Productivity is a big topic for startups and startup founders. Between products to develop, investors to impress and clients to find, there is a lot to do. Pressure adds up, and day after day tasks replace each other so that the only thing we do is run after time.

As a business adviser, my job is to support CEOs week after week and to help with making sure that every resource is allocated in a way that makes sense. In a startup environment, the interesting is however that while the focus is very commonly on increasing productivity, people focus on the wrong elements.

They try to do more. They try to be everywhere. They try all they can, just in case. And they usually end up with a feeling of dissatisfaction because, well, he who goes everywhere doesn’t go anywhere.

The question which usually comes next is this one: how do we do it? And when that happens, my experience with business coaching tells me that things will as always points in one precise direction: strategic and Impact thinking (or the lack of).

In most cases, startup founders look for a quick fix, but in reality, the roots of the problem are so deep that the only way for them to become more productive is to completely review the way they approach things. Whether that’s the work they do, their methods, and their goals.

My point is very straightforward here: startup productivity is not just about trying to do more, it is about focusing on what really matters – and that usually requires to start with business basics.

Also Read: Is technology killing workspace productivity ? how to switch that around

Now, if you’re reading this article chances are that you are looking for practical tips as to what you could do, so let’s dig into the topic with three tips borrowed from business coaching and productivity methodologies.

Tip 1: Set goals

A key aspect of my job as a business adviser is to help entrepreneurs, startup CEOs and founding teams to realize that to obtain better results the starting point is always to set very clear goals.

The point probably sounds silly to you right now. And that’s fine. Like it or not, investing some time in defining precise goals is the only way to set an agenda, to implement that agenda, and to assess whether things go in the right direction every now and then. The question is, are your goals clear?

Think about it. When was the last time you took some time to write down your goals for the next three years? For next year? For the next three months? In my experience, most people never do that because they are too busy with “getting shit done”. Yet sooner or later they end-up facing issues.

Here is a fact: long-term goals give you a direction and they give you a framework for defining reasonable and assessable KPIs. It’s a bit like a GPS, in reality. Those who don’t have one can take a lot more time to get to their final destination.

In sum? My first actionable tip when it comes to startups productivity is this one: invest a little bit of time on defining what really matters. Get the direction right and define what the priorities are, the rest will be easier.

Tip 2: Reconsider the way you use time

The second startup productivity tip which comes to my mind is that startup CEOs and founding teams should reconsider the way they use time. At the end of the day, the point is not to produce quantity but to deliver on the strategic bits which really (really) matter – and that kind of re-focused focus makes a massive difference.

Look critically at your typical week agenda and see for yourself. How many hours a week do you spend on to-do lists? How many times a week do you work on admin and invoicing? How many hours a week do you spend on simply answering emails?

The point often looks silly to clients, but once they start to play along, they all realize their time is not used properly. Routines are the wrong ones, and the outcome of all the time, energy and money spent are usually the desired one.

Also Read: Scale up your productivity, scale up your business

As silly as it is, this little exercise will also make you realize that multitasking is not always productive, and in many cases, this simple realization has made an enormous difference. Just saying…

Tip 3: Allocate time and resources on strategy

My third startup productivity tip is that startup CEOs and founding teams should allocate more time and resources on strategy development.

Way too often, startups pitch great solutions which end-up soling no real problem, which means that from the beginning their work has not been productive. Yes, they have done a lot (and effectively produced a lot), but if the results don’t create value what is the productivity gain?

The logic is simple here. Productivity is a matter of organizing yourself to reach qualitative benchmarks and milestones, beyond just quantity. Hence, your ability to allocate some times to figure out what works and what doesn’t work from a strategic perspective is key.

Hence the third actionable tip here is this one: invest three hours a week discussing your Impact 101 strategy with your co-founders or with a trusted adviser of your liking, and make sure that everything you do actually makes sense from a long-term perspective.

Or, said differently, make sure that everything you do now gets you closer to the goals you have defined for the next year and for the next three years. It’s as simple as that, really.

Bottom line: Realize that startup productivity isn’t about quantity

These 3 tips are actionable, and in my experience,  have a major impact on those who work on them. Give it a try and see for yourself.

We always say that ultimately Business Karma will decide, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t work on influencing what comes next. Right?

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Image Credit: Isaac Smith

This post was first published on December 3, 2019

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Once upon a time, there was an over-enthusiastic startup founder who had a massive amount of fuel of burning passion and desire to do something big. The fire was so intense that the “individual” approached multiple investors with few showing interests but yet not failing to give up.

Every day, the startup founder would listen to “Whatever it takes” by Imagine Dragons or “Remember the name” by Fort Minor, both of which are extremely motivational music while trying to get on board and get rejected by “possible” employees left and right.

