Podcasts about hustle fund

After quitting her job at Google, Elizabeth Yin took a bold leap into entrepreneurship by founding LaunchBit, an adtech company. Despite facing challenges with fundraising and customer acquisition, LaunchBit was acquired. Drawing on these experiences, Elizabeth joined 500 Startups, where she invested in early-stage companies. As co-founder of Hustle Fund, she now backs startups focused on speed and execution. In this episode, Elizabeth joins Ilana to share the challenges of starting a business, how she evaluates founders to invest in, and the realities of fundraising in the competitive world of venture capital. Elizabeth Yin is a co-founder and General Partner at Hustle Fund, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. She has reviewed over 20,000 startup pitches and assisted numerous portfolio founders in raising hundreds of millions of dollars. In this episode, Ilana and Elizabeth will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (01:39) Falling in Love with Startups in High School (05:32) Adapting to Global Work Cultures (07:25) Leaving Google to Launch Her Startup (13:08) The Challenges of Starting a Business (16:28) How Mentors Shaped Her Startup Journey (18:15) How to Approach Mergers and Acquisitions (21:03) Key Lessons From Investing in 200+ Startups (29:41) Fundraising Realities and Strategies (33:36) The Mission Behind Hustle Fund (35:23) Navigating Stereotypes and Rejection (41:13) How to Decide Whether to Raise Capital (45:16) Handling Identity Shifts as an Entrepreneur (51:14) Building a Network Through Angel Investing Elizabeth Yin is a co-founder and General Partner at Hustle Fund, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. She founded LaunchBit, an adtech company acquired in 2014, and was a partner at 500 Startups, where she invested in seed-stage companies. Elizabeth has reviewed over 20,000 startup pitches and assisted numerous portfolio founders in raising hundreds of millions of dollars. Connect with Elizabeth: Elizabeth's Website: elizabethyin.com  Elizabeth's LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/elizabethyin/  Resources Mentioned: Hustle Fund's Website: hustlefund.vc/  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au explored the growing challenges of youth unemployment in Singapore and how AI is fundamentally changing the job market. They discussed how the rise of automation is making entry-level roles less necessary, leading companies to prioritize experienced hires who can work with AI rather than train fresh graduates. They also examine how AI amplifies the gap between high and low performers, making adaptability and self-motivation more crucial than ever. They also talked about the need for educational reforms that focus on problem-solving and real-world applications, as well as how young professionals can position themselves for success in an AI-driven economy. 1. Youth unemployment rates are increasing – In 2022, 94% of Singapore university graduates were employed within six months, but by 2024, only 87% of fresh graduates had secured full-time jobs. 2. AI is displacing entry-level jobs – AI tools are replacing tasks traditionally done by junior employees, reducing the need for new hires, especially in roles like market research, legal functions, and writing. 3. Companies prefer experienced hires – Businesses are opting for experienced workers who are comfortable using AI tools, reducing the reliance on entry-level hires due to the high cost of training and managing juniors. 4. AI benefits top performers – High performers in companies are already leveraging AI, while low performers are falling behind, highlighting that AI does not necessarily level the playing field. 5. The challenge of learning through apprenticeships – Entry-level positions have traditionally been apprenticeships where workers learn the craft. With fewer junior roles available, the next generation of workers may lack the experience needed for senior positions. 6. Education needs to change to foster agency – Shiyan suggests that education should focus on helping students develop agency and problem-solving skills by working on open-ended real-world problems, rather than simply memorizing facts. 7. The importance of finding passion and adaptability – As AI changes the job landscape, young professionals must be passionate about their work and adaptable to new tools like AI to remain competitive in the evolving market. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/ai-job-disruption Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Trump's Economic Policies, Tariffs & Crypto Initiatives: They examined the economic impact of Trump's 2025 return, including a 10% tariff hike on Chinese imports and new tariffs on Canada and Mexico. The administration also ended the de minimis exemption for low-cost e-commerce imports, affecting platforms like Temu and Shein, which had relied on duty-free shipping to US consumers. These changes disproportionately impacted lower-income Americans, despite cost-of-living concerns being a key election issue. Canada and Mexico secured a 30-day tariff delay, while Trump also launched Trump Coin and proposed a US Bitcoin reserve, signaling a pro-crypto stance that could draw US crypto firms back onshore. 2. DeepSeek & US-China AI Dynamics: They discussed the launch of DeepSeek-V3, a Chinese AI model matching GPT-4 but with lower training costs, which Jeremy called a “Sputnik moment”. The model's success exposed the limits of US chip export bans, as Chinese engineers developed efficient AI training methods despite NVIDIA H100 restrictions. DeepSeek's open-source availability via Hugging Face complicated regulatory enforcement, leading US Senator Josh Hawley to propose severe penalties, including 20-year prison terms for users and $100M fines for corporations. Meta's AI lead, Yann LeCun, framed the issue as a debate between open-source and closed-source AI rather than a purely U.S.-China rivalry. 3. Grab-GoTo Potential Merger: They revisited ongoing Grab-GoTo (Gojek) merger talks, noting that Grab's stronger financial position made it the likely acquirer. While Singapore's regulators were expected to approve the deal, Indonesian authorities might impose conditions such as fare caps or job guarantees to prevent monopolistic practices. Reduced competition could push ride-hailing fares higher, with some Singaporeans already shifting back to public transport as Grab's peak-hour prices reached $40. SoftBank, a major investor in both companies, had long pushed for consolidation, and with Gojek's founding team no longer involved, negotiations had become more financially driven. Jeremy and Shiyan also discussed Waymo's self-driving taxis and their potential impact in Southeast Asia, Singapore's emphasis on “future-proofing” careers versus the US culture of embracing disruption, and how US trade and AI restrictions are accelerating Chinese firms' shift towards Southeast Asia and the EU. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/deepseek-and-us-china-ai-race Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au discussed: 1. eFishery Fraud Allegations: Once an Indonesian agritech darling, eFishery's end-to-end aquaculture solutions were lauded for their potential to improve farmers' productivity and incomes. eFishery had achieved a $1 billion valuation in 2023, backed by investors like Temasek, Sequoia, Northstar, and GGV Capital. Whistleblower allegations against the founders surfaced despite significant financial oversight, including audited accounts and reputable due diligence processes. Shiyan emphasized the trust deficit such incidents cause, and drew parallels to Zilingo's earlier downfall which caused a chilling effect on Southeast Asia's growth-stage investments. 2. Early Exits Signals: Jeremy highlighted the divergent strategies of eFishery's investors during its Series D round. Notable exits included Ideasource, which achieved a 40x return over a decade, and Sui Ling Cheah from Wavemaker, who bought in via secondaries in 2019 and accomplished a similar return in five years. These moves showcased varying approaches—early-stage investors seeking liquidity versus late-stage investors balancing signaling effects. They also discussed the challenges of timing exits in Southeast Asia's market context, balancing growth ambitions with prudent capital recovery. 3. Ecosystem Red Flags: Jeremy and Shiyan debated how weak financial governance impacts Southeast Asia's startup ecosystem. Citing eFishery's CFO resignation and earlier signals as red flags, they stressed the need for stricter board oversight and robust due diligence practices. Jeremy noted how fraud incidents strain ecosystem trust, making diligence processes longer and more expensive. Drawing parallels to the U.S., Shiyan emphasized how trust and long-term reputation are critical for founders aiming to sustain multiple ventures. They discussed how practices like misreporting revenue—common in sectors like e-commerce—distort valuations and create cascading governance failures. Additional topics included Southeast Asia's funding culture, revenue-quality metrics, exit dynamics for early employees, and honest advice to founders. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/efishery-unicorn-fraud Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Join Jeremy Au and Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, as they share 5 bold predictions about Southeast Asia's tech ecosystem, including how VCs continue to shift their strategy, silent death of funds and the second-order impact of US-China decoupling on regional markets. Balancing optimism with pragmatism, they also discuss 5 wishes for the region, including overhauling financial accounting operating standards and supporting "failed" founders to bounce back into the talent network. === Shiyan Koh is the Managing Partner at Hustle Fund, a venture capital fund that invests in pre-seed software startups in the U.S., Canada and Southeast Asia. Prior to that she was VP Business Operations and Corporate Development at NerdWallet, a Fintech Startup that helps users with a range of financial decisions through content, community and tools. Over the course of six years at NerdWallet, she led product teams, ran business operations and corporate development, and helped grow the company from US$1M to US$150M in revenue. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/ 5-predictions-5-wishes Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di www.bravesea.com/blog/ 5-predictions-5-wishes 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 www.bravesea.com/blog/ 5-predictions-5-wishes Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại www.bravesea.com/blog/ 5-predictions-5-wishes Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities #DeepTechSingapore #SoutheastAsiaTech #USChinaDecoupling #VentureCapitalTrends #TechInnovationHub

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au discussed: 1. 6 Million Population: Singapore's population reached 6 million in 2023, up from 5 million in 2010. Shiyan noted the population was 2.7 million when she left two decades ago in 1990, highlighting rapid growth. Increased density has boosted economic diversity, comparable to New York City's business environment. Unlike USA or the EU, Singapore's population growth is driven by legal immigration due to strong border enforcement. International events like the F1 Grand Prix and Token 2049 contribute to an influx of expatriates, reinforcing Singapore's role as a global business hub. 2. Anti-Immigration vs. Education Assimilation: With Singapore's GDP per capita at USD 88,000, which six times higher than neighboring Malaysia, Shiyan highlighted that Singapore naturally attracts workers from ASEAN countries. She emphasized that immigration often fills jobs that the local population does not. Jeremy noted that immigration, while necessary for economic growth, is controversial globally, especially when people feel its benefits aren't equally shared. They both suggested that schools should serve as platforms for integrating immigrant children, given Singapore's declining birth rate. They also discussed how international schools, equal government funding across local schools, socio-economic factors, tuition, and parent self selection drives competition across families for local school slots. 3. US$230M Bitcoin Theft Lessons: 20-year-old Singaporean Malone Lam was arrested in Los Angeles for stealing 4,100 Bitcoin, worth USD 230 million. He partied hard with the proceeds, gave away Birkin bags at nightclubs, and bought luxury cars. Prioritizing long-term thinking and value creation leads to sustainable success, rather than chasing short-term career gains that sacrifice integrity. Jeremy and Shiyan also touched on fostering "kampung community spirit”, the impact of alumni networks and socioeconomic background on local school performance, and the role of expatriates in Singapore's business ecosystem. === Shiyan Koh is the Managing Partner at Hustle Fund, a venture capital fund that invests in pre-seed software startups in the U.S., Canada and Southeast Asia. Prior to that she was VP Business Operations and Corporate Development at NerdWallet, a Fintech Startup that helps users with a range of financial decisions through content, community and tools. Over the course of six years at NerdWallet, she led product teams, ran business operations and corporate development, and helped grow the company from US$1M to US$150M in revenue. === Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-population-growth Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-population-growth 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-population-growth Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-population-growth Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Spotify English: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T Bahasa Indonesia: https://open.spotify.com/show/2Vs8t6qPo0eFb4o6zOmiVZ Chinese: https://open.spotify.com/show/20AGbzHhzFDWyRTbHTVDJR Vietnamese: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yqd3Jj0I19NhN0h8lWrK1 YouTube English: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu?sub_confirmation=1 Apple Podcast English: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464

