Best Jacob Mathias Podcasts (2025)

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Why Consumer Is India VC’s Forever Bet | Ben Mathias, Managing Partner at VVSEAI 38:16

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7d ago38:16

38:16

What’s it like to bet big on beauty brands, snacks, and even quick commerce in India? In this episode, I sit down with Ben Mathias, Managing Partner at Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India, to unpack his journey of spotting consumer opportunities where others only saw risk. Ben shares how he went from backing early players like FirstCry to today’…

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10 Years, 10 Contradictions: What Venture Capital Really Teaches You 43:59

2M ago43:59

43:59

What is it really like to be a VC when you're not from finance—or even from “the club”? In this episode, I speak with Puiyan Leung, who’s spent the last 10 years in venture capital, after starting out in a corporate role. She opens up about feeling like an outsider, learning to trust her gut, and what it means to support founders through both the h…

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The IIT Engineer Who Cracked India’s Beauty Market 31:07

3M ago31:07

31:07

What would make an IIT Bombay graduate ditch a high-paying finance job to start a beauty brand? In this episode of Hard Truths by Vertex, I sit down with Gagandeep, co-founder of Pilgrim, to unpack his unconventional journey—from engineering and investment banking to building a ₹700 crore beauty empire. He shares the moment he secretly quit his job…

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S3E5 | We Don’t Build Restaurants, We Buy Them | DailyCo’s 100 K 37:21

4M ago37:21

37:21

What happens when a founder thinks long-term in a trend-chasing industry? I sat down with Kelvin Subowo, the founder and CEO of DailyCo—Indonesia’s fastest-growing multi-brand F&B company. We talked about his journey from launching a single rice box brand to building a business that serves millions of meals every month. He shared how acquisitions, …

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S3E4 | How This Indian Startup Made $6M+ Selling AI to US Car Dealers (Without a US Team) 33:08

5M ago33:08

33:08

How is an Indian business dominating the U.S. market without a single person on the ground there? Today on "Hard Truths by Vertex," I'm sitting down with Sanjay, the innovative co-founder and CEO at Spyne, who's going to share just how they pulled it off. Spyne isn't just another software company; it's revolutionizing how car dealerships use AI to …

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S3E3 | Lessons from Indonesia’s Startup Crash and the Road to a Stronger Future 30:42

6M ago30:42

30:42

In this episode of Hard Truths by Vertex, Gary Khoeng, partner at Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India, joins host Rahul Thayyalamkandy to explore the Indonesian startup ecosystem. They discuss the recent decline in capital flows, attributing it to global macroeconomic conditions, underperforming IPOs, and election uncertainties. Gary also addr…

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S3E2 | Burnout, Feedback, and the Making of a Leader: PatSnap CEO’s Story 36:24

9M ago36:24

36:24

Ever been told you’re not fit for the job? That’s exactly what happened to Jeffrey during a pivotal moment early in his journey as the CEO of PatSnap. In this episode, I sit down with Jeffrey to explore how he turned tough feedback into fuel for growth. From starting PatSnap right out of university to leading a global tech company, he shares candid…

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S3E1 | Will India hit its EV Targets? | Akshay Shekhar from Kazam 46:19

10M ago46:19

46:19

Are you ready for a future where electric vehicles are the norm? In this episode, we chat with Akshay, co-founder of Kazam, who’s on a mission to revolutionize how we think about EVs and energy. From leasing EVs to building cutting-edge charging infrastructure, Akshay shares his journey of tackling India’s EV challenges and scaling solutions global…

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S2E9 | She dropped out of Harvard to change the lives of 600M women in India — Achitha Jacob 40:29

1+ y ago40:29

40:29

What motivated Achitha Jacob to shift her focus from a career in a Fortune 500 healthcare company to founding Proactive for Her, and how does she envision the impact of her work on women's health in India? Join us as we delve into the journey of Achitha Jacob, the founder of Proactive for Her. Discover how Achitha's passion for women's health led h…

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S2E8 | How Guan Dian built a Tech Unicorn from Ground up to address the Trillion-dollar R&D market 44:28

