Open For Business

Exiting a startup in Southeast Asia isn’t easy. IPOs are rare, valuations are tricky, and local buyers often fall short. So how do VCs and founders maximise their exits?We dive into this with Kairous Capital, a venture capital and private equity firm managing $200 million AUM, with a cross-border focus between Southeast Asia and China. Managing Partner Joseph Lee and Partner Adrian Hia share how they’ve backed 21+ companies, secured 4.5 exits, and developed a scaling and exit strategy for startups.We explore:Why 80% of their exits come from trade sales, not IPOsThe “time machine” arbitrage between China & Southeast AsiaHow AI, digitalization, and SME transformation funds fit into their investment thesisThe challenges of fundraising in today’s VC climate, including how LPs are picking firms to backSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A school reunion eventually led to an AI-powered edtech that raised RM16 million, and is now an 8-figure business with over 1 million users and on track for profitability in 2025.Pandai wants to reshape education in Malaysia and beyond with its AI-powered learning platform. Founded in 2020, the edtech startup has scaled to over 1 million users, providing personalised learning, gamified assessments, and real-time teacher support. CEO and Founder Khairul Anwar shares how Pandai differentiates itself in a competitive landscape, including its curriculum integration, AI-driven tutoring, and B2B partnerships with corporate sponsors and government agencies.A Y Combinator-backed company, Pandai has raised over RM16 million from investors like 500 Global, RHL Ventures, and Harvard Endowment, while maintaining rapid revenue growth of 2-3X annually. With eight-figure revenues and profitability expected in 2025, Pandai is pushing its expansion across Southeast Asia, navigating challenges such as localisation and market competition.In this conversation, we dive into the company’s scaling strategy, its AI-driven student analytics, and the future of edtech in Malaysia. Is an IPO or strategic acquisition on the horizon? Tune in to find out how Pandai is transforming learning and what’s next for the startup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Securing financing can be a major hurdle for SMEs, especially those without traditional collateral. Enter Bee Informatica, a digital microfinance platform blending AI-driven credit assessments with microloan principles to provide quick, unsecured loans to underserved businesses in Malaysia. Fumiko Inada, Co-Founder and CEO of Bee Informatica, joins us to share how the company is reshaping SME financing with AI-powered risk assessment, its approach to responsible lending, and how it maintains a low non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of just 1.4%.We also discuss the expected impact of Malaysia’s upcoming Consumer Credit Act, how Bee Informatica differentiates itself from banks and P2P lenders, and what the future holds, including expansion plans and a potential IPO in Tokyo by 2030.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Radius Khor, Co-Founder & Director of Kee Nguyễn, a Malaysian startup that’s bringing Vietnamese-style coffee to the local market. Founded in 2019 alongside his co-founder Henry, Kee Nguyễn has quickly become a go-to brand for working professionals in business districts, offering a taste of Vietnam in every cup.In this insightful conversation, Radius shares the story behind the creation of Kee Nguyễn, the hurdles they’ve faced, and how they’ve managed to grow their brand in the competitive F&B industry. From overcoming challenges to scaling their operations, Radius opens up about the strategies that have helped Kee Nguyễn thrive and what the future holds for the business as it continues to expand.Tune in to hear about the entrepreneurial journey behind Kee Nguyễn and gain valuable insights into building a successful coffee brand from the ground up!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a $10 million Series A in the bag and backing from Gobi Partners, 500 Global, Headline, and Endeavor Catalyst, what’s next for iMotorbike?Since launching in 2016, iMotorbike has evolved from a classifieds site into a full-fledged e-commerce platform for buying and selling pre-owned motorcycles. In this episode of Open For Business, co-founders Gil Carmo (CEO) and Sharmeen Looi (CMO) share how their 2021 pivot introduced a 6-day return policy, warranties, and financing options, transforming iMotorbike into a trusted one-stop center for motorcycles.Now, with fresh capital, they’re scaling in Malaysia (Johor & Penang), doubling down on Vietnam, and expanding into Taiwan, while also growing their showroom network and inspection centers. We explore their 3X annual growth, their TikTok-driven marketing strategy, and how they’re setting the stage for profitable expansion and a potential IPO or M&A exit.Here are 6 AI-Generated highlights from the conversation:From Classifieds to E-Commerce – Pivoted in 2021 to a full-service platform, streamlining buying, selling, and financing.