Hi, my name is Marilyn McNeal and I am the producer for Work Life 24. Work Life 24 is a podcast where I talk with friends, former students, project partners, and colleagues - about work. I ask each guest to reflect on the evolution of their work skills and career and what it is in the early 21st century to be a worker.  In this episode, I get into conversation with  Lauren Taylor, a Principal at REDF where she supports investments in entrepreneurs and enterprises scaling revenue and impact. REDF is a venture catalyst investing in the country's most innovative social enterprises.  Lauren is also Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Zero Gravity Agency, a mission-driven consulting firm that supports investors, funders, and entrepreneurs with capacity-building technical assistance that accelerates growth and impact. Outside of these roles, Lauren is a mentor for Nasdaq, as well as a member of Hustle Fund's Angel Squad and Pipeline Angels, two groups that invest their personal income in early-stage entrepreneurs. Lauren M. Taylor https://www.linkedin.com/in/contactlaurenmtaylor/ Angel Squad https://www.hustlefund.vc/squad Zero Gravity http://zerogravityagency.us/ Pipeline Angels https://pipelineangels.com/ Marilyn McNeal https://marilynmcneal.com            

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au discussed: 1.  Trump Win vs. Southeast Asia Trade: Trump's 2024 landslide election victory across the White House, Senate and House of Representatives, will reshape Southeast Asia's economic landscape. His proposed “global 10% tariff” on all US imports and a targeted 60% tariff on Chinese goods may severely disrupt Southeast Asia's trade flows. Singapore could face challenges for export-driven industries and its role as a key transit hub for US-China trade. Chinese-funded products manufactured in Southeast Asia—such as solar cells produced in Vietnam— may now face similar tariffs as those directly from China. Biden-era “reverse CFIUS” restrictions, which limit US investment in Chinese firms across sectors such as AI and advanced manufacturing, coupled with Trump's new China hawk administration will further accelerate American LPs and MNCs to redirect foreign direct investment (FDI) towards Southeast Asia instead of China. 2. China Talent Flows: Known as the “Delaware of Asia,” Singapore stands to benefit as both US and Chinese firms seek a neutral and stable base for regional Asia operations (versus Hong Kong). As US-China tensions deter many Chinese families and professionals from pursuing American education and career paths, Singapore has become an appealing alternative. Singapore, a nation built by immigrants, has long maintained a social contract that includes national service (NS) obligations as a cornerstone of fostering social cohesion among its diverse population. However, the country has historically faced complex challenges in determining which types of immigrants to accept, how best to integrate them into society and to improve income inequality. Jeremy shared a story about a former Thai employee who had to leave America after her H-1B visa renewal was denied during Trump's first term, illustrating how Trump's immigration policies could drive talent to return to the regional tech ecosystem. 3. Silicon Valley Divided: Opinions remain split, with Trump's pro-deregulation stance sparking optimism in some corners, evidenced by a surge in Bitcoin prices and positive reactions from equity markets. Supporters point to potential gains for sectors like crypto and tech equities, alongside corporate tax cuts that help maintain profits, boost R&D, and provide attractive exit opportunities for venture capitalists. Concerns were raised that while deregulation under Trump may fuel market growth, higher tariffs could exacerbate economic disparities and be the wrong solution for the middle class. Jeremy and Shiyan also talked about how China exporters like BYD electric cars will now increasingly focus on Southeast Asia markets, Singapore's low birth rate like Japan and the growing number of startups building digital AI companions. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trump-win-vs-se-asia Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trump-win-vs-se-asia-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trump-win-vs-se-asia-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/trump-win-vs-se-asia-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Eric Bahn is the co-founder and General Partner of venture capital firm Hustle Fund (00:00) Why should VCs care about content? (04:28) Why Eric invested his personal money into a 14-year-old founder (09:24) Hustle Fund's content playbook secret sauce (11:50) The internet content Rorschach test (13:16) Building a content-to-community funnel (14:58) LPs to Eric: “Why are you tweeting ridiculous stuff all the time?” (18:17) Betting on founders before they believe in themselves (24:25) Turning the word “hustle” on its head (26:22) Is AI killing VC deal flows? (32:00) The secret amazing benefit of angel investing (this one BLEW my mind) Jason Levin⁠⁠⁠ is a viral marketer and founder of Memelord Technologies. Read Jason's ⁠weekly advice column on organic social media growth for startups⁠. Follow Jason on ⁠Twitter⁠. Follow Eric on Twitter Subscribe to Jason on ⁠YouTube⁠. Past guests of The Jason Levin Show include: Eric Jorgenson, Greg Isenberg, Jack Raines, Paul Millerd, Mike Solana, Danny Miranda, Billy Oppenheimer, Jack Rhysider, Ben Wilson, and more.

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Singapore Vetoes Allianz $4.4B Insurer Acquisition: They discussed the Singapore government's veto of the NTUC Income and Allianz merger, primarily over concerns of an undisclosed plan for $2B capital withdrawal post-merger. This case illustrated the delicate balance required between pursuing financial strategies and adhering to a social mission, especially in a cooperative structure transitioning to a corporatized entity. 2. NTUC 1961 History & Income Cooperative Mandate: They expanded on the broader historical role of National Trade Unions Congress with the People's Action Party since 1961, vs. the now-defunct leftist Singapore Association of Trade Unions (SATU). The central workers' union is the parent organization of NTUC Enterprise, which is a holding entity of multiple cooperatives and mission-based corporations like NTUC Fairprice (supermarkets), First Campus (childcare) and Income (insurance). They referenced analysis on other successful single-country insurer cooperatives benchmarks from former NTUC Enterprise & NTUC Income CEO Tan Suee Chieh. 3. Trump vs. Kamala Impact on Southeast Asia: Jeremy and Shiyan debated how the US election's potential outcomes could lead to dramatically different White House policies on free trade, capital gains and China relations - leading to significant ripple effects on Singapore & Southeast Asia. This highlights the deep interconnectivity of American political decisions with regional economic outcomes. Jeremy and Shiyan also touched on the impact of US interest rate cuts on global markets, the acceleration of Chinese companies entering Southeast Asia, and Singapore's higher number of work hours vs. America and the EU. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-vetoes-allianz-acquisition Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-vetoes-allianz-acquisition-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-vetoes-allianz-acquisition-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-vetoes-allianz-acquisition-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Nika.eco! Reach out to info@nika.eco if you are a geospatial data scientist or climate researcher who is interested to partner on a pilot or research opportunities

Elizabeth Yin realized she had a problem. She wanted to be a founder, but couldn't think of a problem she wanted to spend decades of her life working on. After soul searching, she remembered the one thing she did care about: helping other founders.She took that passion and turned it into Hustle Fund, which focuses on offering capital, knowledge, and networks to “hilariously early-stage” software startups. She also angels invests in non-software D2C companies. She's invested in over 800 startups, with two of her most notable being Webflow and Mejuri. We chat with Elizabeth about why valuation matters if you have a smaller fund, why she thinks certain hot spaces like AI might not yield the types of returns investors think they will, and what happens when founders misbehave (and commit fraud and flee to Russia). Elizabeth invests $150k checks into idea-stage B2B software, digital health, and fintech companies through Hustle Fund. Highlights: When Elizabeth says she invests at an early stage, she means it. Hustle Fund invests in founders who have an idea and are pre-revenue.Elizabeth talks about the difference between small sub-$100M funds and large multi-stage funds. As a smaller fund, you need to make your checks count by deploying them into startups where they'll make a true difference. Multi-stage funds are investing early to have the option to write a bigger check in later stages. Higher exits usually mean higher entry points for investors. If you're not a multi-billion dollar fund, you probably want to focus on investments with lower entry points and in return, lower multiples. In the end, both lead to similar quantified outcomes.You don't want to invest in overcrowded spaces because your chances of realizing alpha decreases when there are more hands in the pot. Finding unpopular spaces with less competition is where Elizabeth likes to focus.(00:00) - 13: Elizabeth Yin of Hustle Fund has seen over 50,000 companies and made 800 investments – usually in just 30 minutes (01:36) - Launching LaunchBit: Getting started as a founder and helping others at the same time (09:30) - The first investment: Lessons in customer acquisition (11:48) - Valuation: Why it matters at every fund size (18:43) - Making checks count: Are you an option or an investment? (28:37) - The best investment: Lessons in learning to play the long game (30:59) - Entries and exits: Elizabeth's framework for evaluating investments (39:39) - Ignoring the crowd: Staying out of too-hot spaces like AI (49:52) - AI: What's Elizabeth doing in this space? (53:23) - Speed round

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au discussed: 1. Johor Special Economic Zone (SEZ): They explored the potential impact of the upcoming Johor-Singapore SEZ agreement, scheduled for signing in November. The SEZ, which is more than 4 times the size of Singapore, is seen as an opportunity to deepen economic ties between the two regions by leveraging Singapore's capital, technology, and skilled workforce alongside Johor's land and infrastructure. They noted regulatory challenges such as Johor's year-long permit approval process, which contrasts with quicker timelines in other Malaysian states like Selangor. Both emphasized that political cooperation across Malaysia's federal government, Singapore and Johor's state government & king would be essential to the SEZ's success, particularly in attracting multinational corporations (MNCs) and improving labor mobility across the border. 2. US Anti-China "Reverse CFIUS": The discussion covered the upcoming introduction of America's "reverse Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)" legislation, which restricts US citizens, entities and LPs from investing in Chinese funds or companies involved in sectors like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and microchips. These measures are expected to reduce China VC investments as US LPs steer clear of the compliance risks associated any funds that invest into China-linked companies. Reverse CFIUS reflects a broader change in global capital flows, signaling the end of the globalization era that had previously driven much of the world's economic integration. This shift could redirect capital towards Southeast Asia, offering opportunities for local investors but also presenting serious challenges. 3. Regional Trade Diversification: They examined Southeast Asia's growing significance as part of the “China Plus One” strategy, where MNCs diversify operations beyond China due to rising trade tensions. The SEZ's strategic location and proximity to Singapore's financial and skilled labor markets could become a key hub for industries such as electronics and automotive manufacturing. They noted that improved infrastructure like direct international flights would enhance the region's connectivity and attractiveness for global businesses. They also underscored that seamless collaboration and regulatory improvements to streamline bureaucratic processes are critical to fully capitalizing on these emerging opportunities. Jeremy and Shiyan discussed several emerging topics including diabetic horses healthcare, Singapore's longevity, crypto and VC conferences and the challenges of maintaining balanced diplomatic and economic strategies amidst global policy shifts. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/johor-singapore-sez Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/johor-singapore-sez-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/johor-singapore-sez-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/johor-singapore-sez-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.

