Unsensible - The Asian Startup Podcast Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/unsensible-the-podcast <p>BRAVE SOULS WANTED. <br>Failure almost certain. Attempting is unwise. <br>Far east adventure. Success is changing the world. <br><br>Join us on the Unsensible podcast where we talk to the Asian startups and their ecosystem partners who are intent on changing the world. </p> © 2024 Unsensible f32023ae-a626-56d9-929e-23b014414a4f yes Jonathan Nguyen Welcome to Season 2 | We're pivoting en-au Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:00:16 +0800 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:01:36 +0800 https://unsensible.com/podcast https://img.transistorcdn.com/maMBjn6Og-6ml81FwVhVqrXnMKWVjhIW4_EzMb_zMkE/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kNWFm/NjE4YTk4ZGVjMTcx/MDFkN2I0OGRlMmU0/MTEyMC5qcGVn.jpg Unsensible - The Asian Startup Podcast https://unsensible.com/podcast episodic Unsensible <p>BRAVE SOULS WANTED. <br>Failure almost certain. Attempting is unwise. <br>Far east adventure. Success is changing the world. <br><br>Join us on the Unsensible podcast where we talk to the Asian startups and their ecosystem partners who are intent on changing the world. </p> <p>BRAVE SOULS WANTED. <br>Failure almost certain. asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders Unsensible No No Securing Global Connectivity With Lasers | Dr. Mohammad Danesh, Transcelestial 3 3 2 2 Securing Global Connectivity With Lasers | Dr. Mohammad Danesh, Transcelestial full 04543454-a494-43b0-b8f1-a68e2f8ce838 https://share.transistor.fm/s/494f0855 We use the internet every day, but 99% of our data relies on fragile, undersea fiber optic cables that are completely unprotected from accidental cuts or deliberate sabotage. Dr. Mohammad Danesh, co-founder of Transcelestial, is solving this global security threat by building an unhackable internet backbone using high-bandwidth space lasers.

💡 What You'll Learn:

  • The fragility of the global internet: Why the world's reliance on a few undersea cables is a massive economic and security risk.
  • The future of connectivity: How Transcelestial is using lasers to bring unhackable, gigabit-speed internet to the masses.
  • Surviving deep tech: The brutal reality of "manufacturing hell" and what it takes to scale precision optics.
]]> We use the internet every day, but 99% of our data relies on fragile, undersea fiber optic cables that are completely unprotected from accidental cuts or deliberate sabotage. Dr. Mohammad Danesh, co-founder of Transcelestial, is solving this global security threat by building an unhackable internet backbone using high-bandwidth space lasers.

💡 What You'll Learn:

  • The fragility of the global internet: Why the world's reliance on a few undersea cables is a massive economic and security risk.
  • The future of connectivity: How Transcelestial is using lasers to bring unhackable, gigabit-speed internet to the masses.
  • Surviving deep tech: The brutal reality of "manufacturing hell" and what it takes to scale precision optics.
]]> Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 2210 We use the internet every day, but 99% of our data relies on fragile, undersea fiber optic cables that are completely unprotected from accidental cuts or deliberate sabotage. Dr. Mohammad Danesh, co-founder of Transcelestial, is solving this global security threat by building an unhackable internet backbone using high-bandwidth space lasers.

💡 What You'll Learn:

  • The fragility of the global internet: Why the world's reliance on a few undersea cables is a massive economic and security risk.
  • The future of connectivity: How Transcelestial is using lasers to bring unhackable, gigabit-speed internet to the masses.
  • Surviving deep tech: The brutal reality of "manufacturing hell" and what it takes to scale precision optics.
]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Dr. Bechara Saab and his journey to measure emotions 3 3 1 1 Dr. Bechara Saab and his journey to measure emotions full e144f207-901f-48cf-9a91-8351ec658c7f https://share.transistor.fm/s/73c23318 Psychiatrists have no objective feedback. Every other field of medicine does. Dr. Bechara Saab left his neuroscience lab at Zurich Psychiatry Hospital to fix that, and the data suggest he's onto something remarkable.

 

In this conversation, Dr. Saab shares how Mobio Interactive is bringing objective measurement to mental healthcare through over 1,000 psychotherapy sessions across seven languages. From proving mindfulness works via smartphone to using fMRI to show exactly which brain regions change with therapy, he's building the tools that clinicians desperately need but never had. We explore his journey from small-town surgeon's son to youngest research intern at Procter & Gamble to principal investigator in Zurich - and why he walked away from academic prestige to tackle the "greatest problem in mental healthcare."

 

What You'll Learn

  • How objective measurement is solving psychiatry's greatest problem
  • The science behind proving mindfulness works through brain imaging
  • What it takes to transition from neuroscience researcher to startup founder
  • Why the prefrontal cortex matters more in mental health than most people realise
  • Where mental healthcare is headed and why measurement will become the standard
]]> Psychiatrists have no objective feedback. Every other field of medicine does. Dr. Bechara Saab left his neuroscience lab at Zurich Psychiatry Hospital to fix that, and the data suggest he's onto something remarkable.

 

In this conversation, Dr. Saab shares how Mobio Interactive is bringing objective measurement to mental healthcare through over 1,000 psychotherapy sessions across seven languages. From proving mindfulness works via smartphone to using fMRI to show exactly which brain regions change with therapy, he's building the tools that clinicians desperately need but never had. We explore his journey from small-town surgeon's son to youngest research intern at Procter & Gamble to principal investigator in Zurich - and why he walked away from academic prestige to tackle the "greatest problem in mental healthcare."

 

What You'll Learn

  • How objective measurement is solving psychiatry's greatest problem
  • The science behind proving mindfulness works through brain imaging
  • What it takes to transition from neuroscience researcher to startup founder
  • Why the prefrontal cortex matters more in mental health than most people realise
  • Where mental healthcare is headed and why measurement will become the standard
]]> Tue, 10 Feb 2026 14:52:49 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 2132 Psychiatrists have no objective feedback. Every other field of medicine does. Dr. Bechara Saab left his neuroscience lab at Zurich Psychiatry Hospital to fix that, and the data suggest he's onto something remarkable.

 

In this conversation, Dr. Saab shares how Mobio Interactive is bringing objective measurement to mental healthcare through over 1,000 psychotherapy sessions across seven languages. From proving mindfulness works via smartphone to using fMRI to show exactly which brain regions change with therapy, he's building the tools that clinicians desperately need but never had. We explore his journey from small-town surgeon's son to youngest research intern at Procter & Gamble to principal investigator in Zurich - and why he walked away from academic prestige to tackle the "greatest problem in mental healthcare."

 

What You'll Learn

  • How objective measurement is solving psychiatry's greatest problem
  • The science behind proving mindfulness works through brain imaging
  • What it takes to transition from neuroscience researcher to startup founder
  • Why the prefrontal cortex matters more in mental health than most people realise
  • Where mental healthcare is headed and why measurement will become the standard
]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen David Wang on building the Future of Open Loyalty at HeyMax 2 2 15 15 David Wang on building the Future of Open Loyalty at HeyMax full a5871a6f-aa32-49c9-a4bd-9e4471206547 https://share.transistor.fm/s/76aa7aa7 What if all your loyalty points, credit card deals, and travel rewards lived in one open ecosystem, built around you instead of the banks?

In this episode, we talk to David Wang, founder of Krip, Hong Kong’s first centralised credit card deals platform, now part of HeyMax, the Singapore-based startup redefining loyalty across Asia.

David shares how recognising just how much value gets lost in everyday spending led him to build Krip, a platform that helped Hongkongers spend smarter and ultimately drew the attention of HeyMax. In this conversation, he reflects on building a startup from scratch, navigating its acquisition, and finding new purpose leading the next phase of growth, all while reshaping how loyalty and rewards actually work.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How Krip became one of Hong Kong’s standout fintech success stories
  • Why HeyMax’s “open loyalty” model could change how you earn and spend rewards
  • What founders should know before considering an acquisition
  • The emotional reality of entrepreneurship, how to balance the highs and lows
  • Where travel, tech, and loyalty are converging next in Asia
]]> What if all your loyalty points, credit card deals, and travel rewards lived in one open ecosystem, built around you instead of the banks?

In this episode, we talk to David Wang, founder of Krip, Hong Kong’s first centralised credit card deals platform, now part of HeyMax, the Singapore-based startup redefining loyalty across Asia.

David shares how recognising just how much value gets lost in everyday spending led him to build Krip, a platform that helped Hongkongers spend smarter and ultimately drew the attention of HeyMax. In this conversation, he reflects on building a startup from scratch, navigating its acquisition, and finding new purpose leading the next phase of growth, all while reshaping how loyalty and rewards actually work.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How Krip became one of Hong Kong’s standout fintech success stories
  • Why HeyMax’s “open loyalty” model could change how you earn and spend rewards
  • What founders should know before considering an acquisition
  • The emotional reality of entrepreneurship, how to balance the highs and lows
  • Where travel, tech, and loyalty are converging next in Asia
]]> Fri, 14 Nov 2025 19:27:28 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 2148 What if all your loyalty points, credit card deals, and travel rewards lived in one open ecosystem, built around you instead of the banks?

In this episode, we talk to David Wang, founder of Krip, Hong Kong’s first centralised credit card deals platform, now part of HeyMax, the Singapore-based startup redefining loyalty across Asia.

David shares how recognising just how much value gets lost in everyday spending led him to build Krip, a platform that helped Hongkongers spend smarter and ultimately drew the attention of HeyMax. In this conversation, he reflects on building a startup from scratch, navigating its acquisition, and finding new purpose leading the next phase of growth, all while reshaping how loyalty and rewards actually work.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How Krip became one of Hong Kong’s standout fintech success stories
  • Why HeyMax’s “open loyalty” model could change how you earn and spend rewards
  • What founders should know before considering an acquisition
  • The emotional reality of entrepreneurship, how to balance the highs and lows
  • Where travel, tech, and loyalty are converging next in Asia
]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Priyanka Aggarwal | 9 in 10 women suffer silently. She built an app to fix it 2 2 14 14 Priyanka Aggarwal | 9 in 10 women suffer silently. She built an app to fix it full 20902056-4ac5-43ee-b23d-9e8cc6a5771c https://share.transistor.fm/s/f4a0db17 Women don't understand their own physiology - not by accident, but by design. It won't make money to educate them about simple changes that could improve their health. So the system keeps them suffering in silence. Pri Aggarwal is breaking that cycle.

