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SEA of Startups

SEA of Startups

Von: Decoding the Pulse of Founders Capital & Conviction in Southeast Asia.
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 🎙 SEA of Startups Decoding the pulse of founders, capital, and conviction in Southeast Asia. This isn’t another “startup success” show — it’s the real conversation behind what actually works (and what doesn’t) when you’re building, funding, or navigating the region’s wild, ambitious ecosystem. From Singapore’s capital corridors to Jakarta’s chaos, Manila’s energy to Ho Chi Minh’s grit — we unpack how ambition, culture, and capital collide. Expect deep dives into founder psychology, venture strategy, and the unspoken truths shaping Southeast Asia’s next decade. Hosted by Kim Yeoh and Kevin Brockland, it’s where strategy meets psychology — a mirror to the builders and believers shaping Southeast Asia. Part strategy, part soul — unfiltered, intelligent, and entirely real.

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  • EP 22 - Meta's $2.5B "Butterfly Effect"

    EP 22 - Meta's $2.5B "Butterfly Effect"
    Feb 19 2026

    Keywords

    Meta, Manus, acquisition, Singapore, AI, geopolitics, startups, tech industry, business growth, investment

    Summary

    In this conversation, Kevin and Kim discuss Meta's recent acquisition of Manus, a Singapore-based startup, exploring its implications for founders in the region, the geopolitical landscape, and the evolving nature of AI in business. They analyze the rapid growth of Manus, the significance of Singapore as a tech hub, and the challenges posed by regulatory scrutiny. The discussion highlights the potential for Southeast Asia to emerge as a key player in the global tech ecosystem, while also addressing the complexities of company nationality and the future of AI amidst geopolitical tensions.

    Takeaways

    Meta's acquisition of Manus raises questions about the future of startups in Southeast Asia.

    The deal signifies a shift in how tech companies navigate geopolitical landscapes.

    Manus's rapid growth showcases the potential for startups in the region.

    Acquisitions are not just about money; they often buy time and talent.

    AI is changing the valuation landscape for tech companies.

    Singapore is becoming a strategic hub for tech companies looking to scale globally.

    The concept of 'Singapore washing' raises important questions about company nationality.

    Geopolitical tensions could impact future tech acquisitions.

    The success of Manus could inspire more founders in Southeast Asia.

    Southeast Asia has the potential to be a significant player in the global tech ecosystem.

    Titles

    Meta's Bold Move: What It Means for Founders

    Navigating Geopolitics in Tech Acquisitions

    Sound bites

    "They just bought time."

    "Does it really matter? Not really."

    "Singapore is the neutral zone."

    Chapters

    00:00 The AI Landscape and Major Players

    02:45 Geopolitical Implications of AI Investments

    05:53 The Role of Singapore in the Global Tech Ecosystem

    08:54 The Evolution of AI and Market Dynamics

    11:54 Regulatory Challenges and Market Valuations

    14:17 The Future of AI and Founders' Perspectives

    18:01 Navigating Nationality and Compliance in Tech

    20:45 The Balance of Speed and Long-term Value Creation



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit seaofstartups.substack.com
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    32 Min.
  • EP 21 - The "Elon Singularity"

    EP 21 - The "Elon Singularity"
    Feb 12 2026

    Summary

    In this conversation, Kevin and Kim discuss the recent merger of Elon Musk's companies, particularly focusing on the implications of combining AI and space technologies. They explore the potential of data centers in space, the evolving role of Tesla, and the regulatory challenges that come with these advancements. The discussion also touches on the future of sovereignty in space and the messy landscape of regulations that may arise as private companies take a more significant role in space exploration.

    Takeaways

    Elon Musk is merging his companies to simplify operations.

    The merger signifies a shift towards a unified intelligence layer.

    Data centers in space could revolutionize computing.

    Tesla's role is evolving beyond just electric vehicles.

    Regulatory challenges will complicate space exploration.

    Sovereignty in space is a complex issue.

    The landscape of space regulations is becoming messy.

    Private companies will play a crucial role in space.

    Non-terrestrial data centers are on the horizon.

    The future of AI is tied to its infrastructure location.

    Titles

    The End of the Discrete Company Era

    Merging AI and Space: A New Frontier

    Sound bites

    "AI just got X'd."

    "Tesla isn't an EV company anymore."

    "It's going to be messy."

