challenging one.

The post Behind GoTo’s record Q2: The fine print tells a different story appeared first on e27.

Singapore-listed live streaming group 17LIVE Group has reported a significant net loss for the first half of 2025 (H1) despite the company’s aggressive cost-cutting measures.

A prominent player in the Asian live streaming economy, the firm saw its operating revenue tumble by nearly one-fifth, with substantial unrealised foreign exchange losses pushing it deep into the red. The results may raise questions about the long-term sustainability of its current strategy and the effectiveness of its diversification efforts amidst a challenging market.

Revenue woes and shifting sands

For H1 June 2025, 17LIVE Group posted an operating revenue of US$81.15 million, a steep 19.8 per cent decrease from US$101.16 million last year. The company attributed this primarily to a decline in “Liver live streaming” revenue, which fell from US$92.4 million to US$717 million. While “V-Liver live streaming” revenue grew 16.4 per cent to US$5.6 million, its relatively small contribution could not offset the broader decline.

Also Read: The future is virtual: Inside 17LIVE’s plans for avatars and immersive experiences

Geographically, the revenue slump was broad-based. Japan, the company’s largest market, experienced a significant drop from US$71.2 million in H1 2024 to US$56.51 million in H1 2025. Taiwan also saw a decline from US$25.5 million to US$21.4 million.

The “others” segment, comprising live-commerce and the Wave App, remained largely flat, indicating that current diversification efforts have yet to materially offset the contraction in the core live streaming business.

The cost-cutting conundrum

Despite the revenue contraction, 17LIVE improved its gross profit margin to 44.3 per cent in H1 2025, up from 41.2 per cent in H1 2024. This was largely a result of a disproportionately higher reduction in the “cost of revenue” compared to the revenue decline.

The company highlighted its “cost optimisation initiatives” across IT infrastructure, marketing, and organisational optimisation, which led to a 16.9 per cent decrease in total operating expenses, from US$40.4 million in H1 2024 to US$33.5 million in H1 2025. These efforts helped boost operating income by 79.4 per cent, from US$1.3 million to US$2.4 million.

While this sounds impressive, it is crucial to note that this improvement in operating income is primarily driven by rigorous cost management in the face of declining top-line performance, rather than robust revenue growth. This signals a defensive strategy to maintain profitability in a shrinking market, which might not be sustainable for long-term growth.

Unpacking the net loss

The company’s bottom line paints a more challenging picture. 17LIVE swung from a profit before income tax of US$3.3 million in H1 2024 to a loss before income tax of US$4.1 million in H1 2025. The shift was largely attributed to “other losses” of US$6.5 million in H1 2025, a stark contrast to “other gains” of US$2 million in H1 2024.

A key driver of these “other losses” was a substantial US$7.9 million in net foreign exchange losses in H1 2025, a significant reversal from a US$171,000 net foreign exchange gain in H1 2024. Specifically, unrealised exchange losses amounted to US$5.2 million in H1 2025, compared to nil in the previous period. Such a significant impact from currency fluctuations suggests high exposure to foreign exchange risk, potentially affecting their international operations in markets like Japan and Taiwan.

Consequently, the loss attributable to owners of the company for the period was US$4.6 million, a sharp decline from a US$1.95 million profit in H1 2024. This resulted in a negative basic earnings per share of US$(0.03) for the period.

Cash flow: A deceptive positive?

Despite the net loss, 17LIVE reported positive operating cash flows of US$4.1 million for H1 2025. The company highlighted a US$16.9 million increase period-over-period. However, the accompanying explanation states this was “primarily due to the absence of one-off payments related to the Group’s De-SPAC in 2023”. This clarification suggests that the improvement in operating cash flow is not necessarily a reflection of strengthened core operational cash generation in the current period, but rather the absence of specific large outflows that occurred in the previous year.

Also Read: 17LIVE acquires Japan’s N Craft to enhance virtual talent and content creation

For instance, trade and other payables saw a cash inflow of US$1.8 million in H1 2025 compared to a substantial cash outflow of US$22 million in H1 2024, significantly impacting the period-over-period comparison. The group’s cash and cash equivalents stood at US$82.2 million at the end of June 2025, which the company describes as “robust” and “ample liquidity”.

Strategic moves under srutiny

17LIVE has been actively pursuing acquisitions, notably acquiring 78 per cent of Japanese entertainment startup mikai Inc. in November 2024, and an additional 5.5 per cent in April 2025. The acquisition costs for mikai were approximately US$1.4 million in November 2024 and US$100,480 in April 2025. The purchase price allocation for mikai resulted in an upward adjustment of US$414,000 to provisional goodwill, bringing the total goodwill from this acquisition to US$1.9 million. Goodwill, which represents future economic benefits from acquisitions, is notoriously difficult to value and can be prone to impairment if the expected synergies do not materialise.

