Jack An’s Self-intro – Will the Builders in the Room Please Stand Up?

Jack An, Analyst (安良方 / 分析師)

Jack is an Analyst covering AppWorks Accelerator. Before joining the team, he was a co-founder and early team member at two InsurTech startups, where he developed a passion in user experience and product development. Previous to his startup journey he worked as a commercial property underwriter at Chubb Insurance in New Zealand. Jack graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Waikato University where he studied classical piano. He loves to cook, read and is a practicing stoic.

“Hi, my name is Jack.”

“What’s your real name?”

“An Liang Fang.” 

“What does that mean?”

This was a common exchange during my upbringing in New Zealand and probably very familiar to those that studied overseas. Out of curiosity, my classmates at middle school would often ask me to write my name out and explain the meaning behind each exotic character. 安良方 – 安 is my family name, and my father derived 良 from 善良 (kindness) and 方 from 大方 (generosity). I only learned the meaning myself when I “asked for a friend” and through it, I also learned that my dad chose these characters to give me an edge in standard tests because of how quickly my name can be written in Traditional Chinese – only 17 strokes! If you were to write Taiwan 台灣 in Traditional Chinese, the second letter 灣 alone has 25 strokes. 

Although the benefits of having minimal strokes in my name didn’t compound into great academic achievements – perhaps countered by the fact that everyone in New Zealand can write their English name in less than five seconds – but the values behind my name resonated with how Kiwis live on a day-to-day basis. 

People from New Zealand are generally quite diligent and genuine. Now looking back, I’m not entirely surprised that the #1 sport in New Zealand is Rugby Union, a highly-technical team-based game where no particular position is more important than any other. Everyone on the field must tackle their opponents and partake in rucks with players from both sides piling on top of each other fighting for the ball. 

These values of staying humble and working hard were particularly pronounced during my high school days at Tauranga Boys College where our school’s motto is “pergo et perago” I persevere and I achieve. We were also encouraged to honor the past by creating the future. I think these ideas were derived during WWII where 41 students from my school sacrificed their studies and ultimately their lives protecting the peace we now enjoy. To this day, long groves of trees that provide shade for our sporting field were planted along the outer edge in memory of them. Together with strong Maori influences (the aboriginal people of NZ) such as respecting the land, those around us, and those that came before us, are recurring themes that reinforce the idea that building forward is the best way to give back and show appreciation to what we have today.

My classmates Kane Williamson and Sam Cane took these words to heart and went on to become the captain of the Black Caps (New Zealand’s national cricket team), and the All Blacks (New Zealand’s national rugby team), respectively. And as for myself, I had my first attempt at creating the future with my childhood hobby – music – when the band I started during my second year in university studying classical piano took me around NZ, playing alongside the biggest acts in the country like Six60, Katchafire, Dave Dobbyn, and Savage. 

I continued to practice these values when I transitioned into business. My first corporate job was an underwriter for commercial properties at Chubb Insurance NZ. Then I literally “worked two roles while getting paid for one” as I took up an additional role underwriting for Accident & Health. These experiences became the foundation for my startup when I moved back to Taiwan in 2016. Running a band taught me about branding, creating a product and experiences for the mass public, and my dual role at Chubb helped me accelerate my understanding of the insurance industry. After traveling and living abroad for so long, Taiwan is still #1 to me with endless fond memories and loving people, so of course I had to start a company and build forward to contribute to the country positively. Looking back and connecting the dots it seems natural that I eventually founded an insurance startup in Taiwan and later joined AppWorks to create a bigger impact.

My role at AppWorks has changed a lot in the past few years. From working in the accelerator helping experienced founders land in Taiwan and new founders iterate their launch, to learning the ropes of VC and investing in Southeast Asia, and now dedicating most of my time to build out the web3 arm of AppWorks so we can have the best resources to back founders building the decentralized future. Although the work is difficult and challenging most of the time, it has been an incredible adventure where I’m constantly exercising my founder muscles working within the small AppWorks team of 30, the cherry on top of it all is the valuable experiences I gain from supporting and working with founders across various stages of their entrepreneurial journey. It’s hard to summarize my experience as a founder and my time at AppWorks, but if I can only have two takeaways, it’s 1) learn and improve; 2) design and overcome.

So yeah, this is Jack 安良方 now, a third culture kid that loves to build and support others that are building too. So, if you are creating something valuable, I would love to chat with you to find out how I can help you either personally or through AppWorks. Let’s make a positive impact together!

Flow Launches $725 Million Ecosystem Fund to Drive Innovation Across the Flow Ecosystem

Editor’s note: We’re thrilled to join Flow Ecosystem Fund to provide developers with support in building applications on the Flow blockchain through investments, FLOW token grants and in-kind support. The press release from Flow is below:

・a16z, AppWorks, Coatue, Greenfield One, Liberty City Ventures, Union Square Ventures and other global firms to support Flow developers through investments, FLOW token grants and in-kind support.