After leaving a stellar corporate career at top multinational corporations across Asia-Pacific, the Wharton scholar founded Aura Fem Health, a holistic women's wellness platform, challenging 2,000 years of systemic negligence in healthcare. With 84% of women feeling unheard by healthcare professionals, Pri is building a safe space where ancient holistic practices meet modern science breakthroughs to serve the 9 out of 10 women silently suffering.

In this episode, Pri shares her deeply personal journey from experiencing shrinking menstrual cycles and severe PMS while climbing the corporate ladder, to discovering that simple lifestyle shifts (not birth control pills or being told to "Shut up!”) could transform her health.

We discuss the unexpected parallels between startup life and motherhood , the crucial need for balance over burnout, and the practical marketing and commercial rigour her corporate background provided in these early days.

]]> Women don't understand their own physiology - not by accident, but by design. It won't make money to educate them about simple changes that could improve their health. So the system keeps them suffering in silence. Pri Aggarwal is breaking that cycle.

After leaving a stellar corporate career at top multinational corporations across Asia-Pacific, the Wharton scholar founded Aura Fem Health, a holistic women's wellness platform, challenging 2,000 years of systemic negligence in healthcare. With 84% of women feeling unheard by healthcare professionals, Pri is building a safe space where ancient holistic practices meet modern science breakthroughs to serve the 9 out of 10 women silently suffering.

In this episode, Pri shares her deeply personal journey from experiencing shrinking menstrual cycles and severe PMS while climbing the corporate ladder, to discovering that simple lifestyle shifts (not birth control pills or being told to "Shut up!”) could transform her health.

We discuss the unexpected parallels between startup life and motherhood , the crucial need for balance over burnout, and the practical marketing and commercial rigour her corporate background provided in these early days.

]]> Mon, 27 Oct 2025 19:01:19 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 2396 Women don't understand their own physiology - not by accident, but by design. It won't make money to educate them about simple changes that could improve their health. So the system keeps them suffering in silence. Pri Aggarwal is breaking that cycle.

After leaving a stellar corporate career at top multinational corporations across Asia-Pacific, the Wharton scholar founded Aura Fem Health, a holistic women's wellness platform, challenging 2,000 years of systemic negligence in healthcare. With 84% of women feeling unheard by healthcare professionals, Pri is building a safe space where ancient holistic practices meet modern science breakthroughs to serve the 9 out of 10 women silently suffering.

In this episode, Pri shares her deeply personal journey from experiencing shrinking menstrual cycles and severe PMS while climbing the corporate ladder, to discovering that simple lifestyle shifts (not birth control pills or being told to "Shut up!”) could transform her health.

We discuss the unexpected parallels between startup life and motherhood , the crucial need for balance over burnout, and the practical marketing and commercial rigour her corporate background provided in these early days.

]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jessica Ogilvie Colin Hong | DeepTranslate: How niche AI beats Google at finance translations 2 2 13 13 Colin Hong | DeepTranslate: How niche AI beats Google at finance translations full 27a696d3-e8d4-4285-9a10-218737e4407e https://share.transistor.fm/s/ba83b26f AI can translate your IPO or ESG report—but can it do it right? Colin Hong, Co-Founder of DeepTranslate, reveals how his Hong Kong startup outperforms Google Translate and ChatGPT in the most high-stakes corner of translation: finance and legal compliance.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Why niche AI is the only way to beat Big Tech
  • The hidden 20% translation gap that LLMs miss
  • How data compliance fears hold back corporate AI adoption
  • Cashflow discipline and hard lessons from startup life
  • Building a team with two PhD co-founders (and why the “sales guy” matters)
]]> AI can translate your IPO or ESG report—but can it do it right? Colin Hong, Co-Founder of DeepTranslate, reveals how his Hong Kong startup outperforms Google Translate and ChatGPT in the most high-stakes corner of translation: finance and legal compliance.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Why niche AI is the only way to beat Big Tech
  • The hidden 20% translation gap that LLMs miss
  • How data compliance fears hold back corporate AI adoption
  • Cashflow discipline and hard lessons from startup life
  • Building a team with two PhD co-founders (and why the “sales guy” matters)
]]> Tue, 09 Sep 2025 14:17:22 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 1718 AI can translate your IPO or ESG report—but can it do it right? Colin Hong, Co-Founder of DeepTranslate, reveals how his Hong Kong startup outperforms Google Translate and ChatGPT in the most high-stakes corner of translation: finance and legal compliance.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Why niche AI is the only way to beat Big Tech
  • The hidden 20% translation gap that LLMs miss
  • How data compliance fears hold back corporate AI adoption
  • Cashflow discipline and hard lessons from startup life
  • Building a team with two PhD co-founders (and why the “sales guy” matters)
]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Chat, AI, and the future of dining: Hacene Taibi's vision for restaurant tech 2 2 12 12 Chat, AI, and the future of dining: Hacene Taibi's vision for restaurant tech full f8281dbd-3a97-4bfa-85a9-bcfc0bfadbbb https://share.transistor.fm/s/8f12e554 🍽️ From WeChat frustrations to restaurant revolution. Discover how one founder's personal pain point led to Bistrochat, now transforming how restaurants across Asia handle bookings through chat and AI

Jonathan Nguyen sits down with Hacene Taibi, co-founder of Bistrochat, exploring how a simple frustration with restaurant bookings via WeChat sparked a business that's revolutionising the F&B industry. Learn how Bistrochat consolidates reservations from multiple channels whilst building a powerful CRM that helps restaurants deliver personalised service. Hacene shares valuable insights about the true nature of entrepreneurial competition: 'It's not just a product to product competition. It's what are you ready to sacrifice for this to happen?' From coding in Phuket seven days a week for a year to strategically positioning against well-funded competitors, this conversation reveals the mindset required to build a successful startup in a competitive space.

🚀 Discover Bistrochat's expansion across Asia and why Hacene believes that in the AI age, a founder's greatest strength might be knowing what they don't know.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Hacene

LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/hacenetaibi

Website: https://www.bistrochat.com/

]]> 🍽️ From WeChat frustrations to restaurant revolution. Discover how one founder's personal pain point led to Bistrochat, now transforming how restaurants across Asia handle bookings through chat and AI

Jonathan Nguyen sits down with Hacene Taibi, co-founder of Bistrochat, exploring how a simple frustration with restaurant bookings via WeChat sparked a business that's revolutionising the F&B industry. Learn how Bistrochat consolidates reservations from multiple channels whilst building a powerful CRM that helps restaurants deliver personalised service. Hacene shares valuable insights about the true nature of entrepreneurial competition: 'It's not just a product to product competition. It's what are you ready to sacrifice for this to happen?' From coding in Phuket seven days a week for a year to strategically positioning against well-funded competitors, this conversation reveals the mindset required to build a successful startup in a competitive space.

🚀 Discover Bistrochat's expansion across Asia and why Hacene believes that in the AI age, a founder's greatest strength might be knowing what they don't know.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Hacene

LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/hacenetaibi

Website: https://www.bistrochat.com/

]]> Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:43:30 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 1918 🍽️ From WeChat frustrations to restaurant revolution. Discover how one founder's personal pain point led to Bistrochat, now transforming how restaurants across Asia handle bookings through chat and AI

Jonathan Nguyen sits down with Hacene Taibi, co-founder of Bistrochat, exploring how a simple frustration with restaurant bookings via WeChat sparked a business that's revolutionising the F&B industry. Learn how Bistrochat consolidates reservations from multiple channels whilst building a powerful CRM that helps restaurants deliver personalised service. Hacene shares valuable insights about the true nature of entrepreneurial competition: 'It's not just a product to product competition. It's what are you ready to sacrifice for this to happen?' From coding in Phuket seven days a week for a year to strategically positioning against well-funded competitors, this conversation reveals the mindset required to build a successful startup in a competitive space.

🚀 Discover Bistrochat's expansion across Asia and why Hacene believes that in the AI age, a founder's greatest strength might be knowing what they don't know.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Hacene

LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/hacenetaibi

Website: https://www.bistrochat.com/

]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Behind Hong Kong's first peer-to-peer fashion rental platform 2 2 11 11 Behind Hong Kong's first peer-to-peer fashion rental platform full 90dd50ff-4852-4555-abf0-f00c09c5f16e https://share.transistor.fm/s/f3535cee 🇭🇰 From London to Hong Kong: How Louisa Dearlove spotted a gap in Hong Kong's fashion market and turned it into Fengxiang, a clothing rental platform aimed to give women in Hong Kong access to affordable contemporary fashion and to drive sustainable fashion habits. Could shared wardrobes be the future of sustainable fashion?

In this episode, we chat with Louisa Dearlove about building Hong Kong's first peer-to-peer fashion rental platform. She shares honest insights about launching an MVP instead of chasing perfection, how she has had to adapt to the local market, and how being a generalist became her entrepreneurial superpower.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Louisa

LinkedIn:   / louisadearlove

Website: https://www.fenxianghk.com/


]]> 🇭🇰 From London to Hong Kong: How Louisa Dearlove spotted a gap in Hong Kong's fashion market and turned it into Fengxiang, a clothing rental platform aimed to give women in Hong Kong access to affordable contemporary fashion and to drive sustainable fashion habits. Could shared wardrobes be the future of sustainable fashion?

