Here at e27, we get things done.

Known to many as an ecosystem enabler and a leading platform for startups, tech companies, investors, and innovators, e27 has cultivated a dynamic ecosystem that fosters connections, insights, and opportunities. Its wide-reaching network spans media, events, and community engagement, making it an ideal partner for companies aiming to amplify their reach and influence in the tech and business world.

China Mobile International Limited (CMI) is a great example of an organisation that has leveraged e27’s network and harnessed its wide reach to shed light on important topics today. A visionary enterprise, CMI recognised the need to propel its industry transformation and drive digital intelligence to the forefront of its operations. With this in mind, they introduced iSolutions — an all-encompassing enterprise solution designed to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and provide actionable insights through data-driven strategies, operating as a one-stop shop for businesses undergoing digital transformation.

e27’s strategic role in emboldening iSolutions

Understanding the potential of iSolutions, CMI sought a partner that could help them reach the right audience and communicate the value of their offering in ways that will translate to tangible results. This is where e27’s expertise came into play. By collaborating with CMI to craft an insightful and engaging article on iSolutions, e27 harnessed its platform’s reach to generate massive visibility for the solution.

The article, carefully crafted by e27’s team, delved deep into the goals of the iSolutions Carnival, a program where CMI ran a series of special offers that allow enterprise customers to experience comprehensive iSolutions services that seamlessly integrate cloud-network, IoT, industrial solutions, and other leading technologies.

Also read: Redefining customer engagement via real-time interactivity

The media campaign spearheaded by e27 highlighted how the solution addresses industry pain points, offers innovative solutions, and sets a new standard for digital intelligence. The article showcased iSolutions’ real-world impact by employing a data-driven approach, substantiating its potential to transform businesses across various sectors. CMI hoped to convey their commitment to supporting its customers in their digital-intelligent journey with richer and tailored solutions while facilitating them to capture business opportunities brought by the metaverse and other emerging technologies — something that e27 was able to capture and simplify for its audience.

Amplifying China Mobile International’s message

Once the article was published, e27 activated its formidable promotional channels to ensure the message reached a vast and relevant audience. The article was featured across e27’s public channels, including its website, social media platforms, and newsletters, enabling CMI’s message to penetrate different corners of the tech and business ecosystem.

The impact was nothing short of remarkable. The article garnered over 10,000 page views, demonstrating a strong resonance with e27’s audience. The ripple effect of the article’s promotion was further evidenced by the impressive 196,000 impressions that the campaign received on the e27 website during this period.

e27’s strategic approach to social media promotion also helped significantly amplify CMI’s message.

Beyond the Numbers: Catalysing digital transformation

While the quantitative metrics are undoubtedly impressive, the impact of e27’s collaboration with CMI transcends mere numbers. The article’s success resonated with CMI’s overarching goal of accelerating industry transformation and embracing digital intelligence. By leveraging e27’s platform, CMI was able to effectively communicate iSolutions’ potential to a broader audience, influencing business leaders, decision-makers, and innovators to explore the transformative capabilities of the solution.

Also read: e27’s partnership with Visa yields success for the leader in payments solutions

The strategic partnership between China Mobile International Limited (CMI) and e27 exemplifies the deep impact that effective content marketing and collaboration can have on promoting transformative solutions. Through an insightful article that highlighted the potential of iSolutions and simplified its message to a diverse audience, e27’s platform became a catalyst for CMI’s goal of accelerating industry transformation and embracing digital intelligence. The article’s remarkable engagement metrics underscored the power of e27’s reach and influence. At the same time, it solidified CMI’s position as a leader in digital transformation across the Southeast Asian region.

The collaboration between CMI and e27 serves as an important case study for businesses looking to propel their offerings onto a global stage. By harnessing the capabilities of strategic partners and platforms like e27, enterprises can showcase their innovation and drive meaningful industry-wide change. As technology continues to reshape industries, partnerships that amplify transformational narratives will be key to shaping the business landscape of the future, and e27 can be the partner you need to drive that change.

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We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Visit us at e27.co/advertise to get started.

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Singapore-based solar-as-a-service startup Solar AI Technologies has secured US$1.5 million in a seed funding round led by Earth Venture Capital with participation from Undivided Ventures, Investible, and climate-tech angel investor David Pardo.

The funds will primarily be used to upscale its rent-to-own (RTO) solar programme in the island nation before embarking on regional expansion in the next 12 months.

Started in 2020 by Chew (CEO), Gérald Chablowski (CTO), and Luke Ong, Solar AI seeks to make rooftop solar accessible and hassle-free for smaller, underserved property owners by providing them with zero upfront cost.

Its primary product is its RTO solar programme, which enables customers to own a solar panel system with zero upfront cost, paying a flat monthly fee for installation, maintenance, servicing, and energy generation guarantee.

Compared to the traditional solar offer that demands an upfront cost of US$15,000 to US$50,000, the startup’s RTO model helps de-risk solar as a renewable energy solution, particularly in Southeast Asia, with a penetration rate of less than 1 per cent.

Also Read: This startup aims to make rooftop solar accessible to smaller households with zero upfront cost

Since the global energy crisis, grid electricity prices within Southeast Asia have increased by close to 30 per cent, alongside increasing policy support and market demand for renewables. However, more than 95 per cent of rooftops in Southeast Asia still do not have access to zero-upfront or leasing options for solar, which can contribute more than 200 megatons of carbon emission reductions per year.

Solar AI charges customers a fixed monthly fee (usually lower than their electricity bill savings) in the RTO model — a prominent model executed by sunrun in the US and Enpalin Germany. When a customer is enrolled in the RTO programme, he/she will get free daily monitoring and maintenance. It will then convert the ownership after the contract period.

If a customer decides to shift to a new location, the startup will assist him/her in transferring the service to the new homeowner.

“Investing in Solar AI Technologies allows Earth VC to support the hyperscaling of solar installation in Southeast Asia through the RTO model that will address pressing environmental challenges,” said Linh Nguyen, General Partner of Earth Venture Capital.

“There is a huge amount of untapped potential for both residential and commercial solar-as-a-service throughout Southeast Asia. The traction and robust pipeline Solar AI team have achieved to date is a strong indicator for their ability to be a leader throughout the region as its development continues to accelerate,” added Ben Lindsay, Investment Manager at Investible.

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Image Credit: Solar AI Technologies.

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In the present fundraising climate set against the backdrop of a tech market slowdown, founders across Asia are under increased pressure to secure investments.