・Largest joint ecosystem fund to fuel next-generation of applications.

Flow, the Web3 platform powering next-generation games, apps and digital assets including NBA Top Shot and NFL All Day, announced a new $725 million Ecosystem Fund designed to hypercharge innovation and growth across the Flow community.

The largest joint commitment made towards any blockchain ecosystem, the Ecosystem Fund participants will provide existing and future developers with support in building applications on the Flow blockchain through investments, FLOW token grants and in-kind support.

Participants include industry-leading firms that have backed several of the most successful Web3 companies, such as a16z, AppWorks, Cadenza Ventures, Coatue, Coinfund, Digital Currency Group (DCG), Dispersion Capital, Fabric Ventures, Greenfield One, HashKey, L1 Digital, Mirana Ventures, OP Crypto, SkyVision Capital, Spartan Group, Union Square Ventures, and Dapper Ventures.

“We are thrilled to see such a strong vote of confidence in the Flow ecosystem from some of the world’s leading investors in Web3 through their commitment to this Fund,” said Roham Gharegozlou, CEO of Dapper Labs. “With their active participation and support, the Ecosystem Fund has the opportunity to become a real game-changer for the 7500+ strong and fast-growing developer community in the Flow ecosystem.”

With a focus on enabling more distributed and equitable Web3 opportunities to developers around the globe, participants will focus on providing support for gaming, infrastructure, decentralized finance, content and creators. The resources are expected to be used by developers for product development, product scaling, team expansion, user acquisition and general operating expenses.

“The Ecosystem Fund is an opportunity to power the next generation of developers across the global Flow community,” said Dan Rose, Chairman of Coatue Ventures. “Coatue has already backed multiple companies building in the Flow ecosystem including Dapper Labs, Crypthulu and Faze Technologies, and we are excited to play an active role in enabling more Web3 opportunities.”

In addition to financial support, the developers in the Flow ecosystem will be able to leverage expertise via informational events, office hours, accelerators & incubators, subsidized office space and similar initiatives. For example, investors will provide Flow teams office space in cities such as Berlin (Greenfield One) and Asia (for AppWorks Accelerator program), and Liberty City Ventures will be providing two scholarships for college students to work on Flow-related projects. As a Venture Partner for Bybit and BitDAO, Mirana Ventures will also help catalyze strategic collaboration opportunities for Flow projects.

“As web3 accelerates and sophisticated app developers search for the best platforms, Flow is perhaps the best decentralized blockchain built for the scale, security, and ease of use most modern startups need to succeed.” said David Pakman, Managing Partner at CoinFund. “The Flow Ecosystem Fund will be a huge accelerator of innovation and growth on the platform and we at CoinFund are excited to work with this talented community to help drive innovation and growth.”

Originally developed by Dapper Labs to create more efficient, secure and scalable proof-of-stake blockchain experiences, Flow is an open-source, developer-friendly and energy efficient blockchain built for consumer applications. With global partners including the NBA, NFL, UFC and Dr. Seuss; unicorn developers such as Animoca and PlayCo; and emerging projects such as Genies, Fancraze and Cryptoys, Flow has seen daily transactions triple since September 2021 as it has grown into the leading blockchain for non–fungible token (NFT) sales by number of NFT transactions. 

To learn more about Flow and the Flow Ecosystem Fund: www.flow.com/ecosystemsupport

About Flow

Flow is the blockchain designed to be the foundation of Web3 and the open metaverse, supporting consumer-scale decentralized applications, NFTs, DeFi, DAOs, and more. Powered by Cadence, an original programming language built specifically for digital assets, Flow empowers developers to innovate and push the limits that will bring the next billion to Web3. Created by a team that has consistently delivered industry-leading consumer-scale Web3 experiences including CryptoKitties, Dapper, and NBA Top Shot, Flow is an open, decentralized platform with a thriving ecosystem of creators from top brands, development studios, venture-backed startups, crypto leaders, and more.

For more information: www.flow.com

【If you’re a founder working on web3 / DAO, AI / IoT, or Southeast Asia, you’ve come to the right place! Applications for AppWorks Accelerator.】

Seven Years and Still Counting – Ching Tseng’s Self-intro

Ching Tseng, Principal (曾意晴 / 協理)

Ching is a Principal leading the Web3 Arm at AppWorks. Ching interned at AppWorks when she was in college and returned as an Analyst after earning her B.B.A from National Chengchi University in 2015. Her keystone achievement as an Analyst was helping CHOCO TV’s journey from Series A to an eventual acquisition by LINE. Ching became our Associate in 2019, spearheading our foray into the blockchain industry by recruiting founders active in the space and effectively jumpstarting our web3 ecosystem, which has since grown into a thriving community. She’s also helped AppWorks participate in several prominent investments, including Dapper Labs / Flow, Animoca Brands, and Blocto. Ching was promoted to Principal in 2022. Off the clock, she likes to experience new things, travel, and drive in the mountains.

