Unsensible - The Asian Startup podcast

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How to get into the most competitive fintech accelerator in Asia 26:42

3 napja26:42

26:42

Director of Accenture's FinTech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific reveals the top tips to joining this exclusive accelerator that has helped raise $6.6 billion for alumni companies worldwide. Applications close 12 May! Episode summary Only 10 spots from 200+ applications. Zero cost, equity-free. Direct access to HSBC, JP Morgan, and UBS. In this episode, Hui Jackson shares her journey from founder (e-commerce startup Souk) to running one of Asia's most prestigious fintech accelerators. She reveals the three critical traits that predict startup success: resilience, clear vision, and ability to pivot. Learn exactly what it takes to get accepted, how the 12-week programme works, and why multiple alumni successfully pivoted from B2C to B2B after working directly with tier-1 financial institutions. Key takeaways Success traits : Resilience, clear vision, and willingness to pivot Programme structure : 3 months, 3 stages, 3 types of mentors Selection tips : Clearly articulate value proposition, show POC with FS clients, demonstrate scaling plan Interview day : Expect 20-30 judges, come prepared, attend in person if possible Current trends : AI, web3, ESG, regulatory tech, and gaps in insurtech Notable quotes "If you're coming in with the willingness to learn, you can open up a lot of opportunities. If you're coming in with the aim to sell, then you will close off great sharing opportunities." "The ability to pivot is very important. Some founders put blinkers on, trying to focus on improving their products, but not looking around what's happening." "We literally got direct access to the world's top tier financial institutions meeting their senior partners, senior stakeholders." Resources mentioned FinTech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific: UNS.SB/FILAP Application deadline: 12 May 2025 Programme details: Free, equity-free, 12-week accelerator Global reach: Alumni from 39 countries, nearly 400 companies About the guest Hui Jackson is Director of the FinTech Innovation Lab Asia-Pacific at Accenture. A former founder herself, she brings unique perspective from both sides of the startup ecosystem. The Lab has been running for 12 years and is considered the anchor accelerator in Hong Kong. Connect with us Website: unsensible.com/podcast Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring unrelenting founders changing the world…

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This AI startup from Korea raised $6.6M in 2 years 36:45

15 napja36:45

36:45

🔍 Ex-Goldman Sachs Banker Builds AI That Outperforms Nvidia, Google & OpenAI | Meet the 30-under-30 founder who raised $6.6M and secured 90+ global clients in under 2 years. His AI is transforming how hedge funds invest billions—could this change the future of finance forever? In this revealing conversation, Jonathan Nguyen sits down with Hojun Choi, co-founder and CEO of LinqAlpha, to explore how AI is revolutionising the investment landscape for hedge funds and financial institutions. Discover how LinqAlpha's hyper-automation platform is enabling analysts to function at superhuman levels, processing vast amounts of unstructured data and extracting meaningful insights that would traditionally take countless hours of manual work. From raising impressive seed funding to landing major clients like Samsung Financial Network and KPMG, Hojun shares candid insights about building a truly global AI company. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips. Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups. ► Follow Hojun & LinqAlpha LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hojunchoi1214/ Website: https://linqalpha.com/…

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Florian M Spiegl | EVIDENT: Ending 'private' markets as we know them. 32:03

29 napja32:03

32:03

Ever felt locked out of investing in the companies shaping our future? Florian Spiegel, Evident's founder, aims to change that. His vision? To make "private markets" a thing of the past. How's that for ambitious? In this chat, Florian discusses how Evident, operating from Hong Kong, is democratising access to alternative assets like private equity, using tokenisation and blockchain technology to break down traditional barriers. We explore the inefficiencies of the current system (think paper trails and disconnected platforms!) and how a supportive regulatory environment is enabling this new digital infrastructure. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips. Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups. ► Follow Florian LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florianspiegl/ Website: https://www.evident.capital/…

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Jessica Liu and Ankit Suri | Planto: Founders changing the fintech landscape in Asia 47:53