Furthermore, the acquisition of mikai includes a contingent consideration of US$364,000, obligating 17LIVE to acquire the remaining 22 per cent of outstanding shares if certain performance indicators are met. This represents a future cash outflow and continued acquisition risk.

The company also acquired N Craft Co., Ltd in July 2024 for approximately US$230,790.

While these acquisitions are part of the “revenue diversification” pillar of the “17LIVE Forward Strategy”, the flat performance of the “Others” segment suggests that these efforts have yet to yield significant revenue uplift, or are still in their early stages of contribution.

Shareholder returns: A capital question

In a curious move given the net loss, 17LIVE declared its first interim dividend of 1.5 Singapore cents per ordinary share (approximately US$0.011775). Notably, this dividend is stated to be “wholly a capital distribution out of the company’s share premium account,” meaning it is not paid from current or accumulated profits. Distributing capital while reporting a loss could be interpreted as a measure to maintain shareholder confidence in challenging times, but it also draws down the company’s equity base.

Adding to this, the company significantly increased its purchase of treasury shares, repurchasing approximately US$1.9 million worth of shares in H1 2025. This increased the proportion of treasury shares from 0.06 per cent at 31 December 2024 to 1.56 per cent at 30 June 2025. While treasury share repurchases can support share price and reduce share count, engaging in such activities during a period of net loss and capital distribution could invite closer scrutiny regarding capital allocation priorities.

Outlook vs. reality

17LIVE’s “group outlook” remains optimistic, focusing on “platform innovation, ecosystem expansion, and sustainable growth”. Initiatives like AI Co-Host, enhanced talent discovery and gifting algorithms, and the launch of “LiveCommerce Total Solutions” in Japan are highlighted. The company states it is “confident in achieving further revenue and profitability growth”.

However, the H1 2025 financial results present a stark contrast to this forward-looking statement. The significant revenue decline in core markets, the shift to a net loss driven by substantial forex impacts, and the reliance on cost-cutting to improve operating income suggest that these strategic initiatives have not yet translated into a tangible financial turnaround.

Also Read: Streaming the dream: How live streaming technology can increase access to brands

The challenge for 17LIVE will be to demonstrate how these innovations and acquisitions can reverse the declining trend in its core business and translate into sustainable, profitable growth, especially in the volatile Asian tech landscape.

The post 17LIVE’s H1 report shows tough road ahead for Asian streaming pioneer appeared first on e27.

Singapore-headquartered Startale Ventures has announced an undisclosed strategic investment and ecosystem partnership with Kyo Finance, a next-generation full-stack, vote-escrowed decentralised exchange (veDEX) infrastructure.

Kyo Finance will leverage the capital and partnership to create the “first fully vertically integrated liquidity infrastructure for the Superchain”. It will continue to utilise Startale’s Account Abstraction infrastructure and Startale Nodes to enable gasless transactions, demonstrating the practical value and interoperability of Startale’s technology stack across its portfolio companies. This positions Kyo Finance to unify fragmented liquidity across Superchain networks, optimise capital flows, and establish a new standard for how DeFi infrastructure should operate in a multi-chain future.

Also Read: The future of investing isn’t TradFi or DeFi: It’s tokenised, transparent, and built for the next billion

Sota Watanabe, CEO of Startale Group, said: “Together, we will tackle some of the most pressing issues in today’s DeFi sector, starting with uniting fractured liquidity and enabling a truly multi-chain ecosystem”.

Kyo Finance is a native veDEX built on the Soneium network, designed to deliver a “seamless, user-first” DeFi experience. It combines Automated Market Maker (AMM) functionality, real-time governance, and simplified ve-tokenomics. Unlike traditional epoch-based DEXes, Kyo offers intuitive one-click batch transactions, real-time vote weighting, and a fully fungible vote token, eliminating the need for complex NFTs or time-based locking systems.

Kai, CEO of Kyo Finance, noted, “With over 50 chains launching within the Superchain, Kyo addresses critical liquidity fragmentation through a fully vertically integrated stack.”

The company claims to have achieved over US$55 million in peak Total Value Locked (TVL) and more than US$530 million in cumulative trading volume since its launch on 14 January, alongside the debut of the Soneium Mainnet.

Kyo Finance was also selected as the winner of the Soneium Spark Incubation Programme from dozens of applicants, receiving both financial backing and deep technical alignment with Soneium’s long-term growth strategy.

The DeFi landscape is experiencing a dramatic shift, with over fifty per cent of trading volumes now routed through aggregators or embedded swap interfaces. Kyo Finance aims to address critical liquidity fragmentation through a fully vertically integrated stack.

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Picture this: It’s Monday morning. You’ve got five blog posts due, a LinkedIn post to craft, three emails to write, and multiple social media posts on your content calendar. You’re overwhelmed, staring at a blank screen, wondering how you’ll possibly get it all done.

Sound familiar?