Carlos N. Escutia's entrepreneurial journey is an exciting story of experiences drawn from diverse roles across countries, industries, and business models. It is a fine example of adaptability, resilience, and strategic thinking. His latest venture, GroWrk, has attracted funding from top-tier investors like K20 Fund, Hustle Fund, Act One Ventures, and Allied Venture Partners.

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main points: 1. Disney+ Arbitration PR Crisis: A woman died from an allergic reaction after eating at a Disney-affiliated restaurant. The husband sued Disney for "wrongful death" and $50,000+ of damages. Disney in May 2024 alleged that the husband accepted a forced arbitration agreement when signing up for Disney Plus in 2019. This caused a firestorm of public criticism about the company's accountability. The hosts discuss the broader implications of such legal strategies on public trust and branding, and Disney's withdrawal of this legal case serves as a cautionary tale about balancing tactical legal defenses with keeping a broader strategic eye. 2. Good vs. Bad Startup Sci-Fi Ideas: Shiyan stressed the importance of personal dedication to a business idea, given the substantial time commitment involved. They also explored how sci-fi plays a role with simultaneous innovation, the concept of "founder-problem fit" and the critical need to align personal interests with the entrepreneurial venture. They also discussed the suitability of ideas for venture capital investment, distinguishing between good business ideas and those that are venture-backable. 3. Defence Tech Rise: Jeremy discussed the role of startups like Anduril and Palantir in transforming defense technologies. YC-backed startup Ares Industries is producing cruise missiles that are 10X cheaper and more effective than existing models. Private sector innovation is increasingly crucial to government budgets looking to buy large volumes more cost-effectively. Jeremy and Shiyan also touched on topics like longevity and sleep quality, biohacking amongst tech enthusiasts, and the importance of market validation. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/good-vs-bad-startup-ideas Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/good-vs-bad-startup-ideas-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/good-vs-bad-startup-ideas-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/good-vs-bad-startup-ideas-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Vietnamese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join us at Geeks on a Beach! Use the code "BRAVESEA" for a 45% discount for the first 10 registrations, and 35% off for the next ones.

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main points: 1. Allianz Insurance Acquiring NTUC Income: Jeremy and Shiyan dissected the business logic and new facts that have emerged, especially regarding the current competition and performance challenges facing NTUC Income. They addressed the confusing public communications, emphasizing the need for transparent messaging to maintain stakeholder trust and societal confidence. They also reflected on the lessons for nonprofits and social enterprises regarding the importance of the constitution to safeguard social objectives. 2. USA Civilian Nuclear Deal: Singapore signed a thirty-years long “123” agreement to access US nuclear energy technologies and expertise that are under export controls. 95% of Singapore's electricity is powered by fossil fuels, with low opportunities for solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable sources. Nuclear modular reactors would be one of the few ways to achieve Singapore's ambitious 2050 net zero carbon emissions pledge. America signed similar deals with Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam - with implications for energy security, diplomatic alliances and optionality for national defense. 3. Politicians vs. Technocrats: They explored the contrasting leadership styles and political approach of Tim Walz, JD Vance, and Mitt Romney. With different experiences as teacher, veteran, venture capitalist, management consultant and community organizer, they exhibit the difference in skillsets between governance and winning votes. They compare this to Singapore's policy and political landscape, and whether technocrats or retail politicians better serve their communities. Jeremy and Shiyan also discussed the role of regulatory oversight in corporate transitions, the influence of legal structures on organizational missions, and the cultural implications of business practices across different regions. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-usa-nuclear-deal Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-usa-nuclear-deal-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-usa-nuclear-deal-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-usa-nuclear-deal-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co 

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Kamala vs. Trump USA Election: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed Kamala Harris stepping into the presidential race, and speculated on her potential policy directions and how her leadership might influence relations with Asia. The excitement around her candidacy and the shift in political dynamics were key points, along with how both parties still view being tough on China as beneficial. 2. NTUC Income Insurance Privatization by Allianz: Jeremy and Shiyan explored the implications of selling a majority stake of NTUC Income, Singapore's insurance cooperative, to Allianz. Allianz CEO's “We're not in Asia to buy top line; we want to build a resoundingly profitable business” reflects how this acquisition will transfer wealth from policyholders towards current shareholders. They debated the public policy rationale behind the decision, in light of the complexities of balancing profitability with social benefits in the insurance sector. 3. Indonesia D2C & Productivity Solutions Grant (PSG): Jeremy and Shiyan talked about the income distribution and purchasing power disparities in Indonesia, and shared about a founder who pivoted from a B2B SaaS model to a direct-to-consumer retail business called Lucky Bundle, which focuses on serving the lower-income 80% of the population. They also discussed the productivity solutions grant (PSG) in Singapore, discussing how government subsidies can impact market competitiveness. The implementation approach of these subsidies may accidentally support sub-standard vendors, thus hindering the development of globally competitive businesses. Jeremy and Shiyan also covered the challenges of building in different GDP per capita zones, differences between public and private healthcare costs, and the role of cooperatives in balancing market dynamics. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-insurance-cooperative-privatization Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-insurance-cooperative-privatization-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-insurance-cooperative-privatization-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-insurance-cooperative-privatization-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co 

What do you get when you mix U.S. national security, angel investing, and kids' pajamas? Atlee Clark. Proud Canadian Atlee took a hard pivot from the public sector to the tech world, first through a nonprofit called the C100, which supports entrepreneurs, and later at Shopify, focusing on 0 - 1 initiatives. Similar to other angel collectives emerging at the time like Hashtag Angels and Operator Collective, Atlee tapped into her executive network at Shopify to connect with other female leaders who were looking to invest on the side. What began as informal conversations about investing and advising after the working day coalesced into Backbone Angels, a collection of executive tech women sourcing angel opportunities collectively and making investments individually. Backbone was started in 2021 and has amassed a portfolio of over 40 early-stage startups, including Bird&Be, 1Password, and Blume.Atlee tells us what it's like to balance functioning as a cohesive unit while making individual investment decisions. Plus, we get to hear about her journey as a small business owner and what motivates her to invest in what she wants to see in the world. Atlee writes angel checks of $10k to $20k, focusing on startups that address challenges for parents, small business owners, and Big Tech execs—three areas she intimately understands as the end user. Backbone Angels focuses on companies led by Black, Indigenous, and Women-led startups. Highlights:Atlee hopped on a one-way plane to San Francisco and left her U.S. national security gig in Washington, D.C., behind to head up a nonprofit organization supporting Bay Area Canadian tech entrepreneurs (and she'd never even worked in tech!)She met early Shopify execs who convinced her to come work for the company doing developer relations and the app ecosystem. Casual conversations about investing and advising with her peers led to the creation of Backbone Angels.Atlee prefers to follow her own intuition with early-stage investing, but she does have a tried-and-true framework for determining if a deal is right for her. She shares her tips for working as a collective and the reason she believes you should never overthink a “no.”Angel investing is a side hustle for Atlee (Remember, she's also a Shopify exec, small business owner, and mom), and she prefers it because it fulfills her in a way that going full-time wouldn't.   Resource:Want to Angel invest with other operators and learn from the team at Hustle Fund? Check out Angel Squad and resources created by Brian Nichols(00:00) - Atlee Clark, Angel: Canadians breaking into tech and now investing with intuition and purpose (01:33) - Building an ecosystem for Canadian tech founders: the story of becoming the first CEO of the C100 (06:38) - Meeting Tobi Luke and joining Shopify: a new adventure pre IPO (09:34) - Founding Backbone Angels: a collective of senior leaders at Shopify coming together to write checks (15:27) - First Investment: The power of patience and a developing a personal investment thesis (23:21) - Worst Investment: Trust your gut and staying patient (29:20) - The art of feeling a "no" (30:54) - Best Investment: Highlighting Top Performers Calico and MIrza (32:59) - Resilience in Founders: Overcoming Challenges (34:15) - Current Investment Strategy: Today's Focus (38:21) - Sourcing Deals: Networking and Connections (44:46) - Lightning Round ⚡

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main points: 1. Singapore Port Traffic Jam From USA Tariffs & Middle East Conflict: Shiyan and Jeremy examined the severe traffic congestion at Singapore's port, now at unprecedented levels. Yemen's Houthi rebel attacks on Red Sea commercial shipping (in support of the Gaza conflict) has diverted container ships from the Suez Canal to the Cape of Good Hope route, thus forcing ships to refuel and unload cargo in Singapore instead of Middle Eastern ports. The USA Biden administration's increased tariffs on China have prompted Chinese exporters to expedite shipments before the tariffs take full effect, further exacerbating the congestion. The broader manufacturing "China Plus One" decoupling strategy has also compounded the supply chain management issues. 2. Climate Change Creating Arctic Shipping Route: Global warming is melting the Arctic North Pole ice, thus empowering ships to soon bypass traditional shipping routes through the Straits of Malacca and thus Singapore. They discussed why Russia and China are interested in overcoming the substantial infrastructural and financial challenges to establish viable northern ports, and why this is a negative for Singapore's shipping industry over the course of the next 100 years - similar to the fall of the Venetian empire due to shifting trade routes. 3. Trump 10% Global & 60% China Tariffs: Jeremy noted that if Trump wins the 2024 election, his proposed tariffs could dramatically alter global trade dynamics, with tariffs as high as 60% on Chinese imports. They discussed how this trade war scenario would force Chinese companies to accelerate relocating to Southeast Asia or other regions. Shiyan shared insights from her recent trip to China, emphasizing the country's robust infrastructure capabilities and the strategic responses of Chinese companies. Jeremy and Shiyan also talked about Singapore's historical role as a deep-water port, technology's role in shaping future economic landscapes, and the potential for increased domestic manufacturing in the US. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/global-supply-chain-disruptions Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog//global-supply-chain-disruptions-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog//global-supply-chain-disruptions-cn Xem, nghe hoặc đọc toàn bộ thông tin chi tiết tại https://www.bravesea.com/blog//global-supply-chain-disruptions-vn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Evo Commerce at bback.co and stryv.co 

In this episode you will learn:00:00 Introduction to Big Business and Market Size01:23 Conversation with Xi'an Co on Big Markets01:28 Importance of Identifying Big Markets03:18 Challenges and Considerations for Founders05:07 Defining and Evaluating Big Markets05:58 Insights from Famous Market Examples09:51 Understanding Customer Experience and Market Dynamics12:20 Evaluating Unit Economics and Team Dynamics15:21 Prioritization and Roadmap for Startups24:09 Challenges of Digital Targeting25:15 Importance of Customer Experience26:53 Product and Market Dynamics27:25 Creating New Markets31:39 Understanding Customer Problems37:02 Iterative Product Development40:17 Surprising Success Stories44:42 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsAboutShiyan Koh is an experienced operator and investor. She is currently a Co-Founder and General Partner at Hustle Fund, a global pre-seed venture fund. Prior to Hustle Fund, she was VP of Business Operations & Corp Dev at NerdWallet (employee #10), growing annual revenue from $1 million to more than $150 million. Before NerdWallet, she was an investor at Institutional Venture Partners and Bridgewater Associates.

