BRAVE SOULS WANTED.
Failure almost certain. Attempting is unwise.
Far east adventure. Success is changing the world.
Join us on the Unsensible podcast where we talk to the Asian startups and their ecosystem partners who are intent on changing the world.
BRAVE SOULS WANTED.
Failure almost certain. Attempting is unwise.
Far east adventure. Success is changing the world.
Join us on the Unsensible podcast where we talk to the Asian startups and their ecosystem partners who are intent on changing the world.
Women don't understand their own physiology - not by accident, but by design. It won't make money to educate them about simple changes that could improve their health. So the system keeps them suffering in silence. Pri Aggarwal is breaking that cycle.
After leaving a stellar corporate career at top multinational corporations across Asia-Pacific, the Wharton scholar founded Aura Fem Health, a holistic women's wellness platform, challenging 2,000 years of systemic negligence in healthcare. With 84% of women feeling unheard by healthcare professionals, Pri is building a safe space where ancient holistic practices meet modern science breakthroughs to serve the 9 out of 10 women silently suffering.
In this episode, Pri shares her deeply personal journey from experiencing shrinking menstrual cycles and severe PMS while climbing the corporate ladder, to discovering that simple lifestyle shifts (not birth control pills or being told to "Shut up!”) could transform her health.
We discuss the unexpected parallels between startup life and motherhood , the crucial need for balance over burnout, and the practical marketing and commercial rigour her corporate background provided in these early days.
AI can translate your IPO or ESG report—but can it do it right? Colin Hong, Co-Founder of DeepTranslate, reveals how his Hong Kong startup outperforms Google Translate and ChatGPT in the most high-stakes corner of translation: finance and legal compliance.
In this episode, we cover:
🍽️ From WeChat frustrations to restaurant revolution. Discover how one founder's personal pain point led to Bistrochat, now transforming how restaurants across Asia handle bookings through chat and AI
Jonathan Nguyen sits down with Hacene Taibi, co-founder of Bistrochat, exploring how a simple frustration with restaurant bookings via WeChat sparked a business that's revolutionising the F&B industry. Learn how Bistrochat consolidates reservations from multiple channels whilst building a powerful CRM that helps restaurants deliver personalised service. Hacene shares valuable insights about the true nature of entrepreneurial competition: 'It's not just a product to product competition. It's what are you ready to sacrifice for this to happen?' From coding in Phuket seven days a week for a year to strategically positioning against well-funded competitors, this conversation reveals the mindset required to build a successful startup in a competitive space.
🚀 Discover Bistrochat's expansion across Asia and why Hacene believes that in the AI age, a founder's greatest strength might be knowing what they don't know.
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 Hacene
LinkedIn: https://hk.linkedin.com/in/hacenetaibi
Website: https://www.bistrochat.com/
🇭🇰 From London to Hong Kong: How Louisa Dearlove spotted a gap in Hong Kong's fashion market and turned it into Fengxiang, a clothing rental platform aimed to give women in Hong Kong access to affordable contemporary fashion and to drive sustainable fashion habits. Could shared wardrobes be the future of sustainable fashion?
In this episode, we chat with Louisa Dearlove about building Hong Kong's first peer-to-peer fashion rental platform. She shares honest insights about launching an MVP instead of chasing perfection, how she has had to adapt to the local market, and how being a generalist became her entrepreneurial superpower.
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 Louisa
LinkedIn: / louisadearlove
Website: https://www.fenxianghk.com/
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
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
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
🔍 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/
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/
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/
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/
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
In this episode, we are joined by Rajiv Chandna, Co-Founder of Envisso (formerly 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.
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.