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Ecosystem Highlights: ShopBack’s Staff Reduction, New Founders Fund Multiple Startups, EFishery Acquihires DycodeX

Dear reader,

Recently, tech startups in Southeast Asia have encountered significant challenges, leading to a series of layoffs throughout the region. ShopBack, a prominent shopping rewards platform, is the latest company to reduce its workforce.

ShopBack’s decision to cut 24% of its workforce, which amounts to 195 employees, is part of a strategic shift towards sustainability and efficiency following a period of rapid expansion.

CEO Henry Chan explained that ShopBack focused heavily on expansion rather than sustainability in 2021 and early 2022, growing the team from 550 to over 900 during favorable economic conditions. However, as market conditions changed in Q2 2022, making aggressive growth unsustainable, the company shifted its focus to cost efficiency, ultimately resulting in the layoffs.

Chan’s candid message highlights the seriousness of the decision and his personal responsibility for pursuing overly ambitious growth strategies.

By emphasizing the goal of minimizing future layoffs through more substantial reductions, Chan underscores the company’s long-term vision for stability and resilience.

As businesses globally navigate economic uncertainty, ShopBack’s strategic realignment offers valuable lessons in adaptability and prudent decision-making for sustainable growth.

Sainul,
Editor.

NEWS

ShopBack lays off 195 employees to become ‘self-sustainable’
CEO Henry Chan underscores the need for a leaner and more agile team for future success.

Philippine startups raised US$956M in 2023 amidst funding winter
Despite a 14% year-on-year dip, the number of deals increased by 16%, with Fintech, B2B SaaS, and e-commerce leading in funding.

Kaya Founders looks to back 30-40 startups in SEA with new funds
The VC firm plans to invest in various sectors with cheque sizes ranging from US$100K to US$500K.

EFishery acquihires Indonesian AI-powered IoT startup DycodeX
EFishery’s acquisition will allow expansion of AI plans and launch of a new brand, eFishery.ai.

AnyMind Group sets foot in Malaysia by acquiring e-commerce enabler Arche Digital
Arche Digital’s operational expertise in e-commerce will enhance AnyMind’s capabilities for enterprises in Malaysia.

B Capital closes US$750M Opportunities Fund II
The fund will target investments in technology, healthcare, and climate tech sectors in North America and Asia.

Verifiable digital identity startup Accredify raises strategic funding
Accredify, using blockchain technology, secures a strategic investment from Okta Ventures.

NUS Enterprise commits US$15M to help university grads, alumni turn deeptech entrepreneurs
The program aims to support NUS faculty and researchers in translating research into impactful solutions.

GoTo Group logs adjusted profit for Q4, plans to buy back US$200M worth of shares
GoTo Group expects to reach adjusted EBITDA breakeven for the full 2024 financial year.

GoTo, TikTok to launch BNPL service in Indonesia
GoTo Financial expects a significant growth in BNPL services to drive the group’s overall growth.

Ex-Alibaba Group CEO Daniel Zhang joins Chinese VC firm Firstred Capital
Zhang brings extensive experience to Firstred Capital, focusing on investments in technology.

SCB 10X backs rendering tool for interior designers Spacely AI
Spacely AI expands globally, offering innovative features and curated styles for interior design.

Indonesian edutech platform PINTAR raises US$3M in pre-Series A funding
PINTAR offers various online education programs for college and university levels.

Binance founder unveils new project amid legal woes
Giggle Academy, a zero-revenue platform, provides education for grades one to 12 learners.

Crypto exchange OKX ceases services in India
Following app removals by Apple and Google, OKX halts services in India due to regulatory challenges.

FEATURES

AirX Carbon turns coffee grounds, rice, and coconut husks into bioplastic
AirX produces biodegradable products for various industries using sustainable materials.

Forte Biotech: Helping farmers with early detection of prawn diseases in Vietnam
Forte Biotech’s solutions aid in early disease detection for prawn farmers in Vietnam.

Book Excerpt: How entrepreneurs can implement visual thinking to achieve success
A new book explores the transformative power of visual thinking for entrepreneurs.

KodeGo allows Filipino workers access digital skill development programs
KodeGo offers flexible payment schemes for digital skill development programs in the Philippines.

MiyaHealth reveals details of its expansion plan to Indonesia, the Philippines
MiyaHealth expands its digital infrastructure to support healthcare services in Southeast Asia.

CONTRIBUTORY ARTICLES

From peak scrolling to personalised communities: The Gen AI solution
AI-driven solutions and personalized communities are reshaping user experiences.

Bold moves: Capitalizing on market dips in edutech
Strategic investments during market dips can lead to significant growth opportunities in the edutech sector.

The future of AI-driven tech solutions in enhancing business infrastructure
AI-driven tech solutions offer businesses a glimpse into future innovation and growth.

Multifaceted effects on Vietnam’s e-commerce: A near-term potential to break through in the Asian market
Vietnam’s e-commerce sector shows potential for continued growth and competitiveness in the region.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Want to build a sustainable startup? Solve a problem for your customers
Solving a significant problem for customers can lead to the resolution of related issues and sustainable growth.

Ask yourself, are you building a cathedral with your startup ideas?
Unique and world-changing ideas may not be necessary for startup success; focus on solving customer problems effectively.

What you should –and should not– say when fundraising for a crowdfunding project
Effective communication is key for successful crowdfunding campaigns; avoid overemphasizing novelty and focus on usefulness.

4 key growth metrics startups should watch closely
Tracking key metrics is essential for startup growth and success, especially during the early stages of development.

How to keep your remote employees’ networks more secure
Ensuring IT security for remote employees is crucial for protecting sensitive data and information.

How to use podcasts to enhance your brand visibility and reach
Podcasts can be a powerful tool for building brand visibility and connecting with audiences through authentic storytelling.

X marks Echelon. Join us at Singapore EXPO on May 15-16 for the 10th edition of Asia’s leading tech and startup conference. Get your tickets here.

Want more from your Echelon experience? Be an Echelon X sponsor or exhibitor. Send enquiry here.

The post Ecosystem Roundup: ShopBack cuts 195 roles | New Kaya Founders funds to back 30-40 startups | EFishery acquihires DycodeX appeared first on e27.

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