Despite making a fool of himself/herself with investors and other people, when they asked for the business model or in other words “ how will you make money? The competition is massive”, everything else was just perfect!

Then after a few years, that startup lost more money than it would ever make.

That hilarious startup founder was me.

During my years in university, I was a bored but very enthusiastic individual. Without having any knowledge about mobile apps (or how the world works), I jumped into planning the launch of the most perfect mobile app the industry had ever known.

Also Read: Why trust is the biggest barrier to entrepreneurship and innovation

A recipe for the perfect disaster, some would say. Yet I would not trade the experience for a million dollars.

Here are the 3 things I learnt from my failure that I would like to share with every aspiring entrepreneur.

1. Anger management

Anger has many forms. It is not limited to an angry face or a series of rants. It can be frustration; it can be silence or it can be a sharp mouth; it can be anything.

As an entrepreneur, it is incredibly important to remain calm, no matter how tough the circumstances are. Anger only distorts perception and moves focus away from the bigger picture.

If you are someone who is constantly angry and gets easily frustrated, do not be an entrepreneur.

Really, being a successful entrepreneur requires tremendous patience and calmness.

Because of lack of anger management, I managed to lose the trust of the few people who decided to join me. I was quick to jump into conclusions and lose the trust of the people who were loyal to the idea.

2. Lack of knowledge

If you want to start a mobile app company, know everything about mobile apps. If you don’t think that you know enough, then get a co-founder who does. This rule applies to all fields.

Also Read:Digital entertainment startup POPS Worldwide snags US$30M in funding, launching its free premium content apps

I had little knowledge about apps. Therefore, when developers faced problems, I would not know how to advise them or suggest them solutions –which made me look like a fool. The mobile app took longer than ever to build.

If you do not know the ins-and-outs of the business you are trying to get into, never do it simply for the money or any other reason that you may have. It will only end badly. If you do not believe me, read about Facebook. If the guys only knew how to code and programme, they could have done it themselves without the help of Mark Zuckerberg. They lacked the knowledge and it clearly did not end well for them.

Some will say, “No, you simply need to learn how to judge people right. You don’t need to know everything. Hire smart people.”

To them, I would say, “If I had enough money, yes, I would hire the right people. But you do not have this privilege when you are starting from scratch.”

3. Having a good business model

My business model was “ads”, that’s all the mind of a 19-year-old could contemplate at that time.

Some would say that it was because due to the influence of media and the digital age, and I’m not going to argue about it.

Also Read: New Antler-NUS initiative to nurture deeptech talents, to invest in 30 startups annually

But it is important to know how you will generate cash and how much money you will spend on your business. It is a simple point but its really about organising and good money management. If you do not have a good business model, you will end up like me, or even worse.

Conclusion

Eventually, I decided that I did not have the right self-awareness to become an entrepreneur. I decided to grow emotionally and spiritually before I began my next quest.

Personal development is very important for founders, as some say that founders are the new generation of “kings/queens waiting to expand their empire.”

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Image Credit: Element5 Digital on Unsplash

This post was first published on November 10, 2019

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The power of social media nowadays is incredibly useful when it comes to your business. You can easily reach and connect with like-minded people. 

Many users rely on social media for entertainment, building relationships and for useful information. Social media could really help your business grow; use these 6 tips to make sure your business is using social media effectively.

1. Always be consistent

If you haven’t known already, social media never sleeps – it’s an ongoing matter, 24 hours, 7 days a week; therefore it’s essential you keep consistency in mind. Start off by making a plan on what you are posting, how often you’re going to post and what’s the best time to post on social media, and stick with it.

Also read: A guide to wading through the organic reach demise on social media

You should ideally be posting at least 2 to 3 times a day, depending on your goals and your following. You can’t get away with posting 5 times a day to once a week – you will surely see a decrease in followers with no engagement.

2. Utilise Hashtags

When posting on pages like Instagram or Twitter; don’t forget to hashtag. Hashtags are a great way to reach like-minded people who are also using the same hashtag.

You can mix it up with generic and popular hashtags, but you should also include hashtags that are more specific to your niche. You can easily research this on Google, read hashtag guides or even on Instagram to figure out what hashtags you should be using.

3. Engage with Your Audience

Don’t just sit there, post content and expect to get it in return. Social media is a two-way street; you have to do the work to receive results back.

Not only should you be responding to comments on your page but another great way to approach this is to ask your customers to share their thoughts, questions, and ideas to get to know them better the next time you Tweet, or update your status. Open-ended questions definitely are a great start to see some conversation flowing.

4. Be personable and transparent

Social media is a great way to connect with your customers, so don’t be afraid to show some personality. It can get pretty boring just seeing generic “picture-perfect” posts daily; switch it up by showing behind-the-scenes shots or even just by responding to comments you receive on your page – this all just shows how approachable, genuine and trustworthy you are as a brand and can drive in more customers.

