Inclusion and diversity is an interesting yet polarising topic — one that’s very close to my heart. Let me be clear upfront: this piece is not a research article with data studies and market facts about I&D boosting business performance.

Rather, it’s a true reflection of how I’ve been personally lifted by women in my life — celebrating them and what I can give back, not from a transactional perspective, but because it’s the best we can do as human beings.

As a Malaysian-Australian who grew up in Brisbane and worked in the coal mines (yes, actual coal mines!), I’ve experienced my fair share of both ignorant and casual racism. Beyond race and gender (which I honestly believe many corporates still get wrong), I truly believe inclusion should extend to what you study, your background, and your ultimate will to achieve something meaningful.

Anyways, it’s March — Women’s History Month (and IWD earlier this month too) —so I’m not going to take the spotlight with my own personal Asian upbringing story (perhaps I’ll save this for another writeup sometime). Instead, I want to share how I have personally been lifted by women and how I now dedicate myself to lifting them too, through two major areas:

• Old school industries like mining, in Australia
• Operating startups in Southeast Asia, including my own

First of all, I want to make it very clear — I grew up raised by women (my mum and sister, while my dad worked overseas). In fact, my friends often point out certain ‘feminine’ elements to my behaviour at times.

And before going further—my mum is one of the strongest figures in my life, women-or-not, period. She left her own family, did long-distance with my dad, and raised my younger sister and me single-handedly when moving to Australia—no friends, family, or anyone supporting her directly. And she did a very well done job.

My first industry (mining) was a challenging ground. For me personally, it was already tough enough being a ‘baby-faced Asian supervisor managing over 60 operators. I was way out of my comfort zone. But I had the pleasure of working with some of the most amazing, strong women who shaped my career trajectory.

Specifically, I had direct women managers who took my career to the next level, and I have nothing but eternal gratitude for them. My first manager saw that I was initially struggling to transition into my new role, coming off my first graduate year which was (looking back now) absolutely traumatising (I later realised I was being bullied by the corporate hierarchy).

Also Read: Meet the trailblazers: 7 female founders from SEA selected for EY’s Entrepreneurial Winning Women 2025

Though our time together was brief before she left for Canada, I remember discussing my development goals to explore something more commercial (I was in deep engineering at the time, punching out drawings and plans). Shortly after she departed, I received a secondment offer for a McKinsey project at our operations — working with financial controls. This became one of the most pivotal moments in my career.

My second manager is, to this day, a very dear friend. We were both thrown into the deep end together — she from a commercial and contracts background, me from engineering — tasked with optimising haulage production on site. We had intense meetings, endless discussions, and even caught up often after work.

We built a whole new team and strategy together — not just sharing the highs, but supporting each other through the absolute emotional lows. Our strong friendship continues even though we’ve parted ways professionally. BHP always emphasised strong I&D initiatives — and I’m proud to have adopted that culture for my future teams.

Fast-forward to operating startups in Southeast Asia. About two years after leaving mining and moving to Singapore, I found myself at a startup called Quqo, managing a team of three young women.

If I could brag a bit, I believe our team was the tightest-knit one in the company. We had our own special bond — gifting each other for birthdays and Christmas, celebrating our little team wins with bubble tea. I treated them almost like my younger sisters and, as their line manager, stood up for them when necessary.

Beyond this, it was all about development and learning from one another. We ran marketing and communications (let’s be real — I don’t have an actual background in any of these, I just knew what needed to be done for the business). I gave these young ladies complete freedom for creativity and regularly aligned tasks to their personal goals.

Our digital marketer wanted to learn more paid advertising skills, so I got her involved with LinkedIn campaigns. Our graphic designer wanted more experience with UX/UI. Our operations admin was studying for her MBA and wanted broader business exposure. In return, they gave me a sense of belonging in Vietnam—a completely different culture from my own — spoke English for me (despite my terrible attempts at Vietnamese), and taught me valuable skills in marketing and design.

Also Read: Two decades on: Women in tech see culture shift and growing satisfaction

At LFG, my own travel startup, we operated with a predominantly “girl-squad” of interns for our marketing and product teams. Not because of I&D quotas or trying to look like a woke Gen Z startup, but because they genuinely understood the vibe and needs of the LFG brand. These women helped me not only shape but execute the vision I wanted: fun, outgoing, unhinged — like your personal travel buddy.

Since we couldn’t honestly pay them much as interns, I made it my utmost effort to help them achieve personal growth goals through referrals, learning opportunities, and chances to develop different skills they wanted to improve. At the end, as students to whatever master, I believe this is all we can ask for.

To sum it all up: I’m absolutely grateful for the women who have lifted my career, teams, and business. And I believe, putting all formal I&D initiatives and programs aside, all we can do as humans is help empower one another and give the right people the right chances to shine.

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Wake up, check phone; eat lunch, check phone; go for a walk, check phone; watch TV, check phone; the phone is the new cigarette. Scrolling, clicking, liking, and sharing. A quick check-in turns into 15 minutes, then 30, and before we know it, we’ve lost hours of our day.

The average internet user now spends about two and a half hours per day on social media, much of it engaged in “doomscrolling”, the obsessive consumption of negative news and content that doesn’t bring any joy to our lives. The internet,  the tool that connects the world, has become a time sink of algorithmic manipulation designed to capture and commodify attention.

Big Tech’s social media platforms, once hailed as the ideal way to connect with friends, have become echo chambers of outrage, distraction, and ad saturation. With traditional platforms like Facebook and TikTok facing criticism over privacy violations, misinformation, and questionable engagement tactics, a new wave of decentralised social media (DeSOC) is emerging.

Could they offer an escape from the attention economy’s grip? Could blockchain-based alternatives finally provide users with a more meaningful way to interact online?

How social media became an addiction machine

It boils down to the bottom line, revenue has shaped how social media grew over time. Understood as a very lucrative business model, the more time spent glued to our screens, the more users can be targeted with advertising. Algorithms are optimised not for meaningful engagement but for addiction. That’s why controversy, doom, and outrage always seem to rise to the top of your feed.

The consequences are profound. The US Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, has called loneliness an epidemic, linking social media overuse to declining mental health. A 2024 Harvard study found that 81 per cent of adults who identified as lonely also experienced anxiety and depression, while 73 per cent said technology had contributed to their isolation.

In a world where one in three Americans reports feeling lonely every week, what are we really gaining from our endless scrolling? We’ve traded real-world interactions for relationships with influencers, celebrities, and AI-generated personalities. It’s time to ask whether there’s a better way to engage online.