(漢文在下) It’s somewhat awkward to write a self-intro after joining AppWorks for almost seven years. To be frank, I probably wouldn’t have much to share if I had written this introduction in 2015. Back then, I had just graduated from college and was too fresh to tell you a good story. Over the past seven years, I connected a lot of “dots” and I can finally form it into a shape and share more about myself with you now.

My career path seems quite simple, but in fact is remarkable in its simplicity. I am someone who started as an intern at AppWorks and then became a full-time Analyst right after college. Gradually, I was promoted to Associate and now Principal. You might think my career path was “planned” and that I had a very clear goal since the beginning. Here’s the real story: 

When I was 20, I happened to see AppWorks while scrolling through Facebook and the intern recruitment post “looks rare”. Back then, I had a limited understanding about entrepreneurship and startups. My intuition led me to apply for the role. On the first day stepping into the AppWorks office, I found that I really connected with these offbeat and alien-like founders and wanted to help support them on their founder journeys.

A lot of people like to ask me: “How can you stay at AppWorks this long?” The only answer is: “It’s fun.” Jamie, the founding partner of AppWorks, once told me that I’m probably in the 99th percentile in terms of curiosity. Yes, I believe I am! If you have ever used my YouTube account then you can understand. My YouTube feed includes F1, dramas, aircraft, gaming, tech, musical instruments, and many other topics. Perhaps half of my life was spent on googling things that I didn’t need to know but wanted to know. AppWorks is a place full of unknown things and a company that’s always trying to embark on seemingly impossible missions. That’s why this place has retained someone like me who gets bored easily for so long. 

Over the past seven years serving AppWorks, I’ve seen many successful startups as well as some that didn’t quite make it. I count myself lucky as the company I joined became bigger as I aged a little bit. Most importantly, this journey has brought me a lot of friends that have battled side-by-side with me. 

I enjoy the time spent with founders; from brainstorming new business strategies and sorting out suitable fundraising structures, to sharing thoughts about the latest information and internet trends. 

As time flew by, our company grew a lot, and our mission became bigger. On the other hand, our North Star remains the same – making Taiwan a better place by helping founders to become better founders. To get there, we have accelerated institutionalization efforts at our firm, and within that plan, I became a Principal leading the web3 arm.

I believe in the beauty of blockchain and the impact protocols/DAOs/companies can bring to human society. Luckily, I can not only be an observer but also a participant together with web3 founders. This excitement was something I couldn’t feel when doing things in the web2/app era. If you are building on the blockchain, I’m ready to know more about your vision.

加入公司 7 年後才開始跟大家做自我介紹,是一件頗為弔詭的事情。但回頭想如果要我在 2015 年剛加入 AppWorks 時寫篇自我介紹文,可能也沒太多故事可以跟你分享,當時的我,也就是一個單純剛從大學畢業的菜鳥。在這過去 7 年來,我經歷了一些事情,也許終於可以跟大家分享關於我的一些事了。

往回看我的職涯,看起來很簡單但好像也蠻激勵人的。從一個負責打雜的 Intern、畢業後加入 AppWorks 成為正職的 Analyst,在 2019 年成為 Associate,接著在今年初成為了 Web3 Arm Principal。許多人以為這是我規劃好的職涯,又或者以為我心中有一個明確的職涯目標,讓我來分享一下這背後真正的故事。

當我 20 歲時,對於創業、新創還沒什麼概念,颱風夜沒事的我滑著手機,看到 AppWorks 正在招募 Intern,本來沒有打算要找 Internship 的我,突然覺得這篇貼文「挺特別」的。直覺告訴我:「你該去申請看看。」而後在我第一天踏入 AppWorks 的辦公室時,這群奇特的「創業者」深深的吸引我了。

很多人問過我,為何會在 AppWorks 待這麼多年。唯一不變的答案大概是:挺好玩的!Jamie 曾經說過我可能是 PR 99 的好奇寶寶。沒錯,如果你曾經用過我的 YouTube 帳號,你可能就會理解到為什麼。打開我的  YouTube,追蹤的頻道從 F1、飛機、遊戲、科技、戲劇、音樂等各種頻道都有。我的人生應該花了絕大多數的時間搜尋我不需要知道,但是我想要知道的資訊。

