Best Effing Nerd Podcasts (2025)

1
Fairness Isn’t Real, Power Awareness & Small Fish Career Strategy – E611 12:27

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2h ago12:27

12:27

Jeremy Au speaks about the uncomfortable truth that the world isn’t fair. He urges listeners to let go of idealism, understand real-world power dynamics, and make deliberate career choices. From decoding hypocrisy in leadership to choosing when to be a small fish in a big pond, he shares how to survive and thrive by thinking both outside-in and ins…

1
Tiang Lim Foo: Start-Up Governance, VC Math Reality & How AI Is Rewiring SEA Startups – E610 45:53

1d ago45:53

45:53

Tiang Lim Foo, General Partner at Forge Ventures, and Jeremy Au discussed how Southeast Asia’s tech and venture capital landscape is evolving through cycles of hype, correction, and AI-driven transformation. They unpack the eFishery scandal as a clearing event, reframe expectations around exits, and debate whether venture capital remains viable in …

1
Sudhir Vadaketh: Building Jom, Managing Fear & Publishing Bravely in Singapore – E609 47:45

3d ago47:45

47:45

Sudhir Vadaketh, Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of Jom, returns to BRAVE after four years to share how he built a long-form journalism outlet in Singapore. He and Jeremy Au discuss the journey from solo writer to team manager, the real risks and support systems behind independent media, and how Jom navigates Singapore’s evolving boundaries on speec…

1
Shiyan Koh: Singapore Studies Nuclear Energy, SEA Startup Pessimism & AI Waifus – E608 44:38

6d ago44:38

44:38

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner at Hustle Fund, joins Jeremy Au to explore Singapore’s exploration of nuclear energy, the Southeast Asia startup downturn, and how AI is changing both business and social behavior. They discuss how the government seeds long-term energy strategy, what optimism looks like in a bear market, and why human interaction must r…

1
Startup Failure Patterns, AI Job Risk & Founder-Problem Fit - E607 11:37

8d ago11:37

11:37

Jeremy Au breaks down why most startups fail and what it really takes to succeed in the AI age. He explains the six patterns of startup failure, the tricky economics of service businesses, and why AI will wipe out average workers. He also explores how caring about a problem gives founders their edge and why listening, not output, is the real marker…

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Daniel Thong: Bootstrapping AI, Spinning Out AI, and Surviving the VC Downturn – E606 45:38

9d ago45:38

45:38

Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Enter coupon code BRAVESEA for an extra 4 months at www.surfshark.com/BRAVESEA Daniel Thong, founder of Nimbus, returns to BRAVE to share how he built a profitable, tech-enabled service business without venture capital. He and Jeremy Au unpack the rise and fall of tech companies like Zilingo, examine the structur…

1
AI Companions, Unicorn Odds, and Southeast Asia’s Next 100 Years of Startups - E605 13:30

13d ago13:30

13:30

Jeremy Au explores how exponential tech progress is reshaping the future, why Southeast Asia is positioned for a surge in unicorns, and how venture capitalists evaluate founders. From AI relationships to realistic startup odds, this discussion challenges assumptions about the next 100 years of innovation and entrepreneurship. 01:15 100 Years of Pro…

1
Bernard Leong: How AI Is Reshaping Development, Business Models, and Startup Growth – E604 40:46

15d ago40:46

40:46

Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Enter coupon code BRAVESEA for an extra 4 months at www.surfshark.com/BRAVESEA Bernard Leong, founder of Dorje AI and host of Analyse Asia, joins Jeremy Au to explore how AI is transforming software development, business models, and professional roles across Southeast Asia. They break down why dev houses are losi…

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Saurabh Chauhan: From EF to YC, Beating the Hype & Building AI Finance Agents – E603 40:46

17d ago40:46

40:46

Secure your privacy with Surfshark! Enter coupon code BRAVESEA for an extra 4 months at www.surfshark.com/BRAVESEA Saurabh Chauhan, Co-founder and CEO of Peakflo, returns to BRAVE with Jeremy Au to reflect on their journey since first meeting at Entrepreneur First in 2020. They unpack how Saurabh identified pain points in finance ops during his tim…

1
Double Down or Walk Away: Instacart, Unicorn Portfolios, and Southeast Asia’s Exit Problem - E602 16:23

20d ago16:23

16:23

Jeremy Au breaks down the hidden math behind venture capital: why only a few startups matter, how VCs double down or walk away, and what real exits look like. Using the case of Instacart and Southeast Asia IPOs like SEA, Grab, and GoTo, he explains what separates paper value from cash returns, and why timing is everything. 01:07 VC Fund Economics a…