Also Read: Rising trend in Vietnam: Young professionals embracing social media content creation

The rise of decentralised social media

For years, traditional social media platforms have operated as walled gardens, closed ecosystems where user data is harvested for profit, and decisions are made by a handful of executives beholden to advertisers and shareholders. Decentralised social networks are aiming to change that dynamic, putting users back in control of their time, data, and communities.

Decentralised social media, aka DeSOC, leverages blockchain technology to create networks that are user-owned and community-driven. Farcaster, an emerging decentralised protocol, is leading the charge with Warpcast, an application that prioritises engagement over manipulation.

Meanwhile, MeWe, a privacy-focused network, has already migrated 1.6 million users onto Web3 infrastructure to ensure they retain ownership of their data and identities, even if Big Tech collapses. They have also avoided manipulation of users for advertising.

Then there’s Wunder social, a newcomer adopting an invite-only model to foster genuine interactions. With verified users and zero bots, Wunder is designed to prioritise quality over quantity.

Can DeSOC scale?

The biggest challenge for decentralised platforms isn’t technology, it’s adoption. Facebook, Twitter (now X), and TikTok have entrenched network effects; we stay because everyone else is there. But the landscape is shifting. As privacy concerns grow and users become more aware of algorithmic manipulation, the appetite for alternatives is increasing.

The difference this time? Web3 technology is maturing, and cultural attitudes are evolving. If DeSOC platforms can offer an experience that feels just as seamless, without the surveillance and constant interruptions via ads then momentum could build quickly.

Also Read: AI and metaverse: A look at the collaborative bond of emerging Web3 technologies

The future of social media: A tipping point?

Will we quit Facebook tomorrow? Probably not. But we’ve reached an inflection point where users are beginning to question the value of the time spent online. 

Not too long ago, cigarettes were an everyday indulgence, marketed as sophisticated, and even encouraged. But as the true cost of tobacco became undeniable, the price of smoking kept rising, both in dollars and in damage to our health. Today, our relationship with social media is following a similar trajectory. The more we learn about its harmful effects on mental health, relationships, and productivity, the more we recognise the cost of our time online. 

Doomscrolling isn’t free. Every hour spent chasing algorithmically served content is an hour not spent on joy, on relationships, on creativity, or on simply being present. If decentralised platforms can provide real benefits via data ownership, transparency, and authentic interactions, traditional social networks may not have the same pull factor. 

In the coming years, the battle won’t just be for users’ attention, it will be for trust. The question is no longer if we need a better way to engage online, but when we’ll finally break free from the systems designed to keep us hooked.

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Almost 50 per cent of our waking hours are spent thinking about topics other than our current activities. Even though it’s normal, this mental straying might make it difficult for us to efficiently record and use our thoughts.

So, the question is, is there a better approach to capture these transient concepts for later use? The secret is to recognise the obstacles to productivity and use cutting-edge technologies to go over them.

The barriers to thought capture

Distractions, task switching, time consumption, procrastination, and intricacy all contribute to our thoughts never being completed. Let’s examine each of these challenges in more detail:

• Distractions: The average cost of distractions throughout a workday is 2.1 hours or over 26 per cent of an eight-hour workday. The substantial loss of time impairs both creativity and production.
• Task switching: The costly fallacy of multitasking can result in a 40 per cent reduction in productive time. We become less efficient and focused when we switch tasks.
• Time consumption: Typing takes up to 2.5 hours of a person’s workday on average, which is a significant amount of time devoted to a single form of expression. 
• Procrastination: Fear of failing (seven per cent), low self-confidence (eight per cent), perfectionism (seven per cent), low energy (28 per cent), and task aversion (50 per cent) are the main causes of procrastination. All of these things have the potential to impede work progress and completion.
• Complexity: An individual’s mind produces more than 6,000 thoughts per day. Many of these ideas are intricate and challenging to express, which increases the risk of them being overlooked or underdeveloped.

The costs of not capturing ideas can be high. If objectives are not met, there is a 42 per cent reduction in the probability of accomplishing goals that are not documented. In addition, those who don’t regularly write down their ideas frequently experience lower levels of happiness and fulfilment.

Also Read: Can generative AI usher us into the gilded age of ad creativity?

The time required to do activities grows; an average worker spends more than 11 hours a week writing by hand or organising their thoughts. It takes significantly longer for people who have dyslexia to complete this procedure.

Conventional techniques for gathering thoughts

Typewriters, transcribing machines, and paper and pencil are examples of traditional idea-capture techniques. Each of these approaches has advantages and disadvantages.

Pencil and paper

• Pros: More adaptable than computerised techniques, enabling impromptu and unstructured note-taking.
• Cons: Because notes must be kept in physical notebooks, they are less accessible and more difficult to arrange. This approach can be especially difficult for the 20 per cent of people worldwide who suffer from dyslexia.

Typing

• Pros: More efficient than handwriting and simpler to arrange and modify.
• Cons: Due to digital disruptions, it can be time-consuming and annoying. People with dyslexia find it less approachable as well.

Transcription

• Pros: Speedy and practical, enabling the expression of ideas that can subsequently be recorded.
• Cons: Thoughts may not always be clear from transcription and may not always be accurate, which could result in misunderstandings.

Transforming the art of thought capture

With the use of artificial intelligence (AI), there is a new cutting-edge technology suite of content creation tools that transform spoken words into structured, written text, thereby addressing the shortcomings of conventional techniques.

This approach has a number of significant benefits:

• Simple to use: To arrange their ideas, users can choose to start a new document or utilise one of the templates. Then, speaking into their desktop or phone app, they pause and resume as necessary.
• AI-generated questions: The AI asks conversational questions to elucidate concepts further, assisting in their development.
• Built-in Features: It has features that are intended to get beyond typical obstacles to productivity, such as:
• Document types: Users can turn their thoughts into infographics, emails, ELI5 (Explain Like I’m Five) summaries, journal entries, and social network postings, among other formats.
• Describe changes: Users can give the program instructions on how to reorganise their ideas. For instance, it can rewrite material to make it more succinct or turn bullet points into paragraphs.
• Collaboration: Users can work together on ideas from any location and on any device by using shareable links.
• Progressive Web Application (PWA): Installing this as a PWA enables cross-platform accessibility and ease of use.