This is a familiar story I hear every time I talk to marketing professionals and startups. Around 70 per cent of content marketers struggle with consistent content creation, and traditional workflows are often 3-5x longer than necessary. ChatGPT is the buzzword that does the work, but what about personalising content across different platforms?

After all, omni-channel presence is also a buzzword that you can hardly ignore. But here’s the good news: AI-enhanced content creation is already helping creators save 80 per cent of their time while achieving 40 per cent better results.

Why this matters beyond marketing teams

But content creation isn’t just a marketer’s job. In this era of personal branding, whether you are building your LinkedIn authority, Social Media presence, or personal blog ideas, the essence of meaningful content lies in consistency.

The problem? Content creation burnout is a real phenomenon.

The old way vs the AI way

Traditional content creation

The old approach was painfully linear:

• Idea → research → write → edit → publish
• Everything is manually crafted from start to finish
• Multiple editing cycles with team dependencies
• 8-12 hours per blog post
• Constantly waiting for approval chains

AI-enhanced content creation

The new approach leverages parallel processing:

• Multiple steps happen simultaneously
• Intelligent automation handles routine tasks
• 2-3 hours for higher quality content
• Highly scalable (one person can do the work of three)
• Human creativity amplified, not replaced

Important note: Don’t expect instant results. Quality AI content still requires human involvement and strategic thinking.

Also Read: Rewriting the narrative about motherhood and career: Insights from a female tech leader

The five-step AI content creation framework

Here’s your framework for creating AI-enhanced content.

The key principle: Don’t try to do everything in a single prompt. AI works best when tasks are broken down into focused steps.

Ideate –Drive inspiration with intelligence

• Trend analysis: Leverage AI to scan thousands of sources in minutes
• Audience intelligence: Understand how your audience responds to various types of content. Look for viral topics across LinkedIn, Social Media and the  internet
• Competitive gap analysis: Identify where your competitors are missing opportunities

Research — Automated data collection

Save time by reducing three hours of manual source gathering work to just 30 minutes of AI-curated insights using tools like:

• Perplexity
• Claude research
• ChatGPT with deep research
• Genspark
• Other research tools

Write — AI-assisted drafting with the 70/30 rule

Your 70 per cent contribution:

• Strategic creative direction
• Emotional intelligence and nuance
• Final quality control and approval
• Your unique voice and perspective

AI’s 30 per cent contribution:

• Detailed outlines
• Structured drafts
• Consistency maintenance
• Real-time optimisation

Remember: AI doesn’t replace your creativity. It amplifies it by handling the heavy lifting.

Refine — Performance-driven optimisation

Let AI handle:

• Automated editing for grammar, style, and readability
• Performance prediction for engagement potential
• SEO or GEM optimisation framework
• Multiple variations of headlines and call-to-actions

Repurpose — Maximise your content investment

Don’t reinvent the wheel each time; transform each topic into multiple formats:

• Blog post → Five social media posts
• Article → Email newsletter
• Long-form content → Video script outline
• Written content → Podcast episode notes

AI automatically adjusts tone, length, and style for each platform while maintaining your core message.

Also Read: AI power shift: How geopolitics and innovation are rewriting global rules

The best tools to get started

Recommended core tools (try avoiding ‘multiple AI tool’ fatigue):

• ChatGPT – Best for brainstorming and general content
• Claude – Superior writing style and humanised content
• Google Gemini – Excellent for research

Your AI content creation journey

Beginner level: Start with ChatGPT Plus

• Complete content creation suite with image generation
• Easy learning curve
• Large community for support and tips

Intermediate level: Combine Claude + ChatGPT

• Create drafts in one platform, refine in another
• Best writing quality with creative flexibility
• Professional-grade results for all content needs

Advanced level: Scale with automation

• API integrations for workflow automation
• Custom brand voice training
• Enterprise-grade workflows

Measuring your AI content ROI

First four weeks: Foundation metrics

• Time spent on content (before vs after AI)
• Content volume increase
• Team satisfaction levels

Months two-three: Performance metrics

• Engagement rate improvements
• Quality consistency
• Testing frequency and results

Long-term: Strategic metrics

• Overall ROI calculation
• Brand recognition growth
• Follower/audience growth
• Competitive advantage gained

Common questions answered

Will AI replace human writers?

No. AI is an amplifier, not a replacement. Think of it this way: amplification of zero is always zero. You need to provide the seed—your thoughts, strategy, and voice. The most successful AI content combines AI efficiency with human strategy and emotional intelligence.

How do I maintain quality and authenticity?

Quality and authenticity come through practice and iteration:

• Stay in experimental mode
• Continuously train and retrain your AI
• Develop clear brand guidelines
• Maintain human oversight
• Optimise based on performance data

Your audience is the best judge of quality—if they’re responding positively, you’re on the right track.

This sounds complicated. Where do I start?

Start small and simple:

• Pick one content type (e.g., headlines)
• Choose one tool (ChatGPT is great for beginners)
• Measure results before expanding
• Gradually expand your AI usage (Grammarly for text optimisation, GPT pro for deep research, etc.)