In this episode, we chat with Louisa Dearlove about building Hong Kong's first peer-to-peer fashion rental platform. She shares honest insights about launching an MVP instead of chasing perfection, how she has had to adapt to the local market, and how being a generalist became her entrepreneurial superpower.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Louisa

LinkedIn:   / louisadearlove

Website: https://www.fenxianghk.com/


]]> Thu, 15 May 2025 14:16:43 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 1147 🇭🇰 From London to Hong Kong: How Louisa Dearlove spotted a gap in Hong Kong's fashion market and turned it into Fengxiang, a clothing rental platform aimed to give women in Hong Kong access to affordable contemporary fashion and to drive sustainable fashion habits. Could shared wardrobes be the future of sustainable fashion?

In this episode, we chat with Louisa Dearlove about building Hong Kong's first peer-to-peer fashion rental platform. She shares honest insights about launching an MVP instead of chasing perfection, how she has had to adapt to the local market, and how being a generalist became her entrepreneurial superpower.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Louisa

LinkedIn:   / louisadearlove

Website: https://www.fenxianghk.com/


]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen How to get into the most competitive fintech accelerator in Asia 2 2 10 10 How to get into the most competitive fintech accelerator in Asia full f25dd961-0073-43e1-a7aa-1e704f2d6192 https://share.transistor.fm/s/fa3375e9 Director of Accenture's FinTech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific reveals the top tips to joining this exclusive accelerator that has helped raise $6.6 billion for alumni companies worldwide. Applications close 12 May!


Episode summary

Only 10 spots from 200+ applications. Zero cost, equity-free. Direct access to HSBC, JP Morgan, and UBS.

In this episode, Hui Jackson shares her journey from founder (e-commerce startup Souk) to running one of Asia's most prestigious fintech accelerators. She reveals the three critical traits that predict startup success: resilience, clear vision, and ability to pivot.

Learn exactly what it takes to get accepted, how the 12-week programme works, and why multiple alumni successfully pivoted from B2C to B2B after working directly with tier-1 financial institutions.


Key takeaways

  • Success traits: Resilience, clear vision, and willingness to pivot
  • Programme structure: 3 months, 3 stages, 3 types of mentors
  • Selection tips: Clearly articulate value proposition, show POC with FS clients, demonstrate scaling plan
  • Interview day: Expect 20-30 judges, come prepared, attend in person if possible
  • Current trends: AI, web3, ESG, regulatory tech, and gaps in insurtech


Notable quotes

"If you're coming in with the willingness to learn, you can open up a lot of opportunities. If you're coming in with the aim to sell, then you will close off great sharing opportunities."

"The ability to pivot is very important. Some founders put blinkers on, trying to focus on improving their products, but not looking around what's happening."

"We literally got direct access to the world's top tier financial institutions meeting their senior partners, senior stakeholders."


Resources mentioned

  • FinTech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific: https://uns.sb/FILAP
  • Application deadline: 12 May 2025
  • Programme details: Free, equity-free, 12-week accelerator
  • Global reach: Alumni from 39 countries, nearly 400 companies


About the guest

Hui Jackson is Director of the FinTech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific at Accenture. A former founder herself, she brings unique perspective from both sides of the startup ecosystem. The Lab has been running for 12 years and is considered the anchor accelerator in Hong Kong.


Connect with us

  • Website: unsensible.com/podcast
  • Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring unrelenting founders changing the world
]]> Director of Accenture's FinTech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific reveals the top tips to joining this exclusive accelerator that has helped raise $6.6 billion for alumni companies worldwide. Applications close 12 May!


Episode summary

Only 10 spots from 200+ applications. Zero cost, equity-free. Direct access to HSBC, JP Morgan, and UBS.

In this episode, Hui Jackson shares her journey from founder (e-commerce startup Souk) to running one of Asia's most prestigious fintech accelerators. She reveals the three critical traits that predict startup success: resilience, clear vision, and ability to pivot.

Learn exactly what it takes to get accepted, how the 12-week programme works, and why multiple alumni successfully pivoted from B2C to B2B after working directly with tier-1 financial institutions.


Key takeaways

  • Success traits: Resilience, clear vision, and willingness to pivot
  • Programme structure: 3 months, 3 stages, 3 types of mentors
  • Selection tips: Clearly articulate value proposition, show POC with FS clients, demonstrate scaling plan
  • Interview day: Expect 20-30 judges, come prepared, attend in person if possible
  • Current trends: AI, web3, ESG, regulatory tech, and gaps in insurtech


Notable quotes

"If you're coming in with the willingness to learn, you can open up a lot of opportunities. If you're coming in with the aim to sell, then you will close off great sharing opportunities."

"The ability to pivot is very important. Some founders put blinkers on, trying to focus on improving their products, but not looking around what's happening."

"We literally got direct access to the world's top tier financial institutions meeting their senior partners, senior stakeholders."


Resources mentioned

  • FinTech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific: https://uns.sb/FILAP
  • Application deadline: 12 May 2025
  • Programme details: Free, equity-free, 12-week accelerator
  • Global reach: Alumni from 39 countries, nearly 400 companies


About the guest

Hui Jackson is Director of the FinTech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific at Accenture. A former founder herself, she brings unique perspective from both sides of the startup ecosystem. The Lab has been running for 12 years and is considered the anchor accelerator in Hong Kong.


Connect with us

  • Website: unsensible.com/podcast
  • Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring unrelenting founders changing the world
]]> Wed, 07 May 2025 14:24:02 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 1602 Director of Accenture's FinTech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific reveals the top tips to joining this exclusive accelerator that has helped raise $6.6 billion for alumni companies worldwide. Applications close 12 May!


Episode summary

Only 10 spots from 200+ applications. Zero cost, equity-free. Direct access to HSBC, JP Morgan, and UBS.

In this episode, Hui Jackson shares her journey from founder (e-commerce startup Souk) to running one of Asia's most prestigious fintech accelerators. She reveals the three critical traits that predict startup success: resilience, clear vision, and ability to pivot.

Learn exactly what it takes to get accepted, how the 12-week programme works, and why multiple alumni successfully pivoted from B2C to B2B after working directly with tier-1 financial institutions.


Key takeaways

  • Success traits: Resilience, clear vision, and willingness to pivot
  • Programme structure: 3 months, 3 stages, 3 types of mentors
  • Selection tips: Clearly articulate value proposition, show POC with FS clients, demonstrate scaling plan
  • Interview day: Expect 20-30 judges, come prepared, attend in person if possible
  • Current trends: AI, web3, ESG, regulatory tech, and gaps in insurtech


Notable quotes

"If you're coming in with the willingness to learn, you can open up a lot of opportunities. If you're coming in with the aim to sell, then you will close off great sharing opportunities."

"The ability to pivot is very important. Some founders put blinkers on, trying to focus on improving their products, but not looking around what's happening."

"We literally got direct access to the world's top tier financial institutions meeting their senior partners, senior stakeholders."


Resources mentioned

  • FinTech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific: https://uns.sb/FILAP
  • Application deadline: 12 May 2025
  • Programme details: Free, equity-free, 12-week accelerator
  • Global reach: Alumni from 39 countries, nearly 400 companies


About the guest

Hui Jackson is Director of the FinTech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific at Accenture. A former founder herself, she brings unique perspective from both sides of the startup ecosystem. The Lab has been running for 12 years and is considered the anchor accelerator in Hong Kong.


Connect with us

  • Website: unsensible.com/podcast
  • Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring unrelenting founders changing the world
]]> filap, fintech, accenture, startups, founders, accelerators No Jonathan Nguyen Hui Jackson This AI startup from Korea raised $6.6M in 2 years 2 2 9 9 This AI startup from Korea raised $6.6M in 2 years full 1ad4c073-395c-4e84-8367-b6d8fbf38cce https://share.transistor.fm/s/c6856b59 🔍 Ex-Goldman Sachs Banker Builds AI That Outperforms Nvidia, Google & OpenAI | Meet the 30-under-30 founder who raised $6.6M and secured 90+ global clients in under 2 years. His AI is transforming how hedge funds invest billions—could this change the future of finance forever?

In this revealing conversation, Jonathan Nguyen sits down with Hojun Choi, co-founder and CEO of LinqAlpha, to explore how AI is revolutionising the investment landscape for hedge funds and financial institutions. Discover how LinqAlpha's hyper-automation platform is enabling analysts to function at superhuman levels, processing vast amounts of unstructured data and extracting meaningful insights that would traditionally take countless hours of manual work. From raising impressive seed funding to landing major clients like Samsung Financial Network and KPMG, Hojun shares candid insights about building a truly global AI company.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

► Follow Hojun & LinqAlpha
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hojunchoi1214/
Website: https://linqalpha.com/

]]> 🔍 Ex-Goldman Sachs Banker Builds AI That Outperforms Nvidia, Google & OpenAI | Meet the 30-under-30 founder who raised $6.6M and secured 90+ global clients in under 2 years. His AI is transforming how hedge funds invest billions—could this change the future of finance forever?

In this revealing conversation, Jonathan Nguyen sits down with Hojun Choi, co-founder and CEO of LinqAlpha, to explore how AI is revolutionising the investment landscape for hedge funds and financial institutions. Discover how LinqAlpha's hyper-automation platform is enabling analysts to function at superhuman levels, processing vast amounts of unstructured data and extracting meaningful insights that would traditionally take countless hours of manual work. From raising impressive seed funding to landing major clients like Samsung Financial Network and KPMG, Hojun shares candid insights about building a truly global AI company.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

► Follow Hojun & LinqAlpha
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hojunchoi1214/
Website: https://linqalpha.com/

]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2025 16:04:06 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 2205 🔍 Ex-Goldman Sachs Banker Builds AI That Outperforms Nvidia, Google & OpenAI | Meet the 30-under-30 founder who raised $6.6M and secured 90+ global clients in under 2 years. His AI is transforming how hedge funds invest billions—could this change the future of finance forever?

