On the second day of She Loves Tech Global Conference, which fell on October 27 in Singapore, GGV Managing Partner Jenny Lee spoke about the unique characteristics of Greater Asia region which global investors need to pay attention to. This is especially related to where the region is in terms of digital transformation.

“I will say, for the Greater Asia region, the challenges that we have are a little different, meaning that we are actually a bit more functional,” she began.

The Managing Partner highlighted that to implement novel technologies such as AI, for example, the challenges that companies may face include the lack of sufficient data, as many countries are just in the early stage of digitalisation. When there is no sufficient structured data, there is just no capacity to begin the automation process.

“While there is definitely opportunity for some of the more advanced cities or countries in this region, there are other areas that may need work … but you cannot avoid the transition, because it is important. Digitalisation, for consumers, can present itself in terms of better education, tax, healthcare services,” she told moderator She Loves Tech Chief Content Officer Sharon Lim.

At the fireside chat, Lee also spoke about how technological disruption affected the workforce and how policies can impact the success of startups who are able to seize that opportunity. She pointed out that there are major trends in Asia that are policy-driven by the government which can be seen in countries such as China.

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“I am not against government supporting industries, because I think that if you are in the startup business, you want to be lucky as well,” she said.

Investment beyond the borders

Lee is no stranger to the global startup investment community and has made significant achievements in the field. A trailblazer in Asia’s venture capital industry, she was the first woman to crack the Midas List top ten (2015), has remained on Forbes Global 100 VC Midas List since 2012.

As a passionate technologist, she pays attention to trends in various tech verticals, not just the ones that GGV is focusing on. This is includes niche verticals such as space tech.

“Even though it is not my area of investment, it is my personal interests,” she said.

She also shares her preference for companies that are building technologies that are “not easily copied.”

“Long-lasting companies have their own advantages … That unique advantage sometimes is operational excellence, sometimes is user interface.”

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