$10M Series A Funding – Backed by top VCs, fueling regional expansion into Vietnam, Taiwan & Malaysia.3X Yearly Growth & Scaling Strategy – Tripling revenue annually, targeting 5X growth in 2025.Physical Showrooms & Inspection Centers – Expanding beyond digital with 46,806 sq. ft. showrooms & 15 inspection centers.Marketing & Community Growth via TikTok – 1.6M+ TikTok views, engaging riders through events & Telegram groups.The Road Ahead: Profitability & Expansion Plans – Aiming for profitable showrooms, future Series B funding & IPO/M&A exit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded in 2012, Swift Bridge Technologies is a Malaysian company that makes high-tech cables used in telecommunications, semiconductors, medical devices, and even space tech. These aren’t just ordinary cables, they’re high-frequency RF (radio frequency) cables that enable ultra-fast and reliable connections, especially in industries like 5G, aerospace, and advanced testing equipment.The company recently secured investment from Kumpulan Modal Perdana (KMP), a Malaysian Ministry of Finance venture capital firm, to drive R&D expansion, next-generation RF cables up to 145GHz, and local production growth.In this episode of Open For Business, Dato Chong Soon Kheng, Co-Founder and CEO of Swift Bridge Technologies, shares how the company built its niche in Asia’s semiconductor supply chain, its plans to scale to RM100 million revenue, and its strategic expansion into EV charging stations. We also dive into their role in the global RF industry, key growth drivers like 6G, and how Swift Bridge is positioning itself against global competitors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sasha Tan, Founder and Principal Brand Strategist of The Brand Shaper, a local enterprise that provides PR & Marketing Solutions, joins us to discuss her journey from an entrepreneur to a brand strategist and unpack key lessons she’s learned along the way. From the importance of understanding your audience to the role of authenticity in brand communication, we discuss how Brand Shaper aims to help businesses create lasting impressions through strategic branding, the challenges that come to shape and position a brand as well as her ambitions and tips on how startups can develop a strong brand foundation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded in 2015, A&D Nature has blossomed into a profitable one-stop centre for plant enthusiasts, generating RM1.16 million in revenue and RM117,213 in net profit in the first eight months of 2024. In this episode, A&D Nature’s Founder and Managing Director, Dayvenn Khaw, and Co-Founder and Operations Director, Yek Sheen Chee, share how they grew the business from a single kiosk to a 7-figure operation.We explore the challenges of managing a plant-based retail business, their strategies to reach RM4 million in revenue by 2028, and how they maintain profitability.A&D Nature offers a wide range of products and services, including retail plant sales, corporate gifts, and the popular '007 Fertilizer,' which drives repeat sales and customer growth. With 80% of their plants produced in-house and a thriving online segment contributing 40% of revenue, the company is now launching an equity crowdfunding (ECF) campaign to raise up to RM500,000 for its next phase of growth.Please note that investments in ECF campaigns carry significant risks. These are generally early-stage businesses that may face challenges, including the risk of failure, which could result in losing part or all of your investment. Additionally, this is an illiquid asset, you may not be able to liquidate or sell your shares easily.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eco-friendly products are sprouting across Malaysia, but are they truly sustainable? And are Malaysians willing to pay or go out of their way to purchase them? We explore these questions with Tan Yet Mee, the Founder of ecoMinim, a homegrown brand offering plant-based, biodegradable home and personal care products. In this episode, we discuss what it takes to build a sustainable business, the challenges of competing with big brands, and the future of conscious consumer choices in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Azizul Othman and Al Khan Abdul Gani, Co-Founders of Lekir Tech, the AI startup behind the Assistnify AI Agent and platform. Founded in 2019, Lekir Tech has built a bootstrapped business offering AI-driven workflow automation, SaaS solutions, and business intelligence tools to government agencies, enterprises, and SMEs.With over 80% year-on-year revenue growth and 7-figure revenues, profitable Lekir Tech shares how they achieved this without external funding, the challenges of scaling a tech company, and what sets Assistnify apart from other software tools.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.