The inauguration of President Donald Trump has introduced a series of policy changes with significant implications for non-U.S. startups. As a founder navigating this evolving landscape, it’s crucial to understand how these policies may affect your business operations and strategic decisions. Drawing from my experience pivoting from mentoring and fundraising into starting up two companies …
Tag: fundraising
How to Stay Ahead of Your Competitors: Startup Health Check
Running a startup is a relentless race. The moment you pause, your competitors are ready to overtake you. Staying ahead requires continuous improvement, strategic planning, and ruthless execution. A startup health check is the key to ensuring your business remains agile, competitive, and scalable. Why a Startup Health Check is Essential Many founders get so …
How to 10X your Turnover: Focus on Who not How
In the dynamic world of startups, scaling your business exponentially—aiming to 10X your turnover—is a common aspiration. While traditional strategies often emphasize the “how” of operations, a paradigm shift towards focusing on the “who” can be the catalyst for transformative growth. By strategically aligning with the right individuals and networks, founders can unlock unprecedented opportunities …
How Ikigai Is Useful to Build a Billion-Dollar Startup
The journey to building a billion-dollar startup demands relentless focus, unwavering determination, and a well-defined purpose. For many entrepreneurs, finding this purpose can be the linchpin that aligns personal fulfilment with professional success. This is where the Japanese concept of ikigai comes into play. In this blog, we’ll explore how understanding and leveraging ikigai can …
Can’t Get VC Funding: It’s You – My How-To Quick Fix
Securing venture capital (VC) funding is often seen as the holy grail for startup founders. Yet, many find themselves hitting a wall. If your startup can’t get VC funding, the problem might not be the investors—it might be you. The good news? Identifying and fixing the issues is entirely within your control. In this guide, …
Climate Action in APAC: How to Pick the Winners
Climate Action in APAC is a hotbed of activity, but it’s also a complex landscape to navigate. With differing definitions of “climate action” and a lack of transparency in deal flow, investors need a clear guide to identify the most promising opportunities. This post cuts through the noise, highlighting key trends and opportunities for those …
What do Investors Look for in a Startup 2025
This guide will explore what do investors look for in a startup and provide actionable steps to prepare your business for investment. Securing funding is often the make-or-break moment for startups. As we move into 2025, the criteria investors use to evaluate startups have evolved. Whether you’re pitching to venture capitalists (VCs) or angel investors, …
How to Rank the Best Company Exit Strategies for 2025
When the time comes to consider a company exit strategy for your startup, the stakes are high. Making the right choice can catapult your personal wealth and reputation, while a poorly timed or executed exit can leave you with regrets. As a founder, navigating this complex landscape requires insight, planning, and action. In this blog, …
Selling value versus price: how to beat your competitors
Selling value versus price is more than just a strategy; it’s a mindset that can help you stand out, build stronger customer relationships, and beat competitors. In today’s hyper-competitive market, startups and SMEs face a crucial dilemma: Should you compete on price or focus on the value you bring to customers? The answer often determines …
8 Biggest Mistakes Investors Make When They Know Better
The 8 biggest mistakes investors make even when they know better. Have you ever wondered why seemingly savvy investors sometimes make head-scratching decisions? I was recently a guest at a presentation by Douglas Abrams, the Founder and Managing Director of Expara Ventures, an established VC with extensive experience in Southeast Asia. His presentation’s working title …