e27 has been dedicated to nurturing a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs since its inception. Our Contributor Programme offers a platform for sharing unique insights.
As part of our newly introduced ‘Contributor Spotlight’, we shine a weekly spotlight on an outstanding contributor and dive into the vastness of their knowledge and expertise.
This episode features Jakob Rost, Founder and CEO of Ayoconnect, Southeast Asia’s leading Open Finance API platform. He is actively involved as an angel investor and advisor to early-stage startups.
A valued contributor, Rost joined our community in Q2 and has remained actively engaged, accumulating over 7,000 content views.
Rost shares his personal and professional journey in this episode of Contributor Spotlight.
The driving force
Rost’s expertise lies in fintech, digital transactions, and fundraising. He joined the e27 Contributor Programme believing in the power of knowledge-sharing, seeing it as an opportunity to give back to the community that has nurtured his growth.
“Being part of this programme enables me to share insights and learnings from my journey, hopefully inspiring others in the process,” he said candidly.
Thoughts, goals, and journey
Rost’s journey in the industry began with a deep passion for connecting people and businesses. Recognising the potential of digital platforms, he founded Ayoconnect to bridge gaps and facilitate seamless transactions.
Regarding upcoming goals, Rost aims to expand Ayoconnect’s reach throughout Indonesia, positioning it as a household name for streamlined digital transactions. On a personal level, his goal is to mentor budding entrepreneurs, guiding them through the challenges of the startup journey.
Also Read: The future of Indonesia’s payment services: 3 predictions for the advancement of direct debit
Rost observes a notable trend in finance and technology with the rapid adoption of digital payment solutions, reshaping business operations. He also highlights a surge in AI-driven innovations, enhancing user experiences and fortifying security in financial transactions.
Advice for budding thought leaders
To be an effective thought leader and contributor, Rost believes in being well-informed and concise. He emphasises the need to research thoroughly, stay updated, and practice articulating complex ideas simply.
“Embrace feedback,” he said, “as it refines your communication skills. Also, never underestimate the power of storytelling; it captivates audiences and makes your message memorable.”
Juggling too many things?
“Balancing work, contribution, and personal life is indeed a challenge. Prioritisation is key. Setting clear boundaries and delegating tasks at work allows me to focus on contributing meaningfully,” shares Rost.
Regularly reassessing priorities helps Rost maintain this balance. Personal and professional growth go hand in hand for him; continuous learning and self-reflection are his strategies for both.
Staying in the loop
“Staying updated is crucial in the fast-paced tech industry,” Rost highlights. “I rely on a diverse range of sources, from industry newsletters and blogs to attending conferences and networking events. Engaging with fellow professionals and thought leaders keeps me informed about the latest developments and emerging technologies.”
For those interested in fintech and digital transactions, Rost recommends exploring platforms such as Finovate and dedicated sections on TechCrunch. He also suggests reading books like The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen for valuable insights into disruptive innovations in the industry.
“I’d like to leave the readers with this thought: Embrace change and innovation. The tech industry evolves rapidly, presenting endless opportunities. Stay curious, stay adaptable, and never stop learning. Remember, every challenge is a chance to grow, both personally and professionally,” concluded Rost.
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Join the e27 Contributor Programme and become a valuable voice in our ecosystem.
The post Spotlighting Jakob Rost: Nurturing fintech innovation and charting a path of open finance appeared first on e27.