Eric Bahn is the co-founder and a GP at Hustle Fund—a pre-seed venture fund that invests in very early stage founders. He has also been a founder himself as well as a product leader at companies like Intuit and Instagram. Most importantly, he's a husband and the father of two kids. In our conversation today we discussed:* What it means to feel joy in coming home to your family* His decision with his wife to have children* How to prioritize your spouse* Life integration rather than balance* Some non-traditional methods of recharging his batteries* A hilarious tangent about home projects including a recent plumbing success* What emerging companies he has seen that could have a significant impact on kids and future generations—Where to find Eric Bahn* Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericbahn/* X: https://twitter.com/ericbahn* Website: https://www.hustlefund.vc/Where to find Adam Fishman* FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/—In this episode, we cover:[1:54] Welcome[2:30] Professional background[3:06] Explaining career to his kids[4:16] Grew up in Detroit[5:12] Childhood[7:14] Immigrant family/being Korean in Detroit[11:03] Talking to kids about how Eric's parents culturally assimilated[13:00] How did you meet wife/what does she do?[15:45] Decision to start a family[19:53] Earliest memory of becoming a dad[21:50] Most surprising thing you discovered?[23:44] Parenting approach helped professional life?[26:53] Prioritizing wife over kids[29:45] Where you and partner don't agree?[33:30] Eric's home plumbing tweet[36:10] Advice for younger Eric?[39:41] What does it mean to “hustle” vs. family life?[43:57] Leadership style influenced by having kids?[47:37] What things has he seen in VC that will affect kids?[52:18] What relationship do you want your kids to have with technology?[55:09] Recharge batteries?[59:38] Mistake you made as a father?[1:00:08] Follow along[1:01:11] Rapid fire[1:04:52] Thank you—Show references:Hustle Fund: https://www.hustlefund.vc/Instagram: instagram.comIntuit: https://www.intuit.com/8 Mile: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0298203/McAllen, TX: https://www.mcallen.net/Patrick Thompson Epidsode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDbmT4AgizQ“Juicy” By Notorious BIG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JZom_gVfuwSonoma Raceway: https://www.sonomaraceway.com/F1: https://www.formula1.com/Squatty Potty: https://www.squattypotty.com/Cocomelon: https://cocomelon.com/—For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com Production support for Startup Dad is provided by Tommy Harron at http://www.armaziproductions.com/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit startupdadpod.substack.com

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. $3B Money Laundering Family Offices: Jeremy and Shiyan highlighted recent fraud cases in Singapore involving Chinese nationals, focusing on a massive $3 billion scheme by a group of 10 individuals who set up five family offices. This prompted tighter regulations from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) across the entire industry. Shiyan pointed out the vague and advantageous nature of family offices, stressing the need for more stringent due diligence and transparency. Jeremy discussed identifying fraud signals, like lacking mutual LinkedIn connections and dubious educational claims. He emphasized the importance of thorough vetting and trusted referrals to mitigate risks in investment circles. 2. Apple AI Integration: Jeremy and Shiyan analyzed Apple's AI announcement at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June 2024. They discussed Apple's potential to drive AI adoption due to its vast consumer base and seamless integration. Shiyan highlighted Apple's focus on privacy and on-device processing as significant differentiators from Google and Microsoft. They speculated on how AI could enhance Apple's ecosystem, debating the strategic value of integrating apps like WhatsApp and Gmail. They compared Apple's approach to Google's, particularly in search and maps, noting Apple's potential to create a more cohesive and secure user experience. 3. VC Fraud Maze: Jeremy and Shiyan dove into the challenges in finding reliable investment opportunities. They pointed out the varying levels of market maturity and transparency across the region, making it a tricky terrain for investors. Shiyan emphasized that building trust and meticulous due diligence are crucial, especially as many early-stage VCs and ecosystem players are still finding their footing. Jeremy shared his personal struggles with dealing in environments with nascent regulations and informal networks, stressing the need for vigilance and adaptability in such markets. Jeremy and Shiyan also discussed several other topics, including the differences in children's learning abilities, advancements in technology and privacy implications, cultural challenges in language learning, strategic partnerships in tech, and market trends in Southeast Asian startups. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/money-laundering-family-offices Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/money-laundering-family-offices-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/money-laundering-family-offices-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Reach out to joe@heymax.ai to learn more about Heymax

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Singapore vs. USA Education Systems: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed differences in structure, funding, and outcomes. In Singapore, the education system is centralized with high academic rigor, while in the USA, quality varies significantly due to local property tax funding, leading to disparities between affluent and less affluent areas. They highlighted how the Singapore system is envied by global peers for its academic outcomes but faces internal criticism for being a "pressure cooker.” Shiyan also emphasized the personal nature of educational choices and the high costs associated with private international schools, which can be prohibitive for startup founders. 2. WEIRD AI Teddy Bears: Jeremy and Shiyan debated AI integration into children's toys and education. Jeremy expressed concerns about AI potentially replacing difficult human conversations with always-pleasant AI interactions. They discussed the inherent biases in LLM models, which are trained on data from Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) societies. Embedding AI into education thus further propagates this worldview to the next generation, which may not reflect current, local or parental cultural values or norms. 3. US Senate $32B AI Investment Bill: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed the proposed legislation advocating for a $32 billion annual investment in AI. Jeremy added that the US is already a leader in AI investment, with private investments expected to reach $82 billion next year, more than double that of China. She questioned the need for further government investment in an area already heavily funded by the private sector and argued that government funds might be better spent on education, which offers broader societal benefits. Jeremy and Shiyan also talked about parental competition for "good jobs”, the challenges in balancing academic rigor and student well-being, and the future implications of AI in the workforce. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/weird-ai-teddy-bears Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/weird-ai-teddy-bears-id 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/weird-ai-teddy-bears-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join us at the startup conference Echelon X! We have 30 exclusive complimentary tickets for our podcast listeners. Sign up and use the promo codes BRAVEPOD or ECXJEREMY to claim your free tickets now!

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. New Prime Minister Transition: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed the transition of Prime Minister leadership from Lee Hsien Loong to Lawrence Wong. They discussed the potential challenges that the new Prime Minister would face such as addressing wealth inequality and evaluating the efficacy of current social programs. They also speculated on potential policy shifts that might occur under the new leadership including those related to property taxes, GDP growth focus, and social welfare enhancements. They empathized with local negative/ positive sentiments regarding the future and the dropping Total Fertility Rate (0.97 in 2024) which eventually leads to a shrinking population. 2. Immigration Assimilation & Schools: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed Singapore's distinctive "barbell" immigration strategy, which primarily attracts either high-skill individuals through initiatives like the Tech Pass and Global Investor Program or blue-collar workers, leaving a notable gap at the mid-skill level where many startups find their needs. They highlighted that startups often employ young, promising talents compensated more heavily with stock options, which are not adequately recognized in Employment Pass criteria, and lack eligibility for EDB support typically reserved for MNCs. This situation compels local founders to opt for remote hiring and training, nurturing the next wave of startup leadership in the region instead of inside Singapore. They suggested that the government should broaden and increase the ASEAN scholars program. 3. CTO & Engineering Pass: They proposed the introduction of a "CTO/ Head of Engineering Pass" to attract highly skilled technical rising stars (rather than Tech.pass which is for senior, mature executives). These individuals are more plugged into the next generation of tech needs (e.g. AI, biotech), hungrier to lean in and build, and leverage "robots" that can upgrade the productivity of their startups, clients and the broader SME sector - thus increasing the Total Factor Productivity of Singapore's economy, boosting GDP and thus tax revenues for social welfare programs. In contrast, Malaysia has launched a new open-door tech talent policy to attract and poach startup founders and highly productive immigrants who cannot get to work in Singapore. Jeremy and Shiyan also shared how they hadn't foreseen that USA legislation could be structured into a "collective deadline/ ticking time bomb" phasing - law to be established in principle and win political points - but 1. implemented far out enough to mitigate political repercussions for the US elections 2. give a longer preparation/ migration period for affected advertisers and consumers, 3. structure in discretionary extension periods for more negotiating power 4. given enough space for legal battles over whether it can actually be implemented. They compared this approach to Singapore's swift and China's retroactive law enforcement for passed legislation. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/singapore-new-prime-minister Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join us at the startup conference Echelon X! We have 30 exclusive complimentary tickets for our podcast listeners. Sign up and use the promo codes BRAVEPOD or ECXJEREMY to claim your free tickets now!

SummaryThis podcast dives into the world of venture capital (VC) with a focus on early-stage startups, particularly those in the B2B SaaS space. Elizabeth Yin, founder of Hustle Fund, shares her insights on democratizing wealth creation through startups, the power of content marketing for VCs, and the importance of investing in first-time founders with strong product-market fit. The episode explores the challenges and considerations for VCs, including investment theses, market saturation, and deal evaluation criteria. Listeners gain valuable takeaways on navigating the VC landscape and the key factors that influence startup success.TakeawaysHustle Fund aims to democratize wealth through startups by providing capital, knowledge, and networks to early-stage founders.Content marketing, particularly through platforms like Twitter, can be a powerful tool for attracting deal flow and building a brand.Lessons learned from Elizabeth Yin's startup experience include the importance of validating ideas before building, prioritizing company culture and values, and effective management.For B2B SaaS companies, it may be better to back first-time founders with lower entry point valuations, as the exit potential may not be significantly higher for serial entrepreneurs.Most B2B SaaS companies do not need a large amount of capital and can bootstrap or raise smaller rounds until they reach a revenue stage that justifies larger investments.Investment theses are important for VC firms to differentiate themselves and attract investors, as they help investors understand the fund's focus and expertise.B2B SaaS companies are favored by VCs due to their predictable revenue streams, high retention rates, and stability compared to consumer-focused businesses.The SaaS market is becoming crowded, and investors are looking for differentiated ideas and industries off the beaten path to avoid high customer acquisition costs.VCs spend less than 30 seconds reviewing a pitch deck and focus on the founding team, idea differentiation, and a deep understanding of the problem being solved.The valuation of a startup is influenced by factors such as market size, team expertise, idea differentiation, and the potential for repeatability and scalability.Chapters00:00 Trailer01:25 Introduction and Early Influences05:27 Why Starting a VC Firm08:33 Science behind Concept of Hustle Fund10:12 The Need for More Early Stage Funds12:10 Deal Flow and VC Strategies13:50 The Power of Content Marketing16:50 Why Investing in First-Time Founders / 3 Biggest Lessons I Startup24:42 Venture Capital Business Model and Funding Challenges31:35 The Gambling Nature of VC Investments33:22 The Importance of Investment Theses for VC Firms34:58 The Appeal of B2B SaaS Companies to VCs38:00 The Potential SaaS Bubble40:45 How Deep Tech Investers Makes Money42:30 VC Evaluation Criteria and Attention Span47:00 Market Size And Valuation52:30 Evolution of Investment Acumen55:35 Post-Money and Pre-Money Safes59:00 Consequences of Not Tracking Cap Table01:03:15 PrepStacks and Growth Stage Deals And Impact on Early Stage Investors01:06:05 Disagreement with Market Sizing Exercises01:08:28 Ritual Time01:09:25 ConclusionConnect with Mudassir

