Communicate across borders with these 5 startups at TIA Tokyo 2016

A century ago, you’d have to rely on snail mail and perhaps the telegraph if you wanted to communicate with someone on the other side of the planet. Fifty years later, there was the telephone, but international calls were still way above most people’s price range. Today, it’s all about the internet – social media, video conferencing and online transactions. The range of things you can do with just a few taps of the keyboard and clicks of the mouse is still expanding all the time.

Which brings us to this week’s Bootstrap Alley round-up, featuring five startups harnessing the power of information and communications technology to new and innovative ends. If you want to know what the future will look like, check out what these five aspiring startups have to offer – or better yet, meet them in person at Tech in Asia Tokyo 2016!

DoBeDo (South Korea)

It used to be that a record deal was the only way to get your music heard by thousands. South Korean startup DoBeDo wants to change that with its music collaboration cloud service catered specially for aspiring music makers. Upload a homemade soundclip and receive instant feedback from like-minded people around the globe. Make your own little contribution to crowd-composed music tracks. Or just soak in the eclectic mix of melodies on offer. Jamming with friends just took on a whole new dimension of fun.

Audra (The Philippines)

The bibliophile community has had mixed reactions to the e-book, but there’s so much more to it than just text lifted from page to screen. Mobile publishing platform Audra has created an all-in-one package to show off the full potential of the medium. Not only can anyone make use of the application to create their own e-books, Audra also allows its users to add images, audio and video for that complete interactive experience. Updating existing material for the digital age is entirely possible too: Audra can help give that stodgy 300-page operating manual a new (electronic) lease of life.

VeNA (Singapore)

In the days when television reigned supreme, domestic broadcasters made it next to impossible for advertisers to simultaneously reach consumers from all over the world. These days, there’s VeNA. A one-stop shop for video advert production, distribution and analytics, VeNA isn’t shy about announcing its ability ‘to instantly reach millions of online viewers across desktop, tablet and mobile’. It’s no idle boast either. VeNA can count big names such as Burger King and Disney among its list of satisfied clients.

OTV (Thailand)

On-demand TV is nothing new, what with Netflix, Hulu and Amazon all vying for viewers’ attention. If you’re not American and prefer watching local fare, however, the world wide web has significantly less to offer. Filling that void for Thai audiences is OTV, an on-demand network with decidedly local flavour and content. OTV offers a mix of homegrown Thai television shows and movies, international blockbusters, and even cartoons and music videos. Thais travelling abroad and other Tom Yum fanatics now have a ready supply of pop culture at the fingertips!

Otodealers.com (Indonesia)

Throw out the phrase ‘online shopping’, and items like clothes, handbags and maybe computer games immediately come to mind. Not so much cars. After a couple of dealings with Otodealers.com, however, you’ll probably have to readjust your ideas somewhat. You can browse their catalogue for your preferred model or compare the specs of several if you’re undecided (no need to quiz flustered car salesmen anymore). And because there’s nothing quite like trying a car out for yourself, Otodealers.com even allows you to book test drives on their website!

Get clued in on tomorrow’s tech

All of these startups and more will be exhibiting at Tech in Asia Tokyo’s Bootstrap Alley on September 6 & 7, hoping for a chance to unleash their visions of tomorrow.

Want to showcase your product too? Secure your booth at a 10 percent discount by applying via the button below, before August 19. For US$359 post-discount, you’ll get a booth, two passes, and tons of mileage for your startup.

Or… join us at no cost (T&Cs apply)

Startups don’t get to exhibit for free at Tech in Asia conferences – but here’s your chance, courtesy of our generous partner, Garena Group. They will be sponsoring 20 tech startups to exhibit for free at Tech in Asia Tokyo 2016 this September 6 & 7. All you need is just 5 minutes to fill up this form. Successful applicants will be contacted via email by August 26. Good luck!
Note: Only 1 booth and 1 pass will be sponsored by Garena. Price of airfare, transport, accommodation and additional passes will need to be borne by the startup.