Don’t try to revolutionise your entire content process overnight.

Your next steps: The small change

What’s next:

• Pick one piece of content you need to create
• Time yourself creating it without AI
• Create the duplicate content with AI assistance
• Compare quality and time invested
• Note the difference in effort vs. output

Remember: A post with 70 per cent of your voice might only require 10-20 per cent of your usual effort because you’ve strategically leveraged AI for the heavy lifting.

The bottom line

The content creation revolution is already here. The question isn’t whether you should adopt AI tools, but how quickly you can start using them to scale your content without burning out.

Start small and stay consistent, as is the case with every new endeavour.

—

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.

Enjoyed this read? Don’t miss out on the next insight. Join our WhatsApp channel for real-time drops.

Image courtesy: Canva Pro

The post AI-powered content creation: Scaling without burnout appeared first on e27.

According to the Malaysia Fintech Report 2024 published by Fintech News Malaysia, there are more than 280 fintech companies active in the Malaysian fintech landscape. The ecosystem is growing year by year, and 2024 was a pivotal period, driven by the launch of the country’s first digital banks, a boost in digital payment adoption, and several progressive regulatory advancements.

This week’s article looks at why Malaysia is a strategic launchpad for building and scaling fintech hubs in Southeast Asia.

Malaysia fintech landscape

The rapid development of Malaysia’s fintech sector is largely due to proactive regulatory support. 

In 2015, the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), which is in charge of the capital market, launched the Alliance of Fintech Community (aFINity) to enhance the fintech ecosystem. With the SC framework, Malaysia became the first country in Southeast Asia to regulate equity crowdfunding platforms in 2016. To date, the SC has issued multiple regulations, including robo advisers, peer-to-peer (P2P) financing, digital assets exchanges and digital asset custody services.

During the same year, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM), the country’s central bank, formed the Financial Technology Enabler Group (FTEG) and launched its sandbox programme in 2016. 

This year, the SC partnered with Khazanah Nasional, a sovereign wealth fund to explore tokenised bonds, aiming to enhance efficiency and transparency in bond issuance. 

Also Read: Bridging the digital divide: Addressing Malaysia’s skills gap

Additionally, Malaysia’s chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 positions it to champion progressive cross-border fintech policies, fostering deeper regional integration with other ASEAN countries and making it an even stronger launchpad for emerging fintech startups.

Making innovation in fintech work using regulatory sandboxes

Malaysia was among the early adopters of the regulatory sandbox globally. 

The sandbox has played a pivotal role in shaping Malaysia’s fintech ecosystem by facilitating innovation. Past examples include experimenting on fully digital account openings, digital insurance and takaful models, and cross-border remittance solutions. New frameworks have also been introduced, such as the Digital Insurers and Takaful Operators (DITO) category, aimed at promoting greater inclusion in the insurance and takaful sectors.

In 2024, Bank Negara Malaysia updated the sandbox to include a ‘Green Lane’ which includes an accelerated pathway for financial institutions with strong risk management capabilities, allowing them to test innovations more swiftly. 

What makes the BNM sandbox unique is the collaboration between BNM and the Fintech Association of Malaysia (FAOM), a nonprofit founded in 2016 to grow the fintech industry which includes the pre-screening mentoring programme involving experienced fintech founders and mentors in the industry in guiding new applicants before they enter the regulatory sandbox. This pre-screening helps improve the sandbox process by ensuring only well-prepared, viable innovations move forward for testing.

Complementing this, BNM launched the Digital Asset Innovation Hub in June 2025, another sandbox initiative to explore stablecoins, tokenisation, and supply chain finance. The sandbox is open to both local and foreign entrants as BNM seeks to position Malaysia as a leader in blockchain-enabled finance in ASEAN. 

On a side note, Malaysia has indeed a vibrant digital asset and Web 3 ecosystem notably global players such as Coingecko, a leading crypto-asset data aggregator and Etherscan, an Ethereum blockchain explorer which reflects Malaysia’s strong digital asset and blockchain literacy.

Similarly, the SC introduced its Regulatory Sandbox in early 2025, focusing on new capital market products and services that don’t presently fit within the existing capital market frameworks. Considering the first cohort application has ended, market observers are eagerly waiting for the shortlisted applicants to be announced by the SC which hopefully offer new innovative products or services that will address underserved markets.

Market and founder friendly policies for new fintech startups

In addition to a lower cost of living in Malaysia that can expand one’s cash runway, setting up a fintech startup is straightforward.  A foreigner can have 100 per cent equity stake in a local domicile entity without the need to engage a local proxy or nominee for most technology-based businesses, with minimal restrictions generally applying to manufacturing and services.

Also Read: Re-skilling in the age of AI and navigating the future of work in Malaysia

Additionally, the Malaysia Digital (MD) status, issued by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), offers tax incentives for eligible fintech companies including fintech. Companies like TNG Digital have leveraged MD status to expand rapidly. 

