Open For Business

CoachHub has raised $350 million to build a global digital coaching platform, but can coaching really scale like software?Matti Niebelschütz, Founder and CEO of CoachHub, unpacks how the Berlin-based startup transformed coaching into a scalable, tech-powered solution serving 1,000+ enterprise clients and backed by a network of 3,500+ coaches across 90 countries.We explore CoachHub’s journey from a scrappy WordPress MVP to a $231M revenue business, its transition to profitability in Q4 2024, and its strategy to stay competitive in a tighter capital environment. Matti shares insights into CoachHub’s enterprise sales engine, rigorous coach vetting (with a 3% acceptance rate), AI-powered coaching with “AIMY,” and the company’s land-and-expand model driving global growth.He also discusses their expansion across Asia, use of debt financing for AI and product development, and what the path to IPO—or continued private growth—might look like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if leadership training didn’t look like another workshop or classroom but more like stepping on stage, facing your fears, and performing with a live band?That’s exactly what Gig For Good sets out to do — using music and performance not just to entertain, but to transform. It’s a bold, human-centred approach to leadership, teamwork, and personal growth, built on courage, creativity, and connection.We speak to the Founder and Programme Director of Gig For Good, Tan Hui Choon, and Co-Producer and Co-Lead Trainer, Alesia Dhana, about why stepping out of your comfort zone (and into the spotlight) might just be the ultimate lesson in leadership, and how businesses today need to rethink the way we build brave teams and future-ready leaders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CardUp started as a simple idea: let people pay rent with credit cards to earn rewards. But that consumer-centric product evolved into a scalable B2B payments solution, unlocking credit card-based cash flow for SMEs.In this episode of Open For Business, Diana Lim, Vice President of Partnerships and founding team member at CardUp, walks us through the platform’s early days, their product-market fit journey, and the pivot into SME solutions. We also unpack the rationale behind CardUp’s 2022 acquisition by Funding Societies, and how the deal supercharged expansion, cross-selling, and new product development.Diana breaks down CardUp’s current product mix, its receivables solutions, and why their installment plan rollout in Malaysia could reshape SME financing. We also explore post-acquisition autonomy, regional expansion into Indonesia, and what it takes to make a payments model profitable in an era of lean startups and capital efficiency.From USD 1B in transaction volume to doubling growth post-acquisition, this is the story of how and why CardUp tackled the payments space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Limitless Technology built a profitable 9-figure gifting machine, and it all started with Google Search optimisation. CEO and Co-Founder Niklas Frassa gets into how they scaled brands like Flower Chimp, LVLY, and CakeRush through SEO, smart M&A, and shared infrastructure, turning flowers, cakes, and gifts into an e-commerce powerhouse.Founded in Kuala Lumpur in 2016, Limitless powers DTC brands such as Flower Chimp, CakeRush, LVLY, and Happy Bunch, and has evolved into a vertically integrated e-commerce platform with nine-figure annual revenues and operations across five markets, including Australia.Niklas unpacks how Limitless bootstrapped its way to profitability, scaled operations using a shared infrastructure model, and used customer insights to drive product localisation and brand differentiation. We dive into their acquisition strategy, M&A financing structure, and how they balance backend efficiency with brand autonomy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if we could supercharge photosynthesis and boost crop yields using science born right here in Malaysia? That’s exactly what Qarbotech is doing. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with the startup’s three co-founders, Dr Suraya Abdul Rashid, Amirul Merican, and Chor Chee Hoe, about their groundbreaking technology, their global recognition, and the surprising struggle to gain local support.They discuss the science behind QarboGrow, the challenges of scaling up, and what needs to shift in Malaysia’s investment mindset for deeptech to thrive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A golf superapp raised USD $2M — but is the problem really big enough to justify that kind of funding? In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with David Wong, Founder and CEO of Deemples, a Malaysian-born golf-tech startup that began as a simple way to find golf buddies and has evolved into a full-fledged super app for golfers.From tee-time bookings and group game matchmaking to bundled golf trips and community events, Deemples is building a regional golf ecosystem. David shares how the company tripled its GMV since 2023, closed a USD $2 million round in 2024, and launched in Thailand, Southeast Asia’s largest golf market.We unpack how Deemples is driving stickiness through social features, cashback incentives, and brand engagement, and how it’s earned partnerships with 80% of Malaysia’s golf courses. David also reveals why larger platforms haven’t cracked this vertical, how offline activations are fueling growth, and why Deemples could be on track for a global acquisition.If you’re into vertical marketplaces, super apps, or niche community platforms — this one’s for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Staying cool in Malaysia’s tropical heat is tough, but Ultifresh has a solution. Founded by Frank Yap and Gerald Eng in Singapore in 2018, Ultifresh creates sustainable, anti-microbial garments that eliminate 99.94% of bacteria. The result? Clothes that stay fresh longer, require less washing, and help conserve water — all without sacrificing comfort.In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Frank and Gerald about expanding Ultifresh from Singapore to Malaysia, the challenges of making sustainable fashion accessible, and how their innovative fabrics are changing the way we think about everyday wear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cracked screens, complex claims. As smartphone use surges and digital lifestyles evolve, device insurance offers peace of mind for consumers, but for insurers, it’s an operational headache. The real challenge isn’t selling policies, it’s delivering claims efficiently and at scale.In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Melanie Hawgood, Co-Founder and CEO of Nexacore, a Malaysia-based insurtech startup solving the “last mile” problem in device insurance and extended warranty claims. Nexacore provides a white-label, back-end platform that streamlines repair, replacement, and logistics, helping insurers deliver faster, more cost-effective claims without building the infrastructure themselves – all without competing for policy distribution.We explore Nexacore’s unique B2B model, how it integrates with insurers and telcos, and why the company is raising RM1.5–2 million to scale across Southeast Asia. Melanie also shares early traction with a major telco-backed program, their revenue strategy, and future plans beyond smartphone insurance, including regional expansion and new warranty verticals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to build a business around outdoor fitness in Malaysia’s unpredictable weather and competitive fitness scene? In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Sanjay Kumar, Founder of Madfoxx Training, an outdoor strength and conditioning brand offering bootcamp-style sessions in parks and car parks.Started as a weekend hustle in 2018 while Sanjay worked as a PE teacher and taekwondo coach, Madfoxx has grown to four locations and nearly 100 active members. The brand recently took a bold step by investing RM200,000 into a custom-built gym-on-wheels, aiming to bring functional fitness anywhere.We dive into Sanjay’s entrepreneurial journey, how he built credibility in a saturated fitness market, and insights into this customer retention. We also discuss his future plans and goals.Whether you're in fitness or just love stories of turning passion into small business, you’ll want to tune in to this one.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of nose strips, you might imagine skincare routines or snoring aids. But what if nose strips could also enhance your workouts and improve sleep? That’s the idea behind PeakFlowTape, founded by Kooi Yi Xuan and Gan Chen Jie. Launched just last year, PeakFlowTape aims to make nasal breathing an essential part of both fitness and rest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.