Also Read: After failure, rekindling our creativity and finding balance

The advantages

• Speed: Users can quickly and effectively capture their thoughts because it is three times faster than typing.
• Accessibility: Designed with neurodivergent populations in mind, it makes efficient idea capture accessible to a wider range of individuals.
• Accuracy: Preserves the uniqueness of the user’s concepts by eschewing the distortions and hallucinations that are frequently connected with AI.
• Focus: Keeping users in the now lessens the cognitive strain that comes with writing by hand or typing.

Using AI-powered transcription tools to capture free-form spoken phrases is the most straightforward approach to organising and utilising complicated concepts. It helps people become more creative and productive by removing the obstacles that come with using traditional methods. This guarantees that no idea is wasted and that every notion has the potential to be realised.

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This article was first published on July 22, 2024

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The statistics are harsh: 90 per cent of startups fail. About 10 per cent shut down within their first year, and a staggering 42 per cent fail because there is no market need for what they offer. This raises an urgent question: what separates the startups that thrive from those that fade away?

Interestingly, many of the world’s most successful startups—WhatsApp, Duolingo, Noom—were founded by immigrants. In fact, 80 per cent of America’s billion-dollar startups have at least one immigrant founder or a top executive. These founders succeed not just because they work hard, but because they think differently about risk, resilience, and opportunity.

This article explores why most startups fail and what immigrant entrepreneurs do differently to overcome those challenges.

The common reasons startups fail

• No market need

One of the biggest reasons startups fail is that they create products that no one actually wants. Founders, especially first-timers, often fall in love with their idea and assume there is demand without thoroughly validating the market. This false confidence leads to wasted time, money, and effort—often with disastrous consequences.

In 2009, Triangulate, an AI-powered dating startup, launched Wings, a Facebook-integrated app designed to match users based on their social media activity. The company raised US$750,000 in funding and believed that leveraging behavioural data and machine learning would revolutionise online dating.

However, users weren’t drawn to algorithm-driven compatibility—they still prioritised factors like physical appearance and direct interaction, just as they did on platforms like Match.com. Without enough engagement to refine its technology or attract further investment, Triangulate quickly burned through its funding. Despite attempts to pivot, it ultimately shut down.

• Running out of money

Startups frequently underestimate how much money they need to survive long enough to reach profitability. Raising capital isn’t enough—managing cash flow effectively is crucial. If a company scales too quickly before ironing out operational kinks, financial problems will inevitably follow.

Quincy Apparel, a direct-to-consumer brand launched in 2011 by two Harvard grads, aimed to provide stylish, well-fitting workwear for young professional women. The demand was clear, and their concept resonated with customers. However, high return rates due to fit issues quickly drained their cash reserves.

Investors, eager for rapid growth, pressured the founders to expand before they had perfected their production process. With mounting costs and no additional funding, the company folded in under a year—not because the idea was bad, but because they ran out of time and money before they could make it work.

• Weak teams and internal conflicts

A startup’s fate is not determined solely by its idea—it hinges on the strength of its team. Many ventures collapse due to founder disputes, weak leadership, or hiring the wrong people. A visionary founder is not enough; execution requires a team with the right balance of skills, experience, and decision-making capability.

Also Read: Tips on building your startup out of that spark of frustration  

One recurring issue in failed startups is co-founders who are too similar, leading to redundancy in skill sets and decision-making bottlenecks. Another is the reluctance to delegate: founders often try to do everything themselves rather than surrounding themselves with experts. In high-stakes environments, disagreements over vision and execution can quickly escalate, leading to breakdowns that cripple the company.

• Poor business model

Even when a startup has a great idea and strong leadership, it can still fail if it lacks a viable path to profitability. Some founders assume that user growth alone will eventually translate into revenue—but if the math doesn’t add up, the company is doomed.

MoviePass, a subscription service that promised unlimited theater visits for just US$9.95 per month, banked on the assumption that casual moviegoers would offset frequent users, keeping costs under control.

Instead, heavy users took full advantage of the service, rapidly depleting the company’s capital. MoviePass never had a sustainable monetisation plan beyond investor funding. After multiple pivots and last-ditch attempts to raise capital, the company finally shut down.

What immigrant founders do differently

Immigrant founders defy the typical startup failure traps by leveraging their experiences of uncertainty, adaptation, and resourcefulness. They approach entrepreneurship with a unique perspective, shaped by their backgrounds, and this often gives them an edge in building resilient, scalable businesses.

• They build businesses with a global mindset

Many immigrant founders identify opportunities that others overlook, often because they have firsthand experience with economic and social barriers. Rather than catering to a single market, they design solutions with a global reach.

Jan Koum, a Ukrainian immigrant, co-founded WhatsApp after recognising how expensive and unreliable international communication was. Unlike other messaging platforms, WhatsApp prioritised simplicity, low data usage, and privacy—needs shaped by Koum’s experiences growing up in a country with restricted communication. This focus on a universal problem allowed WhatsApp to scale rapidly, ultimately selling to Facebook for US$19 billion.

• They focus on practical, proven needs

Rather than chasing innovation for the sake of it, immigrant founders often focus on improving existing systems, solving fundamental problems in smarter ways.

Also Read: Clean cap tables, happy VCs: How SPVs streamline startup fundraising for future success

Saeju Jeong, a South Korean immigrant, didn’t just create another weight-loss app when he co-founded Noom. Instead, he applied psychology and behavioral science to help users make sustainable lifestyle changes. By addressing the underlying causes of weight gain rather than just calorie counting, Noom became a billion-dollar company with a loyal user base.

• They master bootstrapping and resourcefulness

With limited access to funding, many immigrant founders bootstrap their companies longer, ensuring financial discipline and a clear path to profitability before scaling.

Luis von Ahn, a Guatemalan immigrant, built Duolingo with a mission to make language education free. Instead of relying on heavy venture capital investments, he focused on sustainable monetisation models, such as offering a premium subscription while keeping the core product free. Today, Duolingo is a public company worth over US$5 billion.

• They adapt faster and see obstacles as normal

Most entrepreneurs struggle with setbacks, but immigrant founders often see them as part of the journey. Having already navigated challenges like cultural adaptation and visa restrictions, they are more resilient in uncertain environments.

Noubar Afeyan, an Armenian immigrant from Lebanon, faced skepticism when he championed mRNA vaccine technology through Moderna. Rather than retreating, he remained steadfast in his vision, pushing forward despite industry doubts. His persistence paid off when Moderna became a key player in COVID-19 vaccine development.

