Charting new territories: 4 key strategies for business expansion

In an increasingly globalized economy, companies are constantly exploring new markets to drive growth and enhance their competitive edge. The World Trade Organization estimates that world merchandise trade growth totaled 2.7% in 2024 and forecasts it to grow to 3.0% in 2025, highlighting the immense potential for market expansion for businesses.

Navigating the fintech landscape: Indonesia’s journey and potential

Indonesia’s fintech sector has undergone dynamic evolution, beginning with innovations in online payments and diversifying into different vertical industries, reaching the untapped markets in tier 2 and tier 3 cities, and addressing the unique financial needs of other startups in the ecosystem. This evolution highlights the adaptability and diverse innovations within Indonesia’s fintech landscape.

Building a company culture that lasts: Tips from profitable startup founders

If an average adult works eight hours a day, five days a week, they will spend roughly a third of their lifetime, totaling 90,000 hours, at their workplace. With offices reopening post-pandemic, companies aim not only to fill seats but also to bring back company culture, which has taken a backseat for many throughout the remote-working era. During this time, workers’ attitudes and priorities have shifted, and how companies approach culture, human resources, and teamwork is entirely different than just a few years ago.

Asia’s fastest-growing sneaker marketplace Novelship secures US$9.5 million in series B funding round led by East Ventures, following latest collaboration with Snoop Dogg

Singapore-based online streetwear marketplace, Novelship, has bagged US$9.5 million in its Series B funding round led by East Ventures, iGlobe Partners and GSR Ventures. The new funds will accelerate the company’s move to amplify its brand presence across Southeast Asia.

Hukumku, an Indonesia-based legal tech startup, raised funding led by East Ventures

Hukumku, an Indonesia-based legal tech startup focusing on legal consultation and services, announced the completion of funding led by East Ventures, the pioneering and leading sector-agnostic venture capital in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The funding will be allocated to accelerate its product development and marketing efforts as the platform will be launched in November 2023.

Lessons in entrepreneurship and adaptability: RPG Commerce’s Melvin Chee on building a successful consumer product business

At the onset of his career, Melvin Chee knew he did not want a typical 9-5 job. At 18, he did his first internship with a startup founded by his cousin, Fong Wai Hong, in Melbourne. He went on to also intern for Groupon Malaysia and the online learning platform Udemy in the US. In San Francisco, he got a taste of the startup life in Silicon Valley. He became captivated by the innovative culture and dreamed of bringing that experience back to Malaysia.