Singapore-based AI and big data firm Advance.ai raised US$80 million in a series C round led by private equity investor Pavilion Capital and Chinese venture capital firm Gaorong Capital (formerly Banyan Capital). Unicorn Venture and eGarden Ventures also participated in the round, alongside existing investors GSR Ventures and Vision Plus Capital. Founded in 2015, the data-driven fintech company helps businesses…
F&B veteran Michel Lu turns his hand to distilling boutique Asian flavours under The Orientalist Spirits brand, and also aims to champion other independent distilleries in the region. Turning 50 this year has offered veteran F&B entrepreneur Michel Lu time for introspection. “A brand done properly can last a lifetime, and even outlive you,” he muses, as he shares his…
Orange Corners South Africa is a Jozi-based business incubator, which empowers start-ups within Johannesburg and Diepsloot to accelerate the growth of their businesses through amongst other items, the delivery of physical workspaces, training and mentorship as well as business coaching. The Orange Corners initiative was established by the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Africa in 2016 to support Dutch-origin…
Becoming a successful entrepreneur requires learning that goes beyond how to just run numbers and manage finances. As someone who has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade, I can tell you that while these elements certainly play a role, actually doing something significant with your particular business's numbers requires creativity, leadership ability and gumption. These skills are obviously…
Entrepreneurs become entrepreneurs for a number of reasons. Being your own boss ranks high on the list. The sense of accomplishment that comes with creating a company and making it a success is another motivation for some. The primary driver for many is the prospect of becoming extremely wealthy. While some entrepreneurs like the idea of being rich simply for…
Today, Peloton is a bonafide success. The company, which sells $2,245 internet-connected exercise bikes, boasts a $4 billion valuation and a cult following. That hasn’t always been the case. For years, Peloton battled for venture capital investment and struggled to attract buyers. Now that it’s proven the market for tech-enabled home exercise equipment and affiliated subscription products, a whole bunch…
Everyone is fascinated with predicting when the market will turn, especially venture capitalists. Perhaps now that Game of Thrones is over, we can put a merciful death to the refrains of “winter is coming” that seemed so much more clever seven seasons ago. And while Chamath Palihapitiya of Social Capital recently suggested that quantitative easing could prevent most recessions in…
You may have a great startup idea, but don’t quit your day job just yet. Entrepreneurs launch startups every day, and some of them go on to reach amazing heights. Still, the idea itself is just the beginning of a long and arduous road. The path to startup stardom is beset with challenges, and they just keep coming. Money is…
Several years ago, we rented an office in a co-working space. Most networking and training activities happened on-site or in partner community spaces, crowded with self-proclaimed entrepreneurs. Working regularly from coffee shops for nearly a decade now also gave me an opportunity to meet solopreneurs and fresh business owners who dreamed big. Seeing startups fail weekly, here’s my condensed list…
What is the one thing that has changed the entire narrative of human lives in the 21st century? If you’re thinking technology then you’ve guessed it right. From education and entertainment to healthcare, there is hardly any sector that technology has not influenced or even transformed in a positive way. Technical advancements are revolutionizing the healthcare industry all around the…