Startup fundraising across Asia’s key markets — Southeast Asia, India, and greater China — all fell in the second quarter of this year, compared with a year ago, according to recent data.

Amidst 2022’s decline in investments across Asia, startups found themselves navigating rough waters, resulting in significant layoffs. In response, banks like HSBC have been supportive, offering dedicated credit lines to top tech firms in the region, including Singapore-based superapp operator Grab.

Yet, as investors become increasingly results-driven, demanding rapid deliverables, a significant number of startups are exploring alternative paths to early-stage growth.

Bootstrapping, characterised by starting a business with personal savings, borrowed funds, and self-generated revenue, can provide a strong foundation for startups in Asia’s challenging market conditions.

Bootstrapping: A compelling choice for Asian startups

Bootstrapping is not just a funding choice — it’s a strategic one.

India, a global startup hub, boasts successful bootstrapped companies like SocialPilot, a social media marketing tool launched in 2014, and HappyFox, a customer support software solution founded in 2011.

Meanwhile, Singapore’s edutech firm KodeKloud reported an annual recurring revenue of US$5 million in the first half of 2022. Just recently, Maneuver Marketing made headlines in the tech scene after announcing US$340 million in sales since bootstrapping in 2018.

Also Read: Bootstrapping allows Inmagine flexibility to respond to changing market conditions, client needs

Bootstrapping offers a unique appeal to startups in Asia because of the region’s distinct market characteristics, cultural nuances, and entrepreneurial spirit. 

It’s no secret that external funding can come with strings attached, including set milestones, specific growth targets, or particular strategic directions. In uncertain times, this can be restrictive.

Bootstrapping, on the other hand, grants founders the autonomy to dictate the financial trajectory of their startups, at least during the starting phase. With full control, they can pivot strategies and eventually explore innovative approaches like turning their customers into investors. This focus on generating real revenue from satisfied customers can be an asset when investor money is hard to come by.

Without the pressure to achieve rapid growth at all costs, bootstrapping gives startups the opportunity to focus on sustainable and organic growth, ensuring they remain profitable or at least have a clear path to profitability. This focus can provide stability during market downturns.

Bootstrapping during these periods allows founders to avoid diluting their shares prematurely. Moreover, when external investments are scarce, there’s a risk of startups accepting unfavourable valuations just to secure funds. Such overvaluations or “down rounds” can harm the startup’s reputation, morale, and future fundraising prospects.

Bootstrapping allows founders to preserve their equity, which can be beneficial in the long run. So, when the time bootstrapped startups do seek external funding, they’re often in a better position to choose partners who align with their vision and values rather than being forced into a partnership due to financial desperation.

While the short-term challenges of 2023 loom large, the choices made during this period can shape the long-term future of Asia’s startup ecosystem. In the end, if a business can survive and even thrive while bootstrapping during this funding winter, it’s a testament to its viability. This resilience can be a powerful narrative when seeking future investments, partnerships, or even during acquisition talks.

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In the dynamic world of finance, Southeast Asia has emerged as a hub of innovation, and the payments sector has witnessed rapid growth over the past few years. The Southeast Asian payments landscape has been experiencing this seismic shift, driven by a surge in smartphone penetration, an explosion of e-commerce, and the rise of digital banking. However, navigating this complex environment requires a deep understanding of local nuances and a willingness to collaborate with emerging players in the industry.

Riding this wave of transformation, global payment giant Visa found a strategic ally in e27, a tech media platform and community-builder in the Asian tech ecosystem. As a leader in payments, Visa understands the important role of startups and the fresh brand of innovation they bring to the development of the payments sector. Conversely, this is the same impetus with which Visa understands the equally crucial role they play in catalysing such innovations into the broader market.

Through an array of strategic partnerships with startups and a series of impactful media marketing campaigns that helped introduce the Visa Accelerator Program, e27 has significantly bolstered Visa’s presence in the Southeast Asian region, putting a spotlight on the payment leader’s efforts of catalysing growth, innovation, and accessibility within the payments sector.

e27 and its role in solidifying Visa’s presence in Southeast Asia

e27, known for its role in connecting, educating, and empowering the tech community in Southeast Asia, emerged as a crucial partner for Visa’s expansion in the region. Through its flagship events, media coverage, and community engagement initiatives, e27 has become the nexus of innovation and entrepreneurship, making it an ideal collaborator for a payments giant seeking to tap into the region’s vibrant tech ecosystem.

e27’s deep-rooted connections and insights into the Southeast Asian startup scene proved instrumental in bridging Visa together with innovative fintech startups. These partnerships have enabled Visa to tap into cutting-edge solutions that address challenges ranging from cross-border payments to financial inclusion. By leveraging e27’s network, Visa has successfully navigated the diverse markets of Southeast Asia and strategically aligned with startups that align with its vision of a more connected, efficient payments landscape.

Also read: Early-stage startups get a special boost through the Alpha-X initiative

With startup collaborations being Visa’s central goal for the project, e27’s media marketing campaigns helped spotlight Visa’s journey and contributions in Southeast Asia. Through a series of articles, interviews, and other media assets, e27 not only showcased Visa’s commitment to fostering innovation and bridging gaps in the payments sector but also helped shape the region’s understanding of exactly what makes Visa one of the world’s most reputable payment solutions providers.

Generating over 335,000 banner impressions on the e27 platform, over 632,000 reach on targeted social media postings, and over 12,000 clicks on Facebook, Visa can solidify its presence not only in the region but also to a dedicated audience of startup tech founders, investors, and other stakeholders.

Promoting the Visa Accelerator Program

Central to this spotlight was the Visa Accelerator Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at accelerating the growth of fintech startups while leveraging Visa’s extensive resources. e27 played a pivotal role in helping Visa launch the program in the region and bringing it to the forefront of the tech community’s attention. Through a meticulously crafted media campaign, e27 created buzz around the program, attracting startups eager to be part of this transformational journey.

At its core, the Visa Accelerator Program is Visa’s way of bringing together both startups and corporates to help the payments landscape innovate. Through the program, not only did Visa highlight the exciting innovations of different fintech startups but also enabled corporates to provide the necessary support and resources to help materialise such innovations — a synergy of multiple players working together to address gaps in the market.

Also read: How e27 helped spotlight Lalamove’s unique offerings to the right audience

e27’s media marketing expertise was evident in the series of articles we produced dedicated to Visa’s partnership with startups through the Accelerator Program. These articles provided insights into the challenges being addressed, the solutions being developed, and the impact on Southeast Asia’s payments landscape, highlighting startups that leverage their partnership with Visa to bolster their services, important trends in the payments sector to watch out for, as well as the crucial role of corporates in pushing for growth and innovation.