5. Make sure your content aligns with your message

Sit down and actually brainstorm and plan what content you will be posting – it’s absolutely necessary to make sure everything fits within your brand identity.

Also read: Growing traffic through social media marketing for small business owners

For instance, if you’re a small interior design brand, you might want to start posting content for not only the products you sell but also content related to interior design. It’s important to match your brand identity in order to achieve promoting what it is that you’re trying to say to the world.

6. Host facebook lives or utilise video

Video marketing is significantly becoming popular in recent years – it’s a way to connect with your audience in real-time. Many social media platforms include video now so it’s time to take full use of it.

Start by posting fun and personable videos on your Instagram stories or let your followers know about a Facebook Live you may be hosting related to your brand – such as a live interview or talking about interesting and educational topics. 

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Editor’s note: e27 publishes relevant guest contributions from the community. Share your honest opinions and expert knowledge by submitting your content here.

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Image Credit: S O C I A L . C U T

This post was first published on October 30, 2019

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SIT’s Sustainable Built Environment degree programme students at the HVAC Lab at SIT@Dover. (SIT Photo: Andrew A.)

In recent years, sustainable development and sustainability have become increasingly significant components in universities’ degree programmes and curricula. With the impacts of accelerating climate change and the move to advance the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the year 2030, our educational landscape has set the trajectory for our young people to take the lead in co-creating solutions for a better world. 

With the push of the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and various industry regulations, such as the increasing carbon tax, there is a greater demand for knowledge and skill sets in environmental sustainability within the workforce. Southeast Asia could have as many as 30 million sustainability-linked jobs by 2030, with the region’s green economy projected to provide up to US$1 trillion (S$1.36 trillion) in annual economic opportunities. However, the challenge is getting the right talent for these green jobs, given the fledgling nature of the environmental impact, social issues, and corporate governance (ESG) industry in Singapore.

The number of job seekers who aspire to enter the green economy has grown disproportionately, resulting in a significant skill shortage. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a comprehensive approach, especially in education, tracking, and standardisation, to address environmental sustainability needs. 

To equip students and the existing workforce with relevant skills for the green economy, educational institutions are increasingly integrating sustainability principles into their curricula, utilising experiential learning and digital platforms, and collaborating with institutions and businesses to develop practical training programmes. 

Driving sustainable development with SIT

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) catalyses sustainable development in Singapore and beyond by producing skilled professionals equipped to tackle contemporary sustainability challenges. Its mission revolves around integrating academia with industry, fostering applied learning, and cultivating a sustainability mindset. With this ethos in mind, SIT embraces transformative education and empowers students to contribute to sustainable solutions.

Associate Professor Ethan Chong, Head of Sustainability for Education and Research at SIT (standing), giving a class on Introduction to Sustainability Reporting. (Photo: Ethan Chong)

Baseline sustainability education is compulsory for all undergraduates in SIT and joint degree programmes. This micro-module introduces students to key sustainability concepts, including the definition, importance, multi-disciplinary nature and actions of sustainable development.  Students learn about the key challenges in Singapore and hear from industry insiders sharing their experiences and industry needs on sustainability.

Sci. Dpl. Glenn S. Banaguas, renowned scientist, diplomat, and one of the leading experts on environment, climate change, and disaster risks in Asia, sharing his experience on Sustainability with SIT students. (Photo: Yeap Lay Huay)

“The roles of education, apart from delivering it, include the curation of a structure of knowledge and skill sets that can be segmented and packaged to accurately meet the different areas and levels of needs on the ground,” shared Associate Professor Ethan Chong, Head of Sustainability for Education and Research at SIT.

A/Prof Chong added, “SIT is working on this, and developing courses based on a structure. Academia plays the role of connecting research and practice, and this connection is important in developing the structure. The outcome is ideally a set of sustainability curriculum that is rigorous and practical.”

Also read: The first 27 key innovation leaders who will speak at Echelon X

To allow students to gain hands-on experience, SIT works with partners such as ENGIE and Singapore Power to train sustainability talents. For instance, the district cooling system facility within SIT’s new Punggol Campus, designed and built by ENGIE, will be a teaching and training ground for students to learn about the district cooling system and aspects of maintenance and energy efficiency in real-world conditions.

Through SIT’s collaboration with Singapore Power, faculty from the Electrical Power Engineering programme will train students on smart grid technologies by leveraging the Multi-Energy Microgrid. They can pick up much-needed skill sets such as data-driven optimisation, district cooling system decarbonisation and predictive maintenance learning, and conceptualisation of distributed energy systems.

“More than before, companies need to consider new sustainability-related factors in making decisions and choices. Sustainable development education and training should not only be about the teaching of theories and case examples. It should also cover the application aspects.  SIT aims to bridge the gap between classroom and industry so that learners may find what they have learned useful for their workplace,” explained A/Prof Chong.

