Singapore
Business strategy

OPTIMISM ABROAD: A primer for Australian startups on the hunt for funding

- October 27, 2023 3 MIN READ

After travelling through the investment climates of Europe and South East Asia, it’s clear that a tide of optimism is rising for early-stage startups, including those based in Australia. The terrain for securing funding has become more conducive, but how should an Australian entrepreneur navigate this promising period? Let’s explore. Global trends, local implications Firstly,… Read more »

Peacock
Business strategy

Building authentic credibility: An ethical guide for startups

- September 8, 2023 3 MIN READ

In the wake of Startup Daily’s recent Best in Tech Awards, where the likes of GO1 and Hysata clinched accolades, founders are pondering ways to build their own enterprise’s credibility. Business history teems with examples of startups that soared to great heights, but it also offers numerous cautionary tales. One differentiating factor is legitimacy. For… Read more »

Kids on bike with rockets
Business strategy

A VC explains why founders should look at accelerators to take their startup to the next level

- July 14, 2023 2 MIN READ

The journey of a startup is seldom a solitary endeavour. It’s an expedition steeped in camaraderie, mentorship and, crucially, timely intervention. A pivotal lifeline, often undervalued or misunderstood, is the startup accelerator. Today, as a technology venture capitalist and a mentor with the Founder Institute, I’d like to share why accelerators warrant serious consideration from… Read more »

crossing the bay of mont saint michel
Business strategy

A VC offers advice on 8 strategies for founders in challenging times

- May 16, 2023 3 MIN READ

I recently returned from Silicon Valley where I had insightful conversations with a diverse range of founders and investors. These discussions shed light on the challenges faced by technology startups in the current funding landscape. With venture capitalists (VCs) taking longer to respond and valuations subdued, it is crucial for founders to approach these obstacles… Read more »

data
Cyber security

The 5 simple questions every founder needs to ask to keep their startup cybersafe

- April 18, 2023 3 MIN READ

As a victim of data breaches from well-known Australian companies, I have come to realise the importance of cybersecurity. It is alarming to see that even after such data breaches, banks and utilities still ask for personal information that is publicly available and already compromised. This makes one wonder if these companies are doing enough… Read more »

Business

It’s OK to keep losing money at your startup, but here’s the question every investor will want you to answer

- September 13, 2022 4 MIN READ

While much digital ink has been spilt in recent months discussing the state of the global economy, its impact on the valuations of listed tech companies and the funding environment for startups, a chunk of companies continues to receive new investment. Investors have become more circumspect about the growth plans put forward by founders, spending… Read more »

Business strategy

How to win with a value-based business strategy

- August 9, 2022 4 MIN READ

I recently took part in a one-day workshop on business strategy. Run by Harvard Business School professor Felix Oberholzer-Gee, he outlined a framework for how companies can achieve more by doing less and argues whether you’re a large business with multiple product lines or a startup that’s chasing a burgeoning market opportunity, by following a… Read more »

Advice

A VC partner reveals how to avoid a down round for your startup – and what to do next if it happens

- June 14, 2022 4 MIN READ

Last month, I mentioned a recent trip to North America where after meeting with many investors and founders across different stages and sectors, I counselled startup founders to brace for turbulence. Since the beginning of the year, major share market indices are down, with some tech company indices down even more. Inflation across developed countries… Read more »