AppWorks 就是能得到許多未知的事情的地方,同時也是一間一直想要嘗試做一些不可能的任務的公司。這也是為何容易對事情感到無聊的我,能夠在這裡待上這麼久。

在這幾年陪伴與投資創業者的過程中,我看了許多成功的案例,同時也有許多結果不如人意。我想我是相對幸運的那一個,在我年齡增加過程中,AppWorks 這間公司也一起長大了。同時,這段旅程也讓我結交了許多一起經歷挑戰的戰友們,有些來掛「急診」的創業者,他們拿到了隔天、甚至當晚就要馬上回覆的併購機會,想跟我討論一下該不該接受,要注意哪些事情。在多數與創業者相處的這些夜晚裡,我是非常享受的,無論是一起煩惱公司的策略、討論募資的結構,又或者單純分享彼此對於業界最新消息的想法。

雖然公司想要挑戰的任務也越來越艱難,但與此同時 AppWorks 的北極星從來沒改變過,依舊透過幫助創業者讓台灣變成一個更好的地方。為了把這件事情做得更好,我們無法再像游擊隊一樣到處作戰,也得變成一支更有組織與戰法的正規軍。而我在這個計畫中,也變成了要帶領 Web3 領域的 Principal。

我真心喜歡並且相信 Blockchain 以及在這個圈子裡的組織們,能為人類社會帶來的改變。這次,也許我又是幸運的那一個人,能夠不只見證這一切改變的發生,同時也能與 Web3 的創業者一起參與其中。這種興奮感是比過去看著 Founder 們把產品與團隊逐漸建立起來,最終得到一個好結果還要更強烈的。如果你正在 Blockchain 上打造新產品,我非常期待聽聽你的計畫與目標!

Three Things About Michelle Lin

Michelle Lin, Analyst (林亭㚬 / 分析師)

Michelle is an Analyst covering AppWorks Accelerator and investments. Before joining the team, she worked as an assistant manager at Deloitte Financial Advisory, where she helped close various cross-border and local M&A deals successfully. Michelle graduated with a Bachelor’s in Accounting from National Taiwan University and received a Master of Management Studies Degree from Duke University. During college, she was the minister of student activities at College of Management Student Association and was active at the Pop Dance Club. Outside the office, she enjoys hiking amongst many outdoor activities, as well as exploring new things in life.

#EnglishBelow

加入 AppWorks 前? 

在加入 AppWorks 前,我在 Deloitte Financial Adviosory 服務了 4 年多,參與過跨國製藥企業的組織重組及合資案、各式金融業併購案、台灣上市櫃企業公開收購案等。

我擔任過買方和賣方顧問,學習以不同的視角分析併購策略、設計條款、協助客戶進行談判。例如站在賣方的立場,希望打拚十幾年的事業能以合理價格出售;又或是站在買方的立場平衡風險和效益,協助管理階層說服董事會進行收購。日常工作就是分析財報、進入充滿上百個檔案的 Data Room 裡,大海撈針找到對交易案有影響的資訊,在買賣雙方間搭起有效的溝通橋樑,進一步促成交易。

為什麼想加入新創圈?

我的父親是位創業者,小時候的記憶就是每天放學和寒暑假都會到他的公司,那裡有許多和藹可親的叔叔阿姨們。和大多數的創業者一樣,父親總是很忙碌,思考著如何運用手上的資源打造更好的產品,常常週末一通電話就馬上出發到南部找供應商、客戶,和研發部門開會。創業的途中,父親從電腦代工,Pivot 到醫療器材研發、設計及製造,公司也從員工不到 10 人成長到 80 人。其中經歷了在 SARS 疫情期間,父親因為將公司的額溫槍,優先提供給台灣政府導致被國外客戶控吿 (但也同時成為抗疫英雄),直到後來上市出場。長大後父親與我分享當初創業的過程,他說一直以來其實沒有想太多,只想把當下的事情做對,確保員工和家人能好好生活。

父親這份創業過程的酸甜苦辣陪伴著我長大。我了解到創業者的辛苦和孤獨,更敬佩創業者骨子裡想把事情做對做好的精神,因此萌生加入新創圈的念頭,希望自己不論是透過加速器或是創投投資,陪伴創業者,參與眾多不凡的故事。

除了工作,我還會?