Through this partnership, Visa hopes to break the old ways of thinking that corporates and fintech startups are competitors against each other and instead, can collectively harness the power of innovation to create lasting impact across the payments space. Moreover, by sharing success stories of startups that have benefited from the program, e27 effectively demonstrated Visa’s commitment to nurturing innovation and driving positive change.

Beyond articles, e27 capitalised on various media assets, including media content published across the e27 platform as well as e27’s social media channels, all to engage a wider audience. The use of such visual content helped simplify complex fintech concepts, making them accessible to a broader range of readers. e27’s role in such a partnership also underscored the Visa’s dedication to promoting financial inclusion and fostering innovation. By sharing stories of startups focused on providing banking solutions to the unbanked and underserved populations, e27 helped position Visa as a catalyst for positive change in the region.

A partnership for the books

e27’s strategic collaborations with startups and well-executed media marketing campaigns have been integral to elevating Visa’s presence and influence. By acting as a conduit between Visa and the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem, e27 facilitated partnerships that addressed gaps in the payments sector. Through its series of articles and media content, e27 shone a spotlight on Visa’s efforts, particularly the Visa Accelerator Program, helping to drive awareness, engagement, and innovation.

Also read: PayPal: A reliable payment partner to combat business uncertainty

This collaboration stands as a testament to the power of partnerships and innovation. By connecting Visa with startups through strategic partnerships and spearheading the Visa Accelerator Program, e27 has played a pivotal role in enhancing Visa’s presence in the region and fostering a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration within the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem.

As both e27 and Visa continue to evolve and adapt, their partnership remains a shining example of how strategic partnerships and effective media campaigns can synergise to create a lasting impact. With e27’s continued support and Visa’s dedication to innovation, Southeast Asia’s payments landscape is poised to experience a revolution that embraces accessibility, inclusion, and technological advancement, propelling the payments sector toward a more interconnected, accessible, and innovative future.

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We can share your story at e27, too. Engage the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem by bringing your story to the world. Visit us at e27.co/advertise to get started.

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AntsBees, an artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics automation solutions provider in Malaysia, has earmarked up to RM4 million (US$860,000) to invest in tech startups wanting operational growth.

The firm tends to favour startups that are focused on the industries of education, healthtech or any field that could contribute to the AI technology ecosystem.

“We are keen to extend our expertise and platforms to startup companies and extend financial aid to grow together. Having been in the market and enabling digital transformation for organisations, we would like to invest in or acquire new businesses related to Industry 4.0 and doing so, further strengthen our position towards becoming a stronger tech-conglomerate,” said Dr Priscilla Prasena, Group CEO of AntsBees.

Also Read: AI is not about job displacement but job augmentation: Nick Eayrs of Databricks

Additionally, AntsBees is planning to list on the Ace Market of the Singapore Stock Exchange. The IPO proceeds will be used to cover its working capital, expansion ambitions, and development needs in one strategic move.

“By going public, we believe there is much to gain. There would be better regulation of the company, increased liquidity, a higher level of confidence for our investors and naturally, much better visibility in the market.

Established in 2012, AntsBees provides solutions, development, and training in Big Data, project management data analysis, AI, and digital marketing as part of Industry 4.0. It helps clients manage and derive useful insights from the amounts of structured and unstructured data.

AntsBees, currently valued at US$17 million, has four subsidiaries: Prestine International (a learning and development arm of its parent company focusing on AI and manufacturing science skilled courses), Votratec (a technical and vocational education and training college), PERPETUUTI, and MYCoachingHub (a sports analytics centre).

AntsBees is also working towards setting up its Asia Pacific (APAC) hub in Singapore by September 2023 and readying its headquarters in the US by this October.

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Fundraising or preparing your startup for fundraising? Build your investor network, search from 400+ SEA investors on e27, and get connected or get insights regarding fundraising. Try e27 Pro for free today.

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Mirxes Holding develops and commercialises non-invasive and affordable blood-based miRNA test kit products for the early detection of cancer and other diseases.

The Singapore-headquartered RNA technology company announced closing its US$50 million Series D funding round led by Beijing Fupu, EDBI, Mitsui & Co., NHH Venture Fund, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research.

Mirxes, founded in June 2014 as a spin-off from A*STAR, was conceptualised and developed by co-founders Dr Zhou Lihan, Prof. Too Heng-Phon, and Dr Zou Ruiyang.

The startup recently announced the completion of its US$50 million Series D funding round led by Beijing Fupu, EDBI, Mitsui & Co., NHH Venture Fund, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research.

e27 spoke with Co-Founder and CEO Lihan to learn more about the company, its solutions, and future plans.

Can you provide an overview of Mirxes’s RNA technology and how it is utilised in cancer detection?

Mirxes has developed a microRNA (miRNA) technology platform, mSMRT-qPCR, based on RT-qPCR. The platform relies on our unique three-primer approach, which can accurately and reliably measure miRNAs in human blood by increasing detection sensitivity and reproducibility.

Our early detection test kits are powered by our proprietary and patented miRNA detection technology platform. With extensive research into disease biomarkers, we have gained an in-depth understanding of the unique biology of miRNA, particularly at the early stages of the disease. Leveraging on our research and technology, we can develop and offer a new class of blood-based miRNA test solutions that significantly outperform existing tumour marker tests in detecting early stages of cancers.

Mirxes harnesses the power of RNA with a proprietary technology that can detect abnormal miRNA signatures in bodily fluids like blood and saliva. Consequently, with a simple prick, clinicians can diagnose diseases even in the early stages.

How does Mirxes’s blood-based colorectal gastric cancer screening test work, and what sets it apart from traditional screening methods?

GASTROClear is the first and only approved molecular in vitro diagnostic (IVD) product for gastric cancer screening globally, according to Frost & Sullivan. GASTROClear sets the standard for miRNA- based diagnostic tests.

Also Read: Harnessing the power of AI to help improve gastric cancer detection

Equipped with our mSMRT-qPCR technology, GASTROClear has demonstrated outstanding clinical performance. We completed a prospective clinical trial with 5,282 people enrolled in Singapore in a clinical trial for cancer screening and early detection.

