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Ecosystem Roundup: Flash Coffee looking for a turnaround | Google working on AI that can hear signs of sickness

Dear reader,

Flash Coffee, a tech-enabled coffee chain, has appointed former Foodpanda CEO Jakob Angele as its executive chairman to steer the company towards profitability.

After a period of rapid expansion across Asia Pacific, the company has scaled back significantly, liquidating its operations in Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea, leaving it with just 67 stores in Indonesia.

Despite this contraction, Angele is optimistic, noting that most of the remaining outlets are EBITDA-positive. The company has focused on fine-tuning its cost structure and revamping its menu, with 63% of drinks being new offerings tailored to Indonesian tastes.

This strategic shift, coupled with enhanced seating options, has improved offline business performance. Angele, who shares a professional history with Flash Coffee’s founder, believes the brand is well-positioned in Indonesia’s competitive market, offering quality at a medium to high price point.

The company plans to open five to ten new stores in Indonesia this year, with no immediate plans for international expansion. Confident in the potential of the Indonesian market, Angele envisions Flash Coffee expanding to 300-400 outlets domestically while maintaining profitability.

Sainul,
Editor.

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NEWS & VIEWS

Flash Coffee taps ex-Foodpanda CEO in turnaround bid
The tech-enabled coffee chain has hired Jakob Angele as its executive chairman in a bid to hit profitability; Flash Coffee liquidated its operations in Singapore last October, while it sold its Thai business the following month.

Google is working on AI that can hear signs of sickness
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Validus secures up to US$50M from HSBC to support Indonesian MSMEs
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Malaysia’s Kenanga Group acquires 8% stake in Singaporean fintech firm Helicap
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Helicap is a platform that specialises in the alternative lending space in Southeast Asia.

Customers of WazirX unlikely to recover full funds
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OKX Singapore gets payment nod from MAS, taps ex-Grab exec as CEO
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Uber drives deeper into South Korea to take on Kakao Mobility
Currently, Korea’s ride-hailing industry is dominated by Kakao Taxi, Kakao Mobility’s consumer service, with more than 23 million registered users and a 98% market share.

Singapore’s GIC acquires logistics facility in Yokohama, Japan
The asset is well-located within the Kanagawa Prefecture and enjoys convenient access to the entire Greater Tokyo region; The facility was developed by Daiwa House Industry, a Japanese real estate developer.

Protégé Ventures invests in rocket propulsion, space launch startup ESS
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FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

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THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

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Revolutionising sourcing and procurement with AI: Sourcefy’s vision
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Australia, traditionally known for its strengths in finance, mining, energy, and agriculture, also excels in the technology sector.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

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