For fintech founders, the Malaysia Tech Entrepreneur Programme (MTEP) provides tailored visas including a one-year pass for first-time entrepreneurs and a five-year option for seasoned founders, facilitating easy setup in tech sectors. 

Asia Fintech Alliance as a launchpad across Southeast Asia

As a member of the Asia Fintech Alliance (AFA), FAOM also works closely with regional counterparts to help springboard local fintech companies to expand into other markets within the 15 alliance network including major jurisdictions in the region such as Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, etc. 

One of the initiatives led by the AFA is a ‘fast track’ programme aimed at making it easier for existing regulated fintech companies in one jurisdiction to gain approval to operate quickly in other supportive countries. This is still a work in progress, as it depends on persuading regional regulators to align regulations and address shared challenges, with the goal of helping more local fintech companies expand across the region more quickly.

Final thoughts

Malaysia’s combination of progressive regulations, collaborative industry–government initiatives, and a thriving fintech ecosystem makes it a compelling base for a major fintech hub in Southeast Asia. As a fintech founder, Malaysia may serve well as an ideal launchpad for fintech startups targeting the region’s 700 million consumers.

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Global early-stage venture capital firm Antler has announced an investment of US$7.4 million into several startups across Southeast Asia during the first half of 2025, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence (AI) ventures.

The Singapore-headquartered firm’s investments span key innovation hubs including Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

Of the total, US$2.8 million has been specifically allocated to seven AI startups that graduated from its new AI Disrupt residency programme. This brings Antler’s AI investments globally to 74 deals in 2024.

Also Read: Antler introduces pre-seed programme AI Disrupt in response to fast-moving market

The AI Disrupt programme is a four-week, in-person residency based in Singapore, designed to accelerate AI-focused companies that already possess a minimum viable product (MVP) and are serving live customers with their core AI technology. The programme provides tailored support aimed at rapidly scaling go-to-market strategies and technical capabilities.

Winnie Khoo, Partner at Antler, said: “With the speed of product development made possible through technology today, we are matching that with our support to founders and investment into startups. AI startups are moving 10x faster than just two years ago, and AI Disrupt is purpose-built for founders with market-validated products to move and scale much faster. These AI founders do not wait. Moving aggressively is a moat that founders can gain in the AI age.”

Each of the seven selected startups secured US$400,000 in funding after a four-week intensive sprint. Additionally, during the residency, each startup gained access to over US$650,000 worth of cloud computing, infrastructure, and tooling credits, specifically tailored for AI development to enhance their execution speed.

The startups that received investment through Antler AI Disrupt include:

• Iris: Autonomous, no-code agents for workflow automation and data collection.
• Nugen: Domain-aligned AI enhancing reliability in specialised agent workflows.
• IndustrialMind.ai: Intelligence solutions optimising manufacturing operations.
• Lambdai Space: AI-driven radar imaging for actionable climate and insurance insights.
• Anamaya AI: AI-powered travel aggregation optimising corporate travel.
• AppSecAI: Automation of application security accelerating software delivery.
• 5.Y (GLUCOSE): Autonomous customer engagement and personalisation in complex industries.

Southeast Asia’s early-stage venture market faced significant headwinds in the first half of 2025. The region witnessed a 68 per cent year-over-year decline in seed funding and a 53 per cent drop in overall early-stage investments. This challenging environment has led to longer fundraising cycles, stricter investor scrutiny, and fewer avenues for follow-on capital for many founders.

Despite this backdrop, Antler strategically focuses on highly curated AI startups with high potential, providing larger initial investments and targeted support to enable faster scaling. This proactive stance reflects Antler’s strong belief that emerging technologies will drive the region’s next wave of growth and innovation.

Also Read: Antler backs Otonoco AI to modernise compliance with GenAI

Jussi Salovaara, co-founder and Managing Partner Asia at Antler, commented: “The current funding landscape across Southeast Asia in early 2025 demands that founders be sharper than ever in both their approach and execution. We are prepared to match their speed and provide flexible early capital that enables them to accelerate, but we are also more selective. Once a team can demonstrate a compelling use case for their technology and the ambition to scale globally, we will back them with conviction.”

Applications are now open for the next AI Disrupt residency, scheduled to commence on 21 October 2025 in Singapore. The upcoming programme will continue focusing on compounding technical edge, unlocking go-to-market traction through targeted coaching, deep technical sessions with ecosystem partners, and investor preparation tailored for AI-first companies.

Interested parties can apply via this link.

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Recent developments, including softer-than-expected US inflation data, expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts, and ongoing trade policy uncertainties, have driven a notable improvement in global risk sentiment. Meanwhile, political pressures on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, a robust Wall Street rally, and significant movements in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum highlight the multifaceted nature of today’s markets.

