Let’s get the decade started on a great note

There are reasons why the year 2019 was an important one for the Southeast Asian startup ecosystem.

In addition to the inherent excitement of preparing for a new decade, throughout 2019, we had also witnessed monumental moves made by startup ecosystem players –both in the region and beyond.

Funding continued to pour into the region, breaking new records and giving birth to new unicorns. Investors are also beginning to look into new territories, both in terms of geography and industry sectors.

On a global level, we saw companies such as WeWork facing public scrutiny with their strenuous journey towards IPO. Much closer to home, we saw Honestbee facing their own troubles.

Ecosystem players had also made head-turning comments; a great example would Lippo Group founder Mochtar Riady’s statement on cash-burning. While they might have a negative tonality to it, these updates had triggered discussions about fostering sustainability and building a stronger ecosystem.

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Lastly, we saw how different ecosystem players –from startups to government to corporates– are working closer than ever to achieve a common goal.

This is why as we, at e27, prepare for the next Echelon Asia Summit, we realise that the event is going to happen at a unique timing.

Whatever steps you are taking in this critical moment will either make or break your next decade. There are opportunities to seize and challenges to face; people who have made their marks and the lessons that they carry.

It has always been our mission to empower entrepreneurs with tools to build and grow their companies. With that in mind, we identified the three pillars that will support the foundation of the next decade for Southeast Asian startup ecosystem.

In the tradition of Echelon Asia Summit, we divided these pillars into three different stages, providing curated content to help you prepare for the next decade:

Apex

Two major reports —Asia Partners 2019 Internet Report and the e-Conomy SEA Report 2019 by Google, Temasek, and Bain&Company— have identified the next decade as the Golden Age of Southeast Asian startup ecosystem. In this period, not only will the region to experience growth, but it will also see new territories to explore.

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Through this stage, we will learn from those who had successfully navigated this treacherous water –and those who had failed to do so. Because both failures and successes are great teachers in their own right.

To get to the peak of the mountain –the apex– you will need all the equipment you can get. In this stage, we will learn about those tools and how to use it.

Infinity

Sustainability comes in every form, from financial to environmental. For members of the startup community like us, having sustainability as a goal encourages us to rethink our moves and renew our thought patterns.

Hopefully, we will come out stronger as we discover improved ways of doing things, from acquiring customers, managing our finances, to maintaining healthy company culture.

We are not here to become a firework –exciting as it happens but slowly fades into silence. We are here to work towards infinity.

Alliance

The tech industry does not stand in a silo, and this notion becomes more apparent as the years go by.

Gone are the days when regulators are seen as the enemy to innovation, as startups and governments fostered a stronger collaboration than before. Also, every business is basically a tech business now, as we begin to see the addition of digital elements to non-tech businesses such as hospitality and lifestyle.

In the end, we are all after the same goal. This is why, instead of waging war against each other, we decide to build an alliance.

Also Read: Photos from Echelon Asia Summit 2019 grand finale

So, do you find yourself prepared for the new decade? What are the lessons that you need to learn, and the ones you are prepared to share? Are you ready to build connections that will take you places?

If you do, then we are looking forward to seeing you at Hall 7, Singapore Expo, on May 14-15.

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Hundreds have already gotten their passes for Echelon Asia Summit 2020. Do you have yours? Get them today and don’t miss out on a great start to an exhilarating new decade for the startup ecosystem. Register today >>>

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