Startup Climb

In this episode of Startup Climb, we have a conversation with Robert Rajeswaran, Co-Founder, Boxaroo. Boxaroo is a startup that aims to make it convenient for brands to customize, order and distribute merchandise, company swag and corporate gifts within minutes.

You can find Boxaroo here:

https://boxaroo.co/

Disclaimer:

Any views/opinions made by the guest is the guest's opinion. It does not represent the views/opinions of the host or the podcast. The podcast is not intended to constitute or be relied upon as professional advice. You should consult a qualified professional for any professional advice.

Timestamps:

0:40 Introduction to Boxaroo

2:33 How do you curate the items?

4:35 How did you clinch your first big-name client?

6:55 Challenges when you first start Boxaroo?

8:40 Why did you choose to be involved in the design process?

10:45 How big is the team at the moment?

11:30 How do you manage a global team?

12:15 Were there any challenges with managing a global team?

13:30 Highlight of startup journey at Boxaroo?

14:42 Lowest points thus far?

16:24 Is the startup funded?

18:17 Have you explored any accelerators?

19:10 One advice for your past self?

Connect with us:

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupclimb/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupclimbpodcast/

In the third episode of Startup Climb, the season with a conversation with Bryan Se To, Founder of Calibrate. Calibrate is an online platform for users to find and book wellness experts such as Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Sports Massage Therapists, TCM etc for pain relief solutions.

Disclaimer:

Any views/opinions made by the guest is the guest's opinion. It does not represent the views/opinions of the host or the podcast. The podcast is not intended to constitute or be relied upon as professional advice. You should consult a qualified professional for any professional advice.

Timestamps:

0:30 Introduction

1:02 Why did you choose to go into the startup scene?

1:35 How do you curate the chiropractors on your platform?

2:10 How do you help users to “skip the queue”?

3:30 How did you reach your MVP?

7:07 How did you acquire your first customer?

8:54 How do you identify a good hire?

11:40 How do you quickly determine if a person has a growth mindset?

13:43 Were there any memorable challenges thus far?

15:08 What was your lowest point thus far running Calibrate?

17:35 Highest point thus far in Calibrate?

19:30 Why did you pick SMU as the accelerator to go for?

20:55 When to jump full-time into a startup?

22:55 Future roadmap for Calibrate?

24:05 One advice for your past self?

Connect with us:

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupclimb/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupclimbpodcast/

In this episode of Startup Climb, we have Jie Lun Ong, Director of Ventures APAC for Plug and Play Tech Center. In his role, he heads up the regional ventures team, based in Singapore, sourcing for startups and making investments in the region.

Disclaimer:

Any views/opinions made by the guest is the guest's opinion. It does not represent the views/opinions of the host or the podcast. The podcast is not intended to constitute or be relied upon as professional advice. You should consult a qualified professional for any professional advice.

Timestamps:

0:45 Introduction

3:22 Why did you choose to go into the startup scene?

6:02 What is the biggest contributing factor to the success of a startup?

7:20 How do you identify factors that lead to success in a founder?

9:30 Do you feel anything has changed since COVID happen?

11:00 What makes a startup investible?

12:16 Is profitability important at the point of investment?

13:27 What are the major differences in startups in the region?

16:47 Is it more difficult for startups to expand in the region?

18:21 What is one thing that you learnt thus far?

21:07 What is your greatest accomplishment thus far?

22:38 Any resources that you will recommend to startup founders?

24:00 What is one advice that you will give to your past self?

Connect with us:

[email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupclimb/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupclimbpodcast/

In the third season of Startup Climb, we kickstart the season with a conversation with Sang Shin, Director of Digital Innovation at Temasek. Sang was the co-founder of the startup Been, the world’s first mobile app that enabled users to monetize and take control of their personal data and privacy, blocking personal data collection from apps.

Disclaimer:

Any views/opinions made by the guest is the guest's opinion. It does not represent the views/opinions of the host or the podcast. The podcast is not intended to constitute or be relied upon as professional advice. You should consult a qualified professional for any professional advice. This episode was recorded on 25 November 2020.

Timestamps:

0:45 Introduction

5:09 Biggest difference between the startup ecosystem in California and Singapore?

7:10 Do you feel that the Southeast Asia startup ecosystem is similar to Silicon Valley?

8:50 Is it more difficult to do business in SEA vis a vis the states?