GASTROClear is:

• non-invasive and simple to use: it provides a non-invasive testing approach as it requires only 1 ml of blood for testing, making the sampling process easy and enabling GASTROClear to be used in various testing scenarios.
• cost-efficient and highly accessible: our proprietary mSMRT-qPCR technology platform and reagents, together with our in-house manufacturing capabilities, enable us to control operational costs effectively, therefore lowering the costs of GASTROClear and making it highly accessible in the market.
• convenient: it can quantify risk levels and present direct and actionable detection results, thus enabling early detection and intervention of diseases. It also has a fast turn-around time, with a 4-hour sample-to-result lab workflow.

Project CADENCE sounds promising for early cancer detection. Can you share more details about the multi-cancer early detection test and the nine high-mortality cancers it aims to detect?

Project CADENCE is the world’s first large-scale clinical research project in Singapore to discover and validate novel combinations of blood-borne circulating miRNA and DNA methylation biomarkers. It will lead to developing a multi-cancer early detection test for up to nine high-incidence and high-mortality cancers, including lung, breast, colorectal, liver, stomach (gastric), oesophagal, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.

We initiated a large-scale clinical research project in July 2022 to develop CADENCE in collaboration with key clinical experts and institutions in Singapore and overseas through integrating and analysing multi-omics biomarkers in miRNA and DNA of more than 20,000 individuals.

As part of our plans to bring accessible and affordable early cancer detection solutions to the ASEAN region, we signed a memorandum of understanding with PT ELION MEDIKA INDONESIA to bring RNA-powered early cancer detection tests to Indonesia. Similar to Project CADENCE, the partnership aims to develop blood-based multi-cancer early detection solutions optimised for the Indonesian population. This collaboration further enabled leading Indonesian and Singaporean scientists, clinicians, and entrepreneurs to develop localised solutions to address cancer challenges in our region collectively.

How does Mirxes’ RNA technology synergise with other biomarker technologies in Project CADENCE, and what advantages does this integration offer for cancer detection?

Project CADENCE is our most ambitious effort to date, where we leverage our proprietary technologies, a decade-long RNA clinical test development experience, and Singapore’s strong clinical research and translation infrastructure, to develop a novel blood test that allows physicians and at-risk individuals to detect the earliest possible signs of multiple solid cancers. This is done through a holistic analysis of miRNA and DNA biomarkers. The biomarker discovery and test development phase seeks to surpass existing blood-based cancer biomarkers with superior clinical performance in sensitivity and specificity.

Aligned with our purpose to detect cancer in its early stages to alleviate the burden of the disease and reduce financial costs, Mirxes has initiated a large-scale clinical research project for the development of CADENCE in collaboration with key clinical experts and institutions in Singapore and overseas, through integrating and analysing multi-omics biomarkers in miRNA and DNA of more than 20,000 individuals. We intend to conduct registration clinical trials for CADENCE in selected countries.

What are the key benefits of early cancer detection?

Early detection improves treatment outcomes and healthcare costs, and timely intervention leads to more effective treatment options and chances of successful outcomes. Treating cancer at later stages can be more expensive due to the need for more aggressive treatments and a higher likelihood of complications. Mirxes believes early detection saves lives and can also help reduce the overall cost burden on healthcare systems and patients.

What is your strategy for expanding cancer detection solutions into international markets? Which new markets are you expanding into? What opportunities do you see there?

Mirxes is headquartered in Singapore. Globally, we have physical operations in the US, China (including Hong Kong), Japan, and Southeast Asia (the Philippines and Malaysia) and commercial activities in broader Asia-Pacific markets.

We have established strong partnerships with our customers, distributors, suppliers and government partners and tailored our core strategy, products and services for each geography. This means that we ensure solid in-market relevance in each respective country alongside first-mover advantages, delivering solutions that work best for consumers.

For example, our early disease detection portfolio holds huge market potential to address significant unmet clinical demand. The successful commercialisation of GASTROClear alongside LungClear, a commercialised miRNA-based lung cancer early screening LDT service, positions us to seize global opportunities and make further inroads into cancer early detection.

Other key players in the global molecular cancer screening market with approved products include Exact Sciences’ Cologuard (stool DNA test for colorectal cancer), which was approved by FDA in 2014, and New Horizon Health’s ColoClear (stool DNA test for colorectal cancer) which was approved by NMPA in 2020. Mirxes’s GASTROClear was approved by Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority in 2019 and obtained the FDA Breakthrough Device Designation in 2023 while undergoing clinical trial in China for the NMPA approval. We seek to conduct clinical trials in different regions to localise our products and benefit more communities, as cancer is a personalised disease.

In Southeast Asia, we have established ourselves as a market leader in speciality molecular diagnostic development, allowing us to develop and commercialise products and services more efficiently. Our strategic focus is to continue demonstrating our capabilities to provide affordable and effective healthcare solutions to consumers in the region.

In July 2023, we announced our listing application with The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEX) under Chapter 18A of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on HKEX. IPOs are a means for tech companies to secure funding for Research and Development (R&D), driving innovation and progress. We view IPOs as milestones, not endpoints. Going public isn’t about cashing out; it’s about accessing capital for new innovative breakthroughs, market growth and expansion. Our peer companies in the biotech sector usually go to IPO within 6-8 years of company founding (Exact Sciences, New Horizon Health, Guardant Health etc). Chapter 18A listing rule was specifically set up to enable growth-stage biotech companies that are pre-revenue or pre-profit to raise capital publicly to accelerate pipeline R&D and product commercialisation.

The spread of cancer remains a significant global health concern. How does Mirxes plan to address this challenge with its innovative technologies and early detection solutions? Which part of the world is more prone to cancer and why?

The prevalence of cancer can vary across different regions of the world due to various factors such as lifestyle, environmental exposures, genetics, and access to healthcare. Some regions may be more prone to specific types of cancer due to the mentioned factors.

Specific to gastric cancer:

Gastric cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths. It is ranked the sixth in global incidences among all cancers in 2022, with a total of approximately 1.1 million incidences worldwide, according to Frost & Sullivan. It is widely accepted that gastric cancer is one of the most preventable cancers because screening of asymptomatic individuals can identify precancerous adenomas that can be removed through surgery before they become cancerous. Patients diagnosed early in the progression of the disease are more likely to have a complete recovery and incur fewer medical expenses.

According to Frost & Sullivan, the market size of gastric cancer screening in the selected regions (namely China, Japan, Southeast Asia and the U.S.) increased from US$11.6 billion in 2018 to US$14.6 billion in 2022. It is expected to increase to US$20.7 billion in 2027 and US$24.3 billion in 2032.