12 weeks47:53

47:53

I’ve always maintained that the biggest competitors to a startup are often the paper process they replace. And especially in big banks, the incumbent is typically the way they’ve always done things. What I love about Jessica, Ankit and the whole Planto team is they’ve been grinding at this for 8 years now and they’re still pushing banks forward in one of the most important financial capitals in the world. And have remained curious the whole way. Hold on to your hats, it’s a long one (well not compared to Friedman) but we touch on the work, how they got here and taking a gamble when you have the chance. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips. Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups. ► Follow Jessica and Ankit LinkedIn: / jessicayjliu and / ankitsuri1 Website: https://www.planto.hk/en/…

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Alex Scheer | zkMe: The end of data leaks, and getting paid for your DNA 28:32

15 weeks28:32

28:32

What if you could prove your identity to anyone, anywhere, without sharing your personal details? Alex (David Alexander Scheer) from zkMe explains how zero-knowledge proofs could end the era of uploading ID documents to countless websites. But can a startup really take on tech giants like Google in the identity space? In this episode, Alex shares his vision for revolutionising digital identity. From protecting medical records to transforming online advertising, zkMe 's approach to data privacy could reshape how we think about personal information in the age of AI—all while letting people earn from their own data. [01:42] Why identity is a massively undervalued industry (and how Big Tech profits from it) [04:22] A clever approach to security: making data breaches pointless [07:52] Real-world examples of how ZKme's platform actually works [13:15] Why ZKme is building its own blockchain instead of using existing ones [16:11] How they're solving the "impossible" problem of deleting data from blockchains [21:55] The enormous opportunity in advertising (and why it needs massive scale) [25:00] Alex's bold prediction about the end of paper documents Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips. Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups. ► Follow Alex LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidalexander-scheer/ Website: https://www.zk.me/…

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Denise Ho | KITDO: Could this simple invention reshape fashion? 31:39

17 weeks31:39

31:39

Could this simple invention reshape fashion? In this episode, we sit down with Denise Ho, founder of KITDO( https://kitdo.co/ ), who transformed her 20 years of styling experience into an innovative solution that's changing how we interact with our clothes. From graduating RISD to working in New York's fashion scene, to becoming a sought-after stylist in Hong Kong, Denise shares her journey of creating a product that's both beautiful and functional. CONNECT WITH DENISE: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-ho-846286169/ CHECK OUT KITDO: https://kitdo.co/ FOLLOW THE UNSENSIBLE PODCAST: https://unsensible.com/podcast (00:44) - Who is the stylist turned inventor behind KITDO? (00:56) - How did a RISD graduate end up revolutionising fashion accessories? (03:15) - What's it like growing up with Jean Paul Gaultier in your wardrobe? (04:42) - Can a fashion stylist become a successful entrepreneur? (08:06) - What frustration led to KITDO's invention? (14:17) - How do you turn clay prototypes into award-winning designs? (17:28) - Why not lead with sustainability in fashion? (20:01) - Are you really only wearing 20% of your wardrobe? (24:01) - Is one product enough to build a successful brand? (26:09) - Can KITDO conquer the European market? (27:54) - What advice would you give to aspiring inventors? (29:57) - What's next for KITDO in 2025?…

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DoubleClick: 7 things that make startups look like a scam 29:53

20 weeks29:53

29:53

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

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Hayk Hakobyan | InsightGenie: Redefining Risk with Behavioural Data 38:54

21 weeks38:54

38:54

Journey into the Future of Human Behavior Analytics with Hayk Hakobyan If you enjoy deep dives into the intersection of technology, human behaviour, and business innovation, this conversation with InsightGenie's founder will captivate you. In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Hayk Hakobyan, Founder and CEO of InsightGenie (formerly BizBaz), to explore the revolutionary world of behavioural analytics and predictive human assessment. From his unique background in nuclear physics to pioneering voice-based personality analysis, Hayk shares how his company is transforming the way organizations understand and predict human behaviour. Learn how advanced AI and behavioural science are reshaping everything from banking and insurance to HR and recruitment, with accuracy rates exceeding 90%. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips. Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups. (00:24) - Insight Genie (08:26) - Predicting Human Behavior Using Voice (14:30) - Behavioral Profiling in Risk Assessment (26:38) - Revolutionizing Human Character Assessment (38:33) - Navigating Life's Path…