1+ y ago44:28

44:28

Imagine building a global tech powerhouse from scratch. That's the story of Guan Dian, cofounder, CMO and APAC GM of Patsnap, a pioneer in AI-powered patent search and analytics. From humble beginnings in China to leading a global tech team, Guan Dian's story is one of resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of service excellence. Tune in …

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S2E7 | How Roshni went from babysitting to owning SEA's largest parenting empire 42:06

1+ y ago42:06

42:06

What does it take to go from an idea to owning the Southeast Asia Parenting space? In this episode, we have a conversation with Roshni Mahtani Cheung, the founder and CEO of The Parentinc, a pioneering parent-tech leader renowned for owning the largest content-community-commerce online platform for parents in the region. The Parentinc recently made…

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S2E6 | PayPal Mafia Insider on Winning In a Tough Market | Jack Selby 24:50

1+ y ago24:50

24:50

Join host Elise Tan in this special episode of the Hard Truths by Vertex podcast, as she sits down with member of the PayPal mafia, Jack Selby, venture investor and independent film director. Discover the untold stories of PayPal's early days, including the merger with X.com and the birth of the pioneering digital payment giant. Jack shares valuabl…

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S2E5 | Unlocking the trillion dollar Indian startup ecosystem with Nikhil Marwaha 33:51

1+ y ago33:51

33:51

In this episode, Nikhil Marwaha, Senior Executive Director, shares his extensive investment journey spanning early and later-stage companies in sectors like consumer, B2B enterprise, and healthcare. Learn about his experiences with growth equity funds, insights into venture investing, and the exciting trends in the Indian startup ecosystem. Based i…

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S2E4 | Unlocking the Trillion dollar SEA Startup Ecosystem - the Malaysia's context with Chan Yip Pang 27:21

2y ago27:21

27:21

In this episode of Hard Truths by Vertex podcast, Chan Yip Pang, Executive Director at Vertex Ventures SEA & India, explores the Malaysian startup ecosystem, delving into his journey and the three phases of Malaysian tech development. The conversation covers notable investments, the strengths of the Malaysian ecosystem, and Vertex's investment thes…

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S2E3 | Unlocking the Trillion dollar SEA Startup Ecosystem - the Indonesia's context with Gary Khoeng 32:50

2y ago32:50

32:50

Indonesia is the largest market in Southeast Asia but with a nascent startup ecosystem, how can entrepreneurs navigate rapid growth while ensuring bottom-line profitability? In this episode, Gary Khoeng shares insights on Indonesia's startup landscape. Covering topics across profitability, unit economics, and internal governance, Gary provides a pr…

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S2E2 | Hard Truths About Minting the Next Indian Unicorn w/ Piyush Kharbanda 41:21

2y ago41:21

41:21

How do Indian startups navigate constraints and build innovative businesses? In this episode of Hard Truths by Vertex podcast, Elise Tan and Piyush Kharbanda discuss the challenges and opportunities in the Indian startup ecosystem, drawing insights from successful ventures like KukuFM and Kissht. Explore the unique dynamics of the Indian ecosystem …

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S2E1 | Unlocking the Trillion-Dollar SEA Startup Ecosystem - The Singapore Context w/ Carmen Yuen 27:05

2y ago27:05

27:05

What are the evolving trends in the Southeast Asia startup ecosystem? In this episode of Hard Truths by Vertex podcast, Carmen Yuen, General Partner at Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India, shares her journey from government-backed initiatives to becoming a key player and rare woman partner in the startup landscape. Get into the mind of a promi…

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S1E11 | Truths about Automating and Growing F&B and Retail businesses in Southeast Asia | Fong Wai Hong 35:27

2+ y ago35:27

35:27

How do you build a business servicing a client base that operates on a fine line between survival and failure? And how do you ensure your business is not just client-churn proof but also emerges resilient towards funding challenges? Find out from Wai Hong, founder of StoreHub. In This Episode (00:55) How StoreHub got started (04:25) Hard Truths abo…

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S1E10 | Truths About Modernising the $15B Ayurvedic Wellness Market | Ameve Sharma, Kapiva 31:52