Mirxes aims to make early disease detection accessible on a global scale. We aim to alleviate the burden of cancer and reduce healthcare costs by leveraging innovative RNA tests that detect diseases earlier, improving health economics and outcomes to foster a healthier future for communities worldwide.

Apart from colorectal cancer and the nine high-mortality cancers targeted in Project CADENCE, does Mirxes plan to expand its RNA technology to detect other types of cancer in the future?

We are focused on scaling the adoption and penetration of Mirxes’s flagship stomach cancer blood test, GASTROClear, in major Asia-Pacific markets, including Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. We will also accelerate the development and commercialisation of Mirxes’s maturing clinical pipeline, including a blood-based colorectal cancer screening test and the multi-cancer early detection test under Project CADENCE. We have a strong oncology-focused pipeline to address clinical unmet needs for a healthier world – lung, breast, colorectal, liver and ovarian cancer, and multi-cancer.

In addition to our clinical pipeline of test kits for various cancers, we continue to work with local and globally renowned academic clinical centres to grow our pulmonary and cardiovascular disease portfolios.

In 2022, Mirxes jointly launched Southeast Asia’s first multi-centre study, Singapore Pulmonary Hypertension Early Detection with miRNA biomarkErs (SPHERE), with National University Heart Centre, Singapore (NUHCS) and National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) in a nationwide effort to manage the risk of pulmonary hypertension. SPHERE aims to develop miRNA signatures pertinent to Asia for early pulmonary hypertension (PH) detection.

Our ultimate focus continues to be on accelerating innovation and bringing life-saving solutions to the public through the early detection of life-threatening diseases.

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(The second image used in this picture is AI-generated)

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Property tech company PropertyGuru today announced that it is ceasing the operations of Rumah.com, its property marketplaces business in Indonesia, and FastKey, its SaaS product, in an internal note by PropertyGuru Group CEO and Managing Director Hari V. Krishnan.

The statement further detailed that Rumah.com will cease to operate on November 30.

“Our aim is to minimise this impact and provide support to the 61 Gurus from our Indonesia Marketplace business, offering them enhanced packages, healthcare support and assisting them in their transition to new opportunities,” Krishnan said in the statement.

“Until November 30, we will continue to serve our Rumah.com agent and developer partners to ensure minimal disruption to their business operations. Thereafter, we will refund the fees paid by them as per the respective contracts. For our vendor partners, we will pay the dues as per the individual contractual commitments.”

Also Read: GORO raises US$1M to democratise Indonesian property investment amidst economic challenges

It also stated that it will continue to hold the PropertyGuru Indonesia Property Awards.

For FastKey, PropertyGuru will cease its operations in Indonesia on July 31, 2024, and in Malaysia and Singapore on October 15, 2024.

“As we move forward, we are engaging in conversations with the affected FastKey team members, exploring redeployment opportunities within the group and ensuring that they are supported throughout this period of change,” the CEO said.

For affected employees at Rumah.com, PropertyGuru will provide them with enhanced severance packages, goodwill payments based on years of service, extension of medical insurance, and jobseeking support.

The company also stated that the business decisions are not expected to have a material impact on its full-year 2023 financial outlook.

Also Read: Thai property developer MQDC unveils ‘metta-verse’ to bridge the real and virtual worlds

“As we navigate the future, it is imperative that we continue to review progress and periodically streamline our operations while carefully re-prioritising our resources where necessary. Our efforts and focus must be towards businesses that are already driving or have shown the potential to achieve scalable growth while ensuring strong unit economics,” says Krishnan.

e27 has reached out to PropertyGuru to find out the company’s next plan and focus.

Responding to the announcement, 99 Group CEO Darius Mahtani Cheung said that the group is “rapidly” growing its business in Indonesia and is expanding its team.

“We welcome all talents to join us, do find out about opportunities on our career page!” he wrote to e27.

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Image Credit: PropertyGuru

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Global VC firm Accel has unveiled the new avatar of Atoms, an accelerator programme for pre-seed and seed-stage startups in India, Southeast Asia and the UAE. The programme will provide startups access to funding, personalised mentorship, and guidance from top operators and founders.

Since its launch in August 2021, Atoms has invested in 24 companies across two cohorts. The revamped Atoms 3.0 programme introduces a sector-based approach. Through closed groups, early-stage founders can collaborate, interact, exchange ideas, and grow in a more personalised learning environment.

The Atoms 3.0 programme comprises two sector-focused cohorts, each with its own focus and objectives. The AI cohort will be led by Prayank Swaroop while the Industry 5.0 batch will be spearheaded by Barath Shankar Subramanian.

Swaroop spoke with e27 about Atoms 3.0, its objectives, and more.

Excerpts:

What motivated Accel to adopt a thematic approach in its Atoms programme, deviating from the traditional accelerator model?

A sector-focused approach allows us to deviate from the traditional accelerator model with several benefits.

Firstly, it allows startups targeting similar industries and at similar stages of evolution to learn from each other and benefit from industry-specific guidance. This focused approach facilitates deeper assistance, marshalling of resources, and connections to industry experts.

Also Read: SDTA revamps venture building programme for deep-tech startups in Singapore

Secondly, sector-focused cohorts create a more personalised learning environment, enabling better collaboration, interaction, and exchange of ideas among startups. By building a community of like-minded founders in the same domain, we aim to foster collaboration and mutual support among the startups, increasing their chances of success.

Could you explain the key objectives and goals of Atoms 3.0? How has the programme evolved over the years?

Zero-to-one is the most challenging journey for an entrepreneur, as it sets the foundation for the business; that is what Atoms hopes to accomplish for our cohort founders. Atoms is constantly evolving and looking to improve the programme for founders.

Based on feedback from founders in cohorts I and II, we realised that founders want to be part of a community where they can learn from other founders and operators, and these learnings can get amplified if the people in the group are from within their industry.

We launched Atoms 3.0 as a thematic, sector-focused cohort programme with this learning. The idea is companies targeting a similar industry and at a similar stage of evolution get to learn from each other a lot. Atoms 3.0 will have two sector-focused cohorts — AI and Industry 5.0.

The redesigned programme will offer personalised learning, sector-specific mentors, and up to US$500,000 in investment for each selected startup.

Additionally, these cohort startups will get access to Accel’s growing global community. We introduced sector-focused cohorts and a more personalised learning environment through closed groups to foster innovation, creativity, and collective growth among the startups.

What differentiates Atoms 3.0’s Industry 5.0 cohort from the Artificial Intelligence cohort regarding focus and objectives?