In this revealing conversation, Jonathan Nguyen sits down with Hojun Choi, co-founder and CEO of LinqAlpha, to explore how AI is revolutionising the investment landscape for hedge funds and financial institutions. Discover how LinqAlpha's hyper-automation platform is enabling analysts to function at superhuman levels, processing vast amounts of unstructured data and extracting meaningful insights that would traditionally take countless hours of manual work. From raising impressive seed funding to landing major clients like Samsung Financial Network and KPMG, Hojun shares candid insights about building a truly global AI company.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

► Follow Hojun & LinqAlpha
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hojunchoi1214/
Website: https://linqalpha.com/

]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Florian M Spiegl | EVIDENT: Ending 'private' markets as we know them. 2 2 8 8 Florian M Spiegl | EVIDENT: Ending 'private' markets as we know them. full 7b6cb354-8a85-44b2-94a1-57a822968119 https://share.transistor.fm/s/021ff2fa Ever felt locked out of investing in the companies shaping our future? Florian Spiegel, Evident's founder, aims to change that. His vision? To make "private markets" a thing of the past. How's that for ambitious?

In this chat, Florian discusses how Evident, operating from Hong Kong, is democratising access to alternative assets like private equity, using tokenisation and blockchain technology to break down traditional barriers. We explore the inefficiencies of the current system (think paper trails and disconnected platforms!) and how a supportive regulatory environment is enabling this new digital infrastructure.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Florian

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florianspiegl/

Website: https://www.evident.capital/

]]> Ever felt locked out of investing in the companies shaping our future? Florian Spiegel, Evident's founder, aims to change that. His vision? To make "private markets" a thing of the past. How's that for ambitious?

In this chat, Florian discusses how Evident, operating from Hong Kong, is democratising access to alternative assets like private equity, using tokenisation and blockchain technology to break down traditional barriers. We explore the inefficiencies of the current system (think paper trails and disconnected platforms!) and how a supportive regulatory environment is enabling this new digital infrastructure.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Florian

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florianspiegl/

Website: https://www.evident.capital/

]]> Fri, 11 Apr 2025 18:41:20 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 1923 Ever felt locked out of investing in the companies shaping our future? Florian Spiegel, Evident's founder, aims to change that. His vision? To make "private markets" a thing of the past. How's that for ambitious?

In this chat, Florian discusses how Evident, operating from Hong Kong, is democratising access to alternative assets like private equity, using tokenisation and blockchain technology to break down traditional barriers. We explore the inefficiencies of the current system (think paper trails and disconnected platforms!) and how a supportive regulatory environment is enabling this new digital infrastructure.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Florian

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florianspiegl/

Website: https://www.evident.capital/

]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Jessica Liu and Ankit Suri | Planto: Founders changing the fintech landscape in Asia 2 2 7 7 Jessica Liu and Ankit Suri | Planto: Founders changing the fintech landscape in Asia full 621e116d-6ada-4d0f-95b3-fa69bf0e5836 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4eefe5f4 I’ve always maintained that the biggest competitors to a startup are often the paper process they replace. And especially in big banks, the incumbent is typically the way they’ve always done things.

What I love about Jessica, Ankit and the whole Planto team is they’ve been grinding at this for 8 years now and they’re still pushing banks forward in one of the most important financial capitals in the world. And have remained curious the whole way.

Hold on to your hats, it’s a long one (well not compared to Friedman) but we touch on the work, how they got here and taking a gamble when you have the chance.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Jessica and Ankit 

LinkedIn:   / jessicayjliu and / ankitsuri1

Website: https://www.planto.hk/en/

]]> I’ve always maintained that the biggest competitors to a startup are often the paper process they replace. And especially in big banks, the incumbent is typically the way they’ve always done things.

What I love about Jessica, Ankit and the whole Planto team is they’ve been grinding at this for 8 years now and they’re still pushing banks forward in one of the most important financial capitals in the world. And have remained curious the whole way.

Hold on to your hats, it’s a long one (well not compared to Friedman) but we touch on the work, how they got here and taking a gamble when you have the chance.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Jessica and Ankit 

LinkedIn:   / jessicayjliu and / ankitsuri1

Website: https://www.planto.hk/en/

]]> Wed, 12 Feb 2025 17:30:00 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 2873 I’ve always maintained that the biggest competitors to a startup are often the paper process they replace. And especially in big banks, the incumbent is typically the way they’ve always done things.

What I love about Jessica, Ankit and the whole Planto team is they’ve been grinding at this for 8 years now and they’re still pushing banks forward in one of the most important financial capitals in the world. And have remained curious the whole way.

Hold on to your hats, it’s a long one (well not compared to Friedman) but we touch on the work, how they got here and taking a gamble when you have the chance.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Jessica and Ankit 

LinkedIn:   / jessicayjliu and / ankitsuri1

Website: https://www.planto.hk/en/

]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Alex Scheer | zkMe: The end of data leaks, and getting paid for your DNA 2 2 6 6 Alex Scheer | zkMe: The end of data leaks, and getting paid for your DNA full 882588c5-bc5d-476d-8ddc-df0fb5f916f6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dba9ac43 What if you could prove your identity to anyone, anywhere, without sharing your personal details? Alex (David Alexander Scheer) from zkMe explains how zero-knowledge proofs could end the era of uploading ID documents to countless websites. But can a startup really take on tech giants like Google in the identity space?

In this episode, Alex shares his vision for revolutionising digital identity. From protecting medical records to transforming online advertising, zkMe's approach to data privacy could reshape how we think about personal information in the age of AI—all while letting people earn from their own data.

[01:42] Why identity is a massively undervalued industry (and how Big Tech profits from it)
[04:22] A clever approach to security: making data breaches pointless
[07:52] Real-world examples of how ZKme's platform actually works
[13:15] Why ZKme is building its own blockchain instead of using existing ones
[16:11] How they're solving the "impossible" problem of deleting data from blockchains
[21:55] The enormous opportunity in advertising (and why it needs massive scale)
[25:00] Alex's bold prediction about the end of paper documents

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Alex

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidalexander-scheer/

Website: https://www.zk.me/

]]> What if you could prove your identity to anyone, anywhere, without sharing your personal details? Alex (David Alexander Scheer) from zkMe explains how zero-knowledge proofs could end the era of uploading ID documents to countless websites. But can a startup really take on tech giants like Google in the identity space?

In this episode, Alex shares his vision for revolutionising digital identity. From protecting medical records to transforming online advertising, zkMe's approach to data privacy could reshape how we think about personal information in the age of AI—all while letting people earn from their own data.

[01:42] Why identity is a massively undervalued industry (and how Big Tech profits from it)
[04:22] A clever approach to security: making data breaches pointless
[07:52] Real-world examples of how ZKme's platform actually works
[13:15] Why ZKme is building its own blockchain instead of using existing ones
[16:11] How they're solving the "impossible" problem of deleting data from blockchains
[21:55] The enormous opportunity in advertising (and why it needs massive scale)
[25:00] Alex's bold prediction about the end of paper documents

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Alex

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidalexander-scheer/

Website: https://www.zk.me/

]]> Thu, 23 Jan 2025 12:05:59 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 1712 What if you could prove your identity to anyone, anywhere, without sharing your personal details? Alex (David Alexander Scheer) from zkMe explains how zero-knowledge proofs could end the era of uploading ID documents to countless websites. But can a startup really take on tech giants like Google in the identity space?

In this episode, Alex shares his vision for revolutionising digital identity. From protecting medical records to transforming online advertising, zkMe's approach to data privacy could reshape how we think about personal information in the age of AI—all while letting people earn from their own data.

[01:42] Why identity is a massively undervalued industry (and how Big Tech profits from it)
[04:22] A clever approach to security: making data breaches pointless
[07:52] Real-world examples of how ZKme's platform actually works
[13:15] Why ZKme is building its own blockchain instead of using existing ones
[16:11] How they're solving the "impossible" problem of deleting data from blockchains
[21:55] The enormous opportunity in advertising (and why it needs massive scale)
[25:00] Alex's bold prediction about the end of paper documents

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.
Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.


► Follow Alex

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidalexander-scheer/

Website: https://www.zk.me/

]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Denise Ho | KITDO: Could this simple invention reshape fashion? 2 2 5 5 Denise Ho | KITDO: Could this simple invention reshape fashion? full 21ae5534-0f59-4bb7-bb1d-c1db5160eebc https://share.transistor.fm/s/7fd46b9b Could this simple invention reshape fashion?

In this episode, we sit down with Denise Ho, founder of KITDO(https://kitdo.co/), who transformed her 20 years of styling experience into an innovative solution that's changing how we interact with our clothes. From graduating RISD to working in New York's fashion scene, to becoming a sought-after stylist in Hong Kong, Denise shares her journey of creating a product that's both beautiful and functional.

CONNECT WITH DENISE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-ho-846286169/
CHECK OUT KITDO: https://kitdo.co/

FOLLOW THE UNSENSIBLE PODCAST: https://unsensible.com/podcast

  • (00:44) - Who is the stylist turned inventor behind KITDO?
  • (00:56) - How did a RISD graduate end up revolutionising fashion accessories?
  • (03:15) - What's it like growing up with Jean Paul Gaultier in your wardrobe?
  • (04:42) - Can a fashion stylist become a successful entrepreneur?
  • (08:06) - What frustration led to KITDO's invention?
  • (14:17) - How do you turn clay prototypes into award-winning designs?
  • (17:28) - Why not lead with sustainability in fashion?
  • (20:01) - Are you really only wearing 20% of your wardrobe?
  • (24:01) - Is one product enough to build a successful brand?
  • (26:09) - Can KITDO conquer the European market?
  • (27:54) - What advice would you give to aspiring inventors?
  • (29:57) - What's next for KITDO in 2025?
]]> Could this simple invention reshape fashion?

In this episode, we sit down with Denise Ho, founder of KITDO(https://kitdo.co/), who transformed her 20 years of styling experience into an innovative solution that's changing how we interact with our clothes. From graduating RISD to working in New York's fashion scene, to becoming a sought-after stylist in Hong Kong, Denise shares her journey of creating a product that's both beautiful and functional.