The US economy remains at the forefront of global financial discussions, particularly following July’s softer-than-expected inflation data. This development has fuelled expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut in September, as inflationary pressures from President Donald Trump’s tariff policies have not yet fully materialised. Inflation, a key metric for central banks worldwide, has been a persistent concern since the post-COVID-19 price spikes.

The Consumer Price Index (CPI), a primary measure of inflation, has shown signs of moderation, with recent readings suggesting that price pressures are easing. This has led investors to anticipate a more accommodative monetary policy from the Federal Reserve, which could lower borrowing costs and stimulate economic activity.

Goldman Sachs economists, for instance, have revised their forecasts, predicting a potential rate cut in September, three months earlier than previously expected, with a terminal fed funds rate of 3-3.25 per cent by 2026. This shift reflects a belief that tariffs may have a one-time effect on price levels rather than sustained inflationary pressure, coupled with signs of a softening labour market.

However, the Federal Reserve’s cautious approach underscores the uncertainty surrounding trade policies. President Trump’s tariffs, which include a 25 per cent duty on goods from Mexico and Canada and doubled tariffs on Chinese imports, have raised concerns about potential price increases. Fed Chair Jerome Powell has emphasised the need to “wait and learn more” about the tariffs’ impact on inflation before adjusting rates, a stance that has drawn significant criticism from the Trump administration.

Powell has acknowledged that tariffs have contributed to recent price increases, with retailers likely to pass on higher costs to consumers as pre-tariff inventories deplete. Despite these concerns, the Treasury Department, led by Secretary Scott Bessent, has downplayed the consumer impact, citing only a modest 0.1 per cent uptick in prices and highlighting record tariff revenues of US$23 billion in May. This revenue surge underscores the fiscal implications of tariffs, which have generated nearly US$100 billion this year, though businesses have borne much of the cost so far.

The political pressure on Powell has intensified, with Trump publicly considering a “major lawsuit” against him, accusing the Fed Chair of slow-walking rate cuts due to misplaced fears of tariff-driven inflation. Additionally, a referral by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna to the Department of Justice, alleging perjury by Powell over the Fed’s headquarters renovation, has added to the political overhang. These developments have raised concerns about the Federal Reserve’s independence, a cornerstone of effective monetary policy.

Investors worry that political interference could undermine the Fed’s ability to make data-driven decisions, potentially destabilising markets. The US Dollar Index, which measures the dollar against a basket of major currencies, weakened by 0.4 per cent following the inflation data and reports of Trump’s plan to nominate EJ Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This nomination could signal a shift toward more administration-aligned economic reporting, further complicating the Fed’s policy landscape.

Also Read: What’s shaping the markets right now: AI hype, Bitcoin’s calm, and the Fed’s next move

Despite these uncertainties, Wall Street has experienced a robust rally, with the S&P 500 gaining one per cent, the NASDAQ climbing 1.4 per cent, and the Dow Jones rising 1.1 per cent. The communications and information technology sectors have been key drivers, reflecting investor optimism about economic resilience and technological innovation.

The S&P 500’s recent highs mark a recovery from a 10 per cent correction earlier this year, triggered by tariff-related fears. US treasuries, meanwhile, have shown mixed performance, with front-end yields declining and long-end yields rising, resulting in a steepening yield curve. This dynamic suggests that investors anticipate stronger economic growth in the longer term, possibly driven by fiscal stimulus or reduced regulatory burdens under the Trump administration. The decline in the 10-year Treasury yield to 4.40 per cent reflects growing demand for safer assets amid trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainties.

In the commodities market, gold has remained largely unchanged at US$3,347 per ounce, maintaining its status as a safe-haven asset despite improved risk sentiment. Brent crude, on the other hand, fell 0.77 per cent to US$66 per barrel, reflecting a lack of significant catalysts and subdued demand expectations. The interplay between these commodities and broader market trends highlights the delicate balance between inflationary pressures and growth concerns. Gold’s stability suggests that investors are hedging against potential volatility, while the decline in oil prices points to weaker global demand, particularly in light of trade uncertainties.

In Asia, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has taken a dovish stance, lowering its policy rate by 25 basis points to 3.60%, marking its third rate cut this year. This move reflects easing inflation concerns and a shift in focus toward global trade and demand risks. Asian equity markets have responded positively, buoyed by Trump’s extension of the US-China trade truce and confirmation that gold imports will remain tariff-free. These developments have alleviated some concerns about trade disruptions, contributing to gains in Asian indices and a positive start to today’s trading session. US equity futures, however, suggest a mixed opening, indicating that investors remain cautious about the broader economic outlook.

The cryptocurrency market has also been a focal point, with Bitcoin retesting US$122,000 before pulling back to US$119,053. This rally reflects renewed investor enthusiasm, driven by broader market optimism and significant institutional activity. Binance’s dominance in global trading volume is a critical metric, as concentrated activity on a single exchange could signal limited market breadth, potentially undermining the sustainability of the rally.