Enhancing sustainability-focused education

To help tackle sustainability competency issues, SIT offers several programmes. These include the Specialist Certificate in Environmental Sustainability Measurement and Management, a Continuing Education and Training (CET) course for working professionals. The 12-month course covers measuring, managing and reporting techniques and guides learners in their respective sustainability-related tasks at work. 

Climate change currently affects many aspects of people’s lives and offers many challenges as well as professional opportunities. To develop sustainably, an articulation of the definition and measurement of sustainability is required to track and implement solutions. Hence, this certification course introduces the quantification of sustainable development with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.

Measurement methods including carbon accounting, life cycle assessment, and management approaches such as circular economy modelling are covered. Since greenwashing is a potential reputational risk for many organisations, the programme helps organisations articulate and report credibly, meeting sustainability reporting standards and frameworks and measuring progress to manage sustainability initiatives.

A/Prof Chong said, “In our CET courses, we often use learners’ actual work problems and cases. This is so they can almost immediately apply their sustainability knowledge and skill sets learned during the courses.”

Learners who use these skill sets over time in the industry can develop into sustainability professionals in their respective sectors and progress in their careers. The inaugural intake of the Specialist Certificate starts in May 2024.

Industry-focused sustainability education

In anticipation of the transformation in the agri-food sector and the growing global demand for green talent, SIT is also launching an Agritech and Aquaculture Specialisation in its Sustainable Built Environment (SBE) degree programme in the academic year 2024.

With growing emphasis on food security, farms in Singapore are increasingly focused on technological improvements to sustainably boost productivity in urban farming and aquaculture. The new specialisation will cover a wide range of topics, including agritech systems and aquaculture economics, aiming to train learners in this field of study holistically. Graduates can expect employment opportunities across various sectors, including agri-food, aquaculture, marine research, and government sectors.

Also read: How data can be used to empower mental healthcare in Asia

Associate Professor An Hui, Programme Leader for the SBE degree programme, shared, “The Agritech and Aquaculture industries play crucial roles in addressing global challenges related to environmental sustainability and food security. Smart farming technologies enable better management of resources, leading to increased efficiency in land use, water consumption, and energy use. This contributes to sustainability by minimising waste and environmental degradation.”

Associate Professor An Hui, Programme Leader for the SBE degree programme (far left), shared about the setup of the Urban-Metabolic Farming-Module, a novel farming method that utilises unused spaces to grow vegetables, to visitors at SIT@Dover. (Photo: Lim Wei Jun)

With this new specialisation, the SBE degree programme will have three distinct specialisation baskets — Integrated Facilities Management, Green Building Design, and Agritech and Aquaculture. The SBE programme focuses on nurturing mechanical engineers to be competent in solving complex engineering issues in the Built Environment with critical thinking and skill sets in Sustainability and Integrated Digital Technologies.

“As the world and Singapore focus on achieving the target of the sustainability movement, the new specialisation in Agritech and Aquaculture, the emphasis on sustainable practices, technological innovation, and responsible resource management aligns with the broader goals of the SDGs. These specialisations contribute to developing resilient and sustainable food systems while addressing environmental, social, and economic dimensions of global development,” A/Prof An added.

The increasingly important role of education in sustainable development

The role of education, exemplified by SIT, is pivotal in shaping a sustainable future. As we navigate intricate environmental challenges, education serves as the cornerstone for fostering awareness, innovation, and a collective commitment to sustainability. SIT’s dedication to instilling a sustainability ethos and promoting applied learning underscores the transformative power of education in creating a sustainable future.

Also read: Nagoya University transforming from Singapore beyond Six Nobel Laureates

“Education of sustainable development is evolving and maturing as we speak. We must be agile to account for new scientific findings, policies, technologies, and the changing job landscape. It is also important to learn and collaborate across national and institutional boundaries. Singapore values collaboration, and I believe that we can do more together,” shared A/Prof Chong.

Learn more about SIT’s initiatives in Sustainability Talent Development.

This article first appeared on e27.

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This article is produced by the e27 team, sponsored by the Singapore Institute of Technology

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The Dolbomdream team with Founder and CEO Kim Jihun (front row, centre)

South Korean startup Dolbomdream, which develops IoT-powered hugging vests, has secured undisclosed seed funding from Quest Ventures.

The company will use the funds for Southeast Asia expansion.

Kim Jihun, CEO of Dolbomdream, said, “Our collaboration with Quest Ventures is crucial in solidifying our expansion plans in Southeast Asia, which include building our network with local partners and conducting pilot tests to ensure the successful integration of their products in the regional market.”

