The Impulso Podcast

Boon Ping Chua, Cento Ventures partner with 20+ years in VC and M&A, and Dmitry Levit, Cento partner focused on SE Asia tech investing, discuss regional capital shifts. They debate whether a downturn is permanent, why mega exits are rare, how capital will deploy in 2024, and how fixing broken value chains with financial tech can reshape markets.

A deep dive into the US bill forcing TikTok to divest or face a ban and why that choice leaves the company with no good options. Discussion of TikTok’s mobilization tactics and how they may have backfired politically. Examination of Donald Trump’s unexpected opposition and the political incentives behind it. Consideration of whether other countries might follow and who could benefit regionally.

Discussion of Shanghai adopting Nutri-Grade style nutritional labels for bubble tea. Comparison of Singapore’s A–D system and which drinks fall into low grades. Debate over whether labels shift consumer habits or spur product innovation. Operational and compliance challenges for chains and stalls are explored. Consideration of possible unintended effects on consumption and marketing.

They dissect Sea Group's Q4 and full-year results and the market's volatile reaction. Discussion covers Shopee's marketing shifts, GMV recovery, and fintech profitability. They debate TikTok Shop's impact, live shopping limits, and whether logistics, local teams and finance services form a durable moat. Competitive moves in Indonesia and strategic signaling to rivals are also explored.

Luckin Coffee is making headlines with its staggering pace of opening nearly 1,000 new stores each month. The discussion reveals how it has eclipsed Starbucks in sales, prompting questions about its true competitors. Experts analyze Luckin's aggressive expansion in China, fueled by operational strategies and technological innovations. The podcast also delves into the challenges of entering the Southeast Asian market and contrasts Luckin's model with Cotti's franchise approach. Key insights into consumer behavior and data-driven decision making provide a fascinating look at the coffee industry.

They unpack why Grab walked away from buying Foodpanda and whether a reported €1 billion price made sense. They revisit the history of sale talks and the leaked valuation. They compare Grab’s cash uses like buybacks and debt repayment to acquisition logic. They explore delivery economics in Southeast Asia and what lies ahead for Foodpanda if it stays with Delivery Hero.

China's live commerce industry is not just big—it's a trillion-dollar powerhouse with a vast ecosystem, encompassing MCNs, enablers, logistics, and more.    With only a month away from Momentum Works upcoming live commerce immersion in Shenzhen, China (where participants will have will visit/meet key players in this ecosystem), we wanted to address some common questions we’ve received from interested participants, as well as share insights into the ecosystem and trends of live commerce in China.    Tune into this latest episode where we uncover the driving forces behind China's live commerce boom, explore its potential in the US and Southeast Asia, and contemplate the future and influence of AI in this space.    Featured materials: Live Commerce Immersion, Momentum Academy Live commerce in Southeast Asia report, Momentum Works How did this company reach $280m sales in Live commerce?, The Low Down  Why are AI virtual hosts not yet dominant in live commerce?, The Low Down

Omar Kassim, a Dubai‑raised founder who exited a marketplace to Noon and built B2B payments solutions, discusses Middle East venture dynamics. He compares Saudi and UAE strategies. He covers sovereign capital flows, fintech acceleration like BNPL, regulatory sandboxes, and structural challenges for founders. He highlights where regional opportunities and competition are shaping policy and growth.

The podcast dives into the intriguing possibility of Deliveroo and DoorDash entering Southeast Asia. It discusses the operational challenges unique to the region and how rising delivery fees might impact dining out. Vietnam's impressive 30% GMV growth is highlighted, along with the potential for expansion into smaller cities. The special case of the Philippines emphasizes Jollibee's extensive delivery network. Additionally, the hosts explore competition from Chinese F&B brands and provide strategies for local players to thrive.

Meituan faces tough competition from Douyin and Pinduoduo, prompting a major restructuring under CEO Wang Xing. He will now directly manage overseas operations and spearhead drone delivery initiatives. The discussion highlights the implications of this shift, especially compared to Alibaba's restructuring. Hosts explore Meituan's cautious approach to international expansion, particularly in Hong Kong, while addressing the challenges of adapting its business model abroad. The episode wraps with reflections on Meituan's convenience in daily life for many.