Ideas alone can’t change the world. It takes grit. In this podcast, Siemens sits down with startup founders, ecosystem partners and more in a quest to get to the bottom of what makes startups (and the people in them) tick.
At Siemens, we understand the struggles of early-stage startups. Let us remove the barriers on your startup journey by helping you transform your engineering ideas into real, marketable products with industry-leading software solutions. Join the Siemens Startups Program to grow your startup to its full potential. Want to get in touch? Reach out here.
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Ideas alone can’t change the world. It takes grit. In this podcast, Siemens sits down with startup founders, ecosystem partners and more in a quest to get to the bottom of what makes startups (and the people in them) tick.
At Siemens, we understand the struggles of early-stage startups. Let us remove the barriers on your startup journey by helping you transform your engineering ideas into real, marketable products with industry-leading software solutions. Join the Siemens Startups Program to grow your startup to its full potential. Want to get in touch? Reach out here.
Forged in War, Proven in Business: The Story of Peng Cau
Pioneers
33 minutes
4 months ago
Forged in War, Proven in Business: The Story of Peng Cau
What does it take to build a company from nothing—and then start again to help others do the same? How do resilience, innovation, and leadership shape not just a business, but an entire life?
In this unforgettable episode of Pioneers: The Siemens Startup Podcast, hosts Paul Musto and Jim Gernatt welcome Peng Cau, the newest member of the Siemens startup team. From surviving Cambodia’s killing fields to building and selling one of Canada’s premier automation companies, Peng’s journey is a masterclass in overcoming adversity, grit, leading with integrity, bold vision and execution.
She shares powerful personal stories—escaping war, learning business from her parents, and launching Transformix from a basement with a $1,000 loan. Peng opens up about navigating racism, sexism, and strategic pivots, including the bold decisions that led to an eight-figure exit without venture capital.
Listeners will hear why Peng never says "I've made it," and the leadership philosophy that drove her company's culture.
Now, as part of Siemens, Peng brings her passion, startup experience, and bold energy to help new founders reach their dreams—and she's officially joining the podcast as a future host!
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Surviving the Khmer Rouge: How Peng’s early life taught her resilience and adaptability (2:20), the same skills needed to build deeptech company.
Entrepreneurship Lessons: Building a company with nothing but grit and loyalty (6:15)
Starting Transformix: From a basement and cold-calling manufacturers to landing their first big contract (11:45)
Facing Business Collapse: How Peng pivoted after losing 90% of her revenue (15:30)
Never "Making It": An entrepreneur’s mindset of constant growth (18:10)
Leadership Philosophy: Integrity, Respect, Passion, and Innovation (19:35)
The Bittersweet Reality of Acquisition: Letting go of her “first child” (24:20)
The Investment Ecosystem in Canada vs. the U.S.: Challenges raising capital (26:55)
Overcoming Sexism and Racism: Advice for underrepresented founders (30:20)
Why Peng saw the Siemens Startup Program as a perfect next step (34:00)
Connect with us:
Paul Musto
LinkedIn
Website
Peng Cau
LinkedIn
X
Pioneers
Ideas alone can’t change the world. It takes grit. In this podcast, Siemens sits down with startup founders, ecosystem partners and more in a quest to get to the bottom of what makes startups (and the people in them) tick.
At Siemens, we understand the struggles of early-stage startups. Let us remove the barriers on your startup journey by helping you transform your engineering ideas into real, marketable products with industry-leading software solutions. Join the Siemens Startups Program to grow your startup to its full potential. Want to get in touch? Reach out here.
