Best Jeremy Au Podcasts (2025)

1
Olzhas (Oz) Zhiyenkul: From Soviet Collapse to Disrupting Global Wealth Tech - E592 33:24

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18h 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…

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

3d 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…

1
Ilya Kravtsov: Inside Indonesia’s Startup Meltdown, eFishery’s Hidden Fallout & How Real Founders Survive – E590 35:34

6d 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

8d 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…

1
Dr. Gerald Tan: AI Dentistry, Business Betrayal & Rebuilding Trust – E588 37:18

10d 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…

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

13d 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…

1
Vikram Sinha: Telco Merger Playbook, AI Bets & The Risk Most CEOs Avoid – E586 51:23

15d 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, …

1
Pav Gill: Wirecard Whistleblower, Murder Threats & Building Confide Platform After Billion-Dollar Fraud – E585 58:27

17d 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…

1
Founder Patterns, VC Tiers and Southeast Asia’s Undervalued Talent – E584 13:10

20d 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…

1
Jackson Aw: The Collectibles Boom, AI-Driven IP & Founder Growth from Dreamer to Builder – E583 48:23

22d 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…

1
Jianggan Li: US-China Trade Chaos, Vietnam Caught in the Middle & Why Everyone’s Diversifying – E582 33:17

24d 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

27d 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

29d 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…

1
David He: E-Fishery Scandal Breakdown, Investor Red Flags & Legal Risk Lessons for Southeast Asia – E579 33:34

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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…

1
Felix Collins: 20 Million Black Soldier Fly Farming, Food Waste Insights & Low Carbon Future - E576 33:40

1M 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

1M 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…

1
Raagulan Pathy: Stablecoin Revolution vs. Struggling Currencies, USDC Circle GM to Founder & The Future Of Borderless Banking – E574 44:43

1M 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…

1
Indonesia Gangsters VS. BYD & VinFast, Preman Rent-Seeking & Law & Order Reform - E573 39:46

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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…

1
Raising Capital: Team, Product, Economics Filters & Investor Psychology - E566 12:24

2M 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…

1
Milan Reinartz: Founder to Platform Builder, Community-Led Angel Investing & Scaling Private Access – E565 29:49

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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…

1
BetterHelp Controversy: Therapist Burnout, AI Substitution & Financial Red Flags – E560 8:59

3M ago8:59

8:59

Blue Orca Capital’s allegations against BetterHelp and highlights growing tensions in tech-enabled labor platforms. BetterHelp is accused of using AI to replace human therapists, driven by cost pressures and incentive structures. The case reflects broader risks as AI begins to reshape trust, quality, and business models in two-sided marketplaces. T…

1
Li Hongyi: Google PM to GovTech Leader, Scaling Digital Infrastructure & Fighting Scams with Systems - E559 41:22

3M ago41:22

41:22

Jeremy Au sits down with Li Hongyi, director of Open Government Products, to explore his journey from aspiring physicist to building digital tools for public service. They discuss agency, leadership, and the realities of driving change in government—from the impact of a Google internship to lessons in management and building systems that protect ag…

1
Jordan Dea-Mattson: Indeed Singapore Product Center Rise, Navigating Tech Layoffs & Healing Career Trauma – E558 50:52

3M ago50:52

50:52

Jordan Dea-Mattson, a veteran tech leader, and Jeremy Au discussed how Jordan built developer tools at Apple and went on to lead engineering teams at Adobe and Indeed. They explored how he witnessed Apple’s transformation under Steve Jobs, the often unseen dynamics behind major tech layoffs, and what it takes to grow and scale high-performing teams…

1
Behind the VC Pitch: Signal vs Substance, Support in Downturns - E557 17:00

3M ago17:00

17:00

Jeremy Au breaks down what founders should really look for in a VC—beyond branding. He shares a practical framework for value-add, highlights how VCs behave in failure, and urges founders to dig deeper than surface signals. The conversation also looks at why older founders often perform better, even if they raise less, and the dynamics of VC incent…

1
Startup False Starts, Founder vs. VC Perspectives & Scaling Challenges - E556 18:19

3M ago18:19

18:19

Jeremy Au unpacked why most startups fail and how failure is often misunderstood especially in Southeast Asia’s tech landscape. He pointed out that failure isn’t just about poor execution or bad luck. It’s often structural, recurring across funding stages, and rooted in deeper issues like team mismatches, market timing, or scaling too fast. He also…

1
Gita Sjahrir: Market Crash Fallout, Government Communication Breakdown & Investor Uncertainty – E555 29:16

3M ago29:16

29:16

Jeremy Au talks with Gita Sjahrir, an Indonesian economist and entrepreneur, in a deep dive on Indonesia’s current macroeconomic conditions and policy landscape. They analyze how inconsistent government communication, executional shortcomings, and short-term policymaking have contributed to uncertainty among investors and the public. The discussion…

1
Startup Fundraising: Crafting the Pitch, Building Trust & Ownership Auction – E554 16:39

3M ago16:39

16:39

Jeremy Au discussed how pitching, trust, and fundraising work. He explained that pitching is about expressing a future others can believe in, not just raising money. He shared how traction builds trust, why capital must be chosen carefully, and how great founders turn investor interest into leverage. Drawing on examples like Rewind.ai and BenchSci,…