1
Kelvin Subowo: 7 Failures, Cloud Kitchen Collapse & Building Indonesia’s F&B Avengers – E601 34:25

22d ago34:25

34:25

Kelvin Subowo, CEO of Daily Co., joins Jeremy Au to share how he built one of Indonesia’s fastest growing F&B groups after seven failed ventures. They talk through how Kelvin’s early failures taught him the realities of Indonesia’s price sensitive market, how cloud kitchens initially succeeded but quickly collapsed post-Covid, and how Daily Co. piv…

1
America's VC Wall, Singapore’s Job Crunch & How AI Is Rewiring Relationships with Adriel Yong – E600 44:36

25d ago44:36

44:36

Adriel Yong, Orvel Venture Partner, joins Jeremy Au to reflect on five years of career transitions from investing to building startups across Southeast Asia and the US. They unpack how American venture capital has turned inward, the unintended consequences of remote work, and why AI is upending both work and relationships. Through candid stories fr…

1
Power Struggles in Southeast Asia: VC Rights, Founder Conflicts and the Return of Convertible Debt - E599 12:52

28d ago12:52

12:52

Jeremy Au breaks down the evolving power dynamics between VCs and founders in Southeast Asia, diving into board control, investor rights, and why most startups fail despite support. He shares practical lessons from both sides of the table, highlights the return of convertible debt, and explains how founders should think about conflict, dilution, an…

1
Janine Teo: How AI Empowers Youth, Reinvents Learning & Sparks Motivation – E598 42:08

1M ago42:08

42:08

Janine Teo, CEO of Solve Education, returns to BRAVE after three years to explore how AI is reshaping education for marginalized youth. She and Jeremy Au unpack the double-edged nature of AI in learning, how Solve Education leverages gamification and AI coaching to drive motivation, and the shifting job market where entry-level roles are disappeari…

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Leaked Power Calls, Cannabis Crackdown & Why Thailand’s Startup Scene Is Quietly Rebooting with Wing Vasiksiri – E597 33:29

1M ago33:29

33:29

Wing Vasiksiri, investor and ecosystem builder, returns to unpack the recent political upheaval in Thailand, the shifting startup landscape, and how these dynamics intersect. He and Jeremy Au explore the Prime Minister’s suspension, the ripple effects of leaked diplomacy, and what these events signal for foreign investment and local sentiment. They…

1
The Funding Game: Mastering SAFE Notes, Board Seats & Control - E596 13:13

1M ago13:13

13:13

Jeremy Au broke down the real stakes behind early-stage fundraising—where founders trade equity for survival, and investors negotiate for control. He explained how financing tools like SAFE notes, convertible notes, and priced rounds shape who gets rich, who gets a say, and who gets left behind. From legal traps to boardroom dynamics, this session …

1
How Vietnam’s Economy is Rewiring for Tech & Trade Battles with Valerie Vu – E595 32:18

1M ago32:18

32:18

Vietnam’s rapid economic transformation is reshaping its future. Valerie Vu, General Partner at Ansible Ventures, joins Jeremy Au to explore how Vietnam is shifting from export dependence to a tech-driven, domestic growth model. They discuss the rollback of anti-corruption campaigns, intensified U.S. trade negotiations, and how food safety scandals…

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Demographic Collapse, Broken Visas & Why Global Talent Is Rerouting to Southeast Asia – E594 46:46

1M ago46:46

46:46

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner at Hustle Fund, joins Jeremy Au to examine how geopolitical shifts, demographic decline, and education policy are reshaping global talent and innovation flows. They explore Japan and Korea’s push into Southeast Asia, the unexpected impact of smartphone culture on fertility, and how political actions in the US are disrup…

1
Edtech's Real Buyers, Startup Law Traps and Why Founders Need Better Equity Deals - E593 13:43

1M ago13:43

13:43

Jeremy Au breaks down the hidden risks in Southeast Asia’s edtech sector and early-stage startup law. He explains why edtech often fails to scale, how founder disputes emerge without early agreements, and why choosing the right jurisdiction like Singapore matters for survival. From investor alignment to taxation nightmares, this episode guides foun…

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Olzhas (Oz) Zhiyenkul: From Soviet Collapse to Disrupting Global Wealth Tech - E592 33:24

1M ago33:24

33:24

Olzhas (Oz) Zhiyenkul, CEO and co-founder of Investbanq, joins Jeremy Au to share how his journey from post-Soviet Kazakhstan to launching a full-stack wealth operating system was shaped by hardship, global education, and the inefficiencies he witnessed firsthand across Asia’s financial sector. They discuss how legacy systems fail family offices, w…