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. 51% SE Asia Favor China (vs. USA): Jeremy and Shiyan debated how the region is politically and economically reacting to the China vs. USA's "strategic competition". If ASEAN decision-makers were forced to pick sides, 51% opted for China vs. 49% for USA (ISEAS Institute poll). Pro-China: Malaysia 75%, Indonesia 73%, Thailand 52%, Singapore 39%, Vietnam 21%, Philippines 17%. 2. Sequoia & GGV VC Decoupling: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed how global investment firms are structuring themselves to mitigate US-China risks. Sequoia spun off Peak XV and Hongshan, while GGV announced their split into Granite Asia and Notable Capital (USA). They discuss how Limited Partners (LP) are driving the geographic re-delineation of investment coverage, and why GGV and other funds are exploring more debt instruments. 3. Mobility Competitor Game Theory: Jeremy and Shiyan analyzed the bike-sharing market in Singapore, including public-private partnerships and challenges like weather and infrastructure. They were amused that Anywheel, a bootstrapped (unfunded by VC) company outlasted VC-backed competitors such as Mobike, Obike, and Ofo to win and become the market leader. They discussed how cash efficiency interacted with economies of scale, the promise of winner-takes-all markets, negative blitzscaling, and competitive game theory created the "boom vs. bust" nature of last-mile mobility startups. Jeremy and Shiyan also replied to listener feedback about overlooking Trump investment links in the TikTok ban issue, the role of public-private infrastructure partnerships in supporting infrastructure projects, and blitzscaling vs. sustainable growth strategies. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sea-favor-china Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sea-favor-chin-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/sea-favor-china-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Grain here: https://www.grain.com.sg

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. TikTok Trump vs. Biden Ban Resurrection: Jeremy and Shiyan delved into the USA political establishment's snowballing momentum to nationalize TikTok via divestment due to national security, anti-China, social media regulation and moderation of public opinion concerns. China is most likely to veto a forced sale of the TikTok algorithm and team, thus leading to a possible total market exit of TikTok rather than the sale desired by American legislators. They concluded on the low likelihood of a ban before the US election to avoid turning off Gen Z and millennial Democrat voters but speculated on the higher likelihood of an eventual ban in the Biden 2024 electoral victory scenario since Trump is now against the Ban. They also touched on the negative impact on mental health, and the importance of encouraging in-person interactions outside of digital platforms. 2. Grab "Too Big To Fail" Debate: Jeremy and Shiyan critiqued the recent media speculation of Grab being "too big to fail," arguing that this concept traditionally applies to financial institutions with systemic importance, rather than tech companies. They also debated Grab's competitive position, its eventual profitability after years of market subsidies, and how fast Gojek would be able to substitute for Grab's logistics, mobility, and consumer operations. 3. ShopBack Best-In-Class Layoffs: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed ShopBack's layoff and commended the professional handling by the founder and executive team. They highlighted the transparent communication regarding their prior decision-making, comprehensive support package (e.g. severance, immigration support, job transition services, etc.), and the surrounding tech industry's boom and bust cycles. They discussed whether this was comparable to Silicon Valley packages and whether this approach had been best-in-class in terms of process in Southeast Asia. Jeremy and Shiyan also discussed the impact of rapid scaling on startup sustainability, the regulation of social media platforms, and the nuances of employment and layoff policies in different jurisdictions. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tiktok-us-ban Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tiktok-us-ban-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tiktok-us-ban-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Join the Singapore Growth & AI Summit with Sean Ellis! Use code seanbrave7 today.

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Taylor Swift $500M Singapore Economy Boost: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed the Singapore government's strategic chess moves for Taylor Swift's concert exclusivity in Southeast Asia. They discussed the excellent return on investment of the $3M move for a $500M increase in Singapore's tourism receipts, stimulating national GDP by 0.25% points for Q1 2024. They also discussed the regional competition for hosting such blockbuster events, along with the underappreciated aspects of the nationalization of the Singapore sports hub, travel logistics hub infrastructure and sensitivity to cultural norms. 2. Barbell Entertainment Blockbusters vs. Long Tail: Jeremy and Shiyan explored the Internet's explosion of the content industry, leading to bimodal distribution, where both blockbuster events and niche content find substantial audiences thanks to the zero marginal cost of digital consumption - and the plunge in middle-tier content. They also discussed how generative AI will impact the shape of this barbell. They reference the book Blockbusters by Harvard professor Anita Elberse and The Long Tail by Chris Anderson. 3. City Talent Vortex & Industry Concentrations: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed the challenges and opportunities presented by talent concentrations. They discussed how cities become industry hubs, such as finance in Singapore, entertainment in LA and tech in SF, with a thought experiment on whether Southeast Asia could produce a global superstar like Taylor Swift. They stressed the structural and cultural factors that influence where talent flourishes, the role of national policy in nurturing ecosystems that can compete on the global stage, and how individual talented individuals should react. Jeremy and Shiyan also talked about the social aspects of fasting vs. eating, the fan communities of avatar-driven Vtubers, and their personal preferences for content consumption like Dune by writer Frank Herbet vs. director Denis Villeneuve. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/taylor-swift-economics Nonton, dengar atau baca wawasan lengkapnya di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/taylor-swift-economics-in 观看、收听或阅读全文，请访问 https://www.bravesea.com/blog/taylor-swift-economics-cn Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Tune in to a special episode featuring Shiyan Koh, co-founder and General Partner at Hustle Fund, a firm that specializes in seed and pre-seed investments. We'll dive into Shiyan's impressive career journey, covering her investment roles at Institutional Venture Partners and Bridgewater, her pivotal role in scaling Nerdwallet from $1 million to $150 million in annual recurring revenue, and her experiences founding and leading investments at Hustle Fund. Join us to also learn why business school is a perfect matchmaker, the significance of acquiring investing experience as recent graduates, and Shiyan's insights on what really needs venture funding currently. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nyu-svs/support

In this episode, Chris engages in an enlightening conversation with Haley Bryant, a pre-seed investor at Hustle Fund. As a venture capital fund focused on “hilariously” early startups, Hustle Fund is carving a path in the industry by democratizing venture capital through their Angel Squad program and seeking out exceptional founders beyond the Silicon Valley bubble. This episode dives deep into the intricacies of angel investing, explores the evolving landscape of startup funding across different regions, and discusses the critical shift towards a more data-driven venture capital approach. Highlights include… Democratizing access to venture capital. (2:04) Improving diversity in venture capital and angel investing. (8:49) Venture capital, geographic dispersion, and remote work. (12:27) AI, data, and company growth strategies. (18:16) Comparing angel investing, secondary markets, and private capital markets. (24:40)

Dmitry Levit, General Partner of Cento Ventures, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. 2023 vs. 2024 Investment Landscape: Dmitry, Shiyan and Jeremy discussed the Cento Southeast Asia Tech 2023H1 report and noted the discrepancy between the economic doom perception in the media and the reality of Southeast Asia's funding numbers. Dmitry pointed out a "reset" in investment activity, with stable "core early funding stack" (Seed to Series A/B) maintaining momentum while later-stage growth deals significantly decreased. This bifurcation reflects a broader trend of cautious optimism among early-stage investors and a recalibration of expectations among late-stage financiers. They also underscored the importance of understanding these two parallel ecosystems for founders and investors alike, suggesting that strategies need to be adjusted depending on the stage of investment. 2. $9B Annual Capital Intake & Realistic Exit Expectations: Dmitry Levit observed that the long-term average capital intake for the region averages around $9 billion. He highlighted that prudent exit expectations in Southeast Asia should consider $100 million exits as very good, with exceptional cases potentially exceeding $250 million, and added further details on the growth rate. He emphasized the importance of disciplined fund strategies across IPO, trade sales, and secondaries. 3. Overreaction, Dislocation & Confusion: They discussed the fog of war in the region's tech ecosystem driven by global economic pressures, media hype and doom cycles, and changing investment flows. Missed opportunities, strategy-market misalignments, and pressure on value-creation teams are currently being sorted out. They discussed how founders and investors need to urgently align their growth and exit strategies with the region's market's realities. They also talked about the time lag of news absorption across the Vietnam ecosystem and how the search for the next "Indonesia" story is on pause. Dmitry, Shiyan and Jeremy also talked about the role of perception vs. reality in shaping investment strategies, the challenges for the multi-country expansion narrative, and the "small-cap private equity without leverage" VC theme in play. Watch, listen or read the full insight in English at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/overreaction-dislocation-confusion Saksikan, dengarkan atau baca wawasan lengkapnya dalam Bahasa Indonesia di https://www.bravesea.com/blog/overreaction-dislocation-confusion-id Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about HDMall here:  htps://www.hdmall.co.th https://www.hdmall.id

In this discussion, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of  Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Founders Reviewing VCs: Shiyan reflected on founders conducting due diligence on their funding sources. They discuss the value (and further improvements) of public reference lists like TechinAsia's Glasswall which indexes the fundraising process, and how founders should seek private feedback from (post-fundraise) portfolio companies. 2. Startup Fraud Triangle: Jeremy and Shiyan examined the darker side of the regional startup culture, including fraudulent accounting trends and their impact on the local funding ecosystem. They agree that while most founders don't set out to defraud, poor decisions under pressure can take the opportunity to conduct unethical actions. 3. Difficult Wind-Down Decisions: The vast majority of startups fail to meet expectations after substantial fundraising. Shiyan shared the rarity but reputational importance of attempting to return capital to investors when a pivot isn't feasible. She advises founders to treat investors with respect during wind-downs, as the startup industry is a "repeated game" where one's actions can influence future opportunities. They also talked about the emotional toll of admitting failure, potential for biased VC reviews, and the societal role of media in reporting startup successes and failures. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/founders-reviewing-vcs Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about HDMall here:  htps://www.hdmall.co.th https://www.hdmall.id