The Atoms 3.0 programme comprises two sector-focused cohorts, each with its own focus and objectives. The AI cohort aims to tap into the pivotal rise of AI and its transformative impact on various industries. Startups within this cohort are sought based on their innovative use of AI for business applications and their development of tools that contribute to the AI ecosystem.

On the other hand, the Industry 5.0 cohort is centred around the fifth industrial revolution, which revolves around redefining traditional industries through technology. While Industry 4.0 is focused on automation and AI, Industry 5.0 goes beyond that to emphasise the collaborative synergies between intelligent humans and smart manufacturing machines. Startups in this cohort are classified under three areas: Machines, People, and Processes. They are expected to introduce cutting-edge technologies, sustainable practices, and human-centric approaches to revolutionise industrial operations.

How does the thematic cohort structure of Atoms 3.0 benefit startups in the Artificial Intelligence sector?

The revamped structure of Atoms 3.0 provides a focused environment for collaboration and learning. By bringing together startups working on AI technologies and applications, the cohort facilitates the exchange of best practices, insights, and challenges specific to the AI industry. Startups can learn from each others’ experiences, validate their ideas, and build stronger AI-focused teams. The access to Accel’s mentorship network, workshops on AI best practices, and community events with other AI startups further enhances their growth opportunities and industry connections.

Could you provide insights into the startups’ selection criteria for participating in the Atoms 3.0 programme?

For the AI cohort under Atoms 3.0, we will accept applications from founders based in India, Singapore, Indonesia, and the UAE. For the Industry 5.0 cohort, we are looking for founders from India and Indonesia to apply. We are kicking off Atoms 3.0 with these two cohorts, but as we scale the programme, we also plan to launch other themes.

Given our cheque size of up to US$500,000, we look to support companies seeking to raise under US$2 million. In our past two cohorts of Atoms, we invested across stages, including idea-stage and pre-product companies.

Our focus will be to invest in startups that fall under any of the following:

In AI, we will support AI builders (foundational AI research and products‍), AI enablers (tools for using AI)‍, and AI users.

In Industry 5.0, we will back people, processes, marketplaces, and machines.

What are the expected outcomes and success metrics for startups that go through the Atoms programme?

The idea behind Atoms is to guide startups towards achieving product-market fit (PMF), a crucial metric indicating that their product meets the needs of their target market. Expected outcomes for startups include strong customer validation reflected in a growing user base and high retention rates, accelerated revenue growth, increased market penetration, and improved operational efficiency.

Further, startups that have achieved PMF often attract greater investor interest, which can lead to increased funding opportunities. The programme aims to empower startups to build products that effectively resonate with the market, leading to successful scaling and growth.

Can you share any notable success stories from the previous editions of the Atoms programme?

DhiWise, a DevTool startup from Gujarat (India), exemplifies the transformative power of the Accel Atoms program. Founded by Vishal Virani and Rahul Shingala to solve developers’ real-world problems, DhiWise encountered initial hurdles, including rejection from over 40 investors.

The tide turned with their induction into the Accel Atoms programme, which provided US$250,000 in non-dilutive capital, esteemed mentorship, and access to a global entrepreneurial community.

Over an intensive 100-day period, Accel Atoms nurtured DhiWise’s growth, culminating in the startup winning the esteemed Golden Kitty Award 2021 in the developer tool category.

Also Read: The GEAR: A new accelerator programme for early-stage startups in the built environment sector

Today, with over 30,000 users, a million programming hours saved, and 5000+ installations of their Figma to code plugin, DhiWise is a sterling example of how mentorship and solid support systems can catalyse startup success.

Another notable success story is Fishlog, an agritech startup co-founded by IPB University graduates Bayu Anggara, Reza Fahlepi, and Abdul Halim. Fishlog is revolutionising Indonesia’s fisheries supply chain.

Despite the industry’s challenges, including a 20-29 per cent loss of fish during transportation and storage, Fishlog maximises cold-chain facilities, streamlines the supply chain, and minimises product waste.

Guided by the Accel Atoms programme, the startup successfully navigated initial obstacles, such as raising capital and hiring talent, and has since established infrastructure in 40 locations across Indonesia, built a workforce of nearly 200 employees, and launched the Fishlog Academy for talent development. Its unique business model, featuring a marketplace enabler and an inventory financing pillar, has transformed the fisheries supply chain, empowering fishermen and facilitating industry growth. Poised for international expansion, Fishlog aims to become a community-driven ecosystem enabler for the fisheries industry.

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Image Credit: Accel.

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Deeptech startups — those built on innovations in biotechnologies, robotics, quantum computing, or advanced materials — are central to solving some of our most complex societal and environmental challenges.

Despite their game-changing potential, fundraising for frontier tech entrepreneurs is still incredibly challenging. There is a logic to that.

Investors naturally gravitate to sectors where the cost of experimentation is low, independent of the sectors with the greatest need for innovation, or even where the supply of innovative ideas is the greatest.

The fundamental uncertainty of deep tech at its earliest stages hints at the financiers’ struggle to balance potential with the complexity of execution.

Despite this uncertainty, more VC funding than ever has been allocated to deep tech over the last five years. Yet in 2022, according to Crunchbase and Pitchbook, these numbers represent only a fraction of the total: 12 per cent. Excluding AI, drones, and robotics, we are down to two per cent for all other frontier tech sub-segments, including advanced materials.

This mismatch echoes the tangible impact of deep tech. In a PwC report released last year, climate tech, an overlapping applicative segment, has seen low-impact sectors in terms of GHG emissions gain much higher funding than high-impact sectors like the built environment, agricultural tech, or energy.

There is a reason for that. At its core, the modern venture capital funding model requires investing in a specific type of startup, i.e., those poised for hyper-growth, aiming at US$100+M revenue targets, and built for acquisition (note: it has not always been the case).

If a startup does not fit the model — most early-stage startups don’t — founders can either change their business plan to fit the mould or find a source of funding that better fits the business. That’s alright.

While VC money can be rocket fuel for a startup, it’s not for everyone. VC funding is the most expensive source of capital: equity is traded for cash. And at later stages, when the business is significantly re-risked, that math does not always add up in the founders’ favour.

This is especially true with capital-intensive deep tech companies, for which hardware, infrastructure, heavy industry, and manufacturing upfront capital investments are generally required.

Also Read: How to boost your pitch deck engagement with investors in 2023

Therefore, looking outside venture capital and toward the full stack of deep tech financing options is critical for science entrepreneurs, both at early and growth stages. There are different kinds of capital for different kinds of startups, and the kind of capital founders end up choosing will likely inform the business strategy — if not entirely direct how the business is run.