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Henry Motte-de la Motte: AI Tutors, Global EdTech, and the $1M Parenting Dilemma – E591 27:07

2M ago27:07

27:07

Henry Motte-de la Motte, CEO of Edge Tutor, and Jeremy Au reconnect two years after their last conversation to discuss how global tutoring has evolved. They examine the rise of AI in education, differences in learner motivation, and how human connection and structure remain critical to learning. They explore Edge Tutor’s expansion into 30 countries…

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Ilya Kravtsov: Inside Indonesia’s Startup Meltdown, eFishery’s Hidden Fallout & How Real Founders Survive – E590 35:34

2M ago35:34

35:34

Ilya Kravtsov, Co-Founder of Ringkas, joins Jeremy Au to unpack the rise and fall of Indonesia’s lending wave, the ripple effects of the eFishery scandal, and the hard lessons founders must absorb to build sustainable startups. They examine how early hype misaligned business models, how fraud damages more than just a company, and why radical transp…

1
Mohan Belani: Fatherhood as a Founder, Raising AI-Ready Kids & Balancing Marriage with Startup Life – E589 52:27

2M ago52:27

52:27

Mohan Belani, Co-Founder of e27, and Jeremy Au reflect on what it means to be a tech leader, startup founder, and modern dad raising Generation Alpha. They explore how parenting rewires identity, the mental load of fatherhood, and how decision-making feels like startup building in a world flooded with information. They discuss the tension between b…

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Dr. Gerald Tan: AI Dentistry, Business Betrayal & Rebuilding Trust – E588 37:18

2M ago37:18

37:18

Dr. Gerald Tan, founder of Elite Dental Group and the first Singaporean dentist to graduate from Harvard Business School, joins Jeremy Au to share how dentistry blends science, art, and entrepreneurship. They explore his journey from being one of 30 students in NUS Dentistry to leading an AI-driven public health initiative and surviving a devastati…

1
Jiezhen Wu: CEO Struggles, Leadership Lessons from Parenthood, and Why 5-Year Plans Fail – E587 34:32

2M ago34:32

34:32

Jiezhen Wu, leadership coach and community builder, joins Jeremy Au to explore how identity, leadership and parenting intersect in shaping purposeful careers. They trace her journey from nonprofit work and Harvard to coaching C-suite leaders across Asia. Together, they reflect on living by design rather than default, the trade-offs of relocating fr…

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Vikram Sinha: Telco Merger Playbook, AI Bets & The Risk Most CEOs Avoid – E586 51:23

2M ago51:23

51:23

Vikram Sinha, CEO of Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison, speaks with Jeremy Au about his personal journey, the power of distribution, and why AI is not just another wave of telecom innovation. They retrace his career from selling mobile plans to leading a successful merger, discuss why distribution is still the biggest driver of growth in emerging markets, …

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Pav Gill: Wirecard Whistleblower, Murder Threats & Building Confide Platform After Billion-Dollar Fraud – E585 58:27

2M ago58:27

58:27

Pav Gill, ex-APAC Head of Legal at Wirecard, joins Jeremy Au to share how he uncovered one of the largest financial frauds in Europe. They discuss Pav’s early career shift from traditional law to fintech, the moment red flags at Wirecard became undeniable, and how an internal whistleblower’s plea led him to launch a covert investigation. Pav reveal…

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Founder Patterns, VC Tiers and Southeast Asia’s Undervalued Talent – E584 13:10

2M ago13:10

13:10

Jeremy Au unpacks the real value add of venture capital beyond just funding. Using data and founder behavior patterns, he explains how investor type, timing, team building and university background shape outcomes. The conversation highlights what actually helps founders succeed, how top tier funds scout talent and where undervalued opportunities li…

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Jackson Aw: The Collectibles Boom, AI-Driven IP & Founder Growth from Dreamer to Builder – E583 48:23

2M ago48:23

48:23

Jackson Aw, founder of Mighty Jaxx, joins Jeremy Au after three years to reflect on his leadership journey, the evolution of the global collectibles industry, and how personal growth reshaped his business decisions. They discuss the shift from creative spontaneity to strategic discipline, the emotional psychology behind collectibles, and how AI and…

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Jianggan Li: US-China Trade Chaos, Vietnam Caught in the Middle & Why Everyone’s Diversifying – E582 33:17

2M ago33:17

33:17

Jianggan Li, Founder of Momentum Works speaks with Jeremy Au to unpack how the US-China trade conflict is reshaping global manufacturing, trust in international trade, and Southeast Asia’s role in the crossfire. They explore why businesses are stuck in limbo, how Vietnam and Cambodia became unintended casualties, and what diversification looks like…

