Episode 719: Stop Chasing Unicorns - E719 - BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech: Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand & Malaysia Startups, Founders & Venture Capital VC (English)

Jeremy Au joins an episode of The Accidental VC podcast. Hosted by seasoned founders and VCs from ANZ and SEA, this show reveals how unlikely beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Whether you’re building, backing, or just curious—tune in for stories, strategies, and sharp takes from those who’ve been there.

In this episode, we explore the thought that “Everyone wants a unicorn. But what if that's the wrong goal?” Mohan Belani and Jeremy Au join Milan Reinartz to challenge what founders and investors think they know about building in Southeast Asia, from venture capital and AI to startup exits, global expansion, and the future of entrepreneurship.

Support The Accidental VC: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccidentalVC

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/stop-chasing-unicorns

BRAVE is Southeast Asia's leading tech podcast, hosted by Jeremy Au. Honest conversations with the region's top founders, investors, and operators on building startups in Southeast Asia.

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#VentureCapital #SoutheastAsia #StartupFunding

00:00 Intro

02:44 What 2026 actually looks like in Southeast Asia

07:10 Big problems, small wallets: who in the region can actually pay

10:00 Why a $50 million exit is a real outcome

11:14 Power law investing vs micro private equity

17:13 Block lays off 40% and blames AI

18:43 Is Southeast Asia facing a K-shaped economy?

26:21 Future shock: a Waymo, a Costco chicken and no jobs

27:59 What founders should focus on now

31:03 Moat building in the age of AI

36:48 Quick fire: biggest wins and fails in VC