The Impulso Podcast
Momentum Works
The Impulso Podcast is hosted by Momentum Works, a venture outfit headquartered in Singapore. Each week, our in-house experts, community and guests unpack the latest trends, undercurrents and lessons in tech across borders. We explore topics like innovation, ecommerce, digital financial services, venture investment, and the broader digital economy.
In addition to covering our home base of Southeast Asia and advanced global markets like the US, we also draw extensive lessons from tech companies in China.
Visit momentum.asia or get in touch via hello@mworks.asia for our insights reports, newsletter, Academy and Venture offerings.
In addition to covering our home base of Southeast Asia and advanced global markets like the US, we also draw extensive lessons from tech companies in China.
Visit momentum.asia or get in touch via hello@mworks.asia for our insights reports, newsletter, Academy and Venture offerings.
Episodes
Mentioned books
16 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 32min
E87: Chagee reenters Singapore
Chagee has made a triumphant return to Singapore, drawing huge crowds and long queues. A recent poll suggests many expect them to dominate the bubble tea market. The discussion dives into what sets Chagee apart from competitors and whether Luckin Coffee is copying their model. Insights into the challenges faced by food and beverage brands in Southeast Asia reveal cultural nuances and logistical hurdles. The rise of Chinese F&B brands and their innovative strategies are also explored, highlighting the booming bubble tea culture in the region.
10 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 21min
E86: Luckin Coffee opens 20,000th store
Luckin Coffee has celebrated a significant milestone by opening its 20,000th store in Beijing! This expansion is fueled by an innovative, data-driven approach to store placement. The podcast discusses how the company contrasts traditional methods with technology and efficiency in coffee-making. Listeners will learn about China's largest coffee processing facility and Luckin's creative branding strategies. It also touches on the competitive landscape in Singapore's food and beverage market and the evolving consumer preferences in Southeast Asia.
10 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 22min
E85: Delivery Hero losing grip?
The podcast delves into Delivery Hero’s tumultuous journey post-Baemin acquisition. It highlights Baemin's market share loss to rivals like Coupang Eats and the fallout from a CEO resignation. Listeners gain insights into the competitive landscape across Southeast Asia, with discussions on pricing issues and consumer dissatisfaction. Leadership challenges in various markets are also explored, revealing the complexities of global expansion. The conversation wraps up with a look at strategies to revive brand dynamics in a cutthroat food delivery industry.
6 snips
Jul 19, 2024 • 15min
E84: TikTok Shop vs Temu in SEA
Exploring the booming e-commerce landscape in Southeast Asia, recent findings reveal a staggering GMV growth to $114.6 billion. TikTok Shop is emerging as a key player, challenging traditional giants like Shopee and Tokopedia. Temu's strategic entrance raises questions about its impact on logistics and competition, especially in Indonesia. Insightful discussions also highlight the thrilling concept of live commerce and its potential to reshape shopping experiences in the region.
11 snips
Jul 2, 2024 • 25min
E83: Will Amazon succeed in copying Temu?
Amazon's new initiative targets low-cost, unbranded items from China, aiming to rival Temu and SHEIN. Inside information reveals a closed-door seller meeting underscored by cultural secrecy and exclusivity. Discussion highlights challenges in optimizing logistics for international sellers and contrasts Amazon's approach with Temu's consignment model. Skepticism looms over Amazon's ability to compete successfully, echoing historical rivalries, while the uncertain impact of this strategy raises questions about the future of e-commerce.
12 snips
Jun 28, 2024 • 25min
E82: China’s 618 eCommerce Sales dropped or grew?
Wei Han, a leader at Momentum Works with expertise in Southeast Asian e-commerce, dives into the intriguing dynamics of China's 618 shopping festival. The conversation unpacks the puzzling drop in gross merchandise value, raising questions about consumer confidence. Wei addresses conflicting reports on sales growth, navigates the competitive landscape of giants like JD.com and Alibaba, and discusses evolving trends such as pre-sales. With the backdrop of shifting consumer behaviors, this chat provides a gripping overview of the complexities in China's bustling e-commerce market.
20 snips
Jun 21, 2024 • 48min
E81: Where has all the fintech funding gone?
Gavin Tan, a lawyer turned fintech founder with extensive experience in scaling high-growth companies in Southeast Asia, discusses the dynamic landscape of fintech. He highlights the shift from traditional e-wallets to super apps and explores the significant growth in fintech funding, with 41% of tech investment directed at digital financial services. Gavin also addresses challenges like customer acquisition costs and regulatory complexities, while offering insights into the evolving real-time payments infrastructure in the region.
Jun 14, 2024 • 23min
E80: Temu enters Brazil, joining Shopee, SHEIN and Aliexpress
Temu’s launch in Brazil and how timing, seller prep, and logistics shaped the rollout. A look at which cross-border platforms already operate locally and how supply chains are being built in Latin America. The impact of new taxes and customs rules on small parcels. Speculation about Temu’s next regional moves and comparisons with Southeast Asian markets.
Jun 7, 2024 • 41min
E79: What makes a top KOL, and other learnings
A deep dive into how top live commerce KOLs are made, from appearance as a baseline to the role of consistency and training. Behind-the-scenes looks at professional MCN studios and large-scale stream operations. Exploration of AI hosts, platform investments, and MCNs diversifying into malls, studios and supply-chain services.
May 24, 2024 • 30min
E78: Is TikTok Shop giving up overtaking Shopee?
Q1 earnings from major SEA tech groups, recovery signals and how mobility and tourism are lifting revenue. A deep look at lending growth and the road to profitability for digital platforms. Rising take rates across marketplaces and whether TikTok Shop is shifting strategy against Shopee. Logistics as a competitive moat and how courier dynamics shape platform power.