Historical comparisons suggest that broader market participation is essential for sustained price gains at all-time highs. Meanwhile, Ethereum has surged over seven per cent to above US$4,500, fuelled by significant institutional adoption and capital flows. The Ethereum Foundation’s sale of 2,795 ETH, valued at US$12.7 million, has drawn attention, particularly as it coincides with ether’s strong price momentum. The wallet, linked to the “EF 1” address, now holds 99.9 ETH and 11.6 million DAI, reflecting a strategic move to lock in gains during the price surge.

Corporate adoption of Ethereum has further bolstered its performance, with companies like SharpLink Gaming and BitMine holding nearly US$9 billion in ETH. BitMine, under the leadership of chairman Tom Lee, has transitioned from Bitcoin mining to an Ethereum treasury, with holdings exceeding US$5 billion. Lee’s ambitious plan to raise US$20 billion to acquire more Ethereum underscores the growing institutional confidence in the cryptocurrency.

Spot Ethereum exchange-traded funds (ETFs) have also seen record inflows, with over US$1 billion in daily net inflows on Monday, marking a significant milestone since their debut. These developments highlight Ethereum’s outperformance of Bitcoin in year-to-date gains, driven by its utility in decentralised finance and institutional backing.

Also Read: Trump’s policy effect: From semiconductors to Bitcoin, how government moves are shaping markets

The broader economic and market environment remains fraught with uncertainty. Trump’s tariff policies, while generating significant revenue, pose risks to consumer prices and global trade dynamics. The Federal Reserve’s cautious stance reflects a delicate balancing act between fostering economic growth and containing inflation.

Political pressures on the Fed, combined with leadership transitions looming in 2026, could further complicate monetary policy. Meanwhile, the resilience of US equity markets and the surge in cryptocurrencies suggest that investors are navigating these uncertainties with a mix of optimism and caution.

In my view, the current improvement in global risk sentiment is a fragile one, heavily contingent on the trajectory of US monetary policy and trade negotiations. The Federal Reserve’s data-dependent approach is prudent, given the potential for tariffs to reignite inflationary pressures. Political interference in central bank operations risks undermining market confidence and could lead to volatility if not carefully managed.

The strength in equity markets, particularly in technology and communications, reflects the transformative potential of innovation, but valuations may be stretched if economic growth falters. Cryptocurrencies, while benefiting from institutional adoption, face risks of overheating, particularly if trading activity remains concentrated on platforms like Binance. The RBA’s rate cut and Asia’s positive response to trade truce extensions highlight the global ripple effects of US policy decisions. Investors should remain vigilant, balancing opportunities in risk assets with hedges like gold to navigate the uncertainties ahead.

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As food lovers, many of us snap photos of memorable meals, trade recipes, and share our favourite hidden eateries. Yet, these moments often get lost in the noise of mainstream platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

“These social networks are very powerful, but they are built for everything,” says Rajesh Stanley, co-founder of Flavorist. “We wanted to build a platform exclusively for food, where sharing a meal is not just another post, but the main event. That spark turned into Flavorist.”

Also Read: Improving food safety in SEA with tracking and tracing technologies

Founded in October 2024 by Stanely and Shivapakiam Pooniamoorthi, Flavorist is a dedicated social network for home-cooked creations, restaurant discoveries, and food videos. Rather than competing with the giants, it offers a more intentional, focused space where food is always the star.

“Whether you’re a passionate home chef, a street food hunter, or someone who simply enjoys photographing every meal, Flavorist becomes your edible diary and your go-to community of fellow flavour seekers,” Stanley explains.

Built on authenticity, not algorithms

From the outset, Flavorist’s guiding principle has been to create a minimalist and focused experience, eschewing intrusive ads and flashy filters in favour of genuine content. This simplicity resonated with early adopters, who describe the platform as “refreshing” and “peaceful.”

Authenticity is reinforced by design choices: minimal editing tools, meaningful captions, origin tags, and real-time posting to encourage sincerity. Plans include creator education programs, community guidelines that reward substance over virality, and features that celebrate culinary diversity.

Flavorist welcomes every food story, whether it’s a humble home-cooked curry or a Michelin-level plating. The interface is easy for beginners yet robust for professionals to showcase their craft. Community health is safeguarded through a blend of AI filters, user flagging, and human moderation, backed by an emphasis on kindness and inclusion.

Global ambitions with local roots

Singapore’s cultural diversity and passion for food made it the ideal launchpad. Stanley believes that if Flavorist thrives here, where East meets West, it can flourish anywhere.

The platform curates content that blends universal appeal with hyper-local relevance, spotlighting regional dishes and collaborating with local creators. By merging trend analytics with community storytelling, Flavorist ensures that a street snack from Bangkok can inspire a home cook in Barcelona, while honouring the dish’s origins.

