TechNode Global
In this quick TechNode Global Q&A with James Tan, Managing Partner at Quest Ventures, we gain some insights on trends driving innovation in the region, as well as a few example companies making an impact on sustainability, social commerce, and finance.
A winner of the Movers & Shakers – People’s Choice VC award at the ORIGIN Innovation Awards, Quest Ventures is a top venture capital fund in Asia. Its portfolio of 90+ venture-backed companies operates in more than 150 cities across Asia, creating employment and advancement opportunities for more than 4,400 employees, while its Enterprise and ESG efforts directly impact thousands more.
Question: What are the trends driving innovation in the Asia Pacific region today?
Answer: Sustainability, mechanization, digital economy
Question: What are three key challenges that both startups and VCs need to navigate in this post-pandemic environment?
Answer: Mutable environment and conditions. New consumer behavior. Endemic environment, rather than post-pandemic.
Question: Can you share some interesting data or case studies from your portfolio that are a good example of how technology can bring about impactful change amid today’s business environment?
Answer:
- Ion Mobility is developing electric two-wheelers for Southeast Asia, providing a more sustainable alternative for the $8.53 billion motorbike industry.
- Partipost democratizes marketing by empowering creators to execute campaigns for brands and engage in social commerce.
- GajiGesa provides short-term liquidity access to the lower-income population of Indonesia, preventing debt traps as a result of borrowing from high-interest alternatives.