Also Read: Achieving a sustainable future by harnessing IoT and data

DolbomDream develops smart HUGgy vests that incorporate research-backed Deep Touch Pressure technology to simulate the effect of hugs on wearers to provide psychological comfort to its wearers. The vests analyse wearers’ biometric data to give caregivers real-time analysis of their psychological status through an app, which can also activate the vest.

The target customers include special needs individuals, seniors, sleep disorder patients, and anyone who might benefit from the therapeutic power of a hug.

The product is particularly beneficial for special needs individuals with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), who frequently grapple with heightened stress levels in their daily lives.

The vest also features non-contact biometric sensors that measure the wearer’s heart rate and other biometric data. The data is relayed to caregivers through a dedicated app, who obtain a real-time analysis of the wearer’s psychological condition. The app can also be used to activate the vest remotely.

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X marks Echelon. Join us at Singapore EXPO on May 15-16 for the 10th edition of Asia’s leading tech and startup conference. Enjoy 2 days of building connections with potential investors, partners, and customers, exploring innovation, and sharing insights with 8,000+ key decision-makers of Asia’s tech ecosystem. Get your tickets here.

Want more from your Echelon experience? Be an Echelon X sponsor or exhibitor. Send enquiry here.

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In the dynamic world of startups and venture capital, understanding cap tables is crucial for both entrepreneurs and investors. A cap table, short for capitalisation table, serves as a comprehensive record of a company’s equity ownership structure. It details who owns shares in the company, the different types of shares issued, and the respective ownership percentages.

A cap table is essentially a snapshot of a company’s ownership at a specific point in time. It outlines the distribution of shares among founders, investors, employees, and any other stakeholders who hold equity in the company. This information is critical for making informed decisions about fundraising, equity dilution, and overall company valuation.

Key components of a cap table

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The truth is the future of work is evolving faster than traditional education. This is where technology can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of learning supporting our education ecosystem. Our work at SolveEducation! has been part of this revolution, leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform the way education is delivered and experienced. Our journey with AI has been both challenging and rewarding as we strive to make learning more accessible, personalised, and effective. 

AI seems to be overhyped right now, but we need to remember AI and technology are enablers. It is how we use AI that makes it meaningful. Here are some of our learnings and practical use cases, I hope they are helpful to you.

AI for content creation

One of the primary ways we utilise AI is in content creation. The educational landscape is dynamic, with new information and skills constantly emerging. To keep pace, we employ AI algorithms that help us create learning modules that are not only timely but also relevant to our learners’ needs. This agility ensures that our content remains up-to-date and resonates with the learners’ current interests and requirements.

AI for mass customisation and auto content generation

At the heart of our AI implementation is the mass customisation of the learning experience. We understand that each learner is unique, with different preferences, learning speeds, and levels of understanding.

Our AI algorithms analyse individual learner data to generate content that is tailored to their specific needs. This personalised approach ensures that learners receive the right content at the right time, at a difficulty level that optimises their learning potential.

AI for feedback

Feedback is a crucial component of effective learning. In language learning, our AI-driven tools assist in teaching speaking and pronunciation, providing immediate and accurate feedback to learners. This real-time feedback helps learners quickly correct their mistakes and improve their language skills.

Also Read: Web3’s guardian: AI stands watch against the dark side of decentralisation

Similarly, in STEM subjects, AI is employed to provide constructive feedback when learners make errors, guiding them towards a better understanding of the concepts.

AI for engagement

This is a new frontier for us. Engagement is key to maintaining learners’ interest and motivation. Our AI-powered platforms engage learners in a conversation flow, simulating a one-on-one interaction with a dedicated teacher. This personalised experience fosters a sense of connection and support, encouraging learners to stay engaged and committed to their learning journey.

Navigating the AI landscape

Implementing AI in education is not without its challenges. Ensuring AI ethics, maintaining the quality of AI-generated content, and addressing the digital divide are some of the hurdles we face. However, the successes outweigh the challenges. We have witnessed significant improvements in learning outcomes, increased engagement rates, and a positive impact on learners’ confidence and motivation.

Shaping the future of education with AI

At SolveEducation!, we are dedicated to leveraging AI to make education more accessible, personalised, and effective. Our journey with AI is ongoing, and we are constantly exploring new ways to harness its potential to enhance the learning experience. As we continue to navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities, we remain committed to our mission of empowering learners through innovative and impactful educational solutions.

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Visit Echelon X to learn more about the program. Get your tickets here!

Knowledge sharing among key stakeholders is paramount to today’s increasingly digital world, particularly in the realm of disruptive emerging technologies. With all the exciting new things cropping up from across the digital landscape, staying abreast of these advancements is crucial for empowering startups and driving innovation. By fostering an environment where insights are freely exchanged, organisations can harness the collective expertise of the broader tech ecosystem to navigate the complexities of new technologies effectively.