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Eri Koyano | menux: What the Tokyo Olympics taught me about fan engagement 26:38

22 weeks26:38

26:38

Eri Koyano's journey is nothing short of inspiring, as she unravels her path from a multicultural upbringing to founding menux, a platform set to revolutionise fan engagement at sports events. Growing up across the globe—from the US to Hong Kong, and now Japan—Eri's adaptability is her superpower. Transitioning from sports marketing at the Tokyo Olympics to discovering her passion for tech during a pandemic-driven coding bootcamp, she shares how these experiences have honed her unique perspective on the contrasting startup cultures across the East and West. Her tale is one of innovation, courage, and the relentless pursuit of bridging business with technology. Eri candidly shares her insights into the resistance she encountered and the surprising gaps in technological integration within certain sectors in Japan. As Eri sets her sights on partnering with the LA Olympics in 2028, her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and vision. Tune in for a compelling conversation that offers a beacon of motivation for entrepreneurs aiming to make an impactful change in their industries. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips. Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups. (00:00) - Global Perspectives and Startup Pivots (09:57) - Evolution of menux (24:59) - Future of fan engagement…

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Pak-Sun Ting | VoteeAI: If we don't tackle this, capitalism will divide us 44:56

26 weeks44:56

44:56

Summary Pak-Sun Ting, founder of Votee, about the challenges and opportunities in AI, particularly for low-resource languages. Pak shares his journey from a stable banking career to entrepreneurship, discussing the importance of partnerships, and understanding the peculiarities of building a startup in Hong Kong. The conversation goes into the significance of localised language models, the fundraising landscape, and the future of technology in bridging cultural divides. Takeaways Votee aims to revolutionise AI adoption in Asia and Africa. There is a significant digital divide in access to AI tools. Pak Ting left a comfortable banking job driven by idealism and innovation. Entrepreneurs must know when to pivot or quit. Hong Kong's startup ecosystem faces unique challenges due to high costs. Localised language models are crucial for effective communication. Partnerships are essential for startup success in the current landscape. The future of AI holds both opportunities and challenges. Cultural preservation is a key aspect of Votee's mission. Success in entrepreneurship is defined by impact and revenue. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Pitch 01:06 Revolutionizing Enterprise AI Adoption 03:14 Leaving a Comfortable Job to Become an Entrepreneur 05:49 The Mindset of Founders and the Notion of Failure 10:05 Knowing When to Quit or Pivot 10:50 Startup Landscape in Asia 16:56 The Importance of Language Models for Low Resource Languages 20:35 Advantages of Training Language Models for Specific Languages 24:49 Potential Consolidation in the AI Space 29:13 Fundraising Success and Revenue Generation 32:23 Advice for Early Stage Startups 39:34 The Future Outlook: Innovation and Positive Change Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips. Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups. (00:00) - The pitch (01:06) - Revolutionizing Enterprise AI Adoption (03:14) - Leaving a Comfortable Job to Become an Entrepreneur (05:49) - The Mindset of Founders and the Notion of Failure (10:05) - Knowing When to Quit or Pivot (10:50) - Startup Landscape in Asia (16:56) - The Importance of Language Models for Low Resource Languages (20:35) - Advantages of Training Language Models for Specific Languages (24:49) - Potential Consolidation in the AI Space (29:13) - Fundraising Success and Revenue Generation (32:23) - Advice for Early Stage Startups (39:34) - The Future Outlook: Innovation and Positive Change…

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Welcome to Season 2 | We're pivoting 4:49