Over the next year, the goal is to become the heartbeat of a global food movement, uniting millions across cultures and cuisines.

Beyond the app: Building a culinary ecosystem

Flavorist’s vision extends beyond digital sharing. The roadmap includes food commerce tools to empower creators, immersive events, and offline experiences that make culinary connections tangible. The mission: to be more than an app, becoming a movement that celebrates food culture in all its forms.

In a deliberate move to protect authenticity, the platform remains invite-only. This slower growth path means delaying monetisation and resisting algorithm-chasing trends, but it has helped Flavorist maintain a focused, ad-light environment.

Also Read: The realities of scaling food tech in today’s resource-strapped world

Stanley says the most rewarding part has been the community’s deep involvement, from exclusive beta testing to shaping features with real feedback.

Crafting a space where every bite matters

Flavorist stands out by making food the main event in a digital world saturated with fleeting trends and content overload. By prioritising authenticity, fostering community, and blending local roots with global reach, the platform aims to become the trusted home for culinary connection. For its founders, success isn’t measured just in numbers, but in creating a space where every dish, story, and flavour is valued, and where food lovers everywhere can feel at home.

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The global quantum computing sector experienced a profound transformation in 2024, as revealed by McKinsey’s Quantum Technology Monitor 2025 report. The findings indicate that most new startups emerging in 2024 have positioned themselves in the components and application software segments, signalling a significant value shift toward the latter.

This transition reflects the industry’s trajectory from hardware-centric development to a future driven by software-enabled use cases.

The quantum computing value chain is traditionally divided into five main elements: equipment and components, hardware, systems software, application software, and services. For much of the sector’s development, the equipment and components segment has commanded the largest market value share. This dominance stems from component manufacturers’ ability to supply parts compatible with multiple hardware technologies, maximising revenue opportunities while minimising dependency on a single platform.

In 2024, however, the emergence of 11 out of 13 new startups in the components and application software categories highlights a dual trend: the resilience of the component market today, and the long-term strategic focus on applications. Application software companies often specialise in sector-specific solutions, from pharmaceutical research to logistics optimisation, capitalising on the unique demands of quantum-enabled problem-solving.

The report suggests that while components offer lower-risk, hardware-agnostic opportunities, the value chain’s centre of gravity will increasingly move toward application software and cloud-based services over the next decade. As quantum hardware becomes more stable and standardised, its role will shift from being the focal point of development to serving as a backbone for a broad range of industry-specific applications.

Also Read: Antler injects US$7.4M into Southeast Asia startups, with US$2.8M for AI ventures

The staged evolution of the value chain

Today’s quantum computing market remains largely pre-profit for most players, as hardware systems are still in their formative stages and commercial-grade applications are scarce. Tech giants such as Google and IBM continue to concentrate their efforts on hardware development, recognising its foundational role in enabling the rest of the value chain.

Over the next five to ten years, profitability is expected to increase as standardisation erodes component margins and hardware becomes more widely deployable. Given the scarcity of advanced systems and the specialised expertise needed to operate them, hardware and services are projected to deliver the highest returns in this period.

Ultimately, at complete market uptake, the balance will tip decisively toward application software and cloud services, where most value is likely to be captured as end-users become fully “quantum-native”.

The most significant breakthrough in quantum computing in 2024 centred on advances in quantum error correction (QEC), a cornerstone technology for achieving stable and reliable systems. QEC works by mapping multiple physical qubits into a single logical qubit, enabling error detection and correction. By reducing the effects of noise and mitigating decoherence, QEC paves the way for quantum processors to scale effectively while maintaining accuracy.

Leading tech companies — including Google, IBM, and Microsoft — announced significant strides in QEC during 2024, marking a turning point in the race for practical quantum advantage. These developments are significant as they address one of the industry’s biggest bottlenecks: the fragility of quantum states. Improved error correction not only strengthens the performance of existing systems but also makes the development of complex application software more feasible, accelerating the shift in the value chain.

Also Read: Why Vietnam’s digital bank licenses are the dark horse opportunity of 2026

As a discipline, quantum control is increasingly recognised as a strategic priority across the hardware and software layers. By integrating robust error correction protocols into the design of systems and applications, developers can ensure that quantum solutions meet the reliability standards demanded by enterprise and scientific users.

With QEC breakthroughs enhancing system stability, the next frontier for quantum computing lies in tailored applications. Industries with computationally intensive challenges — such as materials science, energy optimisation, and pharmaceuticals — stand to gain the most from specialised quantum software. These niche solutions will become critical differentiators in a market where standardised components and hardware will eventually level the playing field.

While hardware innovation remains vital for startups, the largest long-term opportunity lies in solving real-world problems through quantum-enabled applications. As the value chain evolves, success will hinge on the ability to integrate cutting-edge quantum control technologies into industry-specific software solutions, creating the conditions for quantum computing to deliver on its transformative promise.

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Image Credit: Michael Dziedzic on Unsplash

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