This collaborative approach not only accelerates the adoption of innovative solutions but also facilitates the identification of potential challenges and opportunities. Furthermore, sharing knowledge enables stakeholders to leverage each other’s experiences, thereby enabling organisations to minimise risks and maximise the benefits associated with implementing such disruptive technologies.

Ultimately, creating opportunities for dialogue and collaboration not only empowers stakeholders with the tools they need to thrive in the present but also lays the foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future.

How Echelon X aims to bridge the knowledge gap in the SEA tech ecosystem

At the heart of e27’s mission lies a dedication to bridging the Southeast Asia tech startup ecosystem by facilitating the exchange of knowledge, insights, and opportunities.

Happening on May 15 to 16 at the Singapore EXPO, Echelon X serves as a catalyst for connectivity among diverse stakeholders, particularly startup founders, innovators, investors, government agencies, and tech enthusiasts, among others. Echelon X serves as a gathering of industry leaders that encapsulates a vibrant ecosystem where ideas converge, collaborations flourish, and innovation thrives.

Also read: The first 27 key innovation leaders who will speak at Echelon X

By bringing together key players from across Southeast Asia, Echelon X provides a platform for networking, learning, and collaboration essential for driving the region’s tech startup landscape forward.

Through a series of curated sessions, workshops, panel discussions, fireside chats, keynotes, and networking events at Echelon X, participants have the opportunity to forge meaningful connections, explore potential partnerships, and access resources vital for their growth and success, particularly regarding the latest trends, best practices, and emerging opportunities within the tech startup space. 

Future Stage: A key highlight at Echelon X

With a steadfast commitment to fostering innovation and driving meaningful conversations within the tech startup ecosystem, Echelon X proudly introduces the Future Stage, a dedicated platform aimed at exploring radical technologies poised to shape the future.

At the forefront of this initiative are frontier technologies that stand at the intersection of radical scientific breakthroughs and real-world implementation, including artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and more.

The Future Stage will spotlight disruptive technologies such as AI as a pivotal disruptive force, ushering in a new era of growth and profitability across industries. Sessions on AI will delve into its applications such as talent development, skill training, and its transformative potential across various sectors in ways that can unlock sustainable growth for all.

Also read: The first 26 trailblazing startups of the TOP100 Growth Program 2024

Moreover, the Future Stage at Echelon X will shine a spotlight on new and emerging sectors in Southeast Asia that harness current technologies to their fullest potential. For instance, discussions on agritech will highlight how startups in the region are revolutionising agricultural practices to enhance sustainability and productivity, thus paving the way for a greener future. Similarly, sessions on healthtech will delve into the burgeoning healthcare ecosystem in Southeast Asia, uncovering opportunities for innovation and collaboration along the value chain.

In addition to exploring specific sectors, the Future Stage will delve into the development of digital landscapes such as Web3, offering insights into decentralised technologies and their implications for the future of business and society. Through thought-provoking discussions and presentations, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how these technologies are reshaping industries, driving innovation, and creating new opportunities for startups and investors alike.

From cybersecurity to fintech, the Future Stage promises to be a dynamic platform where participants can explore the forefront of technological innovation and envision the possibilities for a brighter future.

Join us at Echelon X!

Echelon X embodies e27’s commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive ecosystem that empowers startups to thrive, investors to find promising opportunities, and stakeholders to contribute to the region’s overall growth.

Get ready for the ultimate tech and innovation conference as Echelon X kicks off on May 15th and 16th, 2024, at the Singapore EXPO. This dynamic event will bring together industry leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and groundbreaking startups from all corners of the region for two packed days.

Also read: Unlocking the full Echelon X experience through customised ticketing options

Whether you’re eager to expand your knowledge, network with key players from the tech startup scene, or showcase your innovative ideas, Echelon X offers an unparalleled experience. Join us as a participant or an official partner by securing your spot now on our official page. Together, let’s embark on a journey to shape the future and create a lasting impact.

Join us at Echelon 2024, where innovation knows no limits, and the possibilities are boundless!

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Dear reader,

Southeast Asian tech giant Grab has achieved a significant milestone, recording its first-ever quarterly profit of US$11 million in Q4 2023. This remarkable turnaround from a US$391 million loss in the same period last year reflects improved financial performance across various metrics.

The company attributes its success to factors like positive adjusted EBITDA, reduced expenses, and robust financials. This newfound confidence is further evidenced by its announcement of a US$500 million share buyback program, a move typically indicative of optimism in future stock performance.

Grab’s revenue also experienced significant growth, rising 30% year-on-year to US$653 million in Q4 2023. This growth was driven by strong performance across all segments, with deliveries and mobility remaining the key revenue generators.

Despite these positive developments, Grab continues to face regulatory scrutiny, particularly regarding potential monopoly concerns. The recent review of its proposed acquisition of Trans-Cab by Singaporean authorities exemplifies these challenges.