The startup playbook for success

If you’re launching a startup, here’s what you can learn from successful immigrant founders:

• Validate market demand before scaling. Don’t build a product without confirming there’s demand. Use MVPs, surveys, and pilot programs before investing heavily.
• Control costs and bootstrap. Venture capital is useful, but overspending before profitability is a trap.
• Solve real problems. Some of the most successful startups focus on unsexy but essential needs.
• Hire smartly. Surround yourself with industry experts and complementary skill sets.
• Pivot when necessary. If something isn’t working, change the strategy

Startups fail for many reasons, but immigrant founders show that resilience and adaptability can make the difference. They don’t wait for perfect conditions or unlimited funding. They build, adjust, and push forward despite uncertainty. Success comes from learning, adapting, and moving forward—no matter how many times the answer is no.

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Three major policy shifts in Europe, the UK, and Canada signal a changing landscape where sustainability, energy security, and geopolitical strategy are becoming deeply intertwined.

• The European Union’s decision to exempt 80 per cent of companies from the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) marks a retreat from the bloc’s previously ambitious ESG disclosure requirements, a move that reduces regulatory burdens but also weakens transparency.
• In the UK, the Energy Secretary’s decision to re-engage with China on energy investments represents a pragmatic shift in policy, balancing economic needs with political caution.
• Meanwhile, Canada’s US$270 million investment in Inuit-led Arctic conservation is as much about environmental stewardship as it is about reinforcing national sovereignty in a region of increasing strategic competition.

These developments are not isolated. Instead, they reflect a broader recalibration in which economic pragmatism, environmental commitments, and geopolitical considerations are being reassessed. For businesses, this evolving landscape presents both risks and opportunities, requiring them to navigate shifting regulatory frameworks, supply chain expectations, and investment climates.

The changing role of sustainability reporting in business strategy

The EU’s decision to scale back CSRD requirements could have far-reaching consequences for global sustainability reporting, particularly for financial institutions and multinational corporations that rely on standardised ESG disclosures to assess risk and guide investment decisions.

The rollback relieves small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs and startups) from compliance costs, but it also introduces new challenges for businesses that depend on ESG data for supply chain assessments. Large corporations still subject to CSRD will find it increasingly difficult to ensure sustainability compliance among their smaller suppliers, particularly those outside of Europe.

This shift is likely to have a ripple effect on other markets, including Singapore, where SGX-listed companies have been gradually increasing their sustainability disclosures in line with global standards. Singapore now faces a choice: whether to follow Europe’s relaxed approach or position itself as Asia’s leader in sustainability reporting by maintaining stringent ESG reporting.

Also Read: Running without mobile phones is future of connected movement

Companies operating in Singapore will need to monitor how regulators respond to this shift and assess whether maintaining voluntary ESG disclosures will offer a competitive advantage in attracting global investment.

Alliance by development: The UK’s pragmatic approach to energy security

While the EU recalibrates its sustainability priorities, the UK is re-evaluating its stance on economic cooperation with China. The decision to resume energy talks reflects a growing acknowledgment that geopolitical tensions cannot completely overshadow economic imperatives, especially in sectors critical to the green transition.

China remains a dominant force in renewable energy technology, particularly in solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage. Western nations seeking to decarbonise their economies will find it difficult to entirely exclude China from their energy strategies. The UK’s engagement with China could set a precedent for a more nuanced approach to economic diplomacy—one where selective cooperation on climate and energy is pursued alongside broader strategic competition.

For businesses, this means that engagement with China is likely to remain a complex but necessary reality, requiring careful risk management and diversification strategies. Companies involved in renewable energy must assess the long-term stability of partnerships with Chinese suppliers and investors, as political dynamics could still shift abruptly.

The role of indigenous governance in climate policy and geopolitics

While the UK grapples with energy pragmatism, Canada is reinforcing its presence in the Arctic through an Indigenous-led conservation strategy that blends environmental policy with national security interests.

By placing Inuit communities at the forefront of Arctic stewardship, the Canadian government is strengthening its sovereignty over a region increasingly viewed as a strategic asset due to its natural resources and new shipping routes emerging from melting ice caps.

This move highlights a growing trend where environmental policies are being used not just to combat climate change but also to assert territorial control. Businesses operating in natural resource extraction, conservation technology, and sustainable infrastructure must recognise that Indigenous governance models are becoming central to environmental regulation.

Firms looking to expand operations in regions with contested governance will need to engage proactively with Indigenous communities, ensuring their business strategies align with local conservation and governance priorities.

The emerging playbook for businesses

These policy shifts—Europe’s sustainability reporting retreat, the UK’s selective engagement with China, and Canada’s Arctic conservation strategy—illustrate how economic, environmental, and geopolitical factors are converging in new ways. Companies that operate across multiple jurisdictions will need to navigate an increasingly fragmented regulatory landscape where ESG standards vary widely between regions.

Also Read: The key to tackling climate change: Electrify shipping

Businesses involved in supply chains that stretch between Europe, Asia, and North America will have to reassess their compliance (and carbon) strategies, ensuring they remain aligned with shifting investor expectations and regulatory requirements. The trend of selective engagement with China suggests that businesses should avoid over-reliance on any single geopolitical stance, opting instead for diversified partnerships that mitigate exposure to sudden policy reversals.

The increasing role of Indigenous governance in environmental policy also signals a shift towards more localised regulatory frameworks, requiring companies to adapt their stakeholder engagement strategies.

A more complex business environment

The intersection of sustainability, energy security, and geopolitics is becoming more complex, with governments making strategic decisions that balance regulatory burdens, economic competitiveness, and geopolitical leverage. Businesses must prepare for an environment where ESG compliance is no longer just a matter of following global best practices but is increasingly influenced by national interests and strategic considerations.

The companies that thrive will be those that proactively adapt to these shifts—embracing sustainability not just as a compliance requirement, but as a strategic differentiator, engaging in global supply chains with an awareness of geopolitical risks, and recognising the growing role of localised governance in shaping climate and environmental policies.

The future will belong to businesses that can navigate this shifting landscape with agility, foresight, and a commitment to long-term resilience.

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In today’s fast-paced business landscape, companies of all sizes face increasing pressure to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and stay ahead of the competition. However, traditional enterprise resource planning (ERP) software can be costly, complex, and difficult to integrate. Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) struggle to find an affordable yet powerful solution that meets their specific needs.