27 weeks4:49

4:49

We're pivoting because you're probably sick of hearing from Jonathan's squeaky voice and his face for radio (calm down guys, it's Jonathan, I can ugly shame my own face). What's New in Season 2: Additional hosts from our team, including Managing Director Jess, Head of Brand Karis, and Client Partner Kimberley with their own individual perspectives and hot takes. A new segment "DoubleClick" where we take you behind the debates we have behind closed doors debating client issues And finally a new rotating roster of regular guest hosts from the ranks of regulators to investors to talk about things other than marketing (who knew there was anything other than marketing?!) We're now out of the studio and broadcasting from locations across Singapore, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh City. We're adapting to a more mobile setup while maintaining our focus on startup growth and marketing insights. New episodes release soon. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips. Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups.…

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Dr. Ryan Manuel | Bilby: Tech startup using AI to predict regulatory change 39:33

1 year39:33

39:33

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ryan Manuel, professor of Chinese politics turned tech innovator. Dr. Manuel is Founder & CEO at tech startup Bilby where his team has developed a groundbreaking platform that is transforming how individuals understand and engage with governments. By deciphering legislative signals, they are changing the landscape of decision-making for businesses worldwide. Tune in to hear about Bilby's origins, why Hong Kong is an ideal hub for AI startups, and an honest discussion about the realities of being a founder. Dr. Manuel also shares his vision for the future, where accessing government insights is as seamless as navigating financial markets. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips. Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups. (00:00) - Intro (05:03) - Who is Bilby and what do you do? (09:37) - The role of AI in data analysis (13:34) - Can there be overnight success for a startup? (15:45) - Building the Bilby startup (17:57) - Realities of being a founder (25:28) - Why is the timing right for Bilby's tech? (27:45) - The tough job for investors (32:12) - Starting a China-focused startup in Hong Kong (36:08) - Bilby's vision for tech and government…

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Joan Low | ThoughtFull: HealthTech startup helping make mental health a priority for everyone every day 35:43

1 year35:43

35:43

In this episode, we sit down with Joan Low, Founder and CEO of ThoughtFull, a startup with a unique mental health app that offers end-to-end care through daily bite-sized coaching. Despite the crowded marketplace, ThoughtFull is gaining traction, especially in the corporate space, recently closing a $4 million funding round led by Temasek. Joan shares her personal journey and the fragmented and stigmatized mental health care system that inspired her to create ThoughtFull. We also discuss the lack of innovation and capital in mental health compared to other therapeutic areas, Joan’s experience fundraising during challenging economic times, and her passion advocating for female founders to be better represented in the startup and VC space. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips. Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups. (00:00) - Introduction (01:25) - Joan's motivation to address mental health challenges (06:13) - Why mental health is underfunded (08:47) - Fundraising success despite headwinds (13:10) - ThoughtFull products and the positive response from users (17:41) - Expanding mental health care in the corporate space (24:33) - Positioning ThoughtFull as unique and different (27:07) - Challenges for female founders (32:46) - ThoughtFull's vision for the future of mental health…

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Rajiv Chandna | Kinetic: Revolutionising the fintech payments sector to tackle a $300B challenge 30:56

1 year30:56

30:56

In this episode, we are joined by Rajiv Chandna, Co-Founder of Kinetic, who shares how his venture is revolutionising payments in an effort to build a more frictionless e-commerce landscape. With $300 billion tied up in escrow worldwide, Rajiv highlights how the burdensome collateral demands stifle growth and can even spell the end for small businesses. As we explore the complexities of advance payments, we also discuss the role of AI in risk assessment and pricing, the nuances of building a robust startup team, and the confluence of events that makes Kinetic’s solution timely in the rapidly evolving fintech space. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips. Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups. (00:00) - Intro (02:23) - Challenges in the payments value chain (04:25) - Growing payments risks and the problem faced by merchants (08:08) - Founding Kinetic to deliver a solution (10:39) - The role of data and AI in helping to differentiate and address needs (14:07) - Kinetic's target customers in the evolving digital landscape (17:10) - Startup challenges and early-stage growth opportunities (22:14) - What makes Kinetic the right solution for today (26:56) - The future of payments and Kinetic's vision for creating impact…