While the future holds uncertainties, Grab’s recent achievements and strategic decisions suggest a company on a positive trajectory. Its ability to navigate regulatory hurdles and maintain financial momentum will be crucial for its continued success in the competitive Southeast Asian tech landscape.

Sainul,
Editor.

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NEWS ARTICLES

Grab reports profitable Q4, to buy back shares
The super app posted US$11M in profit for the December 2023 quarter; This is an improvement from a loss of US$391M in Q4 2022; Its board has approved an up to US$500M share repurchase plan for its class A ordinary shares.

Aptar Digital acquires Singapore-based Healint
Healint is a health tech company known for its virtual clinical studies, real-world evidence, and patient registry; Healint’s ability to conduct clinical studies complements Aptar’s solutions to provide additional value to pharmaceutical customers.

Singapore fintech startup Xalts acquires Contour Network
The initial focus for Xalts will be embedded solutions for trade and supply chain finance; These will enable banks, logistics companies and technology companies to offer integrated solutions to businesses using a single platform.

UNOAsia secures US$32.1M to provide digital banking services in Philippines
Investors include Gateway Partners, Creador Private Equity, and Nextinfinity Management; UNO Digital Bank is a full-spectrum credit-led digital bank which can be used to save, borrow, transact, invest, and protect money.

VinFast almost doubles revenue in 2023, aims to deliver 100K EVs in 2024
The EV maker reported US$437M in revenue for Q4 2023; This brings its total revenue for FY ending December 31, 2023 to US$1.2B – a 91% boost from a year ago.

VinFast to soon begin construction of US$500M EV factory in India
The factory aims to become a regional production hub, churning out up to 150,000 EVs annually; It plans to export EVs to South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and the project is expected to generate 3,500 jobs.

Wavemaker Partners eyes US$150M raise for next fund
TiA sources said the VC firm has reportedly secured commitments of around US$100M so far, and it intends to raise the remaining US$50M within the next couple of quarters.

TikTok Shop still violates local regulations, Indonesia minister says
The Minister of Cooperatives and SMEs Teten Masduki said that TikTok Shop still allows direct transactions on social media; Although Tokopedia now handles transactions on TikTok Shop, users can still make direct purchases through the latter’s platform.

YuuZoo’s ex-CEO James Somasundram charged for misleading financial reports
Meanwhile, Thomas Zilliacus, who was CEO and chairman of YuuZoo at the time of the alleged offenses, is also facing an arrest warrant; Founded in 2008, YuuZoo’s platform combined social networking, e-commerce, gaming, and online payments.

Jack Ma’s wife reportedly buys 3 shophouses in Singapore
The shophouses cover a land area of 3,239 square feet and are currently being refurbished; The Urban Redevelopment Authority has approved the renovation, which will convert the ground floor for restaurant use and the upper floors into office space.

Indonesia to require Google, Meta to compensate news publishers
The Publisher Rights decree stipulates that digital platforms are responsible for maintaining a healthy news publishing business; They can include designing a news distribution algorithm that supports quality journalism as well as partnering with news publishers.

Helicap, Bank Danamon to support Indonesia’s alternative lending industry
Beyond capital infusion, the deal envisions a supportive and innovative funding ecosystem catering to the debt financing needs of non-bank firms at every stage of their growth journey, from seed funding to IPO.

Singapore’s AI startup Transparently secures US$3M pre-Series A
Investors are Franklin Templeton and Move Asset Management; Transparently.AI detects accounting red flags and measures the likelihood and extent to which a company manipulates its accounts.

Prefer scores US$2M funding to take its bean-free coffee brand to Philippines
Investors include Forge Ventures, 500 Global, A*ccelerate, and Better Bite Ventures; Prefer will invest in growing the capacity of its production facility and expanding its ground coffee and ready-to-drink bottled beverages across APAC.

Uber to explore travel ticketing with India’s open commerce network
The ride-hailing giant said Thursday that it will explore an integration with Open Network for Digital Commerce to explore integrations with the network and expand range of its mobility offerings on the Uber app.

Google to pause Gemini AI model’s image generation of people due to inaccuracies
Google started offering image generation through its Gemini AI models earlier this month, but over the past few days some users on social media had flagged that the model returns historical images which are sometimes inaccurate.

Atome CEO David Chen steps down to join GoTo Financial as consumer lending head
While transitioning to GoTo, Chen will retain his co-founder role at Atome’s parent company, Advance Intelligence Group, and remain Chairman of Atome Financial.

Quest Ventures backs IoT hugging vest maker Dolbomdream
The company will use the funds for Southeast Asia expansion; DolbomDream develops smart HUGgy vests that incorporate research-backed Deep Touch Pressure technology to simulate the effect of hugs on wearers.