CONNECT WITH DENISE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-ho-846286169/
CHECK OUT KITDO: https://kitdo.co/

FOLLOW THE UNSENSIBLE PODCAST: https://unsensible.com/podcast

  • (00:44) - Who is the stylist turned inventor behind KITDO?
  • (00:56) - How did a RISD graduate end up revolutionising fashion accessories?
  • (03:15) - What's it like growing up with Jean Paul Gaultier in your wardrobe?
  • (04:42) - Can a fashion stylist become a successful entrepreneur?
  • (08:06) - What frustration led to KITDO's invention?
  • (14:17) - How do you turn clay prototypes into award-winning designs?
  • (17:28) - Why not lead with sustainability in fashion?
  • (20:01) - Are you really only wearing 20% of your wardrobe?
  • (24:01) - Is one product enough to build a successful brand?
  • (26:09) - Can KITDO conquer the European market?
  • (27:54) - What advice would you give to aspiring inventors?
  • (29:57) - What's next for KITDO in 2025?
]]> Fri, 10 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 1899 Could this simple invention reshape fashion?

In this episode, we sit down with Denise Ho, founder of KITDO(https://kitdo.co/), who transformed her 20 years of styling experience into an innovative solution that's changing how we interact with our clothes. From graduating RISD to working in New York's fashion scene, to becoming a sought-after stylist in Hong Kong, Denise shares her journey of creating a product that's both beautiful and functional.

CONNECT WITH DENISE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-ho-846286169/
CHECK OUT KITDO: https://kitdo.co/

FOLLOW THE UNSENSIBLE PODCAST: https://unsensible.com/podcast

  • (00:44) - Who is the stylist turned inventor behind KITDO?
  • (00:56) - How did a RISD graduate end up revolutionising fashion accessories?
  • (03:15) - What's it like growing up with Jean Paul Gaultier in your wardrobe?
  • (04:42) - Can a fashion stylist become a successful entrepreneur?
  • (08:06) - What frustration led to KITDO's invention?
  • (14:17) - How do you turn clay prototypes into award-winning designs?
  • (17:28) - Why not lead with sustainability in fashion?
  • (20:01) - Are you really only wearing 20% of your wardrobe?
  • (24:01) - Is one product enough to build a successful brand?
  • (26:09) - Can KITDO conquer the European market?
  • (27:54) - What advice would you give to aspiring inventors?
  • (29:57) - What's next for KITDO in 2025?
]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Karis Cheng DoubleClick: 7 things that make startups look like a scam 2 2 4 4 DoubleClick: 7 things that make startups look like a scam full b409e84f-6738-44bb-be91-5ac7abe60c21 https://share.transistor.fm/s/36b943a0 In this episode of the Unsensible Podcast, Kimberley Lau and her team discuss the critical elements that can make a brand appear untrustworthy online. They explore the importance of visual presentation, the choice of words, and the necessity of testimonials and case studies in establishing credibility. The conversation emphasizes that even basic branding elements can significantly impact how a brand is perceived, especially in the B2B tech space. The team shares practical tips on how to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to a brand being perceived as a scam, ultimately guiding listeners on how to build trust and credibility with their audience.

]]> In this episode of the Unsensible Podcast, Kimberley Lau and her team discuss the critical elements that can make a brand appear untrustworthy online. They explore the importance of visual presentation, the choice of words, and the necessity of testimonials and case studies in establishing credibility. The conversation emphasizes that even basic branding elements can significantly impact how a brand is perceived, especially in the B2B tech space. The team shares practical tips on how to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to a brand being perceived as a scam, ultimately guiding listeners on how to build trust and credibility with their audience.

]]> Thu, 19 Dec 2024 15:42:31 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 1793 In this episode of the Unsensible Podcast, Kimberley Lau and her team discuss the critical elements that can make a brand appear untrustworthy online. They explore the importance of visual presentation, the choice of words, and the necessity of testimonials and case studies in establishing credibility. The conversation emphasizes that even basic branding elements can significantly impact how a brand is perceived, especially in the B2B tech space. The team shares practical tips on how to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to a brand being perceived as a scam, ultimately guiding listeners on how to build trust and credibility with their audience.

]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Jessica Ogilvie Karis Cheng Kimberley Lau Hayk Hakobyan | InsightGenie: Redefining Risk with Behavioural Data 2 2 3 3 Hayk Hakobyan | InsightGenie: Redefining Risk with Behavioural Data full 4038d834-a869-4b2f-b622-468eb817b869 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b4245385 Journey into the Future of Human Behavior Analytics with Hayk Hakobyan
If you enjoy deep dives into the intersection of technology, human behaviour, and business innovation, this conversation with InsightGenie's founder will captivate you.

In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Hayk Hakobyan, Founder and CEO of InsightGenie (formerly BizBaz), to explore the revolutionary world of behavioural analytics and predictive human assessment. From his unique background in nuclear physics to pioneering voice-based personality analysis, Hayk shares how his company is transforming the way organizations understand and predict human behaviour. Learn how advanced AI and behavioural science are reshaping everything from banking and insurance to HR and recruitment, with accuracy rates exceeding 90%.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:24) - Insight Genie
  • (08:26) - Predicting Human Behavior Using Voice
  • (14:30) - Behavioral Profiling in Risk Assessment
  • (26:38) - Revolutionizing Human Character Assessment
  • (38:33) - Navigating Life's Path
]]> Journey into the Future of Human Behavior Analytics with Hayk Hakobyan
If you enjoy deep dives into the intersection of technology, human behaviour, and business innovation, this conversation with InsightGenie's founder will captivate you.

In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Hayk Hakobyan, Founder and CEO of InsightGenie (formerly BizBaz), to explore the revolutionary world of behavioural analytics and predictive human assessment. From his unique background in nuclear physics to pioneering voice-based personality analysis, Hayk shares how his company is transforming the way organizations understand and predict human behaviour. Learn how advanced AI and behavioural science are reshaping everything from banking and insurance to HR and recruitment, with accuracy rates exceeding 90%.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:24) - Insight Genie
  • (08:26) - Predicting Human Behavior Using Voice
  • (14:30) - Behavioral Profiling in Risk Assessment
  • (26:38) - Revolutionizing Human Character Assessment
  • (38:33) - Navigating Life's Path
]]> Tue, 17 Dec 2024 22:05:47 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 2334 Journey into the Future of Human Behavior Analytics with Hayk Hakobyan
If you enjoy deep dives into the intersection of technology, human behaviour, and business innovation, this conversation with InsightGenie's founder will captivate you.

In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Hayk Hakobyan, Founder and CEO of InsightGenie (formerly BizBaz), to explore the revolutionary world of behavioural analytics and predictive human assessment. From his unique background in nuclear physics to pioneering voice-based personality analysis, Hayk shares how his company is transforming the way organizations understand and predict human behaviour. Learn how advanced AI and behavioural science are reshaping everything from banking and insurance to HR and recruitment, with accuracy rates exceeding 90%.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:24) - Insight Genie
  • (08:26) - Predicting Human Behavior Using Voice
  • (14:30) - Behavioral Profiling in Risk Assessment
  • (26:38) - Revolutionizing Human Character Assessment
  • (38:33) - Navigating Life's Path
]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Hayk Hakobyan Eri Koyano | menux: What the Tokyo Olympics taught me about fan engagement 2 2 2 2 Eri Koyano | menux: What the Tokyo Olympics taught me about fan engagement full Buzzsprout-16225902 https://share.transistor.fm/s/4a622616 Eri Koyano's journey is nothing short of inspiring, as she unravels her path from a multicultural upbringing to founding menux, a platform set to revolutionise fan engagement at sports events. Growing up across the globe—from the US to Hong Kong, and now Japan—Eri's adaptability is her superpower. Transitioning from sports marketing at the Tokyo Olympics to discovering her passion for tech during a pandemic-driven coding bootcamp, she shares how these experiences have honed her unique perspective on the contrasting startup cultures across the East and West. Her tale is one of innovation, courage, and the relentless pursuit of bridging business with technology.

Eri candidly shares her insights into the resistance she encountered and the surprising gaps in technological integration within certain sectors in Japan. As Eri sets her sights on partnering with the LA Olympics in 2028, her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. Tune in for a compelling conversation that offers a beacon of motivation for entrepreneurs aiming to make an impactful change in their industries.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Global Perspectives and Startup Pivots
  • (09:57) - Evolution of menux
  • (24:59) - Future of fan engagement
]]> Eri Koyano's journey is nothing short of inspiring, as she unravels her path from a multicultural upbringing to founding menux, a platform set to revolutionise fan engagement at sports events. Growing up across the globe—from the US to Hong Kong, and now Japan—Eri's adaptability is her superpower. Transitioning from sports marketing at the Tokyo Olympics to discovering her passion for tech during a pandemic-driven coding bootcamp, she shares how these experiences have honed her unique perspective on the contrasting startup cultures across the East and West. Her tale is one of innovation, courage, and the relentless pursuit of bridging business with technology.

Eri candidly shares her insights into the resistance she encountered and the surprising gaps in technological integration within certain sectors in Japan. As Eri sets her sights on partnering with the LA Olympics in 2028, her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. Tune in for a compelling conversation that offers a beacon of motivation for entrepreneurs aiming to make an impactful change in their industries.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Global Perspectives and Startup Pivots
  • (09:57) - Evolution of menux
  • (24:59) - Future of fan engagement
]]> Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:00:00 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 1598 Eri Koyano's journey is nothing short of inspiring, as she unravels her path from a multicultural upbringing to founding menux, a platform set to revolutionise fan engagement at sports events. Growing up across the globe—from the US to Hong Kong, and now Japan—Eri's adaptability is her superpower. Transitioning from sports marketing at the Tokyo Olympics to discovering her passion for tech during a pandemic-driven coding bootcamp, she shares how these experiences have honed her unique perspective on the contrasting startup cultures across the East and West. Her tale is one of innovation, courage, and the relentless pursuit of bridging business with technology.

