Insights

startups

From the real-world impact of AI and the rise of operator-investors, to the growing influence of women and underestimated founders in the funding landscape. Sarah breaks down what’s happening beyond Silicon Valley, explore how capital and media now move together, and spotlight the billion-dollar ideas driving the next wave of innovation.

Riding the Venture Downcycle: Investing in Southeast Asia with Dmitry Levit, Cento Ventures

This week we are up for a treat as we take a turn to Southeast Asia—we bust some myths about Southeast Asia's VC activity and the narratives driving the expansion seen in the region. The key question: will the momentum survive this downcycle?    You’re tuning into a two-part episode with venture capitalist Dmitry Levit, Russian-born Israeli citizen who is now deemed an expert of investing in SEA having spent more than a decade building his firm Cento Ventures. They typically invest in Series A and lead the round. Notable investments include 2C2P, Pomelo, iPrice and Kaidee, formerly led by Tiwa York who we also had on the show.

Building World-Class Brands & Rising with Authenticity with Eric Toda

Exiled from the only place she knew to be home, Iranian singer, Gola (Golazin) shares her story on how her first hand experiences of life under the oppressive Iranian Regime shaped her as a fearless, international women’s rights advocate. Fighting everyday to have her voice heard since female solo singers are not allowed to release songs or perform publicly in Iran, Gola shows us what pushing boundaries and true bravery means; and how at the edge of your deepest fear could lay your greatest potential.

Scaling Yourself As CEO with Kim Yao

Exiled from the only place she knew to be home, Iranian singer, Gola (Golazin) shares her story on how her first hand experiences of life under the oppressive Iranian Regime shaped her as a fearless, international women’s rights advocate. Fighting everyday to have her voice heard since female solo singers are not allowed to release songs or perform publicly in Iran, Gola shows us what pushing boundaries and true bravery means; and how at the edge of your deepest fear could lay your greatest potential.

Rising Through Insecurity: Material Scientist turned Unicorn Backer, Lu Zhang

From reluctant CEO, to seeding and scaling the original generation of venture capital funds in Malaysia as a limited partner investor as MAVCAP’s 4th CEO, to Managing Director of $1.2 Billion Pan-Asian VC fund, Jamal Bujang covers it all from how he took different leaps in his career, to how new venture capital funds can actually succeed with trust at the center of partnership, to the potential of Malaysia as the country heads into elections.

Building Unicorns Indonesia with Shinta Dhanuwardoyo

Indonesia’s startups have been making headlines in the last few years, including most recently the news that online mall Bukalapak is set to raise $1.5 billion in the country’s largest-ever initial public offering - setting the stage for a wave of tech listings, with fellow unicorns GoTo and Traveloka to follow suit. Home to the region’s largest population, it is no surprise, Indonesia is in it’s primetime for entrepreneurs. This week, we begin to scratch the surface of the Indonesian startup storyline with veteran digital entrepreneur and evangelist Shinta Dhanuwardoyo.

How to Write Investor Intro Emails

How to write investor intro emails to get conversions and fundraise efficiently and effectively.