我很喜歡爬山!很多人問為什麼?除了想要親自體會台灣這片土地的美,爬山更讓我真正認識自己、陪伴自己,激發更多的潛能。

登山的過程很累,3 至 4 天的旅途,要背著 11~15 公斤的裝備,一天步行約 8~10 公里,向上爬升 1,000 公尺左右,翻過一個個山頭才會抵達目的地。路途中會遇到各式的地形,有樹林、碎石坡、斷崖、溪流等,有時崎嶇有時溼滑,每一段陡坡、緩坡、高繞各有特色,這些未知和驚喜激發了我的好奇心,讓我努力想走下去,揭曉接下來每一段路會有的驚喜。

也正因為如此長途跋涉,才有機會和自己對話。

登山過程有時候也會遇到難以克服的困難,例如高山症發作,頭痛欲裂想吐;遇到冰雹來不及穿雨衣、搭營導致全部衣物濕掉,入夜全身冷得瑟瑟發抖;下山沒有調整好步伐,高估自己的肌力導致膝蓋急性發炎積水,深怕無法即時下山。面對每一次困難,我學習不斷與自我對話,提醒自己做得到,冷靜思考怎麼做更好,擬定配套措施,並時時調整呼吸、調整步伐,專注於自己的身體去克服困難。面臨挑戰的過程中,相信自己及面對自己才能超越自己。

對我來說,不管登山、創業或著人生,漫漫旅途中,充滿著許多艱鉅和意想不到的挑戰,但我期許自己像眾多創業者一樣,披荊斬棘,只為在黑暗中找尋迎接山頂日出的路。我是 Michelle,歡迎創業者們來和我聊聊,希望過去擔任財務顧問的專業能幫助到你,有機會也一起爬山吧!

Before AppWorks?

Before joining AppWorks, I worked at Deloitte Financial Advisory for over four years. I helped close various deals, including cross-border reorganization and joint venture deals for pharmaceutical companies, financial institution M&A, and tender offers of publicly-listed companies.  

Having the chance to work both buy-side and sell-side on different deals, I learned to analyze things from different perspectives, design terms/ea, and assist clients in negotiation. Sometimes I put myself in the seller’s shoes, persuading the buyer to purchase the company at a reasonable price as the seller put all their efforts into the business for decades. Sometimes I switch roles to think from the buyers’ perspective, balancing risks and benefits and assisting management in persuading the board to proceed with an acquisition. 

My daily tasks included analyzing financial reports and searching for every piece of information that might have an impact on the transaction in the data room across hundreds of files. I helped build an effective bridge between the buyer and seller and further facilitate the transaction.

Why did I join the startup community?

My father was an entrepreneur. When I was little, I stayed at my father’s company office most of the time. I witnessed all the ups and downs my father had gone through as a founder. I realized how difficult it is to establish a successful company and be responsible to the employees.

Like most founders, my father was always thinking about how to optimize resources on hand to build better products. Pivoting from computer ODM/OEM company to a biotech company that designed and manufactured ear thermometers, he started his company with less than 10 employees and grew further to around 80 employees. Luckily, he exited the company through IPO and further M&A. Things did not always come smoothly. I clearly remember during the SARS epidemic, my father provided forehead thermometers to the Taiwanese government prior to foreign clients, causing him to be sued by foreign clients (but also became an anti-epidemic hero). He also overcame the departure of a partner who collaborated with him  over years with trust but later made false accusations against my father in court. 

As I grew up, my father was more willing to share his founder journey. He said that he never overthinks. He just wanted to do the right things and ensure that employees and their families could live a good life.

I admire the spirit of entrepreneurs who always want to do the right thing and build great products. Encouraged by my father’s story, I wanted to pursue a career in the startup community. Either through accelerator or venture capital investment, I hope to accompany founders and join their extraordinary founder journey to inspire myself and others. 

What do you do outside of work?

I love hiking, especially hiking in Baiyue! Many people ask me why I like hiking in Baiyue so much. Besides enjoying experiencing the beauty of Taiwan in-person, hiking in Baiyue allows me to know myself better in terms of my weaknesses and potential. The long journey also allows me to talk and listen to myself and reflect.

Hiking in Baiyue can be very tiring. During the three to four day journey, we usually carried 11-to-15 kilograms of backpacking equipment, walked around 8-to-10 kilometers a day, and covered around 1,000m of elevation. We hiked hills over hills to reach the destination. 

During the trek, I often encounter various terrain, such as wooded areas, scree slopes, cliffs, and streams. Sometimes the path is rugged and sometimes it’s slippery. Each steep slope, gentle slope, and winding road has its own characteristics. I am drawn to these unknowns and always curious about what kind of surprises it will reveal ahead. This keeps me moving on no matter how tiring it is. 

There are insurmountable challenges during the trek as well such as experiencing altitude sickness with symptoms of headaches and nausea; unable to put on my raincoat and set up the tent in time before all of my clothes got wet amid a downpour. My whole body was shivering at night; I had failed to adjust my pace and overestimated my stamina, causing an acute inflammation and fluid in my knee. I was so scared that I could not get back to the trailhead in time. 