Eri candidly shares her insights into the resistance she encountered and the surprising gaps in technological integration within certain sectors in Japan. As Eri sets her sights on partnering with the LA Olympics in 2028, her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. Tune in for a compelling conversation that offers a beacon of motivation for entrepreneurs aiming to make an impactful change in their industries.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Global Perspectives and Startup Pivots
  • (09:57) - Evolution of menux
  • (24:59) - Future of fan engagement
]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Karis Cheng Pak-Sun Ting | VoteeAI: If we don't tackle this, capitalism will divide us 2 2 1 1 Pak-Sun Ting | VoteeAI: If we don't tackle this, capitalism will divide us full Buzzsprout-15812228 https://share.transistor.fm/s/40befc2d Summary

Pak-Sun Ting, founder of Votee, about the challenges and opportunities in AI, particularly for low-resource languages. Pak shares his journey from a stable banking career to entrepreneurship, discussing the importance of partnerships, and understanding the peculiarities of building a startup in Hong Kong. The conversation goes into the significance of localised language models, the fundraising landscape, and the future of technology in bridging cultural divides.

Takeaways

Votee aims to revolutionise AI adoption in Asia and Africa.
There is a significant digital divide in access to AI tools.
Pak Ting left a comfortable banking job driven by idealism and innovation.
Entrepreneurs must know when to pivot or quit.
Hong Kong's startup ecosystem faces unique challenges due to high costs.
Localised language models are crucial for effective communication.
Partnerships are essential for startup success in the current landscape.
The future of AI holds both opportunities and challenges.
Cultural preservation is a key aspect of Votee's mission.
Success in entrepreneurship is defined by impact and revenue.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Pitch
01:06 Revolutionizing Enterprise AI Adoption
03:14 Leaving a Comfortable Job to Become an Entrepreneur
05:49 The Mindset of Founders and the Notion of Failure
10:05 Knowing When to Quit or Pivot
10:50 Startup Landscape in Asia
16:56 The Importance of Language Models for Low Resource Languages
20:35 Advantages of Training Language Models for Specific Languages
24:49 Potential Consolidation in the AI Space
29:13 Fundraising Success and Revenue Generation
32:23 Advice for Early Stage Startups
39:34 The Future Outlook: Innovation and Positive Change

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - The pitch
  • (01:06) - Revolutionizing Enterprise AI Adoption
  • (03:14) - Leaving a Comfortable Job to Become an Entrepreneur
  • (05:49) - The Mindset of Founders and the Notion of Failure
  • (10:05) - Knowing When to Quit or Pivot
  • (10:50) - Startup Landscape in Asia
  • (16:56) - The Importance of Language Models for Low Resource Languages
  • (20:35) - Advantages of Training Language Models for Specific Languages
  • (24:49) - Potential Consolidation in the AI Space
  • (29:13) - Fundraising Success and Revenue Generation
  • (32:23) - Advice for Early Stage Startups
  • (39:34) - The Future Outlook: Innovation and Positive Change
]]> Summary

Pak-Sun Ting, founder of Votee, about the challenges and opportunities in AI, particularly for low-resource languages. Pak shares his journey from a stable banking career to entrepreneurship, discussing the importance of partnerships, and understanding the peculiarities of building a startup in Hong Kong. The conversation goes into the significance of localised language models, the fundraising landscape, and the future of technology in bridging cultural divides.

Takeaways

Votee aims to revolutionise AI adoption in Asia and Africa.
There is a significant digital divide in access to AI tools.
Pak Ting left a comfortable banking job driven by idealism and innovation.
Entrepreneurs must know when to pivot or quit.
Hong Kong's startup ecosystem faces unique challenges due to high costs.
Localised language models are crucial for effective communication.
Partnerships are essential for startup success in the current landscape.
The future of AI holds both opportunities and challenges.
Cultural preservation is a key aspect of Votee's mission.
Success in entrepreneurship is defined by impact and revenue.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Pitch
01:06 Revolutionizing Enterprise AI Adoption
03:14 Leaving a Comfortable Job to Become an Entrepreneur
05:49 The Mindset of Founders and the Notion of Failure
10:05 Knowing When to Quit or Pivot
10:50 Startup Landscape in Asia
16:56 The Importance of Language Models for Low Resource Languages
20:35 Advantages of Training Language Models for Specific Languages
24:49 Potential Consolidation in the AI Space
29:13 Fundraising Success and Revenue Generation
32:23 Advice for Early Stage Startups
39:34 The Future Outlook: Innovation and Positive Change

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - The pitch
  • (01:06) - Revolutionizing Enterprise AI Adoption
  • (03:14) - Leaving a Comfortable Job to Become an Entrepreneur
  • (05:49) - The Mindset of Founders and the Notion of Failure
  • (10:05) - Knowing When to Quit or Pivot
  • (10:50) - Startup Landscape in Asia
  • (16:56) - The Importance of Language Models for Low Resource Languages
  • (20:35) - Advantages of Training Language Models for Specific Languages
  • (24:49) - Potential Consolidation in the AI Space
  • (29:13) - Fundraising Success and Revenue Generation
  • (32:23) - Advice for Early Stage Startups
  • (39:34) - The Future Outlook: Innovation and Positive Change
]]> Mon, 11 Nov 2024 15:00:00 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 2696 Summary

Pak-Sun Ting, founder of Votee, about the challenges and opportunities in AI, particularly for low-resource languages. Pak shares his journey from a stable banking career to entrepreneurship, discussing the importance of partnerships, and understanding the peculiarities of building a startup in Hong Kong. The conversation goes into the significance of localised language models, the fundraising landscape, and the future of technology in bridging cultural divides.

Takeaways

Votee aims to revolutionise AI adoption in Asia and Africa.
There is a significant digital divide in access to AI tools.
Pak Ting left a comfortable banking job driven by idealism and innovation.
Entrepreneurs must know when to pivot or quit.
Hong Kong's startup ecosystem faces unique challenges due to high costs.
Localised language models are crucial for effective communication.
Partnerships are essential for startup success in the current landscape.
The future of AI holds both opportunities and challenges.
Cultural preservation is a key aspect of Votee's mission.
Success in entrepreneurship is defined by impact and revenue.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Pitch
01:06 Revolutionizing Enterprise AI Adoption
03:14 Leaving a Comfortable Job to Become an Entrepreneur
05:49 The Mindset of Founders and the Notion of Failure
10:05 Knowing When to Quit or Pivot
10:50 Startup Landscape in Asia
16:56 The Importance of Language Models for Low Resource Languages
20:35 Advantages of Training Language Models for Specific Languages
24:49 Potential Consolidation in the AI Space
29:13 Fundraising Success and Revenue Generation
32:23 Advice for Early Stage Startups
39:34 The Future Outlook: Innovation and Positive Change

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - The pitch
  • (01:06) - Revolutionizing Enterprise AI Adoption
  • (03:14) - Leaving a Comfortable Job to Become an Entrepreneur
  • (05:49) - The Mindset of Founders and the Notion of Failure
  • (10:05) - Knowing When to Quit or Pivot
  • (10:50) - Startup Landscape in Asia
  • (16:56) - The Importance of Language Models for Low Resource Languages
  • (20:35) - Advantages of Training Language Models for Specific Languages
  • (24:49) - Potential Consolidation in the AI Space
  • (29:13) - Fundraising Success and Revenue Generation
  • (32:23) - Advice for Early Stage Startups
  • (39:34) - The Future Outlook: Innovation and Positive Change
]]> Keywords Votee, AI, low resource languages, entrepreneurship, startups, fundraising, language models, innovation, technology, cultural preservation No Jonathan Nguyen Welcome to Season 2 | We're pivoting 2 2 1 1 Welcome to Season 2 | We're pivoting trailer Buzzsprout-16017493 https://share.transistor.fm/s/a1f8e593 We're pivoting because you're probably sick of hearing from Jonathan's squeaky voice and his face for radio (calm down guys, it's Jonathan, I can ugly shame my own face).

What's New in Season 2:

  • Additional hosts from our team, including Managing Director Jess, Head of Brand Karis, and Client Partner Kimberley with their own individual perspectives and hot takes.
  • A new segment "DoubleClick" where we take you behind the debates we have behind closed doors debating client issues
  • And finally a new rotating roster of regular guest hosts from the ranks of regulators to investors to talk about things other than marketing (who knew there was anything other than marketing?!)

We're now out of the studio and broadcasting from locations across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh City. We're adapting to a more mobile setup while maintaining our focus on startup growth and marketing insights.

New episodes release soon.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

]]> We're pivoting because you're probably sick of hearing from Jonathan's squeaky voice and his face for radio (calm down guys, it's Jonathan, I can ugly shame my own face).

What's New in Season 2:

  • Additional hosts from our team, including Managing Director Jess, Head of Brand Karis, and Client Partner Kimberley with their own individual perspectives and hot takes.
  • A new segment "DoubleClick" where we take you behind the debates we have behind closed doors debating client issues
  • And finally a new rotating roster of regular guest hosts from the ranks of regulators to investors to talk about things other than marketing (who knew there was anything other than marketing?!)

We're now out of the studio and broadcasting from locations across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh City. We're adapting to a more mobile setup while maintaining our focus on startup growth and marketing insights.

New episodes release soon.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

]]> Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 289 We're pivoting because you're probably sick of hearing from Jonathan's squeaky voice and his face for radio (calm down guys, it's Jonathan, I can ugly shame my own face).

What's New in Season 2:

  • Additional hosts from our team, including Managing Director Jess, Head of Brand Karis, and Client Partner Kimberley with their own individual perspectives and hot takes.
  • A new segment "DoubleClick" where we take you behind the debates we have behind closed doors debating client issues
  • And finally a new rotating roster of regular guest hosts from the ranks of regulators to investors to talk about things other than marketing (who knew there was anything other than marketing?!)

We're now out of the studio and broadcasting from locations across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh City. We're adapting to a more mobile setup while maintaining our focus on startup growth and marketing insights.