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and ​​Jeremy Au covered three main topics: 1. Sovereign Wealth Fund Investment Shifts: Jeremy and Shiyan talked about how GIC conservatively deployed 46% less capital in 2023, and Temasek 53%. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) deployed $31.6 billion in 2023, 53% higher than the $20.7 billion it invested the previous year - alongside other Gulf funds. This is due to high oil prices, investment mandates and national strategies to diversify their economies away from energy dependence. 2. Unicorn Silicon Box: Jeremy and Shiyan discussed Silicon Box (Singapore's latest unicorn), their veteran leadership and $2 billion Tampines facility build-out. They highlighted its role in the shifting landscape of semiconductor manufacturing in Southeast Asia and its implications for the region's economic growth. 3. TheAsianParent Acquisition of Motherswork: Jeremy and Shiyan touched on the parenting platform's strategy to expand from its digital roots into omnichannel physical retail. They also talked about the challenges brought by declining birth rates in several Asian economies, the dynamics of education, and national fertility & family policies. They also touched on Noah Smith (Noahpinion with 139,000+ subscribers) wanting to work for Jacqueline Poh of Singapore's EDB (at the same managerial level as Patrick Collision of Stripe), and the reasons behind the interest in parenting startups in Southeast Asia, spanning services across childcare, IVF and egg freezing. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/fund-investment-shifts Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about HDMall here:  htps://www.hdmall.co.th https://www.hdmall.id

This Week in Startups is brought to you by… Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to Squarespace.com/TWIST for a free trial. When you're ready to launch, use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Northwest Registered Agent. When starting your business, it's important to use a service that will actually help you. Northwest Registered Agent is that service. They'll form your company fast, give you the documents you need to open a business bank account, and even provide you with mail scanning and a business address to keep your personal privacy intact. Visit http://northwestregisteredagent.com/twist to get a 60% discount on your next LLC. LinkedIn Jobs. A business is only as strong as its people, and every hire matters. Go to LinkedIn.com/TWIST to post your first job for free. Terms and conditions apply. * Today's show: David Weisburd hosts Elizabeth Yin, Zach Coelius, and Jason Calacanis to discuss trends in venture capital, including the growth of fund sizes (2:32), the resurgence of the Bay Area (33:42), the decrease in capital efficiency (51:12), the rise in unicorn companies but lack of liquidity (45:11), and top recent investments (57:27)! * Timestamps: (0:00) David Weisburd hosts Elizabeth Yin, Zach Coelius, and Jason Calacanis to dive into the state of venture funds (2:32) Venture funds are growing in size despite the slow market (10:37) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/twist (11:43) Exploring the performance: smaller funds vs. larger funds (28:56) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://northwestregisteredagent.com/twist (29:49) Hustle Fund's quantitative approach to evaluating startups (33:42) Is the Bay Area officially back? (43:51) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist (45:11) Number of unicorns has increased but liquidity has decreased (51:12) The decline in capital efficiency over the past decade (57:27) Rapid-fire segment on top recent investments * LINKS: https://www.wsj.com/articles/pro-take-why-venture-fund-sizes-rose-despite-the-slow-market-fd4c4677 https://www.cowboy.vc/news/welcome-back-to-the-unicorn-club-10-years-later * Thanks to our partners: (10:37) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/twist (28:56) Northwest Registered Agent - Get a 60% discount on your next LLC at http://northwestregisteredagent.com/twist (43:51) LinkedIn Jobs - Post your first job for free at https://linkedin.com/twist * Follow Elizabeth X: https://twitter.com/dunkhippo33 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethyin/ Check out: https://hustlefund.vc Check out: https://letsgo.hustlefund.vc/raise-millions Check out: Bruinhealth.com Check out: Goafterwork.com * Follow Zach X:  https://twitter.com/zachcoelius LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachcoelius/ Check out: https://coelius.vc/ Check out: Echomark.com Check out: Findbugzero.com * Follow David X:  https://twitter.com/DWeisburd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweisburd/ Check out: https://10xcapital.com/ * Follow Jason: X: ⁠https://twitter.com/jason⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jason⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis Check out: Podcast.ai Check out: Zestapp.co Check out: getriver.io * Great 2023 interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland * Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis * Follow TWiST: Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisweekinstartups * Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast * Subscribe to This Week in Startups on Apple: ⁠https://rb.gy/v19fcp⁠

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Podcast Hosting Gratitude: Jeremy and Shiyan reviewed their year-long journey of podcasting covering Southeast Asia tech. They reflected on the growth, challenges, and rich interactions they've had with their audience, and shared their appreciation for each other. 2. 2023 Startups & VC Bear Market: Jeremy and Shiyan recapped the challenges that regional startups, especially in later stages, faced in adapting to the bear funding landscape of 2023. Beyond founder mindset changes, they touched on the importance for VCs to conduct structural reflections on their investment decisions (both successes and failures) and the challenges due to the different incentives and lifecycles for junior and senior investors. 3. 2024 Southeast Asia Tech Predictions: Jeremy and Shiyan shared their predictions for 2024 such as the continued bear market challenges for later-stage companies that need to thus grow more to justify their bull-market valuations and/or conduct significant cuts. They view the press to be a lagging signal of these impending decisions. They also predicted deeper press and LP scrutiny on regional VC's individual investments (business models, operational efficiency and bottom-line sustainability). They also raised the upcoming political inflection points (and thus confluence) for the 2024 elections of Taiwan, USA, Indonesia and India. They also talked about the significance of understanding unit economics for startups, the understated role of customer selection in business success, and the importance of understanding the multi-factorial causes of failure in the VC process. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/2024-tech-forecast Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts Learn more about Hive Health here: https://www.ourhivehealth.com

In this episode, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics: 1. $1.5B Bytedance Tokopedia GoTo Deal Analysis: They discussed ByteDance's $500 million payment to acquire a 75% stake in the merged entity of Tokopedia and TikTok Shop Indonesia. This would create the new Indonesia e-commerce market leader with 40% market share. ByteDance committed to investing a future $1 billion into the operations of the new entity, which will contractually not dilute GoTo's 25% minority stake. The deal was motivated by TikTok's need to resume its Indonesia operations after a ban by the Indonesia government, Tokopedia's -0.4% adjusted EBITDA as % of GTV (Q3 2023), and the opportunity to create the #1 Indonesia e-commerce platform with larger economies of scale, a new media-led growth engine and a wider seller base. 2. Indonesia E-Commerce War: They discussed Indonesia's $52B e-commerce market: Shopee (36% market share), Tokopedia (35%), Lazada (10%), Bukalapak (10%), TikTok Shop (5%), and Blibli (4%). They explained how this consolidation reflects the regional trend of increasing focus on efficiency, logistics, and leveraging technological synergies to gain dominance, similar to Uber Southeast Asia's strategic sale to Grab to concentrate on core markets. Credit goes to Momentum Works and Freeman Ding for their analysis. 3. Winners, Losers, and Future Moves: They identified Indonesian consumers as clear winners due to continued intensive competition on lower prices and innovation in services, similar to the Uber vs. Grab vs. Gojek rivalry. They also discussed other beneficiaries, how this reflected the growing maturation of the region for M&A activity, and how competitors like Grab and Sea Group would react to this market development. Shiyan and Jeremy also talked about the challenges of founders fundraising during the holiday season and their own upcoming family vacation plans. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bytedance-tokopedia-investment Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

Welcome back to the Scale By Numbers Podcast. In this episode, James Vanreusel interviews Eric Bahn, the Co-founder, General partner and hustler at Hustle Fund.Eric's journey from the heart of Detroit, Michigan, to the epicenter of technology innovation in Silicon Valley is an inspiring one. He's no stranger to hustle, and he's here to share his insights on what it takes to succeed as a founder, investor, and a family man.With a background that includes time at tech giants like Facebook and Instagram, Eric also has a finger on the pulse of emerging technologies, including the impact of artificial intelligence and the trends that will shape the startup landscape in the coming year.Learn more about our guest:Eric Bahn's Linkedin | Hustle FundReady To Scale? But not ready to invest in a CFO? One of our bespoke packages can help you. Free Starter Membership Non-Profit Enterprise Package For-Profit Enterprise Package Connect with us because we love new friends!LinkedIn | Twitter |YouTube |Website

In this episode,  Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. OpenAI Developments & Leadership: Jeremy & Shiyan delved into the recent leadership changes at OpenAI, including Sam Altman's reinstatement as CEO after a controversial board shuffle. They highlighted the philosophical divide within the board regarding OpenAI's direction between accelerationism (pushing for rapid acceleration and commercialization) vs. advocating for cautious progress). They noted that the accelerationists had prevailed, with Sam Altman's leadership signifying a continued push toward commercialization. They also touched on OpenAI's extraordinary growth, scaling from zero to a billion dollars in revenue in a short time, and the practical challenges of halting AI development, given its open-source nature and widespread adaptation. 2. Business and Workplace Impact: Jeremy and Shiyan talked about the Coatue AI report where Shiyan expressed admiration for the slide demonstrating the tangible value AI brings to productivity and job functions. Jeremy emphasized the dynamic interplay between AI and human labor, highlighting a shift towards leaner organizational structures due to AI integration, and cited a scenario of a three-person unicorn company. They speculated on the possibility of ultra-lean companies, like a 'three-person unicorn', driven by AI efficiencies. They also emphasized the urgency of adopting AI to maximize benefits, considering the potential changes in job displacement and replacement dynamics. 3. AI-Driven Societal Shift: Jeremy and Shiyan shared that the rise of AI will create distinct winners and losers. They discussed that corporations that effectively leverage AI will likely dominate and significantly transform their operations and productivity. Jeremy identified specific professions, such as those in marketing and customer service, as being at higher risk of displacement by AI technologies. They also touched on the evolving nature of human relationships in the age of AI, particularly the growing trend of parasocial interactions with AI. Jeremy compared the impact of AI on social relationships to the effect of the birth control pill on society. He highlighted how just as the birth control pill revolutionized sexual relationships and family planning, leading to changes in social norms and personal freedoms, AI is poised to transform how humans interact and form relationships.  They also talked about the changing nature of workplaces and industries, the concept of loneliness epidemic, ​​the need for responsible deployment of AI technologies, and the misconception of AI as a co-pilot.  Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/openai-acceleration Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Acme Technology here: https://www.tryacme.com

In this discussion, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main themes: 1. Bad Conferences: Jeremy and Shiyan highlight the aspects they find frustrating, e.g. low-value, low-density conversations. Shiyan discusses her disappointment with unnecessary pre-panel preparation calls and panels with too many participants, which inevitably dilutes the quality of conversations. 2. Speakers & Moderators Hacks: Jeremy advises speakers to focus on nailing at least 2 out of these three key elements: factual descriptiveness, a fresh/ contrarian point of view, and charm. He shares a trick he frequently uses as a moderator, which involves encouraging panel members to intentionally speak at an expert level. 3. Democracy vs. Republic vs. Serendipity: Jeremy and Shiyan disclose their approach to conference participation, emphasizing the importance of serendipity as key to an enriching experience. They also debate the democratic vs. republic approach in audience engagement. They also discussed founder 1-minute pitches, great attendee experiences, and their personal conference approaches. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/bad-vs-great-conferences Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid's cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