1
How Founders Avoid False Starts & What VCs Actually Add - E581 20:47

2M ago20:47

20:47

Jeremy Au unpacks how startup failure patterns often begin with charisma unchecked by execution. He explores how founders can avoid false starts, the real reason repeat founders succeed, and why the value of VCs and angels depends on founder maturity. The episode draws parallels between entrepreneurship and professional disciplines like medicine, s…

1
Elena Chow: Southeast Asia Talent Reset, Malaysia’s Rise & How AI Is Reshaping Hiring – E580 38:52

2M ago38:52

38:52

Elena Chow, Founder of ConnectOne and Jeremy Au reconnect after three years to examine how Southeast Asia’s hiring landscape evolved from rapid expansion to cautious, AI-aware decision-making. They explore how employer expectations have become more structured, why talent strategies now vary across the region, and what individuals must do to stay em…

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David He: E-Fishery Scandal Breakdown, Investor Red Flags & Legal Risk Lessons for Southeast Asia – E579 33:34

3M ago33:34

33:34

David He, partner at Gunderson Dettmer sits down with Jeremy Au to dissect Southeast Asia’s shifting startup and legal terrain. From the fallout of the eFishery scandal to the rise of ESG compliance and convertible notes, they explore how investor behavior and founder strategies are evolving. The discussion highlights governance gaps, tougher dilig…

1
The 6 Startup Failure Patterns, Why 90% Die & Jibo Burned $73M - E578 27:04

3M ago27:04

27:04

Jeremy Au breaks down why most startups fail and why it’s rarely just one thing. Backed by funnel data and battle-tested case studies, he reveals six patterns that repeatedly kill ventures, no matter how visionary the founders are. From premature scaling to bad macro timing, this talk shows how failure is often structural, not personal. 00:05 Start…

1
Joanna Yeo: Wall Street to ClimateTech, Biochar Carbon Credits & 50% Farmer Revenue Share – E577 39:56

3M ago39:56

39:56

Joanna Yeo, founder and CEO of Arukah and former institutional investor, speaks with Jeremy Au to explore how Southeast Asia’s agri-waste can be transformed into a global carbon credit engine. They unpack how her education at Harvard, Cambridge, and Stanford shaped a mission to connect vulnerable communities to opportunity, and how she learned from…

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Felix Collins: 20 Million Black Soldier Fly Farming, Food Waste Insights & Low Carbon Future - E576 33:40

3M ago33:40

33:40

Felix Collins, founder of Full Circle Biotech, speaks with Jeremy Au about how biology, not machines, is transforming the future of food. Felix shares how his company turns agricultural waste into affordable, high-quality protein using insects, fungi, and bacteria. They unpack why SEA farmers care more about savings than slogans, how superstition m…

1
Power Law, Unicorn Hunting & Jungle to Highway: How VCs Bet on Southeast Asia’s Future - E575 13:54

3M ago13:54

13:54

Jeremy Au pulls back the curtain on Southeast Asia’s high-stakes venture capital world where 5,000 startups fight through the jungle, but only 10 reach the expressway. It’s a ruthless game of asymmetric bets, power-law outcomes, and make-or-break timing. He reveals what really happens inside VC firms: how general partners juggle investor pressure w…

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Raagulan Pathy: Stablecoin Revolution vs. Struggling Currencies, USDC Circle GM to Founder & The Future Of Borderless Banking – E574 44:43

3M ago44:43

44:43

Jeremy Au speaks with Raagulan Pathy, founder and CEO of Cast and former APAC head at Circle, to break down the structural shift underway in global finance. They explore how stablecoins, particularly USD-backed ones like USDC, offer a new digital foundation for cross-border banking, especially in economies plagued by inflation, capital controls, an…

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Indonesia Gangsters VS. BYD & VinFast, Preman Rent-Seeking & Law & Order Reform - E573 39:46

3M ago39:46

39:46

Jeremy Au and Gita discussed the challenges of doing business in Indonesia, particularly the issue of "preman" (gangster) culture, its effects on businesses, and potential ways to mitigate this issue. They also addressed systemic corruption, the importance of legal reforms, and how emerging markets can better integrate informal sectors. 02:55 Under…

1
Why Founders Win or Lose: Inside VC Sourcing, Competition & Fund Tactics - E572 24:44

3M ago24:44

24:44

Jeremy Au breaks down how Limited Partners shape the Southeast Asia venture capital landscape and why founders should care. He explores the hidden motivations of sovereign wealth funds, endowments, corporations, and family offices, and how they quietly influence funding decisions. Jeremy reveals how startups move through brutal funding stages, why …