2+ y ago31:52

31:52

How do you get millennials to buy something usually recommended by their grandparents? And how do you keep their attention when the product you sell takes months to show results? How do you know when you’ve achieved product-market fit? In This Episode (01:02) Ameve’s story and the inception of Kapiva (05:38) How Kapiva Retains Customers (07:22) Ver…

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S1E9 | Truths About Empowering SEA’s 71M MSMEs Through Financial Inclusion | Nikhilesh Goel, Validus Capital 32:49

2+ y ago32:49

32:49

How do you convince billion-dollar institutional investors to trust a relative upstart with their funds in a market with so much financial turmoil? And how do you plan expansions into multiple countries, all of which have entirely different regulations around your business? Where do you even begin building out such a financial portfolio? In This Ep…

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S1E8 | Truths About Building a Billion Dollar, Profitable Content Business | Joseph Phua, 17LIVE 28:54

2+ y ago28:54

28:54

We often think about startups as a 0 to 1 game with a team of founders working and pivoting around one theme in the hope of finding success. But that is a highly risky way to try and build VC-scale businesses. In this episode we learn of a different model, one that has led to the creation of a billion-dollar, profitable business in the highly compe…

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S1E7 | Truths About Helping Influencers Make a Living in the $68B SE Asian Creator Economy | Paulina Purnomowati, CMO TipTip 36:21

2+ y ago36:21

36:21

Indonesians are voracious consumers of social media, and the creator economy is set to grow massively in the coming years. As the industry grows, unmet needs in engaging and monetizing their content arise. How does TipTip as a platform better serve their needs? And what are some of the tips and best practices for creators to make money on the platf…

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S1E6 | Truths About Being a Female Leader in the Trillion Dollar Climate Tech Market | Natalia Rialucky, Fairatmos 39:14

2+ y ago39:14

39:14

What are the hard truths about building a climate tech market in a country and region where the awareness, tech and regulations are yet to mature? And how do you make massive change happen while also handling the demands of being a new mother? Hear from Ria and Puiyen as they discuss the challenges, pitfalls and the immense impact of category creat…

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S1E5 | Truths about Lighting Up One’s Own Path and That of 60M Workers in Indonesia | Nelly Nurmalasari, Pintarnya 39:16

2+ y ago39:16

39:16

It’s hard to translate vision into reality - and especially so when you are trying to help workers build a better life. But when you see it happening, the moment is magical! Listen to Nelly and Jessica discuss the highs and lows of building Pintarnya, the huge potential it has to transform blue-collar workers' lives as well as Nelly’s take on how w…

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S1E4 | Truths about Disrupting India's Age-Old Manufacturing Industry | Sonam Motwani, Karkhana 32:31

2+ y ago32:31

32:31

What are the hard truths about being a startup builder in manufacturing, and what was Vertex Ventures’ thesis for investing in such a tradition-bound and notoriously difficult space? And how does it feel to be a female only founder-investor pair in such a male-dominated world? In This Episode (01:10) Vertex and Karkhana; Meeting, first impressions …

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S1E3 | Opportunities in SE Asia and India | Ben Mathias 38:08

2+ y ago38:08

38:08

Vertex Ventures has been investing in South East Asia and India long before it became fashionable (!) so we know a thing or two about which sectors are on the rise. Tune in to learn how we view the key sectors of Supply Chain, Consumer and Fintech. Our Guest Ben Mathias is Managing Partner at Vertex Ventures South East Asia and India. Prior to join…

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S1E2 | Building Nium Into a Unicorn | Pratik Gandhi, COO, Nium 39:40

2+ y ago39:40

39:40

Starting with a little office in a dilapidated old building to joining the rarefied ranks of unicorns in Southeast Asia, Nium has come a long way. But what did it take to keep it going even when the chips were down and fresh funding was hard to come by? What set them apart from their competition and what were some of the bets they had to make? And …

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S1E1 | Building an Enduring VC w/ Kee Lock Chua, CEO Vertex Holdings 29:43