In this discussion, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au talked about three main topics: 1. Tech in Asia Acquisition: Shiyan and I delve into Tech in Asia's acquisition by Singapore Press Holding and how this move is set to reshape the tech news landscape across the region. We assess the company's $30M valuation and discuss the revenue figures, growth rate and synergies that made it an attractive acquisition target. They also reflect on the broader implications for regional tech journalism across the various players. 2. Entertainment & Media Industry Evolution: We discuss the evolving business models in the entertainment and media industry, citing examples like Spotify's $200M deal with Joe Rogan, the growth of niche Substack newsletters like Packy McCormick's and The Generalist, and the success of independent platforms like Stratechery and Acquired.FM. We also explore how AI is revolutionizing content creation in terms of translation and distribution, thus changing the business model and venture scale outcomes. 3. Fragmented News Consumption: We examine the current fragmented nature of news and media consumption where information is scattered across different platforms, from blog posts to Substacks to podcasts and TikToks, and how these new channels are fostering innovative business-building approaches. We discuss the consequences of this fragmentation, such as the challenges in defining truth in an age where platforms algorithmically promote content engagement, implicitly displacing users from consuming fact-checked, authoritative sources. We also touch upon the importance of adapting to new market trends, how the interaction between media and technology impacts startup founders, the role of advertisers in media economics, and niche audience monetization. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/tech-in-asia2 Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Fluid! Get in touch with Trasy, Fluid's cofounder at trasy@gofluid.io

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and I talked about three main topics: 1. Layoffs and Market Exits: Shiyan and I talked about the recent wave of layoffs: Biofourmis (45 staff in Singapore, and at least 85 staff globally) and Flash Coffee (closed all 11 Singapore outlets). We agreed on the importance of executing layoffs decisively, advocating for a single, well-planned and deep cut rather than a drawn-out process of multiple cuts. We touched upon the necessity of transparent communication, ensuring that the remaining team members are well-informed and supported throughout the transition, and highlighted the importance of agility in uncertain times. 2. Tech-Enabled D2C Consumer: We explored tech-enabled food services and analyzed the industry's financial intricacies, distribution challenges, and competitive landscape. We debated how coffee chains utilize tech not only in processing orders, how they choose locations, and differentiate in markets already saturated with traditional coffee chains. We talked about Luckin Coffee's unique model, which requires customers to download an app before placing an order, a strategy that streamlines the ordering process and serves customer acquisition and data collection, allowing it to better tailor its offerings and marketing strategies. 3. AI Productivity Transformation: We discussed EU's aim for AI regulations, similar to its GDPR for data privacy, vs. ASEAN's recently-stated hands-off approach, letting each country decide its own path. We also discussed the difficulty of halting AI development and pointed out the practical issues of enforcing regulations. We were skeptical about JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon's forecast of a 3.5 day workweek due to AI. While AI enhances productivity, it also intensifies competition, ultimately transforming entire industries rather than individual jobs. We also talked about AI bots and how they can already emulate the conversational style of specific individuals like Jason Calacanis and brainstormed possibilities like historical fiction podcasts featuring debates between figures like Napoleon and Gandhi. We also touched upon the NASDAQ performance of the MoneyHero SPAC (Seedly), authenticity and value of human error and spontaneity in content creation, suggesting that there might still be a preference for “artisanal podcasters”, the necessity of continuous learning and adaptation, the ethical dimensions of AI deployment, fostering innovation while ensuring data privacy and the strategies for maintaining balance and humanity in the fast-paced tech world. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/flash-coffee-layoffs Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

In this discussion, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au, talked about three key topics: 1. Conglomerate Underperformance: Shiyan and Jeremy discuss the Southeast Asia report by Bain & Company, diving into the transformation of conglomerates – entities that once stood as beacons of success and now grapple with dwindling performances. They touch on potential causes of underperformance such as the challenges faced in managing diverse business units, rapid technological advancements, and the rise of competitors. They also talk about key success factors conglomerates need to focus on enhancing core competencies, leveraging synergies across business units, and maintaining a robust governance structure. They emphasized that conglomerates must realign their strategies with the changing business environment. 2. Super Apps and Conglomerate Parallels: Shiyan and Jeremy delve into the similarities between the growth strategies of super apps and traditional conglomerates, both aiming to be the go-to solution for a wide range of user needs. For super apps, this means integrating diverse services like e-commerce, ride-hailing, food delivery, and financial services into one seamless platform to drive user engagement, increase stickiness, and maximize transaction value. However, just as conglomerates faced challenges in managing diverse business units and ensuring consistent quality across all ventures, super apps also grapple with the complexities of offering multifaceted services while retaining user trust and ensuring optimal user experience.  3. Building Trust with Users: Shiyan spotlights Costso's approach to cultivating and maintaining a loyal customer base. They underline that businesses should focus on curating offerings that genuinely align with users' needs and prioritizing their interests above all else, rather than pushing products and services. They discuss that organic alignment is the cornerstone of a long-lasting, trusted relationship and that adapting to shifts in user interests can sustain relevance in their markets, keeping them ahead of competitors. They also talk about biotech as an underexplored area in the region, the evolution of game distributors and publishers, the regulatory hurdles startups face across different countries, the gamification of e-commerce, and the behavioral economics behind app designs. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/conglomerate-underperformance Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

This week we're talking all things angel investing with the enthusiastic & knowledgable, Brian Nichols. In this explained episode, Erica and Brian chat through what exactly angel investing is, who can be an angel investor, how to get deal flow, how to evaluate startups once you get that deal flow, and so much more. Most importantly, Brian shares his story as an angel investor and why/how he joined the Hustle Fund team to build Angel Squad.Over the last decade, Brian has helped build Lyft, Zoox, On Deck, and BlackBird past a combined market cap of over $5B, and helped raise $500M. In 2019, he decided to try something new. He decided to shift his focus from building businesses to investing in them. He teamed up with Ann Miura-Ko to start Uplyft (Lyft alumni syndicate) and it started with 300+ of Lyft's earliest employees who have invested over $30M+ together. He soon found myself becoming the go-to "alumni syndicate guy” and helped Airbnb, Stripe, Pinterest, DoorDash, and many others get their alumni syndicates off the ground.After opening up the Lyft alumni syndicate to the public (any accredited investor can join, regardless of affiliation with Lyft), he started to notice a trend. There were folks from all over the world, all professional backgrounds, who were investing alongside them. These folks didn't have access to a network, the knowledge, and the guidance that he was lucky to have.So, in October 2020, less than a year into the pandemic, he quit his job and joined Hustle Fund – his favorite early-stage VC – to build Angel Squad. The results were pretty phenomenal. In 2.5 years, 1,400+ people joined Angel Squad, and as a group, they have invested $21M+ in 50+ startups. They have reporters, scientists, founders, and students from all over the world in their community.Follow Us!Brian Nichols: @b_nicks11Read Hustle Fund's Angel Investing Starter Kit HEREErica Wenger: @erica_wengerDear Twentysomething: @deartwentysomething

In this discussion, Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au, talked about three key topics: 1. Southeast Asia Tech Investment Landscape: Shiyan and Jeremy talked about the significant developments in the region's tech investment landscape, such as Vertex Ventures closing a fund of $541 million and GlobalFoundries, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, opening its $4 billion chip fabrication plant in Singapore. They also discussed that with the right infrastructure and support, Singapore could have become a prominent player in the semiconductor industry, potentially rivaling countries like Taiwan. 2. Web3 and Cryptocurrency: Shiyan and Jeremy delved into Web3 and cryptocurrencies, and emphasized the value of stablecoins in providing financial stability, especially in regions where traditional currencies are subject to inflation and volatility. They also shared how digital assets are making cross-border transactions more accessible and efficient. They explained how Web3 is disrupting traditional industries and how this shift toward decentralized systems can empower individuals and communities by reducing the reliance on centralized intermediaries. 3. Dollarization of Currencies and Interoperability Challenges: Shiyan and Jeremy touched on the dollarization of currencies of other countries, like Latin America, unofficially adopting the USD as a standard for transactions due to the instability or inflation of their local currency. They explained that it isn't just limited to physical USD cash but can extend to digital assets like USDC. They also shared the interoperability challenges faced by tech companies operating in the region, and how CVCs can potentially help by working with regulators and creating solutions that adhere to different regulations while enabling cross-border operations. They also explored the impact of recent Singapore events on the country's economy, the different cryptocurrency use cases, the impact of regulatory dynamics on the crypto space, and the fluctuating nature of Web3-focused funds. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/web3-and-crypto Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au dissect the intricate dynamics of initial founder-investor interactions. Here are the three main themes: 1. Initial Engagements & Decision-making Dynamics: Shiyan and Jeremy stress the value of the first meetings. For investors, it's a chance to see the viability of the partnership, gauging not just the business's potential but also the founder's vision and adaptability. For founders, it's an opportunity to understand the investor's decision-making process. They share that both parties should have a set of clear expectations and an understanding of the next steps. They also see the first meeting as a helpful way to build trust, align visions, and ensure that both the founder and investor are on the same trajectory toward a potential long-term collaboration. 2. Technical Aspects of Pitching: They discuss the significance of the preparation for the pitch. Practicing their pitch, testing their tech setup, and even recording themselves to check for any issues can make a big difference. A smooth meeting exhibits professionalism and respect for time. 3. Navigating the Conversation Framework: Jeremy and Shiyan talk about how conversations between investors and founders can focus on various topics such as the business model, its overarching strategy, specific industry or vertical, or even personal qualities of the founder and how it's vital to know which "frame" the conversation is in. They point out that while various questions might arise, the underlying query remains as to whether the two parties are capable of collaborating over the next decade to build a successful company.    They also talk about pitching horror stories related to poor technical setups and how bad audio can ruin a good pitch, the art of striking a balance between high-level overviews and in-depth discussions during pitches, and the value of building rapport in the first meeting. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/first-meeting-dynamics Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id #Pitching #Founders #Investor #Startups #fundraising #ConversationFramework #BuildingRapport #Partnerships #venturecapital