A recent study revealed that over 60% of SMEs in Southeast Asia cite digital transformation as a key priority, yet many still rely on outdated systems that hinder growth. As businesses seek innovative tools to navigate this evolving market, Odoo is stepping up to provide a comprehensive and user-friendly solution.

Why is this important? From sales and customer relationship management (CRM) to financial management and human resources, businesses must juggle multiple operations seamlessly. Traditional ERP systems are often expensive and rigid, making them inaccessible to smaller companies. Without an integrated system, businesses risk inefficiencies, data silos, and lost revenue opportunities.

Also read: How Wallex is empowering SMEs with seamless cross-border payments

Odoo: Leading the way in business software innovation

Founded with the vision of making business management software accessible and affordable, Odoo offers an all-in-one suite of applications tailored to the diverse needs of modern enterprises. Unlike traditional ERP solutions, Odoo’s platform is designed for ease of use while maintaining enterprise-grade capabilities.

With a wide array of applications, including Sales, CRM, Project Management, Warehouse Management, Manufacturing, Financial Management, Website, eCommerce, and Human Resources, Odoo enables businesses to integrate their operations seamlessly. The platform’s flexibility and affordability make it a game-changer for companies looking to scale efficiently.

“Imagine being a mechanic with the greatest ideas but without tools. It will take them forever to bring those ideas to life relying only on manual labor. And this is what happens to a lot of SMEs,” explained Matts Fievez, Director of Odoo APAC. “At Odoo, our mission remains to provide truly user-friendly and affordable tools to help our customers scale their businesses. Odoo simplifies complex processes, making digital transformation accessible to everyone,” he said.

By participating in Echelon Singapore 2025, Odoo aims to empower startups and SMEs by sharing insights, networking with industry leaders, and showcasing how its solutions can revolutionise business operations.

Also read: How product growth helps both you and your users succeed

Meet Odoo at Echelon Singapore 2025

Odoo is among the many dynamic industry leaders joining us for Echelon Singapore 2025, hosted by e27. Alongside them will be other key leaders, visionary entrepreneurs, and innovative startups from across the region. This action-packed two-day event at Suntec Singapore on 10-11 June 2025 will feature dedicated content stages, exhibitions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

Odoo’s participation in Echelon Singapore 2025 highlights the immense value of being part of this influential tech gathering. By connecting with SMEs, Odoo gains deeper insights into their operational challenges and demonstrates how its innovative solutions can streamline workflows. The event also serves as a gateway to exploring the Singapore market, providing a platform to understand local business trends and emerging opportunities. Additionally, Echelon 2025 presents a unique avenue for generating high-quality leads and expanding brand reach across Southeast Asia.

Whether you’re looking to expand your expertise, connect with influential figures in the tech startup world, or present your groundbreaking ideas, Echelon 2025 presents an unmatched opportunity to propel your business forward. Secure your spot now and join us as a participant or an official partner. Together, we can shape the future and create a lasting impact.

At Echelon 2025, the future is now—connect, innovate, and grow with us!

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This article is produced by the e27 team

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Southeast Asia’s agritech sector is blossoming into a vital force, poised to revolutionize agriculture and bolster food security across the region. With a projected market value of US$24 billion to US$48 billion by 2030, as estimated by Asia Fund Managers, this dynamic industry is riding a wave of innovation fueled by rapid population growth, urbanisation, and an urgent need for sustainable farming solutions.

Technologies like IoT and AI are empowering precision agriculture, optimising resources and boosting yields, while vertical farming rises to meet the demands of sprawling urban centres. Government initiatives, such as Singapore’s ambitious “30 by 30” plan to produce 30 per cent of its food locally by 2030, are accelerating this transformation, blending policy with cutting-edge tech.

From Indonesia’s Sayurbox streamlining fresh produce delivery to Malaysia’s Qarbotech enhancing photosynthesis for higher crop yields, the region’s agritech startups are redefining how food is grown, managed, and distributed. These companies, backed by substantial investments from global players like Alpha JWC Ventures and Temasek, are not only tackling inefficiencies but also paving the way for a resilient, tech-driven agricultural future.

Also Read: The future of farming in the Asia Pacific is here to empower farmers

In this feature, we spotlight the fastest-growing agritech innovators shaping Southeast Asia’s fields and tables.

Sayurbox

An online retailer of fruits and vegetables. It enables individuals to order fruits and vegetables on the platform and get them delivered to their doorstep. It also offers chicken, meat, dairy, and spices products on the platform.

Location: Indonesia
Founded year: 2016
Total funding (USD): 140 million
Institutional investors: Alpha JWC Ventures, IFC, Northstar Group Services, Astra Digital, Global Brain, Syngenta Group, Ondine Capital, Strategic Year, ASTRA, Tokopedia, Patamar Capital, East Ventures, Insignia Ventures Partners, and BRI Ventures

Aruna

A provider of cloud-based fishery management software. It allows fishery companies to manage their day-to-day operations. Its features include fishery management, data intelligence related to fisheries, and online fishery trading.

Location: Indonesia
Founded year: 2016
Total funding (USD): 70,500,000
Institutional investors: AC Ventures, East Ventures, Vertex Ventures, Prosus, Indogen Capital, SIG Venture Capital, SMDV, MDI Ventures, Endeavor, Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge, UMG Indonesia, Capria, and K3 Ventures.

AgriAku

A distribution enabler for crop inputs. It offers a platform that allows users to record agriculture transactions, find a variety of crop input products such as seeds, medicines and nutrients, fertilisers, and agricultural tools.

Location: Indonesia
Founded Year: 2021
Total funding (USD): 46 million
Institutional investors: TNB Aura, Indogen Capital, Gentree, Go Ventures, Alpha JWC Ventures, MDI Ventures, BRI Ventures, Mandiri Capital Indonesia, Thai Wah Ventures, AltoPartners, K3 Ventures, Thai Wah, Innoven Capital, Mercy Corps, Arise, and Wright Partners.

FreshKet

An online B2B marketplace offering farm products. The product catalogue includes vegetables, fruits, meats, grains, soft drinks, etc. It also includes restaurant supplies.

Location: Thailand
Founded year: 2016
Total funding (USD): 34.5 million
Institutional investors: Kliff Capital, Openspace Ventures, ECG Venture Capital, Thai President Foods, PTT, OpenSpace, Betagro Group, ORZON Ventures, Volta Circle, ECG-RESEARCH, 500 Global, and RISE.