10:14 What should an aspiring entrepreneur in Singapore think about before starting their own startup?

12:55 What inspired you to start your startup?

14:41 Were there any hesitation before you dive into your startup?

18:30 Key traits you observe among successful founders?

21:25 What is one advice you will give to your past self?

22:35 Book recommendation for budding entrepreneurs?

Connect with us:

[email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupclimb/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupclimbpodcast/

In this episode of Startup Climb, we talk to Hans, Founder, and CEO, FAB9. FAB9 is a Makerspace based in Melbourne. They provide tools, technology, and training for anyone interested in making. Join us as we discussed starting a business in Australia, the impact of COVID on the Makerspace business and more.

You can find out more about FAB9 here:

https://www.fab9.com.au/

Disclaimer:

Any views/opinions made by the guest is the guest's opinion. It does not represent the views/opinions of the host or the podcast. The podcast is not intended to constitute or be relied upon as professional advice. You should consult a qualified professional for any professional advice.

Timestamps:

0:43 Introduction to FAB9

3:30 Capacity at FAB9

4:45 How big is your team at the moment?

6:10 What are the qualities that you look for in your core team?

8:05 How did you get the idea of starting a Makerspace?

9:31 How did you choose a location?

12:40 The cost of doing business in Australia?

14:33 Is the start-up self-funded?

15:52 How did you choose to allocate your resources?

17:20 Was it difficult to do marketing for FAB9?

19:05 The start-up landscape in Melbourne?

22:18 How will a startup grow in Australia?

25:42 Has it been difficult to pivot due to COVID?

35:52 New product offering for FAB9?

37:02 Do you see yourself expanding to other cities in Australia?

39:31 Is it difficult to expand beyond Melbourne?

45:00 What is one advice that you will give to your past self?

Connect with us:

[email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupclimb/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupclimbpodcast/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZhb7TW07ORyW3wLROEvo0A

On this week's episode of the Startup Climb podcast, we have Jasper Yap, co-founder, and CTO of Eezee. Eezee is a Singapore based B2B marketplace that aims to make B2B procurement Eezee. Jasper is also recognized on the Forbes 30 under 30 2020 list. On the podcast, we talked about scaling a B2B solution, the difference before and after funding, and more.

You can find out more about Eezee here:

https://eezee.sg/

Disclaimer:

Any views/opinions made by the guest is the guest's opinion. It does not represent the views/opinions of the host or the podcast. The podcast is not intended to constitute or be relied upon as professional advice. You should consult a qualified professional for any professional advice.

Timestamps:

00:45 Introduction to Eezee

3:13 How did you get the idea to start Eezee?

4:32 How do you scale a B2B solution?

5:28 How far into starting Eezee before you make your first hire?

6:32 How do you manage your resources?

8:16 When you first start, did you ever set a timeline/runway for yourself?

10:03 What was the biggest difference before and after funding?

12:06 How do you raise funds?

16:42 What was your biggest struggle thus far?

22L44 What was your biggest accomplishment thus far?

26:45 What is one advice that you will give to your past self?

Connect with us:

[email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupclimb/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupclimbpodcast/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZhb7TW07ORyW3wLROEvo0A

In this episode of Startup Climb, we have Jared Sim, co-founder, StockPal. Stockpal is a news site that aims to bring the Asian angle ti ASX-listed small and mid-cap companies. In this podcast, we talked about how to gain exposure for a startup, how to identify your target demographic, and more.

You can find out more about StockPal here:

https://stockpal.asia/

Disclaimer:

Any views/opinions made by the guest is the guest's opinion. It does not represent the views/opinions of the host or the podcast. The podcast is not intended to constitute or be relied upon as professional advice. You should consult a qualified professional for any professional advice.

Timestamps:

0:48 Introduction to StockPal

1:21 How did you conceptualize the idea of starting StockPal?

2:53 How did you gain exposure for StockPal?

4:45 What was your journey to why you start StockPal?

6:13 How do you identify your target demographic?

8:50 Is it difficult to run an Australian focussed business from Singapore?

10:47 What are the best practices that you do when you launch a product like StockPal?

13:34 How do you identify your competitors?

14:53 How do you determine if the market has space for you?

16:16 How do you attract attention in the saturated media space?

17:38 What do you feel is your greatest achievement?

19:34 What is your greatest struggle thus far?

20:42 If you could give 1 piece of advice to your past self, what will it be and why?