When facing these obstacles, I keep talking to myself, remind myself that I can do it, stay calm and think about alternative plans and how to make it better. I adjust my breathing and pace from time to time, and focus on my body to overcome challenges. I believe that facing yourself and believing in yourself is the true factor to surpass yourself through adversity. 

For me, either entrepreneurship or life is somewhat like trekking in that it is full of unexpected challenges. Along this journey, we are all searching in the dark to embrace the sunrise at the peak. I’m Michelle. Welcome to chat with me and if you have the chance, let’s go trekking together~

專訪黃朝秋 (BSOS 執行長),用 Blockchain 連結實體資產,將是另一個更寬廣的賽道

Antony Lee, Communications Master (李欣岳 / 媒體公關總監)

負責媒體與社群溝通相關輔導。加入 AppWorks 前有 18 年媒體經驗,是台灣第一批主跑網路產業的記者,先後任職《數位時代》副總編輯、《Cheers 快樂工作人》資深主編、SmartM 網站總編輯。畢業於交大管科系,長期關注媒體產業變化,熱愛閱讀商業與科技趨勢、企業與人物故事,樂於與人交流分享,期許自己當個「Internet 傳教士」。

2018 年成立的 BSOS 灣谷科技,是台灣在區塊鏈這個典範轉移中的早期參與者之一,成員來自金融及網路產業菁英,專攻供應鏈 FinTech。BSOS 透過提供 Web3 的技術與解決方案,活化供應商與企業客戶間的應收帳款,為供應商提升營運資金的時效和彈性,促進實體資產的數位化及價值流通效率,為產業供應鏈賦能。BSOS 在 2021 年進入企業以太坊聯盟 (EEA) 規格制定工作小組,與全球頂尖開發者共同制定企業區塊鏈標準,也獲得 CB Insights 旗下區塊鏈產業分析平台 Blockdata 評選為「全球區塊鏈 35 家潛力公司」,並在同年申請加入 Wistorn Accelerator 緯創加速器,成為第一屆的校友。

BSOS 是共同創辦人暨執行長 Daniel 黃朝秋再度創業。在創立 BSOS 之前,Daniel 曾擔任 Cheetah Mobile、ASUS 及電商集團軟體產品負責人,並在 2015 年創立 AI 語音通訊新創  OneTalk,後來獲得全球最大第三方輸入法公司 Kika Tech 收購。對於他致力於用區塊鏈技術,顛覆供應鏈 FinTech 的創業旅程,以及參與緯創加速器的收穫,並對往後創業帶來哪些價值,AppWorks 特別採訪 Daniel,將他一路上的心得分享給創業者,以下是重點整理:

Q: 在區塊鏈這個領域,最吸引、最能驅動你創業的原因是什麼?

A: BSOS 是 2018 年成立的,在區塊鏈這個領域,我們創業的時間不敢說很早,但我覺得也不算晚。BSOS 是我第二次創業,在此之前的 2008 到 2018 年約莫十年中,包含創業或是更早的工作經驗,我都在 Internet 領域的相關公司,這段時期,剛好完整經歷了 Mobile Internet 起飛,在 2012 年整體產業進入流量紅利期,然後逐漸紅利消失、邁入成熟這一段週期。2018 年決定再度創業時,我最深刻的感受,就是我們過去那種 Internet 車庫創業的時代已經過去了。

倒也不是說 Mobile Internet 完全沒有機會,而是這個產業太集中化了,它變成是一個資本驅動較多,然後更集中少數科技巨頭的產業。對於沒有太多資源,那種還沒有辦公室,只能先在車庫裡、靠幾台電腦創業的新創,機會已經沒有那麼多。過去做出個小 App,只要有需求、用戶參與度夠高,基本上有許多流量自然成長的方法,很容易做成一個 Business,但這個時機已經過去了。

所以,當我在 2018 年決定再度創業時,就是要去找一個科技巨頭不是那麼容易切入的領域,而區塊鏈、Web3 是當時不錯的選擇。事後也證明,從 2018 年到現在,多數科技巨頭也都想切入區塊鏈、Web3,也不是說真的不行,但在這個領域,這些科技巨頭就失去了過往的統治能力。

另一方面,我前一個創業被併購後,有一段時間在做天使投資人,評估過一些新創的投資機會。那時,就已經看到區塊鏈這個剛冒出頭的典範轉移,開始從哲學面、機制面、技術面去深入研究,那時感覺它不是漸進式、而是跳躍式的創新,在我看來,這才是新一代新創的紅利和機會,所以當時沒有第二個答案,就是在區塊鏈領域再度創業,如果再給我一次機會回到那個時候,我還是會選區塊鏈。

Q: 從 2018 年到現在,雖然市場與大環境有起有落,但整體來說,區塊鏈發展得越來越蓬勃,有越來越多機會浮現,為什麼會選擇專注在供應鏈 FinTech 這個賽道?