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Rachel Troublaiewitch | Gateway Private Markets, HK: Better venture funding from a banker turned founder 23:32

2 years23:32

23:32

Dive headfirst into the world of venture capitalism with Rachel, co-founder of Gateway Private Markets. Beginning her career as a banker in Asia to her role disrupting the private markets, Rachel's journey is one of innovation and perseverance. Rachael covers the the explosive growth in the startup sector over the past decade, examining the rise of unicorns and the increasingly diverse range of investors including hedge funds, public market investors, and family offices. What if the venture capital market, now valued at over $1.7 trillion, could be democratised? Rachel shares her insights on the challenges and opportunities in the evolution of this market. We discuss the importance of an efficient ecosystem for capital flows and explore how Gateway Private Markets is rising to this challenge. Listen in as we tackle issues around access to liquidity and due diligence, as we unveil how Gateway Private Markets is empowering founders and intermediaries to make informed decisions and ensure liquidity for early investors. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the fascinating world of private markets! Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips. Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups. (00:00) - Innovation and Growth in Private Markets (02:33) - The Evolution of Venture Capital Marketplace (15:18) - Democratization of Venture Capital Markets…

Unsensible - The Asian Startup Podcast

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John D. Evans, CFA | SEIML Ventures, CN: Four decades of fraud, fundraising and the Founder Institute 28:07

2 years28:07

28:07

Send us a text The funding environment is tough, but there is precedence. This episode’s guest, John D. Evans, CFA founder and general manager of SEIML Ventures, spent over 24 years as an investment banker, 12 years as a professor of practice, and 7 years in corporate finance. He's seen the highs and lows, booms and busts, of various economic cycles, making him a wealth of knowledge. With his unique insights, we explore the tough competitive nature of markets and the struggle startups face to generate revenue. Ever wondered how similar government-backed currency and private cryptocurrency markets are? We navigate that too! Expanding our fiscal exploration, we peer into the darker side of finance, examining the history of financial fraud and its prevalence in boom and bust markets. You might be surprised by the similarities between Bernie Madoff and Bankman-Fried, and the distinct risks linked to neo banks and single-purpose fintechs. We also discuss the often-overlooked hurdle startups face: being able to commercialise. It's not all about the idea, it's about distribution and market demand. If you're considering launching a fintech in Asia, you'll definitely want to hear about the FinTech ASEAN program, an all inclusive startup training program. Get ready to uncover the fascinating, complex, and often tumultuous world of finance and entrepreneurship. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips. Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups. (00:00) - Navigating Entrepreneurship and Financial Markets (06:45) - Financial Fraud and Fintech Expansion (21:51) - Startup Success and the ASEAN Program…

Unsensible - The Asian Startup Podcast

1
Justin Chan | Gense, HK: The early detection device that actually works. 18:09

2 years18:09

18:09

Meet Justin Chan, a Forbes' 30 Under 30 awardee whose groundbreaking tech invention could revolutionize healthcare as we know it. As the founder of Gense, Justin’s passion for positive impact and problem-solving is actualised through a palm-sized device that scans critical organs for disease in under a minute. His vision for a decentralized, accessible healthcare system is radical, but you'd never hear him say so. As we navigate the implications of his tech post-pandemic, we explore its potential in both developed and emerging markets. Accessibility, affordability, and early detection of chronic diseases form the core of our discussion. Sprinkled through are personal anecdotes of being broke, meeting Obama and issuing bonds to a now-deposed Myanmar government. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more interviews, investor insights, and pitch deck tips. Visit our website to learn more about our work with Asia's leading tech startups. (00:00) - Revolutionizing Medical Diagnostics With Innovative Technology (11:34) - Importance of Accessibility and Early Detection (17:50) - What next…

Bounty Quick Size Paper Towels, White, 8 Family Rolls = 20 Regular Rolls (Packaging May Vary)

Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story: A Mother’s Guided Journal To Share Her Life & Her Love (Hear Your Story Books)

$25 PlayStation Store Gift Card [Digital Code]

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