Connect with us:

[email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupclimb/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupclimbpodcast/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZhb7TW07ORyW3wLROEvo0A

In this episode, we have Joshua Chin, CEO, and Co-founder of Chronos agency. Chronos agency is a data-driven email marketing agency that aims to provide email marketing services and consultancy for online retailers. We speak about email marketing, sacrifices made to chase the entrepreneur dream, and more.

You can find out more about Chronos Agency here:

https://chronos.agency/

Disclaimer:

This episode was recorded on 1 July 2020

Any views/opinions made by the guest is the guest's opinion. It does not represent the views/opinions of the host or the podcast. The podcast is not intended to constitute or be relied upon as professional advice. You should consult a qualified professional for any professional advice.

Timestamps:

0:42 Introduction to Chronos Agency

1:45 Why did you choose to go into email marketing?

3:59 How did you even get the idea to start this in the first place?

10:14 Was there ever a time when you are worried that the friendship might be affected due to differences in business opinions?

14:59 Imposter syndrome?

16:59 Did you imposter syndrome affect your pitch?

19:47 Did you feel that this thick skin was developed through your experiences?

25:10 What is your biggest success at Chronos thus far?

29:01 What do you feel are the most important characteristics that an entrepreneur needs to have?

30:00 What is one advice that you will give to your past self?

32:26 What is one sacrifice that you made to chase your dreams?

Connect with us:

[email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupclimb/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupclimbpodcast/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZhb7TW07ORyW3wLROEvo0A

In this week's episode of Startup Climb, we have Paddy Tan, Co-Founder of Blackstorm Consulting to share more about the common pitfalls of startups. Blackstorm Consulting is a regional growth consulting firm that specializes in innovative scaling and technology deployment strategy in Southeast Asia.

You can find out more about Blackstorm Consulting here:

http://blackstormco.asia/

Disclaimer:

Any views/opinions made by the guest is the guest's opinion. It does not represent the views/opinions of the host or the podcast. The podcast is not intended to constitute or be relied upon as professional advice. You should consult a qualified professional for any professional advice.

Timestamps:

0:50 Introduction to Blackstorm Consulting

4:55 Different cultural norms in neighboring countries vis a vis Singapore?

10:43 Why did you focus on small and medium enterprises?

14:02 Why did you focus on structuring and restructuring?

18:44 Why did you choose to go into fixing problems/consulting?

23:35 How did you get your first client?

28:13 How do you measure success?

32:53 How do you pivot your solution?

37:40 What are some of the common problems that start-ups might face at the start?

50:18 How do you grow your network when you first start?

54:45 What was the greatest struggle that you have faced thus far at Blackstorm?

01:02:19 What was your biggest achievement thus far at Blackstorm?

01:06:03 What is one advice that you will give to your past self?

Connect with us:

[email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupclimb/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupclimbpodcast/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZhb7TW07ORyW3wLROEvo0A

On this episode of Startup Climb, we find out more about doing business overseas with GQ, co-founder & CEO of LTVplus. LTVplus is a customer service outsourcing start-up for e-commerce businesses. In this episode, find out how to run a remote business, the growth mindset, and more.

You can find out more about LTVplus here:

https://www.ltvplus.com/

Disclaimer:

Any views/opinions made by the guest is the guest's opinion. It does not represent the views/opinions of the host or the podcast. The podcast is not intended to constitute or be relied upon as professional advice. You should consult a qualified professional for any professional advice.

Timestamps:

0:45 Introduction to LTVplus

1:21 How big is your team at the moment?

1:53 Why did you make the decision to go remote?

4:04 Why did you choose to live in Kiev?

5:46 How did you get the idea to start?

8:10 How do you cope with the different business cultures around the world?

10:11 What is the biggest difference between doing business in Singapore and overseas?

14:38 What were the qualities that you look for in your hire when hiring remotely?

16:47 How do you find the growth mindset?

20:55 What is one book that you would recommend to entrepreneurs?

24:07 How do you allocate the resources when you first start?

27:50 Pandemic's impact on the business?

29:46 New opportunities?

32:30 Why did you choose to jump into entrepreneurship?

36:22 What was your biggest struggle thus far?

39:09 What was your biggest accomplishment?

40:55 What is one advice that you will give to your past self?

Connect with us:

[email protected]

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startupclimb/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupclimbpodcast/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZhb7TW07ORyW3wLROEvo0A