A: 我們會把自己的定位再放寬一點,就是要用區塊鏈技術,去解放實體世界資產的流通性,打開我們官網的第一句話,就是「Liquidize Real-World Assets with Blockchain」。區塊鏈最核心的應用,就是拿來做價值交換,不管是比特幣、以太幣或是其他區塊鏈資產,過去幾年來,已經充分驗證了價值交換這件事情,但除了這些,還有更大的一塊是 Real Assets,它在傳統上很多價值是不容易被表彰、創造流通性。

每一個供應鏈上,就有很多這樣的資產,過去的流通性,是沒辦法像區塊鏈一樣,用一套帳本去跟全世界流通,我們希望解決這樣的問題,因為它的量體更大。過去近兩年來,整體加密貨幣資產的市值,在 1.5 到 3 兆美元之間變動,而現在全球光是卡在供應鏈的應收帳款就有 40 兆美元,這還光只是一個 Real Assets 的類別,目前在這個世界上,絕大部分的財富價值,都還鎖在實體中,一部分在 Web1 或 Web2 上,只有極少的比例在 Web3 上流通,一旦這個水龍頭打開,會產生更大的影響,我們預期未來如果能將這些資產映射到 Web3 上去交換、產生流通性,對真實世界的貢獻與價值將非常巨大。

Web3 不是企業數位轉型

Q: 既然稱作供應鏈,某種程度上,它就是一個自成一格、相對封閉的體系,每一個都有很深的 Domain Know-how,如何說服那些擁有自己供應鏈體系的大企業,開始擁抱 Blockchain?大企業為什麼需要用一個新創的 Solution?

A: 對!這也是我們過去四年來,一直在這邊走得跌跌撞撞的原因。後來我們有一個體悟:Web3 的打法,絕對不能用企業數位轉型這個角度來思考,那樣只是把 Web3 的技術,強行套到 Web2 世界的邏輯裡,做到後來還是 Web2 的格局。如果只是要把資訊數位化,其實不需要用到區塊鏈,這樣企業還比較可控、效率更高。

因為 Web2 和 Web3 之間,有中心化和去中心化的差別。我們也曾嘗試參與過 Web2 的企業專案,了解他們有什麼需求,進而用區塊鏈的方式去滿足這樣的需求和系統,實際運作下來,發現這樣是行不通的,因為 Web3 有 Web3 的作法,不該去做數位轉型,而是要做價值交換和流通,這才是核心。

我會從兩條不連續的成長曲線來思考這個問題。如果順著第一曲線走,企業會進行數位轉型、流程優化,最後走到斷點,企業是不可能就到此為止然後跳下懸崖,所以第一曲線的終點,就是 Web2 的天花板。我們行業內常有人開玩笑,區塊鏈一開始不可以跟實體的世界,或是傳統的流程綁得太緊,否則「區塊鏈的應用落地即墜毀」,這個背後是有幾分道理的。

我們認為 Web3 必須從第二曲線的底部開始走,只有當創造的價值,來到超越第一曲線天花板一段距離後,還在第一曲線的人,才會願意放棄原本的做法,直接跳過來,從 Day 1 就按照 Web3 的規則走,也就是不管以前的規則是什麼,就跳過來用 Web3 的規則去做事情,其實很多 DeFi 應用就是這樣的,並沒有去參考銀行怎麼做,不會去了解什麼單子、要什麼欄位,讓彼此串接的資訊格式不要跑掉,直接就跳過採用 Web3 自己的新作法。在這背後,可能會提供參與者更高的資本報酬、打破原本的交易門檻、較少中心化介入的摩擦,甚至提供參與治理的機會,這些都是 Web2 做不到的。

要怎麼走出這一段,是所有 Web3 項目的共同命題,關鍵挑戰在於怎麼維持生態的流通性?很多 Web3 項目靠的是發幣補貼,這方面實體資產就有優勢了。因為它原本就具有實體價值的支撐,但同時也代表,它的資產波動幅度沒那麼劇烈,我們必須透過一些機制,使資產可以分別滿足穩健型和風險型的購買者。所以回到問題,如果要企業擁抱區塊鏈,我認為關鍵還是在經濟模型的設計,從治理層面,直接激勵參與者,因為趨利,自然而然投入生態、做出對生態有益的事。

Q: 如果直接從代表 Web3 的第二曲線出發,呈現在你們 Pipeline 上選擇的供應鏈客戶會長什麼樣子?