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund and Jeremy Au discuss three main topics: 1. Down Rounds, Recaps, & the Psychological Implications: Jeremy and Shiyan talk about the complex dynamics startups face when fundraising expectations aren't met. Shiyan shares that startups consider accepting down rounds, which might come as an ego blow, or considering recap, rewriting the cap table to accommodate new investors and ensure the incentive for existing stakeholders. Jeremy explains that it's pivotal for management teams to exhibit their adaptability and lessons learned, both at a company and personal level, while making actionable changes, such as cost-cutting or strategic shifts, that validate their readiness for the next phase. 2. Failure Patterns in Southeast Asia: They explore common failure patterns that often result in down rounds and recapitalizations, such as market saturation, lack of product differentiation, and rapid, uncontrolled expansion. Shiyan notes that many startups in Southeast Asia share these failure patterns due to a mix of hyper-competition, immature ecosystems, and differences in consumer behavior across countries in the region. Jeremy adds that external economic factors and regulatory changes, especially in diverse markets like Southeast Asia, can also lead to such scenarios. They advise founders to keep a close watch on market trends and be agile in their strategies. 3. The Role of the Founder and Investors on the Board: They stress the pivotal roles that both founders and investors play during challenging times and highlight the necessity for founders to maintain open lines of communication with their investors, sharing both good and bad news. Investors should also offer guidance and support. They share that effective boards can facilitate difficult but necessary conversations about layoffs and pivoting and that the founder's role also shifts from being a visionary to being a crisis manager, which is crucial for the survival of the startup. They also discuss the significance of customer segmentation for maximum business impact, mental resilience, and emotional intelligence for founders during tumultuous times, strategies to generate revenue such as lending and SaaS models, and the importance of concentrating on a single product or offering before expanding. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/downturns-and-recaps Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Ringkas here: https://www.ringkas.co.id

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund and Jeremy Au answer some listeners' questions. They discuss three major themes: 1. Founder-Investor Trust Dynamics & Reality Checks: Shiyan and Jeremy underscore the importance of cultivating transparent relationships between founders and investors. Founders often hesitate to reveal business setbacks to investors, but transparency is vital and investors can assist better when they're kept in the loop. They discuss that perfection is unattainable and not believable, and it's more credible for founders to admit when they don't have answers and share their approach to resolving uncertainties. They also advise founders to confront the reality of their business, whether to pivot to a small business model, return the remaining capital to investors, or pursue an alternative route. 2. Buy Now, Pay Later Credit Policies: Shiyan highlights that successful BNPL models extend credit at the point of sale based on quality underwriting, especially in emerging markets with underdeveloped credit scoring systems. Jeremy also talks about how certain products, like Peloton in the US, are well-suited for BNPL due to the high price point and the creditworthiness of its typical consumers, but there's a challenge in finding products that align with the BNPL model in markets where transaction volumes may be low, and the costs of underwriting could outweigh the benefits. 3. US SEC Impact on SEA VC Landscape: They discuss how SEC guidelines, particularly those affecting investments in China, pose challenges for US LPs looking to diversify into Asia. They highlight the significant shift of Chinese founders and global investment teams and their consideration to move to Singapore as a reaction to the current investment climate. They also share that the trend of decoupling between the U.S. and China is unlikely to improve in the near future, prompting both investors and founders to strategize accordingly for the long term. They also talk about venture debt as a financing option, how founders can deal with emotional ups and downs and the value of seeking advice, and the significance of devising a contingency plan. Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/listener-qna Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com WhatsApp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CeL3ywi7yOWFd8HTo6yzde Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4TnqkaWpTT181lMA8xNu0T YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JeremyAu Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/brave-southeast-asia-tech-singapore-indonesia-vietnam/id1506890464 Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZC5jby9icmF2ZWR5bmFtaWNz TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeremyau LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea Learn more about Baskit here: https://baskit.app/

In this podcast episode, Brian Nichols, the founder of Angel Squad, shares his background and experiences working at companies like Lyft, Zoox, and Blackbird. He talks about his first angel investment and how he identifies the right opportunities. Brian also discusses the number of startups to invest in for a diversified portfolio and the process of deal sourcing and syndicate investing. Brian discusses his journey with Angel Squad, the decision-making process within the community, and the training and mentorship they offer. He reflects on his experience in angel investing and starting Angel Squad, mentioning the importance of creating a complete framework for investment decisions, and much more!Timestamps[00:00:21] Brian discusses his experience with Reward Tag, an internet lost and found project that was eventually acquired by an Australian luggage company.[00:03:30] Brian talks about the strategies Lyft used to compete with Uber, including incentive programs for drivers and focusing on events like Coachella.[00:08:25] Brian shares his transition from operating roles to investing, starting the Lyft alumni syndicate and his role at On Deck.[00:11:48] Brian talks about the minimum number of startups one should invest in to build a diversified portfolio and the investment size involved.[00:17:01] Brian gives advice on how to source deals and build a network as an angel investor, and how to run an angel syndicate. [00:18:27] Brian explains how deal sourcing works in the angel investing ecosystem and the importance of sharing high-quality deals with others.[00:19:21] Brian discusses the additional work involved in the syndicate piece of angel investing, including running a Kickstarter campaign for the invested company and the minimum amount required for pooling funds.[00:23:00] Brian explains how to invest alongside tier one VCs, including being brought into the deal by the tier one VC and leveraging their involvement to attract other investors.[00:33:30] Discusses the value of operator angels and emerging managers in venture-backed companies and the democratization of investing.[00:36:16] Explains how Hustle Fund and its founders, Elizabeth Yin and Eric Bahn, have built their brand through authentic and transparent content on social media. [00:37:22] Building a Brand vs. Building a Product Brian discusses the importance of building a product that people want and are willing to pay for before focusing on building a brand.Brian's LinksLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannichols11/Website: https://hustlefund.vc/squad My Links Podcast: https://lifeselfmastery.com/itunes YouTube: lifeselfmastery Twitter: rohitmal

In this episode we discuss:[00:37:00] Who is an angel investor?[00:01:39] What is the average investment check size for angel investors these days?[00:02:40] How is angel investing different from venture capital?[00:04:07] Why has angel investing historically been concentrated in the U.S.?[00:06:40] How has the angel investing landscape evolved, and what trends do you see?[00:10:52] What are the advantages and disadvantages of being part of a syndicate or doing angel investing individually?[00:13:20] How do you see technology and tools shaping the future of angel investing?[00:15:22] What challenges are angel investors facing right now?[00:17:46] When is the right time for an angel investor to make investments in startups?[00:19:30] What types of companies should angel investors consider investing in?[00:21:58] What are the misconceptions about angel investing?[00:22:35] How can individuals decide if angel investing is right for them?[00:24:33] What advice would you give to angel investors to be successful?[00:28:25] What Is angel squad? Is it similar to a syndicate?[00:31:38] How do you approach due diligence for investments in areas where you lack expertise?[00:34:33] How do you negotiate investments and win allocation?[00:36:50] How do you manage risk and approach making follow-on investments?[00:41:47] How important is it to stay informed about emerging tech trends?[00:44:44] What advice would you give for new angel investors?[00:47:20] Why angel invest despite the high risk?[00:50:56] Why are you passionate about angel investing and educating other people about Angel Investing? AboutBrian Nichols is the founder of Angel Squad, a program affiliated with the early-stage VC firm Hustle Fund. This initiative provides a unique opportunity to delve into the realm of angel investing, enabling you to both learn about and participate in investments alongside Hustle Fund in its portfolio companies. By joining Angel Squad, you not only gain access to a vibrant community of fellow angel investors and operators but also unlock a wealth of valuable resources pertaining to angel investing.Brian's notable career highlights include pivotal contributions to the achievements of Lyft, Zoox, BlackBird, and others. In 2019, he partnered with Ann Miura-Ko to establish Uplyft, a syndicate catering to Lyft alumni. This endeavor attracted over 300 initial employees of Lyft, who collectively injected more than $30 million into the initiative. Brian's commendable reputation as a guiding figure in the realm of alumni syndicates further propelled him to share his expertise with renowned companies like Airbnb, Stripe, Pinterest, and DoorDash.

This Week in Startups is presented by: Squarespace. Turn your idea into a new website! Go to Squarespace.com/TWIST for a free trial. When you're ready to launch, use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. OpenPhone. Create business phone numbers for you and your team that work through an app on your smartphone or desktop. TWiST listeners can get an extra 20% off any plan for your first 6 months at openphone.com/twist Lemon.io - Hire pre-vetted remote developers, get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist * Today's show: Jason first reflects on the Titan submersible tragedy as he discusses the concept of ‘Toxic Wealth' (1:41). Then, he explains why Meta will remove news content from Instagram and Facebook in Canada due to Bill C-18 (14:59). Finally, Elizabeth Yin gives a presentation live from Angel Summit on her five major learning from 700+ startup investments (22:59). * Follow Elizabeth: https://twitter.com/dunkhippo33 Check Out Hustle Fund: https://www.hustlefund.vc * Time stamps: (0:00) Elizabeth's passion (1:41) Jason discusses the Titan submersible tragedy and how money can lead to recklessness and toxic wealth (13:40) Squarespace - Use offer code TWIST to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain at https://Squarespace.com/TWIST (14:59) Meta removes news content from Instagram and Facebook in Canada (21:33) OpenPhone - Get 20% off your first six months at https://openphone.com/twist (22:59) Elizabeth Yin of Hustle Fund at Angel Summit (31:32) Lemon.io - Get 15% off your first 4 weeks of developer time at https://Lemon.io/twist (32:51) How to invest in startups (50:17) Q&A with Angel Summit audience * Read LAUNCH Fund 4 Deal Memo: https://www.launch.co/four Apply for Funding: https://www.launch.co/apply Buy ANGEL: https://www.angelthebook.com Great recent interviews: Steve Huffman, Brian Chesky, Aaron Levie, Sophia Amoruso, Reid Hoffman, Frank Slootman, Billy McFarland, PrayingForExits, Jenny Lefcourt Check out Jason's suite of newsletters: https://substack.com/@calacanis * Follow Jason: Twitter: https://twitter.com/jason Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasoncalacanis * Follow TWiST: Substack: https://twistartups.substack.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/TWiStartups YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thisweekin * Subscribe to the Founder University Podcast: https://www.founder.university/podcast

In this episode of Product Thinking, Melissa Perri talks with Brian Nichols, Angel Squad Co-Founder of Hustle Fund. They dive into the world of angel investing, discussing the most effective strategies to invest and what to look for in assessing an early-stage startup. Brian has an impressive track record of entrepreneurship and corporate leadership. Upon earning his master's degree from USC, he launched two successful ventures, Date Simply and RewardTag.com. He then joined Lyft in 2014, where he spearheaded the growth of the California Markets, which accounted for a staggering fifty percent of all Lyft rides at the time. During his tenure at Lyft, he played a key role in scaling the company's local teams nationwide, contributing to the expansion of Lyft's employee count from 250 to 2,500. Brian continued his professional journey by founding the Lyft Alumni Angel Syndicate, a network that comprises numerous early Lyft employees. Before joining Hustle Fund, Brian held positions at esteemed companies such as On Deck, BlackBird, and Zoox, where he undoubtedly contributed his expertise and skills to further their success.