1
Maria Li: Tech in Asia Acquisition by Singapore Press Holdings, Startup Winter to AI Spring & The Future of Startup Media - E571 49:12

3M ago49:12

49:12

Jeremy Au reconnects with Maria Li to explore how Tech in Asia is navigating Southeast Asia’s startup winter, generative AI disruption, and corporate acquisition pressures while maintaining community-first values. Together, they discuss AI experimentation, acquisition integration, leadership dynamics, and balancing the demands of modern media and p…

1
BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech Podcast: PAP Vote Surge & Workers’ Party Corporate Candidates – E570 27:01

3M ago27:01

27:01

Jeremy Au and Shiyan discuss Singapore’s election outcomes, unpacking voter behavior, opposition growth, independent candidates, and future policy challenges. They reflect on global trends, local issues like housing and education, and how politics, tech, and business intersect in a rapidly changing world. 01:27 Surprising Election Results: PAP exce…

1
VC Fundamentals: Blue vs Red Oceans, Power Law Returns & Fund Structures – E569 18:40

3M ago18:40

18:40

Jeremy Au shares how venture capital evaluates startups, using examples from crypto confusion, post-WWII VC history, and power law returns. He explains why founders often misunderstand their market type, how tech repeats old cycles, and how VCs structure investments. Speaking practically, he highlights why founders must communicate clearly and how …

1
Jed Ng: Angel Syndicate Strategy, Venture Winter Advantage & Fixing Angel Education - E568 40:24

3M ago40:24

40:24

Jeremy Au chats with Jed Ng, founder of AngelSchool.vc, about why he chose angel syndicates over VC funds as a faster, more flexible path to financial freedom. They discuss the current venture downturn as a rare opportunity, the gaps in angel education, and how Jed scaled his 1,400-member syndicate globally. Jed also shares how he evaluates founder…

1
Rachel Wong: eFishery Fraud Founder Confession, Self-Justification vs. Excuses, & Civil vs. Criminal Startup Ecosystem Consequences – E567 42:36

3M ago42:36

42:36

Jeremy Au and Rachel Wong unpack eFishery's founder’s public confession to systematic fraud. They dive into how cultural pressures, ecosystem gaps, and misplaced investor trust contributed to the fallout. They discuss the challenges of cross-border enforcement, the limits of traditional due diligence, and the real-world consequences for Southeast A…

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Raising Capital: Team, Product, Economics Filters & Investor Psychology - E566 12:24

4M ago12:24

12:24

Jeremy Au shares insights into how venture capitalists evaluate early-stage startups in Southeast Asia. Speaking directly to aspiring founders, he breaks down how investors assess potential through three core lenses: exponential growth, clarity of thinking, and personal trust. Drawing on personal stories, failed bets, and breakout wins, he explains…

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Milan Reinartz: Founder to Platform Builder, Community-Led Angel Investing & Scaling Private Access – E565 29:49

4M ago29:49

29:49

Jeremy Au reconnects with Milan Reinartz to explore how angel investing evolved into a community-led platform, why Southeast Asia’s VC math doesn’t work, and how late-stage private markets offer new opportunities for retail millionaires. They talk through founder quality, opaque incentives, and the need for real diligence in a fragmented region. It…

1
Anthea Ong: Saying No to Nominated Member of Parliament (At First), NMP Scheme Reforms & Majoritarian vs. Nonpartisanship - E564 55:20

4M ago55:20

55:20

Jeremy Au reconnects with Anthea Ong for a candid conversation on what it means to lead with integrity, empathy, and independence. They trace her journey from corporate leadership into the social sector and eventually into Parliament as a Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP). Anthea shares how she first declined the NMP role, then later accepted it…

1
Valerie Vu: Vietnam’s 46% Tariff Shock, US Trade Fallout & Multipolar Diplomacy Moves – E563 25:30

4M ago25:30

25:30

Jeremy Au speaks with Valerie Vu about Vietnam’s sudden shock from the 46% US tariff under Trump. What started as optimism turned into panic factories collapsed, partners pulled out, and even personal tragedies occurred. The government acted fast, but trust with the US was damaged. Vietnam is now shifting toward multipolar trade, owning more of its…

1
Jeffrey Lonsdale: US Tariffs as Policy, Taiwan Risk Calculus & Southeast Asia’s Supply Chain Opportunity - E562 26:56

4M ago26:56

26:56

Jeremy Au sits down with Jeffrey Lonsdale to unpack the US-China trade standoff, the Taiwan flashpoint, and how Southeast Asia is adapting to global shifts. They explore how tariffs are reshaping supply chains, the risk of trade wars escalating, and the difficult position countries like Vietnam and Singapore now find themselves in. The conversation…