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Hi readers,
Recently, I noticed a key difference between tech startup ecosystems in the West and the East: the type of investors. VC partners in Asia largely come from investment banking while those in the US and Europe are mostly founder-led VCs.
Experience does make a difference. While investment bankers will look at the numbers, those with an entrepreneurial background can offer a different solution to a founder’s problems.
The right advice in the toughest of times can make or break a startup, especially in its early days. This is why startups seek investors with founder experience.
One such VC firm is Febe Ventures, whose name is a shortened form of “for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs.” Collectively, its partners have built over 30 companies and backed over 200 startups.
Olivier Raussin, Febe’s co-founder and managing partner, offered hope to frantic founders who might be facing a gloomy future amid this tech winter. Despite going through a bleak period himself, he steered Brazilian wine startup Evino back to growth.
“After many painful decisions and lessons, my previous company didn’t just survive. It managed to completely turn around and found a path to healthy growth,” says Raussin.
Because of this experience, he feels confident telling founders that a reversal of fortune is possible. Even hearing such a story can motivate and inspire change in founders.
In the end, a company is as strong as their founders at the early stages.
— Collin Furtado, journalist at Tech in Asia
Top stories this week
Image credit: Timmy Loen
1️. Founder-focused VC offers hope to startups facing end of the runway
Singapore-based Febe Ventures launched its second fund and plans to invest in B2B software, marketplace, health, and sustainability startups.
2. Zalora forges new identity as ecommerce enabler, seeks growth beyond marketplace
Between 2022 and 2023, the gross merchandise volume of third-party brands using its fulfillment and last-mile delivery solutions grew over 300%.
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