Technological Disruption in Southeast Asia
The SEA space is primed for disruption both due to the state of tech advancements today and the presence of significant inefficiencies in sectors ranging from finance to logistics to consumer retail. We'll hear from experienced venture investors about the areas most affected by disruption, and the impact such disruption will have over the foreseeable future.
The vast potential of Southeast Asia
Nash: There is a lot of white space in SEA where new startups can come in and tap on these opportunities (particularly in the software sector).
Tech disruption and development as a continuous process of meeting consumers' demand and serving a social, equitable end.
Lauria: Innovation is not a big word, but iteration i.e. businesses should take small iterative steps to slowly improve the business, as industries get disrupted over decades.
Tran: the goal of disruption – rethinking older markets where customers / sectors of society aren’t being served/not served very well.
Looking forward: we must be flexible and adaptable as the global political & economic climate changes
Yao: the world is being created and defined now – want to see people who can take initiative, are passionate, and creative.
Lauria: We are investing in people (particularly at the beginning stages of setting up a startup) – want to see people who have passion and can navigate changes.
Panelists
Vinnie Lauria
Founding Partner at Golden Gate Ventures (offices in Singapore, Indonesia, and soon Vietnam and focused on investing in the rising consumer internet class in SEA) and entrepreneur turned investor. Built two startups in Silicon Valley prior to starting GGV; founded the Silicon Valley NewTech meetup, featuring hundreds of startups pitching to a monthly audience with >10k members. Passionate about building start-up ecosystems.
Nick Nash
Former Principal and Head of SEA at General Atlantic; former Group President of Sea Ltd; and Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Asia Partners, a PE firm focused on the next generation of high-growth tech companies in SEA. Spoke on a forum organised by Disrupt Technology Venture 5 months back which helps teach and graduate startup-founders in SEA - spoke about the golden age of SEA, winning business models etc
Joan Yao
Vice-President of Kickstart Ventures with over a decade's worth of experience in partnering with early-stage companies in SEA through investments, business advisory, and public policy formation; Former Consultant with the Office of the Secretary (Philippines)
Binh Tran
General Partner, Ascend Vietnam Venture; Former General Partner, 500 Startups Vietnam, investing in cross-border companies between SEA and Silicon Valley; Prior to 500 Startups, Binh was a Co-founder of Klout and Evalulogix, social media and edtech start-ups