Eden Farm

An app-based business-to-business marketplace offering fruits and vegetables from farms.

Location: Indonesia
Founded year: 2017
Total funding (USD): 34.5 million
Institutional investors: AppWorks, AC Ventures, Capria, MI, Fubon Financial Holdings, Trihill Capital, OCBC NISP Ventura, Nakhla, Decart Ventures, Global Founders Capital, Corin Capital, Investible, AppWorks, Y Combinator, EverHaus, Soma Capital, Indicator Fund, S7 Ventures, and Kube VC.

Nutrition Technologies

A provider of insect-based products for agriculture and livestock. It develops its product using black soldier fly larvae and recycles nutrients from agricultural and food processing by-products. Its product offerings include insect-based organic fertilisers for agriculture, protein feed for livestock, and also oil.

Location: Malaysia
Founded year: 2016
Total funding (USD): 34 million
Institutional investors: Openspace Ventures, Hera Capital, Sumitomo, ING Bank, Mandala Capital, SEEDS Capital, Enterprise Singapore, Nullabor, Neptune, Alpha Founders Capital, and Primex Capital.

TechCoop

A fintech platform providing lending solutions to the agriculture industry. It offers lending solutions for farmers, cooperatives, and other agriculture production stakeholders. It increases income for farmers participating in their program through agri-inputs and technology systems.

Also Read: Techcoop CEO on scaling agritech, sustainable farming, and global expansion

Location: Vietnam
Founded year: 2022
Total funding (USD): 33 million
Institutional investors: TNB Aura, Ascend Vietnam Ventures, BlueOrchard, FMO, AppWorks, Capria, Ethos Ventures, and Mandala Capital.

Entobel

A producer of insect-based diversified feed and plant care products. It breeds larval and rears full-grown insects. It processes black soldier flies to make feed for fish and juveniles and feed products for pets and livestock by leveraging the separation, extraction, drying, and milling methods of insects.

Location: Vietnam
Founded year: 2013
Total funding (USD): 31 million
Institutional investors: IFC, Mekong Capital, and Dragon Capital.

Gokomodo

A provider of supply chain solutions for agriculture business. It offers services, including logistics, distribution hubs, and financing solutions. It offers a digital supply-chain solution for corporates to drive efficiency and transparency. The platform helps intermediaries make smarter procurement decisions.

Location: Indonesia
Founded year: 2019
Total funding (USD): 26 million
Institutional investors: East Ventures, K3 Ventures, Eight Capital, SMDV, Triputra Group, Waresix, Indogen Capital, PT. Sahabat Agritama, Sampoerna, and Eight Capital Management.

UMITRON

A developer of AI and IoT-based aquaculture solutions for farms. It develops smart aquaculture solutions for farms to optimise their feeding practices, thereby lowering their costs and preventing waste and damage to the environment.

Location: Singapore
Founded year: 2016
Total funding (USD): 20 million
Institutional investors: Shoko Chukin Bank, ENEOS Group, QB Capital, Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Inter-American Development Bank, Mirai Creation Fund, INCJ, D4V, IDEO, SMBC Trust Bank, and NCB Venture Capital

Jala

A provider of IoT-enabled solutions for monitoring water conditions in the shrimp farm. Its device can be submerged in the pond and has multiple sensors for monitoring parameters like dissolved oxygen, temperature, humidity, pH, salinity, and TDS. It collects the above-mentioned data and sends the same, in real-time, to the cloud.

Location: Indonesia
Founded year: 2015
Total funding (USD): 19 million
Institutional investors: Intudo Ventures, SMDV, Mirova, The Meloy Fund, Althelia Sustainable Ocean Fund, Real Tech Fund Investment, and 500 Global.

Rize

An agritech startup focused on decarbonising rice farming solutions. The company specialises in offering rice cultivation technology to identify and implement sustainable cultivation techniques and strategies, enabling farmers to deliver sustainable rice.

Location: Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Founded year: 2023
Total funding (USD): 14 million
Institutional investors: Breakthrough Energy, GenZero, Temasek, Wavemaker Impact, Carbon Solutions, and Pieter Investments.

Barramundi Asia

A producer of fish using sustainable aquaculture farming solutions. The company uses a Biofloc farming solution. It offers different fish and by-products such as the swim bladder, head, bone and scale.

Location: Singapore
Founded year: 2008
Total funding (USD): 11 million
Institutional investors: UOB, Oceanus, Commonwealth Capital Ventures, CRISTA Ministries, Louis Dreyfus Company, Far East Ventures, Southern Capital, WarifTech, AMBRA Solutions, Hammarviken Business Development, RCL Partners, and Temasek Life Sciences Accelerator

Crowde

An online platform connecting farmers and retail investors. It allows farmers in obtaining capital for their farming operations. The farmers can get their projects listed upon registration. Investors can choose among the listed projects for making their investments. There is no lower limit of investment on the platform.

Also Read: The agritech challenge in Indonesia: Can AI and mobile apps enhance productivity?

Location: Indonesia
Founded year: 2015
Total funding (USD): 10 million
Institutional investors: Monk’s Hill Ventures, Mandiri Capital Indonesia, Great Giant Foods, Crevisse, STRIVE, Unreasonable, Kolaborasi, Digitaraya, Instellar, and Inclusive Fintech 50

Semaai

A provider of app-based diversified tech-based services for farmers, the agritech startup uses its application to provide an agriculture input marketplace for farmers that offers seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and tools. It also enables farmers to get farming advisory and soil test services. Its mobile application is available for the Android platform.

Location: Indonesia
Founded year: 2021
Total funding (USD): 7.6 million
Institutional investors: CyberAgent Capital, Sumitomo, Ruvento Ventures, MyAsiaVc, Accion, Beenext, XA Network, Surge, Heracles Ventures, Sequoia Capital, Kaya Founders, and VDL Ventures

Eratani

A provider of tech-based farming as a service, Eratani builds a seed-to-market ecosystem by enabling and digitising the upstream channel microfinancing, providing farm and agri input for farmers, and downstream harvest distribution and supply chain processes.

Location: Indonesia
Founded year: 2021
Total funding (USD): 7.4 million
Institutional investors: Bank Rakyat Indonesia, SBI Ven Capital, Genting Ventures, Orvel Ventures, TNB Aura, AgFunder, B.I.G. Ventures, Trihill Capital, Kyobo Securities, NTUitive, Ascend Angels, Venture Center, Big Ventures, and Kopi Kenangan.