2+ y ago29:43

29:43

You might know of Vertex Ventures as a successful VC in South East Asia and India. But did you know that it had a troubled start? So how did we then go on to becoming one of the top VCs in the region with investments in Grab, Nium and PatSnap and what is our secret recipe for identifying the kinds of founders that build unicorns? What are the hard …

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Hard Truths By Vertex: Trailer 1:36

3y ago1:36

1:36

Hard Truths gives you a behind the scenes view of the most exciting startups and investment opportunities in SE Asia and India. It's brought to you by Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India, an early-stage investor in the region's most promising startups and one of Southeast Asia’s oldest VC funds. If you're a startup founder, entrepreneur or start…

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Episode 64 - NBA Preview FT Liam Nielsen 1:20:20

4y ago1:20:20

1:20:20

In the long awaited return of the podcast, Mathias returns with the guest Liam and they discuss this years upcoming NBA season.

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Episode 63 - NFL Preview FT Jacob Murchinson 1:22:29

4y ago1:22:29

1:22:29

The annual NFL preview

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Episode 62 - FT William Ord 40:05

4y ago40:05

40:05

In this episode of the podcast Mathias sits down with Willy Ord to discuss the NHL newest franchise.

1
Episode 61 - NBA Finals Game 4 Preview. 24:19

4y ago24:19

24:19

In this episode Mathias and Liam look back on game 3 and look towards to game 4. Liam gives a draft preview for Raptors fans.

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Episode 60 - NBA Finals Recap - Game 1. FT Liam 17:28

4y ago17:28

17:28

Mathias and Liam breakdown Game 1 of the NBA finals between the Suns and Bucks

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Episode 59 - NBA Western Conference Finals and Eastern Conference Finals FT Liam Nielsen 39:51

4+ y ago39:51

39:51

In this episode of the show, Mathias and Liam break down Game 7 of the Hawks and 76ers series. Mathias questions the Hawks coaching staff for letting Trae take bad shots rather than facilitate, Liam breaks down his thoughts on Doc Rivers and Ben Simmions on how big questions need to be answered in the offseason. Mathias breaks down the Sun's depth …

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Episode 58 - Saad Syed 41:54

4+ y ago41:54

41:54

In a new installment of the teammate series, Mathias sits down with former Frank Hayden midfielder, Bayhawks teammate and current free agent Saad Syed. The boys open up the show by discussing Saad's routine throughout the quartine and how he is able to maximize his training. Saad talks about going on trials not only in Canada but in the USA as well…

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Episode 57.5 - Roundtable FT Jacob Murchison 39:17

4+ y ago39:17

39:17

In this Q & A-themed episode of the show Mathias sits down with soon-to-be Brock Graduate; Jacob Murchison. The boys answer the viewer's question, the boys talk about Mathias's Golf game, Moose Wednesdays, UEFA Champions League Final, the evolution of Basketball and the NBA and many more topics. UEFA Champions League: 1:20 FIFA 21: 3:00 NHL PLayoff…

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Episode 57 - Marcus Shergill 53:44

4+ y ago53:44

53:44

In this episode of the show, Mathias is joined by a good friend and Ryerson student, Marcus Shergill. The boys discuss their times playing togther for the Burlington Bayhawks and the title surge that felt short in 2017. Mathias and Marcus discuss the Super League as well as the evolution of football throughout the year and how players like Kylian M…

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Episode 56 - Football Roundtable FT Pero Milicevic 59:03

4+ y ago59:03

59:03

In this diverse and jam-packed episode of the show, Mathias is joined by Oakville native and good friend Pero Milicevic. The boys open up the show by discussing the Super League and how quickly it fizzled out. Mathias breaks down what is next for Jose Mourhino after his departure from Spurs. Pero closes out the show by speaking on the legacy Sergio…

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Episode 55 - 2021 NFL Draft Preview FT Jay Murchison 1:14:34

4+ y ago1:14:34

1:14:34

In this year's annual NFL Draft Preview Mathias and Jay sit down and discuss the top 32 NFL prospects ahead of next week's NFL Draft. Mathias and Jay open up the show by discussing Trevor Lawerence and the pressure he faces as the consensus number 1 overall pick. Mathias discusses his frustrations with the Eagles organization and their ability to d…

