2020 reflections are pouring. Thanks for sharing your perspectives on what the years meant for startups, tech and business in SEA.
This week our contributors throw some light on the emerging investment areas and nuances like how will investor actually go about due diligence ‘virtually’; the big talk on AirBnB’s highly subscribed IPO and how it compares to others like Uber, DoorDash etc.; seeking help in the infamous Maslow’s theory (bring out those textbooks) for remote team management (this is here to stay) and much more.
Enjoy your weekend read and if any of these inspire you to share your thoughts, just go ahead and submit it.
How content platforms can work with the community to make online spaces safer for all by Arjun Narayan, Director, Trust & Safety TikTok APAC
“In today’s world, there’s no question that digital platforms play an extremely influential role when it comes to inspiring creativity, enabling freedom of expression and building a strong community. While the internet provides us with many opportunities to freely exchange ideas and connect with others, the principle of freedom of expression is under intense scrutiny as platforms look to ensure they remain an inclusive and safe space for their users.
This industry faces an increasing responsibility to ensure the right voices and content is being spread and heard, and it’s not one that should fall on content platforms alone.
Leading digital platforms have begun creating third-party councils to develop forward-looking policies that not only address the challenges of today but also help plan ahead for the next set of issues the industry will face.”
From IPOs to VC funding
How investors are adapting to effective due diligence practices in the new normal by founder of Capria and Unitus Ventures, Dave Richards
“The financial sector has stumbled upon a hitch, as fund managers find it difficult to raise money for a first or final fund close. For those with dry powder, the challenge to wisely allocate funds, appoint a new team or go with an existing team is seen rising.
Investors across the globe share the belief that due diligence (DD) forms the most critical component of an investment process. Agnostic of the type of financial organisation– VC or PE fund managers, family offices or institutional ones, DD is a key process followed before investing in a fund or company.”
A tale of two IPOs: How DoorDash’s IPO makes Uber and Airbnb’s look better by Duckju Kang, CEO of ValueChampion
“DoorDash’s tremendous growth and market share gains, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, don’t seem defensible in the long run.
A closer look at the facts and similar industries around the globe actually just makes Uber look more attractive as an investment since there’s nothing structurally that prevents Uber from making DoorDash into a Lyft of food delivery industry.”
Why the VCs in Southeast Asia should shift their attention to niche sectors and supporting industries by VC at HH Investments, Maarten Hemmes
“SEA is now in a golden era for tech startup growth as people’s livelihoods improve. In 2018, the average per capita income of SEA countries reached US$4,600, similar to that of China in 2007 when the country started its tech boom.
New venture capital has to be smarter, carve out niche sectors and identify supporting industries where they can find value and success.”
Managing your team
How to use Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to drive resilient leadership in 2021 by Chuan Zhen Ko, CEO and cofounder of Plus Solar Systems
“How does a leader focus on staying afloat whilst keeping the team motivated under such extreme pressure? Here are four lessons that I have learned in reflection from the pandemic and each other which we hope will also see us through as we brave through uncertainties leading into 2021.”
Why the future of work in Singapore is remote by Yuying Deng, founder and CEO at Esevel
“While there will be a shift towards remote, we believe the office will not disappear completely. Not every job is suitable for remote work. And physical meetings are still ideal for tasks like creative brainstorming, on-boarding new joiners and relationship-building between colleagues.
However, what these past six months have shown us is that a strict 9-to-5 work arrangement in a single physical premise is irrelevant and unnecessary. In the future, companies will have to be more thoughtful on what they want their employees to achieve and the best ways to achieve that.”
Don’t break the bank: Enabling financial inclusion and equity through tech by Phil Davis, Managing Director APJ, Amazon Web Services
“The good news is that technology has been a driving force behind significant changes in the financial services industry. One instance of such change is in how banks and fintech startups are now empowered to service these previously excluded groups of people, while maintaining industry-leading standards of security and regulatory compliance.
With large investments being made in the region, a figure KPMG estimates at US$8.1 billion in the first half of 2020 alone, there are more opportunities and possibilities than ever before to ensure financial inclusion. All this bodes well for the region: empowering wider swathes of the population to participate in greater levels of economic activity will bring about long-term benefits for economies.”
Emerging sectors to watch for
How smart technology can improve the post-pandemic public life by founder and CEO at Habitap, Franklin Tang
“Smart technology promises greater peace of mind and autonomy for users. Not only will it provide greater convenience, it also facilitates better connectivity and control of their home and office environments and through automation allows people to spend more time and energy on the things that matter to them.
When I started Habitap in 2016, I built it on the premise of bringing technology seamlessly into our homes to empower our vision of a smart nation. We created a seamless user experience around three key pillars: Smart controls, smart community and as a lifestyle gateway, into an integrated mobile app.”
It’s about time: Why global trade will sink without maritime innovation by Shaun Hon, Director at Rainmaking, a corporate innovation venture studio
“Singapore’s port and maritime industry was once the beating heart of its economic progress. But in recent years this has slowed down significantly. Over the last decade, the maritime industry turnover has seen a drop of S$7 billion (US$5.2 billion) from its peak in 2014; a decrease of more than 40 per cent.
Just as the ocean was once the frontier of discovering new continents, so too can it be a site for innovation in supply chains.
Maritime logistics could be the most exciting new innovation opportunity – backed by a trusted legacy. To get there, we must first overcome three major hurdles.”
Legaltech on blockchain is set to be the next hot investment sector. Here’s why by Nikos Kostopoulos, blockchain advisor
“Legaltechs leverage technology to deliver more efficient and lower-cost legal services to lawyers, businesses, and consumers. Their goal is to make legal services accessible to everyone.
The legal and judiciary systems have well-earned their reputations as stodgy. They have traditionally been complex and expensive to use. Facing these barriers, many businesses and individuals have not had fair access to the legal system. Large enterprises pay through the wallet for legal services, while smaller businesses often have no legal recourse if a business partner fails to fulfill their half of the contract.”
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