1
Vikram Bharati: Draper Startup House Expansion, Global Team Building Challenges & Startup Ecosystem Design - E553 38:39

3M ago38:39

38:39

Vikram Bharati, founder of Draper Startup House, and Jeremy Au talked about how the startup world has shifted since their last conversation. They explored how Draper Startup House has expanded across continents while wrestling with the challenge of scaling both physical spaces and community-driven programming. They discussed how remote and hybrid w…

1
Singapore: AI Job Disruption, Hiring Shift & Youth Unemployment with Shiyan Koh - E552 33:34

3M ago33:34

33:34

Shiyan Koh, Managing Partner of Hustle Fund, and Jeremy Au explored the growing challenges of youth unemployment in Singapore and how AI is fundamentally changing the job market. They discussed how the rise of automation is making entry-level roles less necessary, leading companies to prioritize experienced hires who can work with AI rather than tr…

1
VC Decision Making: Growth Expectations, Biases & Fast Deals – E551 15:19

3M ago15:19

15:19

Jeremy Au talked about how venture capitalists assess startups based on their ability to scale rapidly, led by strong founders with a clear strategy and market fit. However, their decisions are shaped by heuristics, biases, and time constraints. The best founders move fast, refine their pitches, and demonstrate exponential growth potential. He also…

1
Benjamin Loh: Polarizing Thought Leadership, Social Media Hard Truths & Family Commitment Learnings - E550 40:11

3M ago40:11

40:11

Benjamin Loh, Certified Speaking Professional and Jeremy Au discussed public speaking, thought leadership, and leadership growth. They reflected on Benjamin’s journey from public speaking to training financial advisors and running a thought leadership agency. They explored how social media amplifies voices, how leaders can shape industry narratives…

1
US-Vietnam Trade Risks, Chinese Factory Relocation & Government Reforms with Valerie Vu - E549 30:07

3M ago30:07

30:07

Jeremy Au and Valerie Vu discussed Vietnam’s evolving role in global trade, the impact of US-China tensions, and the country’s sweeping internal reforms. They explore how foreign investments are reshaping Vietnam’s industries, how the government is navigating trade uncertainties, and how local businesses are adapting to increased competition. They …

1
Startup Economics: Blitzscaling Pitfalls, Market Strategy & Funding vs. Execution - E548 12:44

3M ago12:44

12:44

Jeremy Au breaks down the fundamentals of unit economics, customer acquisition, and blitzscaling in startups. Using real-world examples, he explains how different business models—like SaaS versus consumer goods—affect profitability and marketing strategies. The conversation explores the challenges of scaling aggressively, the importance of timing i…

1
Sadaf Sultan: eFishery Scandal Breakdown, Startup Financial Shenanigans & VC Fraud Detection - E547 51:47

4M ago51:47

51:47

Sadaf Sultan, Founder of Finprojections, and Jeremy Au analyzed the eFishery financial scandal and discuss broader issues of financial fraud in startups. They talked about why eFishery was appealing to investors and how the fraud unfolded and shared their insights into detecting fraud effectively. They explore the challenges faced during investor d…

1
$12B Pertamina Corruption Case, Public Crisis & Government Policy Risks & Energy Market Reform with Gita Sjahrir - E546 36:37

4M ago36:37

36:37

Gita Sjahrir, Senior Advisor at TBS Energi Utama, and Jeremy Au talked about the complexities of corporate governance and accountability within emerging markets. They discussed the eFishery scandal, the Pertamina corruption case, and the broader implications for economic growth and investor trust. 1. Investor Due Diligence: Gita and Jeremy highligh…

1
Why Startups Fail: Common Mistakes, VC Perspective & Founder Comeback - E545 25:52

4M ago25:52

25:52

Jeremy Au discussed common startup failure patterns, and emphasized that failure is frequent and often inevitable even for companies that make it to later funding stages. Many startups fail to deliver financial returns for investors, regardless of how innovative or pioneering they might be. He also talked about various reasons for failure, from tea…

1
Kwok Jiachuan: COVID-19’s Impact on Nonprofits, Conjunct’s Shift in Business Model & The Role of Capacity Builders - E544 37:45

4M ago37:45

37:45

Jeremy Au reconnects with Kwok Jiachuan, his first-ever podcast guest, to reflect on their journey from school friends to army roommates to co-founders of Conjunct Consulting. They talked about the challenges of starting and scaling a social impact consultancy, from early skepticism to securing funding and navigating the evolving nonprofit landscap…

1
Mike Michalec: $1B+ Edtech Investments, Market Due Diligence Failures & Real-World Education Gaps - E543 26:38

4M ago26:38

26:38

Mike Michalec shares his journey from molecular research to outdoor adventure guiding and eventually into education consulting in Southeast Asia. He discusses the region’s diverse education landscape, the challenges of scaling edtech businesses, and the impact of China’s regulatory crackdown on the sector. He explains why many education startups fa…

1
VC Decision Making: Sequential Bets, Navigating Market Exits & Addressing Regulatory Challenges - E542 16:52

4M ago16:52

16:52

Jeremy Au discussed key aspects of venture capital decision-making and tech regulation including how VCs make sequential investment choices, navigate acquisition offers and public listing routes, and address regulatory challenges. He also examined how customer advocacy and jurisdictional differences shape tech policy, while debating the trade-offs …