Archisen

Archisen designs modular urban farming systems that optimise farm profitability and maximise product freshness, nutrition and flavour. Its flagship solution, Cropdom, consists of farm design, market analysis, crop selection, sale of produce, obtaining regulatory approvals, as well as financial modelling.

Location: Singapore
Founded year: 2015
Total funding (USD): 5.6 million
Institutional investors: SGInnovate, The Yield Lab, and the National University of Singapore.

FishLog

A provider of cloud-based supply chain solutions to seafood businesses. It offers a warehouse management system that collects data, stores it in the cloud, and delivers it via a mobile application. It also offers solutions for calculating rental costs and invoice costs.

Location: Indonesia
Founded year: 2018
Total funding (USD): 4.75 million
Institutional investors: Accel, Insignia Ventures Partners, Saison Capital, Mandiri Capital Indonesia, BNI Ventures, UNDP, Accel Atoms, BRI Ventures, Patamar Capital, Indogen Capital, Triputra Group, Arise Virtual Solutions, KK Fund, Ango Ventures, Captain Fresh, Centauri Fund, MDI Ventures, and Founderplus.

Elevarm

Elevarm specialises in horticulture production and the provision of “high-quality” agricultural inputs, including superior seeds, bio-based fertilisers, and environmentally friendly pest control solutions.

Also Read: Elevarm nets US$4.25M to boost smallholder horticulture farmers with AI, sustainable agri-inputs

Location: Indonesia
Founded year: 2022
Total funding (USD): 8 million
Institutional investors: Intudo, Amartha, Rabo Bank, Insignia Ventures Partners, and 500 Global.

PasarMIKRO

An online platform for point-of-sale financing, PasarMIKRO offers a marketplace that connects buyers and sellers in the agriculture business. It lets users purchase products and pay for monthly instalments.

Location: Indonesia
Founded year: 2020
Total funding (USD): 2.5 million
Institutional investors: MDI Ventures, KB Investment, Northstar Ventures, BRI Ventures, and Gentree.

Protenga

A manufacturer and supplier of insect-based feed products. Its product offerings include grubs, meals, oil, and re-food fertiliser. Protenga processes black soldier flies and hermet illucens to produce its products. Its products suit aquaculture, livestock, pets, and plant nutrition.

Location: Singapore
Founded year: 2016
Total funding (USD): 2 million
Institutional investors: SPRING Singapore and Trirec.

Packet Greens

The agritech startup grows veggies using hydroponics and sells directly to consumers through subscriptions. Packet Greens operates hydroponic farms to grow vegetables, including leafy greens. It provides a subscription service directly to consumers and food businesses (restaurants, service operators, etc.).

Location: Singapore
Founded year: 2014
Total funding (USD): 1.5 million
Institutional investors: ADB Ventures, Loyal, and INSEAD Angels Asia.

INSEACT

A producer and distributor of insect-based fish feeds. It uses Black Soldier Flies (BSF) that feed on bio-waste (Palm Kernel Meal) to produce proteins (fish feed), lipids (Oil), and fertilisers. It performs anaerobic degradation on the Palm Kernel Meal (PKM) by mixing it with water for a week of a tightly managed fermentation process.

Location: Malaysia
Founded year: 2019
Total funding (USD): 1.3 million
Institutional investor: Rhone Ma Holdings

WasteX

A developer of biochar-based fertilisers. It offers solutions to improve crop production and increase soil fertility. Its products help improve soil health. It also provides solutions for agriculture mills and livestock farmers.

Location: Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
Founded year: 2022
Total funding (USD): 975,000
Institutional investors: Mistletoe, Juniper Capital, EcoImpact Capital, and StartupX.

Qarbotech

An agritech company that develops biocompatible solutions to enhance the photosynthesis rate of plants and increase crop yield. The technology can increase plant growth and reduce crop yield. It offers innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture and horticulture.

Location: Malaysia
Founded year: 2018
Total funding (USD): 700,000
Institutional investors: Epic Angels and EQT.

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As Asia accelerates its digital transformation, responsible technology development has become increasingly crucial. It ensures that innovation and organisational practices align with societal interests, actively considering values, consequences, and potential impacts while proactively managing risks.

This approach is especially critical for artificial intelligence (AI), given its unprecedented capabilities to process vast amounts of data, make autonomous decisions, and transform industries. As AI applications expand across finance, healthcare, education, and smart city development throughout Asia, the need for robust governance frameworks becomes ever more pressing.

The importance of responsible tech

The reach of technology is constantly expanding into sensitive areas — from aid delivery to public health monitoring and educational systems — affecting people’s daily life. As we navigate the digital age, Hong Kong intends to promote sustainable and inclusive innovation through responsible technology practices that go beyond technical compliance to embrace human rights, equality, and sustainability.

Embracing these practices will enable us to better utilise data and digital tools to improve lives, whilst preventing unintended side-effects and potential pitfalls. This commitment extends to ensuring data privacy, promoting digital literacy, and fostering transparency in algorithmic decision-making. The goal is to create a digital ecosystem that is both innovative and ethically sound, ensuring that all members of society can benefit from technological advancements.

Hong Kong leading in responsible tech development

The Hong Kong Government exemplifies its commitment through comprehensive policy initiatives and regulatory frameworks. The establishment of the Digital Policy Office (DPO) in July 2023 demonstrates the government’s proactive stance, with its Ethical AI Framework guiding the responsible implementation of AI across public sectors.

Also Read: Driving change: How women are redefining ride-hailing

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) launched the ‘Generative Artificial Intelligence Sandbox’, helping financial institutions to experiment with AI applications while maintaining robust risk management. This initiative is part of the government’s broader commitment to fostering technological advancement in the financial sector while maintaining robust governance frameworks.

In October 2024, the Hong Kong government released a policy statement emphasising responsible application of AI in finance.  This document highlights AI’s data-driven, dynamic nature and outlines the need for financial institutions to adopt risk-based governance strategies with human oversight.

These coordinated efforts position Hong Kong as a key player in balancing innovation with ethical considerations, setting a practical example for other Asian markets on fostering AI advancement while maintaining public trust and safety.

Thriving ecosystem accelerates adoption

While government initiatives provide the framework, it’s the vibrant startup ecosystem that accelerates responsible tech adoption through real-world applications and market validation. Hong Kong’s interconnected network of innovators, investors, and institutions creates a powerful multiplier effect, turning policy frameworks into practical solutions while fostering a culture of responsible innovation.