    Chapters

    00:00 The End of the Discrete Company Era

    02:07 The Merging of Tech Giants

    05:48 Data Centers in Space: A New Frontier

    09:53 The Unified Intelligence Layer

    14:56 The Future of AI and Space Exploration

    20:05 Regulatory Challenges in Space

    24:54 The Wild West of Space Law

    29:55 The Dawn of a New Era



    This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit seaofstartups.substack.com
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    33 Min.
  • 🎙EP 20: Singapore did it...again: How the SGX–NASDAQ Dual Listing Bridge Rewrites Southeast Asia’s Exit Game

    🎙EP 20: Singapore did it...again: How the SGX–NASDAQ Dual Listing Bridge Rewrites Southeast Asia’s Exit Game
    Dec 4 2025
    Heyyyy guys,🧠 TL;DR — What Actually Changed* SGX × NASDAQ dual listing is a real regulatory breakthrough — but U.S. liquidity remains unproven* The fintech “funding collapse” was actually capital consolidation into Singapore* Southeast Asia is shifting from emerging → maturing, with real scaffolding for a capital stack* Founders + investors have a 24-month window before this becomes table stakesThe Setup: Why This Moment MattersSGX and NASDAQ just launched a dual-listing bridge — something Southeast Asia’s growth-stage founders have wanted for a decade.But here’s the twist:This isn’t about IPO convenience.It’s about Singapore silently building its own version of Silicon Valley’s capital stack — adapted for Southeast Asia’s geopolitical reality.And it’s happening while the rest of the ecosystem is still parsing the headline.We are at an inflection point,but not for the reasons most people think.1. SGX × NASDAQ Dual ListingReal Liquidity or Ego Liquidity?**What It IsA streamlined structure allowing ~$2.5B+ companies to list simultaneously on SGX and NASDAQ without:* duplicate filings* conflicting disclosures* multi-jurisdictional legal chaosA real regulatory achievement.What Everyone Assumes“Finally! A viable U.S. exit path for Southeast Asia tech.”What It Actually IsA partial solution — with one massive unanswered question:Does this create real U.S. liquidity, or just better press releases?Regulatory friction? Solved.Liquidity, analyst coverage, and market-making? Not solved.Let’s be blunt:* Who in New York is covering a $3B ASEAN B2B SaaS they’ve never used?* Who is trading your stock at 2 a.m. EST?* How do you compete for attention against trillion-dollar tickers?In Singapore, you matter.In the U.S., you are… a symbol on a screen.Who Wins (Right Now)?* SGX — they can pitch “NASDAQ access” to the entire region* Founders — they gain optionality and cleaner paperworkWill U.S. liquidity appear?TBD.Yes, AvePoint dual-listed in 2025 — but one data point does not equal a trend.2. The Fintech Funding ‘Collapse’ That Wasn’tIf you only saw the headline:“SEA fintech funding down 39% YoY.”You missed the real story:Singapore captured 84–88% of all fintech dollars.Capital didn’t disappear — it moved to safety.The Numbers* $829M raised (SEA fintech, first 9 months of 2025)* Singapore → 84% (with multiple quarters at 88%)* Mega rounds continued quietly:* Thunes — $150M Series D* Airwallex — $150M Series FThis isn’t contraction. It’s radical selectivity.When markets tighten, capital flies to clarity.In Southeast Asia, clarity has a postal code — Singapore.The Nuance No One MentionsMany “Singapore rounds” are Singapore TopCos with operations elsewhere.But even adjusting for that, the trend is undeniable:Singapore is becoming the gravitational center of SEAs capital stack.If You’re Building Outside Singapore…You need a Singapore strategy now, not “when we hit Series B.”* Entity structure* Regulatory setup* Investor relationships* Capital accessYou cannot retrofit a cap table at scale.If You’re a Seed Investor…Your job just became extremely difficult.You must identify the 10–15% of founders who:* can reach late stage* understand jurisdiction strategy* can navigate regulatory complexity* know how to design an intelligent capital stackMost seed funds will not do this.The ones who do will win disproportionately.3. From Emerging → MatureIs Southeast Asia Finally Growing Up?**Silicon Valley is built on a simple assumption:Build → Scale → Exit on NASDAQ.Because the infrastructure exists.Southeast Asia has never had that luxury.Grab went to NASDAQ.Sea went to NYSE.No major regional champion listed on SGX — because the liquidity + coverage didn’t justify it.What’s Shifting Now?Singapore is positioning itself as the region’s public-market on-ramp:* SGX × NASDAQ dual listing* Extreme fintech capital concentration* Temasek + GIC reallocating toward deep tech and infrastructure* Robust IP protection* $28B RIE2025 deep-tech planTo become a mature ecosystem, you need:* A complete capital stackSeed → A → Growth → Pre-IPO → Public markets* Exit pathways that convertNot theory — execution.* Signaling mechanismsReal wins → real returns → capital recycling.We’re not fully there.But for the first time, the scaffolding is real.4. The Implicit Geopolitical SubtextU.S.–China decoupling has reshaped global capital flows.China still owns ~75% of Asia biotech funding…but diversification is accelerating fast.And Singapore is playing its hand masterfully- clever and very typical.Singapore is now:* Neutral* Globally aligned* Legally predictable* Highly trustedSignals:* Biotech capital shifting to Singapore & South Korea* Flagship Partnering × A*STAR: $100M deep-tech commitment* Talent and IP migrating to strong-jurisdiction hubsThis isn’t incremental.It’s a generational repositioning. (See it now?)5. What ...
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    35 Min.
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