New episodes release soon.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Dr. Ryan Manuel | Bilby: Tech startup using AI to predict regulatory change 1 1 6 6 Dr. Ryan Manuel | Bilby: Tech startup using AI to predict regulatory change full Buzzsprout-14513083 https://share.transistor.fm/s/87f1cf8f In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ryan Manuel, professor of Chinese politics turned tech innovator. 

Dr. Manuel is Founder & CEO at tech startup Bilby where his team has developed a groundbreaking platform that is transforming how individuals understand and engage with governments. By deciphering legislative signals, they are changing the landscape of decision-making for businesses worldwide. 

Tune in to hear about Bilby's origins, why Hong Kong is an ideal hub for AI startups, and an honest discussion about the realities of being a founder. Dr. Manuel also shares his vision for the future, where accessing government insights is as seamless as navigating financial markets.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Intro
  • (05:03) - Who is Bilby and what do you do?
  • (09:37) - The role of AI in data analysis
  • (13:34) - Can there be overnight success for a startup?
  • (15:45) - Building the Bilby startup
  • (17:57) - Realities of being a founder
  • (25:28) - Why is the timing right for Bilby's tech?
  • (27:45) - The tough job for investors
  • (32:12) - Starting a China-focused startup in Hong Kong
  • (36:08) - Bilby's vision for tech and government
]]> In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ryan Manuel, professor of Chinese politics turned tech innovator. 

Dr. Manuel is Founder & CEO at tech startup Bilby where his team has developed a groundbreaking platform that is transforming how individuals understand and engage with governments. By deciphering legislative signals, they are changing the landscape of decision-making for businesses worldwide. 

Tune in to hear about Bilby's origins, why Hong Kong is an ideal hub for AI startups, and an honest discussion about the realities of being a founder. Dr. Manuel also shares his vision for the future, where accessing government insights is as seamless as navigating financial markets.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Intro
  • (05:03) - Who is Bilby and what do you do?
  • (09:37) - The role of AI in data analysis
  • (13:34) - Can there be overnight success for a startup?
  • (15:45) - Building the Bilby startup
  • (17:57) - Realities of being a founder
  • (25:28) - Why is the timing right for Bilby's tech?
  • (27:45) - The tough job for investors
  • (32:12) - Starting a China-focused startup in Hong Kong
  • (36:08) - Bilby's vision for tech and government
]]> Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:00:00 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 2373 In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ryan Manuel, professor of Chinese politics turned tech innovator. 

Dr. Manuel is Founder & CEO at tech startup Bilby where his team has developed a groundbreaking platform that is transforming how individuals understand and engage with governments. By deciphering legislative signals, they are changing the landscape of decision-making for businesses worldwide. 

Tune in to hear about Bilby's origins, why Hong Kong is an ideal hub for AI startups, and an honest discussion about the realities of being a founder. Dr. Manuel also shares his vision for the future, where accessing government insights is as seamless as navigating financial markets.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Intro
  • (05:03) - Who is Bilby and what do you do?
  • (09:37) - The role of AI in data analysis
  • (13:34) - Can there be overnight success for a startup?
  • (15:45) - Building the Bilby startup
  • (17:57) - Realities of being a founder
  • (25:28) - Why is the timing right for Bilby's tech?
  • (27:45) - The tough job for investors
  • (32:12) - Starting a China-focused startup in Hong Kong
  • (36:08) - Bilby's vision for tech and government
]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Joan Low | ThoughtFull: HealthTech startup helping make mental health a priority for everyone every day 1 1 5 5 Joan Low | ThoughtFull: HealthTech startup helping make mental health a priority for everyone every day full Buzzsprout-14353798 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9126eaaa In this episode, we sit down with Joan Low, Founder and CEO of ThoughtFull, a startup with a unique mental health app that offers end-to-end care through daily bite-sized coaching. 

Despite the crowded marketplace, ThoughtFull is gaining traction, especially in the corporate space, recently closing a $4 million funding round led by Temasek. 

Joan shares her personal journey and the fragmented and stigmatized mental health care system that inspired her to create ThoughtFull. We also discuss the lack of innovation and capital in mental health compared to other therapeutic areas, Joan’s experience fundraising during challenging economic times, and her passion advocating for female founders to be better represented in the startup and VC space.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (01:25) - Joan's motivation to address mental health challenges
  • (06:13) - Why mental health is underfunded
  • (08:47) - Fundraising success despite headwinds
  • (13:10) - ThoughtFull products and the positive response from users
  • (17:41) - Expanding mental health care in the corporate space
  • (24:33) - Positioning ThoughtFull as unique and different
  • (27:07) - Challenges for female founders
  • (32:46) - ThoughtFull's vision for the future of mental health
]]> In this episode, we sit down with Joan Low, Founder and CEO of ThoughtFull, a startup with a unique mental health app that offers end-to-end care through daily bite-sized coaching. 

Despite the crowded marketplace, ThoughtFull is gaining traction, especially in the corporate space, recently closing a $4 million funding round led by Temasek. 

Joan shares her personal journey and the fragmented and stigmatized mental health care system that inspired her to create ThoughtFull. We also discuss the lack of innovation and capital in mental health compared to other therapeutic areas, Joan’s experience fundraising during challenging economic times, and her passion advocating for female founders to be better represented in the startup and VC space.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (01:25) - Joan's motivation to address mental health challenges
  • (06:13) - Why mental health is underfunded
  • (08:47) - Fundraising success despite headwinds
  • (13:10) - ThoughtFull products and the positive response from users
  • (17:41) - Expanding mental health care in the corporate space
  • (24:33) - Positioning ThoughtFull as unique and different
  • (27:07) - Challenges for female founders
  • (32:46) - ThoughtFull's vision for the future of mental health
]]> Mon, 22 Jan 2024 23:00:00 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 2143 In this episode, we sit down with Joan Low, Founder and CEO of ThoughtFull, a startup with a unique mental health app that offers end-to-end care through daily bite-sized coaching. 

Despite the crowded marketplace, ThoughtFull is gaining traction, especially in the corporate space, recently closing a $4 million funding round led by Temasek. 

Joan shares her personal journey and the fragmented and stigmatized mental health care system that inspired her to create ThoughtFull. We also discuss the lack of innovation and capital in mental health compared to other therapeutic areas, Joan’s experience fundraising during challenging economic times, and her passion advocating for female founders to be better represented in the startup and VC space.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (01:25) - Joan's motivation to address mental health challenges
  • (06:13) - Why mental health is underfunded
  • (08:47) - Fundraising success despite headwinds
  • (13:10) - ThoughtFull products and the positive response from users
  • (17:41) - Expanding mental health care in the corporate space
  • (24:33) - Positioning ThoughtFull as unique and different
  • (27:07) - Challenges for female founders
  • (32:46) - ThoughtFull's vision for the future of mental health
]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Rajiv Chandna | Envisso: Revolutionising the fintech payments sector to tackle a $300B challenge 1 1 4 4 Rajiv Chandna | Envisso: Revolutionising the fintech payments sector to tackle a $300B challenge full Buzzsprout-14181643 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f1442180 In this episode, we are joined by Rajiv Chandna, Co-Founder of Envisso (formerly Kinetic), who shares how his venture is revolutionising payments in an effort to build a more frictionless e-commerce landscape. With $300 billion tied up in escrow worldwide, Rajiv highlights how the burdensome collateral demands stifle growth and can even spell the end for small businesses. 

As we explore the complexities of advance payments, we also discuss the role of AI in risk assessment and pricing, the nuances of building a robust startup team, and the confluence of events that makes Kinetic’s solution timely in the rapidly evolving fintech space.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Intro
  • (02:23) - Challenges in the payments value chain
  • (04:25) - Growing payments risks and the problem faced by merchants
  • (08:08) - Founding Kinetic to deliver a solution
  • (10:39) - The role of data and AI in helping to differentiate and address needs
  • (14:07) - Kinetic's target customers in the evolving digital landscape
  • (17:10) - Startup challenges and early-stage growth opportunities
  • (22:14) - What makes Kinetic the right solution for today
  • (26:56) - The future of payments and Kinetic's vision for creating impact
]]> In this episode, we are joined by Rajiv Chandna, Co-Founder of Envisso (formerly Kinetic), who shares how his venture is revolutionising payments in an effort to build a more frictionless e-commerce landscape. With $300 billion tied up in escrow worldwide, Rajiv highlights how the burdensome collateral demands stifle growth and can even spell the end for small businesses. 

As we explore the complexities of advance payments, we also discuss the role of AI in risk assessment and pricing, the nuances of building a robust startup team, and the confluence of events that makes Kinetic’s solution timely in the rapidly evolving fintech space.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Intro
  • (02:23) - Challenges in the payments value chain
  • (04:25) - Growing payments risks and the problem faced by merchants
  • (08:08) - Founding Kinetic to deliver a solution
  • (10:39) - The role of data and AI in helping to differentiate and address needs
  • (14:07) - Kinetic's target customers in the evolving digital landscape
  • (17:10) - Startup challenges and early-stage growth opportunities
  • (22:14) - What makes Kinetic the right solution for today
  • (26:56) - The future of payments and Kinetic's vision for creating impact
]]> Thu, 21 Dec 2023 02:00:00 +0800 Unsensible Unsensible 1856 In this episode, we are joined by Rajiv Chandna, Co-Founder of Envisso (formerly Kinetic), who shares how his venture is revolutionising payments in an effort to build a more frictionless e-commerce landscape. With $300 billion tied up in escrow worldwide, Rajiv highlights how the burdensome collateral demands stifle growth and can even spell the end for small businesses. 

