Meet Mel Nava, a Filipina female founder of 1Export. Mel has successfully raised money and built a company that spans across Southeast Asia and caters to clients across the world. In this episode of Next Big Wave Mel and Tim discuss: - The challenges of being a female founder - Bootstrapping your early days to finance growth - The evolution of the Filipino startup scene - The importance of a support system when becoming a founder in Southeast Asia - The future of entrepreneurship in Southeast Asia

In this episode of Next Big Wave, Tim and Charles Lee dive deep into the heart of Southeast Asia's booming startup ecosystem. From the challenges of internet connectivity to the cultural nuances of running a tech business in this diverse region, they explore what it takes to thrive as an entrepreneur far from the Silicon Valley crowd. Charles, running Coder School, and Tim, with his hands-on experience in the tech startup world, share their journeys, surprises, and the lessons learned along the way. They discuss the importance of adaptability, understanding local cultures, and the revolutionary impact of technology like Riverside for maintaining quality communication, no matter the internet bandwidth. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, their conversation sheds light on the unique opportunities and hurdles that Southeast Asia presents. Join us for an episode filled with valuable insights, personal stories, and a glimpse into the future of tech in one of the world's most vibrant regions. #startup #southeastasia #founder #employeeretention #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship