Open For Business

Ever wish that you could invest in unlisted tech companies such as Open AI, Stripe, and SpaceX before they hit public markets and peak valuations? Well for some, Singapore-based marketplace for alternative assets Alta could be the answer.

Founded in 2016, the startup formerly known as Fundnel it’s trying to improve accessibility to an area of finance previously the domain of ultra-high-net worth individuals and institutional investors - private capital markets. Alta has facilitated over $600 million dollars in over 1,500 transactions, including investments into SpaceX, Grab, and Gojek.

On this episode of Open for Business, you will hear about what inspired this venture, the experience of building this sizable alternative asset exchange, and the business opportunity that lies here with Kelvin Lee, Co-Founder and CEO of Alta.

Ever wish that you could invest in unlisted tech companies such as Open AI, Stripe, and SpaceX before they hit public markets and peak valuations? Well for some, Singapore-based marketplace for alternative assets Alta could be the answer.

Founded in 2016, the startup formerly known as Fundnel it’s trying to improve accessibility to an area of finance previously the domain of ultra-high-net worth individuals and institutional investors - private capital markets. Alta has facilitated over $600 million dollars in over 1,500 transactions, including investments into SpaceX, Grab, and Gojek.

On this episode of Open for Business, you will hear about what inspired this venture, the experience of building this sizable alternative asset exchange, and the business opportunity that lies here with Kelvin Lee, Co-Founder and CEO of Alta.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Globally, mental health concerns are becoming increasingly prevalent. Recent data from the United Nations has highlighted that nearly a billion individuals are grappling with some form of mental health condition. Even more concerning is that the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that that approximately 20% of the world’s children and adolescents are dealing with mental health issues, with suicide a leading cause of death among those aged between 15 to 29.

SAPOT is a digital self-care and social support platform that hopes to help address this pressing concern, particularly among young adults by connecting them to all measures of care, whether it’s prevention, treatment or maintenance.

On this episode of Open for Business, you will hear the story of why the 4 co-founders came together to build SAPOT, the process and challenge of building a mental health solution, and the business model that will turn this from an idea into a viable business with the co-founders of SAPOT - CEO Najiya Ilya and COO Nureen Hamka.

Globally, mental health concerns are becoming increasingly prevalent. Recent data from the United Nations has highlighted that nearly a billion individuals are grappling with some form of mental health condition. Even more concerning is that the World Health Organization (WHO) notes that that approximately 20% of the world’s children and adolescents are dealing with mental health issues, with suicide a leading cause of death among those aged between 15 to 29.

SAPOT is a digital self-care and social support platform that hopes to help address this pressing concern, particularly among young adults by connecting them to all measures of care, whether it’s prevention, treatment or maintenance.

On this episode of Open for Business, you will hear the story of why the 4 co-founders came together to build SAPOT, the process and challenge of building a mental health solution, and the business model that will turn this from an idea into a viable business with the co-founders of SAPOT - CEO Najiya Ilya and COO Nureen Hamka.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Direct Lending started in 2016 as a digital lending marketplace platform, enabling borrowers to find, apply and receive financing that best suits them safely and affordably. There are currently over 30 financing providers on its platform, from co-operatives, Bursa Malaysia-listed companies, licensed moneylenders, and credit communities.

In more recent times, Direct Lending launched its first point-of-sales financing solution in late March 2022, a Syariah-compliant, fully digital auto service financing that enables car owners to obtain financing at a workshop to pay for their essential car repairs instantly. In December 2022, Direct Lending further expanded the business by offering financing to micro SME businesses.

We speak to Founder and Director Hui Yik Seong about building and growing a digital lending marketplace platform, the rationale for launching its own financing solutions, and more.

Direct Lending started in 2016 as a digital lending marketplace platform, enabling borrowers to find, apply and receive financing that best suits them safely and affordably. There are currently over 30 financing providers on its platform, from co-operatives, Bursa Malaysia-listed companies, licensed moneylenders, and credit communities.

In more recent times, Direct Lending launched its first point-of-sales financing solution in late March 2022, a Syariah-compliant, fully digital auto service financing that enables car owners to obtain financing at a workshop to pay for their essential car repairs instantly. In December 2022, Direct Lending further expanded the business by offering financing to micro SME businesses.

We speak to Founder and Director Hui Yik Seong about building and growing a digital lending marketplace platform, the rationale for launching its own financing solutions, and more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak with Julian Koh, co-founder of Commune Lifestyle, to discuss the intersection of design, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Julian, having grown up around furniture factories and furthered his education in industrial design, holds a deep understanding of the design industry.

He’ll be sharing his philosophy and approach to creating sustainable and uniquely designed pieces, revealing how his varied inspirations translate into the finished products. Commune Lifestyle, with its extensive reach across Asia, stands out for its commitment to sustainability and aesthetic versatility. We’ll explore the practicalities of sustainable design and understand the thought process behind creating designs that are both innovative and environmentally conscious, highlighting the role of authentic craftsmanship in the modern design landscape.

We speak with Julian Koh, co-founder of Commune Lifestyle, to discuss the intersection of design, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Julian, having grown up around furniture factories and furthered his education in industrial design, holds a deep understanding of the design industry.

He’ll be sharing his philosophy and approach to creating sustainable and uniquely designed pieces, revealing how his varied inspirations translate into the finished products. Commune Lifestyle, with its extensive reach across Asia, stands out for its commitment to sustainability and aesthetic versatility. We’ll explore the practicalities of sustainable design and understand the thought process behind creating designs that are both innovative and environmentally conscious, highlighting the role of authentic craftsmanship in the modern design landscape.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Versa is a fintech startup focused on digital distribution and curation of investment products that works with AHAM Capital. The aim - to provide its users with access to savings and investment products in a simplified and digital-first manner.

That said, the wealthtech space is a tough area with slim margins and plenty of competition from robo advisors such as Stashaway, Wahed Invests, and KDI Invests. We speak to Teoh Wei-Xiang, CEO of Versa Asia, for the story behind starting Versa, how they are navigating the competitive landscape and acquiring customers, and what else we can expect to see on the platform in time.

Versa is a fintech startup focused on digital distribution and curation of investment products that works with AHAM Capital. The aim - to provide its users with access to savings and investment products in a simplified and digital-first manner.

That said, the wealthtech space is a tough area with slim margins and plenty of competition from robo advisors such as Stashaway, Wahed Invests, and KDI Invests. We speak to Teoh Wei-Xiang, CEO of Versa Asia, for the story behind starting Versa, how they are navigating the competitive landscape and acquiring customers, and what else we can expect to see on the platform in time.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.