This was highlighted at last year’s StartmeupHK Festival’s LOUDER Connect, where stakeholders explored crucial topics like AI governance, data privacy, and sustainable tech development. Among the thought leaders was Esther Wong, founder and CEO of 3Cap, an AI-focused Venture Capital targeting global opportunities. Her firm’s commitment to foundational AI technologies and sustainable artificial general intelligence (AGI) development exemplifies how Hong Kong’s ecosystem players are actively shaping a future where intelligent systems enhance humanity responsibly.

Also Read: How AI and automation are shaping the future of work

3Cap has invested in several innovative AGI companies, including Palantir, which aims to create an exceptional user experience for working with data. Their goal is to enable users to analyse complex data without needing expertise in querying languages, statistical modelling, or command-line interfaces. Palantir achieves this by building platforms for data integration, management, and security, complemented by applications that support interactive, human-guided and machine-assisted analysis.

Building a more equitable future for all

Responsible technology, particularly in AI development, goes beyond risk mitigation to actively create a more equitable and inclusive society.

As AI systems become more sophisticated and widespread across the globe, Hong Kong is focused on advancing the development of responsible AI in Asia to ensure these technologies serve all segments of society by addressing digital divides, ensuring accessibility, and embedding ethical considerations in their design and deployment.

Through InvestHK’s dedicated startup support and ecosystem-building initiatives, Hong Kong continues to attract and nurture innovative companies committed to responsible technology development, serving as a gateway for technological advancement across Asia.

This collaborative ecosystem approach demonstrates how balancing innovation with ethical considerations can create a digital landscape that empowers all stakeholders. As we harness AI’s transformative potential, Hong Kong’s leadership in responsible innovation helps drive Asia’s journey toward a more equitable, secure, and prosperous future for all.

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Analysts at UnaFinancial predict a significant shift in Southeast Asia’s fintech user demographics, with Generation Z and Millennials potentially comprising 79 per cent of the total user base by 2030.

This is a substantial increase from the estimated 65 per cent in 2024.

This growing influence necessitates fintech firms to adapt their strategies to cater to these younger generations’ preferences and financial behaviours.

Also Read: Why is open banking the future of fintech?

The analysis, which considered six Southeast Asian nations – the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia – estimated approximately 400 million unique fintech users at the close of 2024. Of this total, Millennials accounted for 31.8 per cent (127 million), Gen Z represented 33.4 per cent (134 million), and Gen X and Boomers constituted the remaining 34.8 per cent (139 million).

Looking ahead to 2030, experts at UnaFinancial anticipate the total number of fintech users in the region could reach 505.6 million. Among these, Millennials are projected to make up 40.9 per cent, Gen Z 38.5 per cent, with the remaining users accounting for around 20.6 per cent.

The analysts, drawing on public data and surveys, highlighted several key trends in the financial habits of younger demographics. A prominent observation is the demand for maximum flexibility and personalised approaches, with both generations placing a high value on customer experience and convenience.

Notably, Millennials are inclined to pay for an excellent customer experience, while 77 per cent of Gen Z in Singapore indicated a willingness to pay more for solutions that simplify their lives. This underscores the importance of investing in bespoke offerings and superior customer support for fintech companies.

Furthermore, the report suggests a growing trust among young individuals towards fintech companies, paving the way for developing alternative financial products, such as lending and payment solutions. In the realm of investing, the availability of educational resources to facilitate informed decision-making is crucial.

A survey revealed that while 80 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials engage in investing, six in 10 respondents described themselves as “very new to” or possessing “a basic understanding of” investing.

Additionally, 38 per cent of Millennials and 26 per cent of Gen Z in Singapore expressed a perceived lack of knowledge in managing finances.

Interestingly, 79 per cent of Millennials and 75 per cent of Gen Z consider sustainability to be important. This presents a significant opportunity for environmentally and socially conscious fintech companies to develop solutions that align with these values.

Also Read: How digital banking is driving financial inclusion in SEA

“Financial habits of Millennials and Gen Z are having a significant impact on the development of the entire fintech industry. In this context, it’s crucial for fintech companies to understand how the needs of these generations are changing in order to adapt their services and remain competitive. Those who take into account digital demands, provide a high level of personalisation and customer service, and consider requests for sustainability and innovation have higher chances of leading the market,” UnaFinancial analysts said.

UnaFinancial is a group of companies focused on developing user-friendly digital financial solutions across Asia and Europe. It aims to provide accessible and reliable finance through innovative technologies, prioritising customer needs. Since its inception, UnaFinancial has served over 19 million clients and facilitated loans worth over US$2 billion.

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Deep into product testing.

Contracts need to be signed.

Getting revenue in is the only thing on my mind because hardware is already in production.

One night, after a call with a potential customer in the US, my teammate in New York said something that caught me off guard. “You’re leading all these men, bringing everyone together on this mission. And you’re the only woman on the team, too.”

I paused.

Not because it bothered me. But because I hadn’t even noticed.

When you’re building at speed, you don’t stop to count

I didn’t pause to think, “Do we need balance?” I thought, “Who can deliver under pressure?”

That’s what founders do. They move.

So I moved fast. I found people who were skilled, focused, and could execute. And somewhere along the way, I ended up in a room where I was the only one of us with a womb.

That’s not a problem to solve. It’s just a reality I noticed.

Also Read: 6 lessons I learned as a B2C hardware startup founder

I don’t need a label, I just want to win

People love to box everything.

“Female founder.”

“Woman in tech.”

“Trailblazer.”

Honestly, I’m just here to build. I care about products that work, systems that scale, and teams that move fast without drama.

If you can do that, I don’t care where you come from, what you look like, or what box the world puts you in.

Build products for people who need it most, with the heart and intention to do good for humanity.

That’s it.

This moment wasn’t about identity, it was about clarity

I didn’t feel left out. I didn’t feel special. I felt something else: clarity.

Clarity that leadership isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about setting the standard. And right now, that standard is execution.

We’ve got SDKs in the wild. We’re integrating with real-time rendering stacks. We’re closing on deals across verticals from healthcare to sports and entertainment. And we’re about to launch a full-stack AI glasses platform into global distribution.

You don’t need a headline to lead. You just need to show up, make decisions, and move.

Final founder thought

I didn’t notice I was the only woman. Then someone else did. And I moved on. Because the point isn’t who’s in the room.

The point is whether we’re shipping and bringing in the signed contracts.

—

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