The cost of capital will ultimately determine the ability of a company to scale, and in deep tech specifically, capital tends to have an outsized influence earlier in the journey through growth. The capital brought on board should either be (A) cheap and/or (B) value add — most of the founders’ challenge is to figure out whether (A) or (B) are true across stages, structures, and multiple possible strategic paths.

When science entrepreneurs start working on an idea but need more clarity about the product, the commercial strategy, or the market, financing can take time and effort. Often, innovative technologies without a clear path to revenue languish due to a lack of initial funding to prove a concept.

Non-dilutive, project-based — i.e., venture debt, commercial debt, project finance — funding is typically unavailable at very early stages due to a lack of track record. It is also limited in scale and often restrictive in scope. Dilutive funding at this stage tends to be more open-ended but at a much higher cost if the idea proves viable.

The financing options available at early-stage can be boiled down to:

Philanthropic foundations, private grants, and prizes (non-dilutive)

Project-based grants or competitions offering prizes to focus research on a specific area: typically tied to pilots or milestones. This can range from no-strings-attached cash to co-branding (e.g., Omydiar Network, Gates Foundation, ClimateWorks Foundation, Minderoo Foundation, etc.).

Government grants (non-dilutive)

Public capital to support specific technologies and research activities. An empty caveat around government funding is that the cycles can be long, and the certainty expected of a proposal doesn’t always translate into the uncertainty founders have to cross to product-market-fit. Grants also tend to come with excessive reporting requirements after the grant is landed.

Crowd-funding (mostly non-dilutive)

Product-focused and outreach-based financing or capital raise hosted on a technology platform that enables access to a larger pool of potential backers who do not need to be accredited investors (e.g., Kickstarter, Fundable, Crowdfunder, etc.).

Angel investors/syndicates (dilutive)

High-net-worth individuals and founders often pool together into SPVs (group one-off deals), which are typically very network-based, low on diligence, and thesis/category driven (e.g., Green Angel Syndicate, Cambridge Angels, etc.).

Also Read: Pure ideas with no executions to prove do not attract savvy investors: Shao-Ning Huang of AngelCentral

Accelerators (mostly dilutive)

Programs offering funding and resources such as strategic partnerships, advisors, and workshops to help founders build and iterate on their thesis. Programs run the gamut from generalist accelerators like YC to frontier tech ones (e.g. Carbon13, Breakthrough Energy Fellows Program, Creative Destruction Lab, etc.).

Catalytic capital (dilutive)

Funds bringing investment rigour and process to deal with a bias toward frontier tech potential over financial returns (e.g., Breakthrough Energy Ventures, OGCI Climate Investments, etc.).

Rolling funds (dilutive)

Investment vehicles are structured like venture funds (LPs front capital so GPs can do multiple blind deals) but raised on a rolling quarterly basis, minimising the hurdle to fund launch. Typically thematically or community-focused, with similar terms to VC deals albeit mostly following and unpriced (e.g., SAFE notes)(e.g., Climate Capital, Prithvi Ventures, Footprint Coalition Ventures, etc.).

Micro-VCs (dilutive)

A handful of micro-VCs (venture funds that are < US$15–20M) increasingly specialise in niche areas and embrace frontier tech at the pre-seed stage. These specialised capital pools can be tremendously helpful to their portfolio companies in ways that strict financial backers can’t.

Specialisation helps micro-VCs get into competitive deals thanks to their expertise instead of their check size, and the provided support drives science founders to find their product-market fit faster (e.g., Creative Ventures, Embark Ventures, Streamlined Ventures, etc.).

Most science founders naturally focus on (1) and (2) over the first 12 to 24 months and progressively embrace (4) and (5) pushed by their larger community — i.e., the university, a partnering incubator or the first business advisors.

A good track record of non-dilutive funding is broadly seen as a good indicator of the relevance of new technologies to strategic business needs and signals technical competence to investors. Similarly, science-focused operating partners like specialised incubators, accelerators, or venture studios can benefit the founders in networking and building a brand.

The move to (6), (7), and (8) is more difficult for first-time founders. Pedagogy, try-and-learn strategies, outreach, and trust-building generally help them cross the Rubicon.

Capital is a positive feedback loop. The more deep tech startups will grow and succeed, the more innovative financial products will emerge to support their emergence and growth.

Deep tech entrepreneurs must be creative in how they approach their financing because navigating the rules and roles of money will help them and help carve a path for others.

Many science entrepreneurs describe a funding journey similar to a game of Russian nesting dolls to associate various sources of capital: whether from capital abundance, regulation, or market shifts, approaches relevant one day may not be the following.

As the deep tech ecosystem matures worldwide, so will the financing options available to pursue different business opportunities and paths to liquidity.

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At e27, we’re dedicated to fostering innovation by providing a platform where industry leaders can share their unique insights and expertise. Our Contributor Programme is an opportunity for passionate contributors to engage in meaningful conversations about entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation.

Join us for this week’s startup discussions, where we’ll dive into the latest trends, share insights, and explore innovative strategies to drive success in the entrepreneurial world.

Rise of generative AI in search: Exploring opportunities for APAC brands

Considering APAC’s high rate of mobile adoption, it is also worth considering how you can optimise your strategies to be mobile-first. Region-specific nuances and search best practices will be key to setting up for success in the new era of generative search.

Managing Director at NP Digital Singapore, Manuel Denoual’s article explores the impact of generative AI on the search industry, particularly in the context of digital marketing.

Generative AI’s ability to converse with users and be trained on the fly has the potential to fundamentally change the way people use and interact with search engines. Brands are already utilising search engine optimisation (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) to generate traffic and drive conversions.

The integration of generative AI with search will create new opportunities for both organic and paid search. In the APAC region, which is leading in internet penetration and mobile adoption, local search engines like Baidu and Naver are already integrating AI and offering unique opportunities for brands.

Singapore’s food services in 2023: Trends, challenges & opportunities

Even in pre-COVID-19 times, the Singapore food services industry was already contending with changes in consumer behaviour regarding preferences, taste, packaging, technological advancements, and regulations.

Engagement Executive from IndSights Research, Syuhada Subuki’s article explores the thriving food services industry in Singapore, which contributed US$5.26 billion to the GDP in 2022 and is expected to generate US$13.5 billion in 2023. Despite its growth potential, businesses face challenges such as evolving consumer preferences and the need for digital transformation.

