Asia Tech Podcast Michael Waitze Media

"We are in a very interesting time where we will see the embrace of technology in a much more rapid rate…We want to be the first in the industry to be delivering a truly autonomous machine vision platform for manufacturing." - Dushyant Verma

The Asia Tech Podcast engaged with Dushyant Verma, a co-Founder and the CEO at SmartViz to explore the intersection of AI and Manufacturing.

Some of the topics that Dushyant covered in detail included:


The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into manufacturing processes represents a pivotal shift from manual inspections to automated, precise quality control.
The exploration of how technology empowers manufacturers to evolve from being process-focused to data-centric entities.
The often-underestimated significance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing ecosystem.
The global nature of the opportunity for AI technology adoption in manufacturing.
The transformative impact of modular technology on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Some other titles we considered for this episode:


Revolutionizing Quality Control: The Future of Smart Manufacturing
AI and Modular Tech: Transforming the Manufacturing Landscape
From Manual to Autonomous: The Evolution of Manufacturing Processes
Redefining Precision: AI's Role in Flawless Production
The New Age of Manufacturing: Quality, Efficiency, and AI

"It was a bit of a blind bet... if something feels right, I don't really need a long time to make the decision... I was like, ‘You know what, what do I have to lose?’"

The Asia Tech Podcast welcomed Sherry Jiang, a co-Founder and the CEO of Peek. Sherry is no ordinary entrepreneur. She is super bright and filled with an energy that has to be experienced to be believed. Our conversation was so awesome, covered a ton of ground and I had to put an end to it, so that it would not turn into a three-hour episode.

Some of the topics that Sherry covered included:


The importance of embracing change and taking calculated risks in both business and life
The power of a clear and relatable vision (Marie Kondo of Finance) that also 'sparks joy'
Embracing vulnerabilities and viewing setbacks as learning opportunities
Creating a real emphasis on building a supportive community in the entrepreneurship ecosystem
The necessity of balancing passion with practicality in the entrepreneurial journey

Some other titles we considered for this episode:


Clutter-Free Finance: The Marie Kondo of Finance
Embracing the Unknown: From Silicon Valley to Southeast Asia
Breaking the Mold and Betting on Change
Angel Investing and Cultivating Community in the Startup Ecosystem
I'm All About Abundance Mindset

The Asia Tech Podcast was joined by the co-founders of SeedFlex, Ritwik Ghosh and Sauvik Datta.

Ritwik Ghosh's extensive background in consumer and SME credit, first with Capital One Bank and then with Oliver Wyman, ingrained a deep understanding of credit systems in him, which he further enriched by spearheading Grab's fintech lending division.

Sauvik Datta's career spans over two decades in financial services, marked by significant roles at McKinsey, American Express, and Standard Chartered Bank, before his entrepreneurial venture with Validus Capital. His specialization in risk management, credit scoring, and the application of machine learning models for customer underwriting has positioned him at the forefront of financial innovation.

Some of the topics they covered in detail included:


Identifying and bridging the market gap with a mission-driven approach and addressing the underserved micro-entrepreneurs and SMEs in Southeast Asia
The power of data in unlocking financial services and enabling SeedFlex to extend credit to those deemed too risky by conventional standards
Embracing technological innovation for seamless financial solutions and effectively introducing a "pay as you sell" advance
The emphasis on ecosystem partnerships as a vehicle for scaling and building trust
The creation of tailored financial products that cater specifically to the unique needs of micro-entrepreneurs

In an enlightening episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, Igor Vincetic, the General Manager, Singapore at Electrolux, shares transformative insights into the ever evolving home appliance industry.

Some of the topics that Igor covered in detail included:


The importance of innovation, customer-centricity, and sustainability
innovative business models that focus on flexibility and convenience for consumers
Creating holistic customer experiences, prioritizing service and relationship-building to enhance consumer satisfaction
The necessity for companies to adapt continuously, keeping pace with changing consumer expectations and fostering a culture of agility and resilience
Electrolux's dedication to leading the home appliance industry through innovative strategies, with a focus on sustainability and a customer-focused approach to business

Some other titles we considered for this episode:


Navigating Innovation and Sustainability
The Evolution of Consumer Needs: A Commitment to Service
The Future is Convenient
Leading with Purpose

The Asia Tech Podcast was joined by Nathaniel Yim, the Founder of Nila Studios and a non-executive co-Founder of Janio Asia. When Nathaniel asserted during our recording, "You cannot sell what you don't understand.", it really resonated with me. When you understand your products and their impact on customers, your enthusiasm, confidence, and sincerity shine through naturally.

Some of the other topics Nathaniel covered:


Understanding your product's value proposition and the problems it solves for customers
How customer empathy enables deep customer connections and fosters trust and credibility
The critical role of content creation and leveraging networks in building brand visibility
The importance of aligning marketing efforts with sales objectives
The significant impact of personal branding and founder influence

Some other titles we considered for this episode:


Whatever You Publish, Make Sure It Is Really Good
You Just Have to Rise to the Occasion
Infantry Is Like Sales
That Opened up My Eyes to the Possibilities of Entrepreneurship 
You Have to Learn Everything and Do Everything

In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, we spoke with Nirali Zaveri, co-founder and CEO of Friz, about her transition from a corporate job, to founding a neobank for freelancers to pivoting towards a SaaS platform for marketing tech. Nirali discusses the challenges of scaling her initial venture, the strategic decision to pivot, and the lessons learned from being part of Y Combinator. 

Some of the topics that Nirali covered in detail:


The Power of the Ecosystem and Community
The Startup Journey Is a Continuous Learning Curve
Pivoting Is Not a Sign of Failure but a Step Towards Finding the Right Path
The Importance of Being Customer Centric
The Role of Accelerators in Shaping Founders and Startups

Some other titles we considered for this episode:


That Passion Is Really Different When You Can Use Your Own Product
The Interface of the Internet is Going to Change Very Soon
It’s Super Critical That Everything Gets Discussed
They Scaled Their Learning Curve Very Quickly
Be Willing to Fail Publicly