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Episode 54 - Bear Down Baylor 40:12

4+ y ago40:12

40:12

In the final episode of the March Madness series, Mathias and Liam break down the championship game and what right for Baylor and wrong for Gonzaga. Mathias explains how Baylor's ability to take care of an exhausted Gonzaga team propelled them to the school's first title in history. Liam discusses what's next for Gonzaga following the possibility o…

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Episode 53 - Final Four 41:57

4+ y ago41:57

41:57

In the follow-up episode the preview of the March Madness Tournament, Mathias is once again joined by Liam and Jay to discuss the last three games of the college basketball season. Mathias breakdown why Baylor's depth and defence still make them his favourite to win out. Liam breaks down why Gonzaga's sneaky-good guard play mixed with their high mo…

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Episode 52 - March Madness Preview 1:50:36

4+ y ago1:50:36

1:50:36

In this star-studded episode, Mathias is joined by Jay and Liam ahead of the 2021 March Madness Tournament. The boys open up the show by discussing the Gonzaga Bulldogs' perfect record heading into the tournament and how it may backfire on the team given years past history. Mathias on why St. Bonaventure has the key ingredients to make a deep run i…

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Episode 51 - Dylan Tremblay 54:07

4+ y ago54:07

54:07

In this unique and in-depth episode, Mathias sits down with a good friend and Niagara Falls Rapper BeePax. The boys sit down and discuss their time working together in the summer and the bond they developed over a short period of time. Dylan discusses his time at Brock University and his advice for the younger generations on school. Mathias and Dyl…

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Episode 50 - Super Bowl LV Preview FT Jacob Murchison 43:56

4+ y ago43:56

43:56

In the 50th episode of the show Mathias and Jacob preview this years super bowl featuring the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Mathias makes his case as to why Devin White can follow in the steps of Von Miller and win a Super Bowl MVP as a defensive player. Jacob provides his insight and what has to go right for the Chiefs defence t…

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Episode 49.5 - Roundtable FT Pero Milicevic 1:10:11

4+ y ago1:10:11

1:10:11

In this highly anticipated episode of the show Mathias is joined by Humber Grad and Holy Trinity Alum, Pero Milicevic. The boys open up the show and discuss everyday life and how society has changed since COVID-19. The boys discuss Champions League and how small clubs can benefit from playing with no fans. The boys cap of the show by previewing the…

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Episode 49 - Dana White and The Brady Bunch. FT Jay Murchison 37:09

4+ y ago37:09

37:09

In this episode of the show Mathias sits down with Jay as they discuss this weekends action packed NFL and UFC slate. The boys discuss their picks for Sunday’s game and Mathias explains why he thinks Tom Brady will put on a clinic at Lambeau Field. Jay closes out the show by discuss how this weekends UFC 257 Card, will shape the landscape of the UF…

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Episode 48 - NFL Playoffs, College Football Final and NHL season preview FT Pure Finesse. 37:33

4+ y ago37:33

37:33

In this joint effort podcast Mathias is joined by the Pure Finesse podcast crew. The boys open up the show with some banter and talk the upcoming NHL season and their predictions for division winners. The boys continue the show by previewing the NFL playoffs and the expectations teams are facing. The boys close out the show by discussing the Colleg…

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Episode 47 - Alessandro Vina 1:15:15

4+ y ago1:15:15

1:15:15

In the second holiday-themed episode, Mathias sits down with long time friend and Queens University soon-to-be graduate; Alessandro Vina. The boys open up the show by discussing how society has hit a reset since the start of COVID-19 and how Mathias and Alessandro feel that a lot of positives have come out of the situation. The boys discuss the fut…

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Episode 46 - NFL Playoffs and College Football Bowl Games + Playoffs. 52:15

4+ y ago52:15

52:15

In the first of two holiday themed episodes of the Mathias Show, Mathias sits down with Browns and Ohio State Buckeyes fan Jay Murchinson from Pure Finesse. The boys discuss playoff scenarios for the remaining teams in the hunt. Mathias discuses what’s wrong with his beloved Philadelphia Eagles and how the 2021 NFL draft is the most important draft…