As we explore the complexities of advance payments, we also discuss the role of AI in risk assessment and pricing, the nuances of building a robust startup team, and the confluence of events that makes Kinetic’s solution timely in the rapidly evolving fintech space.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Intro
  • (02:23) - Challenges in the payments value chain
  • (04:25) - Growing payments risks and the problem faced by merchants
  • (08:08) - Founding Kinetic to deliver a solution
  • (10:39) - The role of data and AI in helping to differentiate and address needs
  • (14:07) - Kinetic's target customers in the evolving digital landscape
  • (17:10) - Startup challenges and early-stage growth opportunities
  • (22:14) - What makes Kinetic the right solution for today
  • (26:56) - The future of payments and Kinetic's vision for creating impact
]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Rachel Troublaiewitch | Gateway Private Markets, HK: Better venture funding from a banker turned founder 1 1 3 3 Rachel Troublaiewitch | Gateway Private Markets, HK: Better venture funding from a banker turned founder full Buzzsprout-13360288 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bf6e3950 Dive headfirst into the world of venture capitalism with Rachel, co-founder of Gateway Private Markets. Beginning her career as a banker in Asia to her role disrupting the private markets, Rachel's journey is one of innovation and perseverance. Rachael covers the the explosive growth in the startup sector over the past decade, examining the rise of unicorns and the increasingly diverse range of investors including hedge funds, public market investors, and family offices. 

What if the venture capital market, now valued at over $1.7 trillion, could be democratised? Rachel shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in the evolution of this market. We discuss the importance of an efficient ecosystem for capital flows and explore how Gateway Private Markets is rising to this challenge. Listen in as we tackle issues around access to liquidity and due diligence, as we unveil how Gateway Private Markets is empowering founders and intermediaries to make informed decisions and ensure liquidity for early investors. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the fascinating world of private markets!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Innovation and Growth in Private Markets
  • (02:33) - The Evolution of Venture Capital Marketplace
  • (15:18) - Democratization of Venture Capital Markets
]]> Dive headfirst into the world of venture capitalism with Rachel, co-founder of Gateway Private Markets. Beginning her career as a banker in Asia to her role disrupting the private markets, Rachel's journey is one of innovation and perseverance. Rachael covers the the explosive growth in the startup sector over the past decade, examining the rise of unicorns and the increasingly diverse range of investors including hedge funds, public market investors, and family offices. 

What if the venture capital market, now valued at over $1.7 trillion, could be democratised? Rachel shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in the evolution of this market. We discuss the importance of an efficient ecosystem for capital flows and explore how Gateway Private Markets is rising to this challenge. Listen in as we tackle issues around access to liquidity and due diligence, as we unveil how Gateway Private Markets is empowering founders and intermediaries to make informed decisions and ensure liquidity for early investors. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the fascinating world of private markets!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Innovation and Growth in Private Markets
  • (02:33) - The Evolution of Venture Capital Marketplace
  • (15:18) - Democratization of Venture Capital Markets
]]> Mon, 07 Aug 2023 11:00:00 +0800 Rachel Troublaiewitch Rachel Troublaiewitch 1412 Dive headfirst into the world of venture capitalism with Rachel, co-founder of Gateway Private Markets. Beginning her career as a banker in Asia to her role disrupting the private markets, Rachel's journey is one of innovation and perseverance. Rachael covers the the explosive growth in the startup sector over the past decade, examining the rise of unicorns and the increasingly diverse range of investors including hedge funds, public market investors, and family offices. 

What if the venture capital market, now valued at over $1.7 trillion, could be democratised? Rachel shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in the evolution of this market. We discuss the importance of an efficient ecosystem for capital flows and explore how Gateway Private Markets is rising to this challenge. Listen in as we tackle issues around access to liquidity and due diligence, as we unveil how Gateway Private Markets is empowering founders and intermediaries to make informed decisions and ensure liquidity for early investors. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the fascinating world of private markets!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Innovation and Growth in Private Markets
  • (02:33) - The Evolution of Venture Capital Marketplace
  • (15:18) - Democratization of Venture Capital Markets
]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen John D. Evans, CFA | SEIML Ventures, CN: Four decades of fraud, fundraising and the Founder Institute 1 1 2 2 John D. Evans, CFA | SEIML Ventures, CN: Four decades of fraud, fundraising and the Founder Institute full Buzzsprout-13360244 https://share.transistor.fm/s/972bb2f4 Send us a text

The funding environment is tough, but there is precedence. This episode’s guest, John D. Evans, CFA founder and general manager of SEIML Ventures, spent over 24 years as an investment banker, 12 years as a professor of practice, and 7 years in corporate finance. He's seen the highs and lows, booms and busts, of various economic cycles, making him a wealth of knowledge. With his unique insights, we explore the tough competitive nature of markets and the struggle startups face to generate revenue. Ever wondered how similar government-backed currency and private cryptocurrency markets are? We navigate that too!

Expanding our fiscal exploration, we peer into the darker side of finance, examining the history of financial fraud and its prevalence in boom and bust markets. You might be surprised by the similarities between Bernie Madoff and Bankman-Fried, and the distinct risks linked to neo banks and single-purpose fintechs. We also discuss the often-overlooked hurdle startups face: being able to commercialise. It's not all about the idea, it's about distribution and market demand. 

If you're considering launching a fintech in Asia, you'll definitely want to hear about the FinTech ASEAN program, an all inclusive startup training program. Get ready to uncover the fascinating, complex, and often tumultuous world of finance and entrepreneurship.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Navigating Entrepreneurship and Financial Markets
  • (06:45) - Financial Fraud and Fintech Expansion
  • (21:51) - Startup Success and the ASEAN Program
]]> Send us a text

The funding environment is tough, but there is precedence. This episode’s guest, John D. Evans, CFA founder and general manager of SEIML Ventures, spent over 24 years as an investment banker, 12 years as a professor of practice, and 7 years in corporate finance. He's seen the highs and lows, booms and busts, of various economic cycles, making him a wealth of knowledge. With his unique insights, we explore the tough competitive nature of markets and the struggle startups face to generate revenue. Ever wondered how similar government-backed currency and private cryptocurrency markets are? We navigate that too!

Expanding our fiscal exploration, we peer into the darker side of finance, examining the history of financial fraud and its prevalence in boom and bust markets. You might be surprised by the similarities between Bernie Madoff and Bankman-Fried, and the distinct risks linked to neo banks and single-purpose fintechs. We also discuss the often-overlooked hurdle startups face: being able to commercialise. It's not all about the idea, it's about distribution and market demand. 

If you're considering launching a fintech in Asia, you'll definitely want to hear about the FinTech ASEAN program, an all inclusive startup training program. Get ready to uncover the fascinating, complex, and often tumultuous world of finance and entrepreneurship.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Navigating Entrepreneurship and Financial Markets
  • (06:45) - Financial Fraud and Fintech Expansion
  • (21:51) - Startup Success and the ASEAN Program
]]> Tue, 01 Aug 2023 09:00:00 +0800 John D. Evans, CFA John D. Evans, CFA 1687 Send us a textThe funding environment is tough, but there is precedence. This episode’s guest, John D. Evans, CFA founder and general manager of SEIML Ventures, spent over 24 years as an investment banker, 12 years as a professor of practice, and 7 years in corporate finance. He's seen the highs and lows, booms and busts, of various economic cycles, making him a wealth of knowledge. With his unique insights, we explore the tough competitive nature of markets and the struggle startups face to ... Send us a textThe funding environment is tough, but there is precedence. This episode’s guest, John D. Evans, CFA founder and general manager of SEIML Ventures, spent over 24 years as an investment banker, 12 years as a professor of practice, and 7 years asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen Justin Chan | Gense, HK: The early detection device that actually works. 1 1 1 1 Justin Chan | Gense, HK: The early detection device that actually works. full Buzzsprout-13328252 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f7a2d5e5 Meet Justin Chan, a Forbes' 30 Under 30 awardee whose groundbreaking tech invention could revolutionize healthcare as we know it. As the founder of Gense, Justin’s passion for positive impact and problem-solving is actualised through a palm-sized device that scans critical organs for disease in under a minute. His vision for a decentralized, accessible healthcare system is radical, but you'd never hear him say so. 

 As we navigate the implications of his tech post-pandemic, we explore its potential in both developed and emerging markets. Accessibility, affordability, and early detection of chronic diseases form the core of our discussion. Sprinkled through are personal anecdotes of being broke, meeting Obama and issuing bonds to a now-deposed Myanmar government.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Revolutionizing Medical Diagnostics With Innovative Technology
  • (11:34) - Importance of Accessibility and Early Detection
  • (17:50) - What next
]]> Meet Justin Chan, a Forbes' 30 Under 30 awardee whose groundbreaking tech invention could revolutionize healthcare as we know it. As the founder of Gense, Justin’s passion for positive impact and problem-solving is actualised through a palm-sized device that scans critical organs for disease in under a minute. His vision for a decentralized, accessible healthcare system is radical, but you'd never hear him say so. 

 As we navigate the implications of his tech post-pandemic, we explore its potential in both developed and emerging markets. Accessibility, affordability, and early detection of chronic diseases form the core of our discussion. Sprinkled through are personal anecdotes of being broke, meeting Obama and issuing bonds to a now-deposed Myanmar government.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Revolutionizing Medical Diagnostics With Innovative Technology
  • (11:34) - Importance of Accessibility and Early Detection
  • (17:50) - What next
]]> Tue, 25 Jul 2023 09:00:00 +0800 Justin Chan Justin Chan 1089 Meet Justin Chan, a Forbes' 30 Under 30 awardee whose groundbreaking tech invention could revolutionize healthcare as we know it. As the founder of Gense, Justin’s passion for positive impact and problem-solving is actualised through a palm-sized device that scans critical organs for disease in under a minute. His vision for a decentralized, accessible healthcare system is radical, but you'd never hear him say so. 

 As we navigate the implications of his tech post-pandemic, we explore its potential in both developed and emerging markets. Accessibility, affordability, and early detection of chronic diseases form the core of our discussion. Sprinkled through are personal anecdotes of being broke, meeting Obama and issuing bonds to a now-deposed Myanmar government.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips.

Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.

  • (00:00) - Revolutionizing Medical Diagnostics With Innovative Technology
  • (11:34) - Importance of Accessibility and Early Detection
  • (17:50) - What next
]]> asia, startups, investment, vcs, venture capital, founders, funders No Jonathan Nguyen