Hard Truths By Vertex

We often think about startups as a 0 to 1 game with a team of founders working and pivoting around one theme in the hope of finding success. But that is a highly risky way to try and build VC-scale businesses. In this episode we learn of a different model, one that has led to the creation of a billion-dollar, profitable business in the highly competitive media and content space. In This Episode (0...

Indonesians are voracious consumers of social media, and the creator economy is set to grow massively in the coming years. As the industry grows, unmet needs in engaging and monetizing their content arise. How does TipTip as a platform better serve their needs? And what are some of the tips and best practices for creators to make money on the platform? In This Episode (01:53) First Impressions (03...

What are the hard truths about building a climate tech market in a country and region where the awareness, tech and regulations are yet to mature? And how do you make massive change happen while also handling the demands of being a new mother? Hear from Ria and Puiyen as they discuss the challenges, pitfalls and the immense impact of category creation in Climate Tech. In This Episode (01:53) About...

It’s hard to translate vision into reality - and especially so when you are trying to help workers build a better life. But when you see it happening, the moment is magical! Listen to Nelly and Jessica discuss the highs and lows of building Pintarnya, the huge potential it has to transform blue-collar workers' lives as well as Nelly’s take on how women can be more empowered to take charge of their...

What are the hard truths about being a startup builder in manufacturing, and what was Vertex Ventures’ thesis for investing in such a tradition-bound and notoriously difficult space? And how does it feel to be a female only founder-investor pair in such a male-dominated world? In This Episode (01:10) Vertex and Karkhana; Meeting, first impressions and the investment thesis (08:18) How Karkhana got...

Vertex Ventures has been investing in South East Asia and India long before it became fashionable (!) so we know a thing or two about which sectors are on the rise. Tune in to learn how we view the key sectors of Supply Chain, Consumer and Fintech. Our Guest Ben Mathias is Managing Partner at Vertex Ventures South East Asia and India. Prior to joining Vertex Ventures, he was Partner at NEA. Before...

Starting with a little office in a dilapidated old building to joining the rarefied ranks of unicorns in Southeast Asia, Nium has come a long way. But what did it take to keep it going even when the chips were down and fresh funding was hard to come by? What set them apart from their competition and what were some of the bets they had to make? And what were some of the Hard Truths they learned on...

You might know of Vertex Ventures as a successful VC in South East Asia and India. But did you know that it had a troubled start? So how did we then go on to becoming one of the top VCs in the region with investments in Grab, Nium and PatSnap and what is our secret recipe for identifying the kinds of founders that build unicorns? What are the hard truths about building an enduring VC? Learn about...

Hard Truths gives you a behind the scenes view of the most exciting startups and investment opportunities in SE Asia and India. It's brought to you by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India, an early-stage investor in the region's most promising startups and one of Southeast Asia’s oldest VC funds. If you're a startup founder, entrepreneur or startup investor, follow/ bookmark and share this s...