Delivery Hero ends talks on potential sale of Foodpanda
While Delivery Hero has not disclosed the identity of its negotiating counterpart, Grab was reportedly the suitor; Earlier this month, Delivery Hero had denied rumors that talks with Grab had fallen through.

Aerodyne, DroneDash partner for cross-border delivery services between SG, MY
The service is designed for critical deliveries such as urgent documents, high-value electronics, medical supplies, and perishable foods; The drones can carry up to 30 kilograms and achieve 150 km/h speeds within a four-hour flight.

ECHELON 2024

The first 27 key innovation leaders who will speak at Echelon X
Get to know the first set of industry leaders who will be taking the Echelon X stage to discuss trends on the latest innovations.

The first 26 trailblazing startups of the TOP100 Growth Program 2024
From cybersecurity to pet tech, TOP100’s diverse group of startups promises to leave a lasting mark on the SEA startup landscape.

FEATURES & INTERVIEWS

How The Radical Fund discovers, backs, spearheads climate-resilient ventures in SEA
The Radical Fund CEO Alina Truhina outlines the rigorous criteria used to select founders and ventures, emphasising a tailored, hands-on approach post-investment.

Climate change and gender equality: How to support underfunded women-owned business
While there is a distinct relationship between gender inequality and climate change, investment mandates rarely combine both of these lenses.

How AI Palette wants to help CPG companies develop products faster and easier with AI
CPG has been lagging in AI adoption compared to other industries such as fintech. AI Palette wants to change that.

iFLYTEK exec on why SEA is crucial for the development of global AI landscape
With the rise of AI, Southeast Asia faces important ethical and policy considerations that have implications beyond the region.

CONTRIBUTORY POSTS

Riding the affluence surge: How Generative AI can power growth in financial advisory
Banks in SEA are starting to roll out Generative AI tools, starting with internal ‘co-pilots’ like virtual assistants to improve productivity.

Small business, big impact: How AI is democratising entrepreneurship
While leaders in large corporations may emphasise similar AI advantages, what sets SMBs apart is their distinct approach to incorporating AI into their business journey.

From threat to transparency: Inside Cloudflare’s response to a holiday breach
Cloudflare’s transparent communication and proactive approach to addressing the breach deserve commendation.

Asia’s fintech frontier: Strategising the race to crown the next financial innovation capital
Competition in Asia’s fintech sector intensifies, highlighted by the dominance of the region’s megacities in global fintech rankings.

The syndicate playbook: Your roadmap to investing in startups like a pro
The success of your syndicate hinges on cohesion, trust, and a shared commitment to nurturing entrepreneurial dreams.

Web3’s guardian: AI stands watch against the dark side of decentralisation
AI has been advancing at an unprecedented pace, and with time, it has marked its place in the broader Web3 sector.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

5 things that will make you be remembered as a leader who mattered
The best bosses go beyond and thoughtfully plan out and deliver insightful, actionable, even brave, feedback; It takes time, careful observation, and for the giver of the feedback to be caring enough about you to get the feedback spot-on and deliver it in a way you can hear it.

3 simple and valuable tips for startup productivity
CEOs and founding teams should reconsider the way they use time; At the end of the day, the point is not to produce quantity but to deliver on the strategic bits which really matter – and that kind of re-focused focus makes a massive difference.

5 growth hacking tips you must consider for your business
The only way to grow your business is to have more people use or talk about your products and services and that can only happen when you whole-heartedly meet up with the needs and preferences of your targeted market/audience.

The art of tackling procrastination: what you must know before you fail to complete any task
The first step to stopping procrastination is to actively ask yourself why you’re doing it; It doesn’t matter if it’s an assignment you’ve been putting off for weeks, or you’re avoiding researching it online; There has to be a reason why you’re avoiding doing the task at hand.

7 common legal pitfalls startup founders should avoid
Be wary of short-form term sheets that appear to leave all the key issues to the long-form transaction documents; Whilst you’ll probably sign this kind of term sheet quickly – the likelihood is you are simply delaying the real discussions until later.

5 growth hacking tips your business can never go without
The only way to grow your business is to have more people use or talk about your products and services and that can only happen when you whole-heartedly meet up with the needs and preferences of your targeted market/audience.

CONTRIBUTION SPOTLIGHT

David Kim: Championing entrepreneurs, shaping the future of innovation
Explore Kim’s pivot from banking boardrooms to global podcasting, where he empowers the next generation of entrepreneurs.

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X marks Echelon. Join us at Singapore EXPO on May 15-16 for the 10th edition of Asia’s leading tech and startup conference. Enjoy 2 days of building connections with potential investors, partners, and customers, exploring innovation, and sharing insights with 8,000+ key decision-makers of Asia’s tech ecosystem. Get your tickets here.

Want more from your Echelon experience? Be an Echelon X sponsor or exhibitor. Send enquiry here.

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