Open For Business

In the dynamic landscape of technology, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (XR) are emerging as revolutionary forces, reshaping the way businesses operate and compete. These technologies are not just the domain of tech giants; they are increasingly becoming accessible to Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to level the playing field with larger corporations.

We hear from Louis Clovis, who will share his insights on the impact and potential of these technologies within the SME ecosystem. While our conversation is set against the backdrop of the XR Asia Summit event, our focus will pivot to a more topical exploration, delving into the transformative role of VR/AR/XR technologies for SMEs.

In the dynamic landscape of technology, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Extended Reality (XR) are emerging as revolutionary forces, reshaping the way businesses operate and compete. These technologies are not just the domain of tech giants; they are increasingly becoming accessible to Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to level the playing field with larger corporations.

We hear from Louis Clovis, who will share his insights on the impact and potential of these technologies within the SME ecosystem. While our conversation is set against the backdrop of the XR Asia Summit event, our focus will pivot to a more topical exploration, delving into the transformative role of VR/AR/XR technologies for SMEs.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having recently announced a historical best of US$11 million in EBITDA for the first quarter of FY2024, we speak to Carro’s CFO Ernest Chew about profit and revenue targets ahead, how their different acquisitions and investments play into Carro’s growth strategy, the reason Carro is IPO-ready, but in no rush to list, and why they still want to fundraise.

Carro was founded back in 2015 and has raised over US$1 Billion in debt and equity to fund ambitions to build the largest online used car marketplace in Asia. The platform allows consumers and wholesale businesses to buy and sell used vehicles and also offers insurance and financing services.

Founded in Singapore, Carro joined the unicorn club in 2021 after completing a near-$500 million funding round led by SoftBank, and is backed by other notable investors like Temasek and GIC.

As part of their journey, Carro has brought Malaysian car bidding platform into the fold, acquired a 50% stake in Indonesian MPM Rent in 2022, announced a strategic investment in Driven Communications, owners of paultan.org among other websites, and recently announced a strategic partnership with Jardine Cycle & Carriage valued at over $60 million.

Having recently announced a historical best of US$11 million in EBITDA for the first quarter of FY2024, we speak to Carro’s CFO Ernest Chew about profit and revenue targets ahead, how their different acquisitions and investments play into Carro’s growth strategy, the reason Carro is IPO-ready, but in no rush to list, and why they still want to fundraise.

Carro was founded back in 2015 and has raised over US$1 Billion in debt and equity to fund ambitions to build the largest online used car marketplace in Asia. The platform allows consumers and wholesale businesses to buy and sell used vehicles and also offers insurance and financing services.

Founded in Singapore, Carro joined the unicorn club in 2021 after completing a near-$500 million funding round led by SoftBank, and is backed by other notable investors like Temasek and GIC.

As part of their journey, Carro has brought Malaysian car bidding platform into the fold, acquired a 50% stake in Indonesian MPM Rent in 2022, announced a strategic investment in Driven Communications, owners of paultan.org among other websites, and recently announced a strategic partnership with Jardine Cycle & Carriage valued at over $60 million.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COBNB stands at the forefront of Malaysia's burgeoning short-term rental sector, offering a comprehensive suite of services that cater to property owners and travelers alike. From Kuala Lumpur's city centre to the scenic outskirts, COBNB's presence is felt as they manage properties, facilitate co-living experiences, and even provide renovation services.

As Malaysia gradually opens its doors to the global home-sharing phenomenon, COBNB is strategically positioned to harness the potential of this sector, which is projected to reach a staggering US$1.010 billion in 2023. Their services not only offer property owners an avenue for income generation but also promise travelers authentic, immersive, and personalised holiday experiences. We speak with Bernard Lim, as we explore the intricacies of the short-term rental industry, COBNB's growth trajectory, and the future of home-sharing in Malaysia.

COBNB stands at the forefront of Malaysia's burgeoning short-term rental sector, offering a comprehensive suite of services that cater to property owners and travelers alike. From Kuala Lumpur's city centre to the scenic outskirts, COBNB's presence is felt as they manage properties, facilitate co-living experiences, and even provide renovation services.

As Malaysia gradually opens its doors to the global home-sharing phenomenon, COBNB is strategically positioned to harness the potential of this sector, which is projected to reach a staggering US$1.010 billion in 2023. Their services not only offer property owners an avenue for income generation but also promise travelers authentic, immersive, and personalised holiday experiences. We speak with Bernard Lim, as we explore the intricacies of the short-term rental industry, COBNB's growth trajectory, and the future of home-sharing in Malaysia.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ulalive wants to change the way businesses and individuals communicate and collaborate, addressing the evolving needs of modern remote teams. The platform calls itself a virtual meeting replacement that will give you the ability to skip your virtual meetings and instead get recorded video over email.

While this can be especially useful for companies with regionally and globally distributed workforces with varying time zones to manage, is there value for other types of businesses and employers?

We find out from Ulalive co-founders Afham Fareez and Elizaveta Leytgold. We will also explore the origins of this platform, how they’ve tested and adapted the product since starting, and what will drive their growth ahead.

Ulalive wants to change the way businesses and individuals communicate and collaborate, addressing the evolving needs of modern remote teams. The platform calls itself a virtual meeting replacement that will give you the ability to skip your virtual meetings and instead get recorded video over email.

While this can be especially useful for companies with regionally and globally distributed workforces with varying time zones to manage, is there value for other types of businesses and employers?

We find out from Ulalive co-founders Afham Fareez and Elizaveta Leytgold. We will also explore the origins of this platform, how they’ve tested and adapted the product since starting, and what will drive their growth ahead.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golfing startup Deemples wants to help people more easily find golf buddies and organise games at preferred locations and time slots. Founded in 2017, it has raised around RM2.5 million so far to power this goal.

Its last funding round was back in 2020 when it raised around US$350,000 (RM1.5 million), but instead of growing abroad it focused on growing the Malaysian market and improving its monetization and business model.

Today, Deemples has around 60,000 users and is expected to hit between RM7.5-8 million in Gross Merchandise Value (GMW) this year.

With profitability on the cards this year and confidence in their business model, Deemples is looking to raise around US$2 million to accelerate its growth in Malaysia and abroad, with new products, services, and business models, including ecommerce, memberships and more.

We speak to Deemples CEO and Co-Founder David Wong about all this, but to also get a better picture of the journey over the last 7 years and a look ahead to Deemples future.

Golfing startup Deemples wants to help people more easily find golf buddies and organise games at preferred locations and time slots. Founded in 2017, it has raised around RM2.5 million so far to power this goal.

Its last funding round was back in 2020 when it raised around US$350,000 (RM1.5 million), but instead of growing abroad it focused on growing the Malaysian market and improving its monetization and business model.

Today, Deemples has around 60,000 users and is expected to hit between RM7.5-8 million in Gross Merchandise Value (GMW) this year.

With profitability on the cards this year and confidence in their business model, Deemples is looking to raise around US$2 million to accelerate its growth in Malaysia and abroad, with new products, services, and business models, including ecommerce, memberships and more.

We speak to Deemples CEO and Co-Founder David Wong about all this, but to also get a better picture of the journey over the last 7 years and a look ahead to Deemples future.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.