“Until the time it's profitable, what’s the hoo-ha about? There is no achievement,” says Nikhilesh Goel, co-founder and group CEO of Singapore-based startup Validus, on the Crazy Smart Asia podcast. In conversation with Tatler Gen.T’s Chong Seow Wei, Goel shares his journey from the son of a tea taster in Kolkata to fintech founder, his quiet leadership style and the honest feedback he’s gotten for it, and the difference between seeking collaboration and seeking consensus.

Show notes

00:23 Introduction

01:23 Quickfire questions

05:37 Growing up in Kolkata

07:36 The evolution of Validus

13:27 Challenges and strategies in SME lending

19:55 The future of Validas

20:56 Scaling the business

22:16 Doubling down on key markets in Indonesia and Thailand 

23:14 Being an introverted CEO

28:15 Fundraising challenges and triumphs

33:41 How to collaborate with co-founders

38:02 The toll of entrepreneurship

39:33 Final thoughts

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