Strategies for success include adopting robots and machines in kitchens, using ordering kiosks, and embracing eco-friendly packaging. The Singaporean government supports the industry’s digitalisation through initiatives like the Hawkers Go Digital Programme, Energy Efficiency Grant, and Productivity Solutions Grant.

Funding deeptech: Balancing potential and complexity in the search for capital

Deep tech entrepreneurs must be creative in how they approach their financing because navigating the rules and roles of money will help them and help carve a path for others.

Director at New Ventures, Pierrick Bouffaron’s article discusses the funding challenges faced by deep tech startups, which work on transformative technologies like biotech and quantum computing. Despite their potential, these startups often struggle to secure traditional VC funding due to high costs and uncertainties.

Also Read: Contributor spotlight: A roundup of this week’s startup discussions

The article suggests that deep tech entrepreneurs explore alternative financing options, including philanthropic grants, government grants, crowdfunding, and specialised investors. As the deep tech ecosystem matures, more diverse financing options are expected to become available.

Seizing opportunities: Accelerators as a strategic choice in bear markets

The relationships formed within the accelerator ecosystem, including connections with mentors, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs, continue to yield dividends long after the program concludes. In this way, accelerators offer startups not just a lifeline in challenging times but a path towards a thriving future.

CEO and Head of School at NewCampus, Will Fan’s article highlights the importance of accelerators for startups during bear markets, where traditional funding becomes scarce. Accelerators offer startups mentorship, resources, and funding in exchange for equity, providing a structured support system that helps them navigate economic uncertainty.

These programs foster innovation and adaptation by encouraging startups to explore new solutions and business models. Accelerators also mitigate risks and build resilience by guiding startups through strategic decision-making and providing access to a broad network of industry experts, investors, and potential partners.

By instilling a culture of innovation and forming lasting relationships within the accelerator ecosystem, startups are better equipped for long-term success and sustainable growth even in challenging market conditions.

Taking a six-week mental break: A personal journey

I’m recharged, rebooted, enhanced with better digital skills (more adaptable to work on the go), even more resilient, thankful for the solo time, and for helping me bring out a better version of myself!

Director at APRW, Anu Gupta, shares her experience of taking a much-needed break from work to recharge and reflect. She chose to spend five weeks alone in a small, slow-paced town while dropping off her elder daughter for an overseas summer program. The different time zone, setting working hours with the team, and focusing on their well-being allowed them to prioritise rest and avoid burnout.

During this time, she travelled light, learned to adapt to a new culture, and embraced the charm of small-town life. The trip enabled her to recharge, improve their digital skills, and become more resilient, ultimately leading to a better version of themselves.

The future of food: Tech-enabled, hyper-personalised, and sustainable

Tech will be a key enabler to achieving such food security, wellness, and sustainability goals across Asia and worldwide. Investment and innovation will advance and harness tech to shape the future of food, transforming options for food production, accessing nutrition, and how food consumption is shaped and experienced.

Founder of Cornucopia FutureScapes, Luke Tay’s article discusses how technology is transforming the food industry, with a focus on Asia-Pacific’s alternative protein startups and Singapore’s innovation in sustainable and healthy food systems. AI-driven personalised diets are expected to revolutionise food consumption, with the Personalised Nutrition industry potentially reaching SG$86.5 billion by 2040.

Climate-smart agriculture and diversified plant and animal species aim to combat climate pressures, while food delivery services are evolving to offer AI-driven personalised and sustainable options. The article emphasises the importance of collaboration between industry, governments, and consumers in creating sustainable food systems and making informed choices for personal and planetary wellness.

Balancing AI and human ingenuity: A guide to keeping your brain sharp

In an era where artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT provide instant answers, there’s growing concern that reliance on these platforms might dampen our cognitive abilities.

Creator and Host of Whats Your Story Slam, Anna Ong’s article explores the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT on cognitive abilities. She suggests balancing AI use with activities that maintain brain fitness, such as puzzles and learning new languages.

Strategies for preserving human intellect while using AI include setting boundaries for AI use, engaging in mental exercises, applying learned information, incorporating physical exercise, and partnering with AI for collaborative thinking. The article emphasises that the future should integrate AI and human intelligence for understanding, innovation, and personal growth.

Levelling the playing field: How AI can transform SME hiring

Within the recruitment industry, the reticence to adopt AI solutions has to do with risks of bias and redundancy of recruitment roles. The answer to both issues is the same: regardless of what solutions SMEs choose, recruiters won’t be replaced by AI.

Managing Director (Asia) at Employment Hero, Kevin Fitzgerald’s article discusses the challenges faced by SMEs in recruitment, including talent shortages and competition with larger firms for candidates. It suggests that AI solutions can help SMEs by streamlining the hiring process, reducing bias, and saving time and money.

Also Read: Voices of innovation: Showcasing e27’s top contributors of the week

The article addresses criticisms of AI in recruitment, emphasising that AI will not replace recruiters but will enable them to focus on higher-value tasks and scrutinise bias. AI-based solutions can address SMEs’ recruitment challenges, leading to improved talent attraction and retention.

How to manage multi-cloud complexity: A strategic guide

Multi-cloud is about accessing an ever-expanding set of innovations across clouds and acknowledging that you need the capabilities of the entire ecosystem to deliver modern IT.

Vice President & Managing Director at Dell Technologies Singapore, Andy Sim’s article highlights the growing complexity in the multi-cloud landscape, with organisations, including the Singapore government, investing heavily in various cloud environments. However, the proliferation of specialised clouds can lead to silos and hinder data and app mobility.

The article argues against a monolithic cloud approach, which limits innovation and leads to vendor lock-in. Instead, it advocates for an open ecosystem that allows interoperability and integration across different cloud solutions and services. This approach is seen as crucial for maximising the benefits of cloud computing, especially in areas like AI and automation.

Flexibility is key: How to succeed in an ever-changing startup world

As a founder, you must stay resilient, both mentally and physically. Taking care of yourself will enable you to make rational decisions and lead your team effectively.

CEO and Founder of Credolab, Peter Barcak’s article discusses his experiences and insights in navigating the ever-changing business landscape. Despite a 90 per cent drop in revenue during the pandemic, Credolab managed to secure Series A funding from GBG, an investor who saw their long-term value.

The company pivoted to new business models, introducing modules for anti-fraud insights, account takeover, and data enrichment, leading to a positive impact on revenue. The CEO’s advice to fellow entrepreneurs includes embracing adaptability, hiring talented individuals, and remaining perseverant even in the face of challenges.

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