A: 根據我們實際走過的經驗,我相信 Web3 這邊的順序,會非常顛覆我們過去做 Web2 的三觀。過去,Web2 企業,要先把應用場景做好,延伸出的價值才可以被流通、才有流通的價值,Web3 則是先有流通性,再利用這個流通性回去創造應用場景。這樣的例子很多,各種 XX to earn 都可算是這個模式,例如,先發 NFT 頭像,再去發展社交的功能,有這個資產的人,就會衝進去玩後來才做的遊戲,然後 Play to earn,參與度會比 Web2 更高,因為他有更多經濟上的動機,這聽起來很顛覆三觀,就是先創造流通性,再從流通性去激勵。 

回到供應鏈客戶上,具備數位化到一定程度以上的企業,對我們接受度比較高。因為畢竟是要把實體的資產與區塊鏈串接,它中間需要一個類似 Oracle 的機制,供應商是否有這筆應收帳款,其實就是一個 Oracle,只是會比較複雜一些,需要更多方的確認。

參加緯創加速器,獲得供應鏈管理的 Insight

Q: 歷經了這些創業經驗後,為什麼會在 2021 年、BSOS 創業的第三年決定申請參加緯創加速器?

A: 最主要的原因,是我們希望透過參加緯創加速器這段時間,給自己一個實驗 PoC (Proof of Concept) 的機會,因為這和我們自己去開發客戶很不一樣。自己找的客戶,可能在被拒絕後,因為客套或是其他原因,不會跟我們講真正拒絕的原因,這可能會讓我們走火入魔,因為劃錯重點而要多繞很多路,進而浪費很多時間,這對新創、尤其是區塊鏈的新創,是非常奢侈的浪費,另外,一旦被對方拒絕後,短期內我們也很難再回去拜訪對方,針對被拒絕的原因,追問更多、更深入的問題。

在參與緯創加速器這段期間,就完全不是這樣。他們會跟我們分享更多思考與決策的脈絡、真正的需求是什麼,然後提供滿多的機會,讓我們去重複修正跟提案。若沒有參加加速器,我們很難從緯創這種規模、產業的企業身上,獲得這樣的經驗。比起其他提供給新創的資源,我覺得能獲得這樣的 Insight,是我們參加最大的收穫與價值。

Q: 在供應鏈管理上,可能光是層層往上敲門與提案的過程,就遍體鱗傷了吧?

A; 這過程的確很花時間。我們透過參加緯創加速器,與緯創集團各事業單位媒合,最後是跟緯穎合作。剛開始,我們覺得應該就是派位專員層級的人來與我們對話,但其實是副總經理層級親自參與,這真的是很難得的事情,每次的討論會議,Joe 副總 (緯穎科技副總經理焦裕洲) 都有參加,提供不少 Insight 給我們。

也是因為參加緯創加速器,讓我們驗證了供應鏈應收帳款,這個問題是真的存在。對中小型供應商來講,這些問題要如何被解決,背後有一些脈絡,而我們會有一個比較深層的理解。另一方面,就是要如何創造核心買家、最後要付款的這個人,他可以有哪些動機願意參與,這將是整個系統設計比較大的關鍵,而不是讓效率更高的數位化流程等這些事情。如果再往未來多看一點,其實這就是 Web3 項目得以成功的武器,Web3 最重要的事情,就是創造大家的動機,讓對這個生態系有貢獻、把事情做好的角色,都能從中獲得有形或無形的獎勵。

Q: 以你實際參與緯創加速器的經驗,對於未來也想要申請加入企業垂直加速器的創業者或新創,有哪些提醒或建議?應該有哪些心理準備或期待?

A: 我很鼓勵新創圈的朋友,若技術或服務的應用場景符合、需要進行 PoC,都應該爭取這樣的機會。在心態上,我覺得參與這類企業垂直加速器,不要只是抱著把東西賣給大企業的目的,一定是能從對方的建議與回饋中,找出產品或服務可以調整和優化的地方,實際參加的這段時期,在產品、技術或是商業模式上,要預留可以修改的空間,這和推廣業務非常不一樣。

從這個角度來看,我建議比較適合在成長期的新創申請加入。就是比早期再成熟一些,已經有一個基本且可行性高的產品架構,但還沒有進入太大規模的商業化,產品、技術、商業模式都還有調整的彈性,參加這樣的企業垂直加速器幫助最大,如果產品或商業模式已經很成熟,能更動的地方不多,收穫可能就比較有限。

不同的企業加速器,一定會有不同的做法。以緯創加速器來說,他們對新創算是很尊重,交流與溝通很開放,也不會倚老賣老,會從緯創自身的角度,來跟我們分享為什麼會有這樣子的需求,在這樣開放的溝通下,我們可以互相激盪出新想法,以及深入的產業洞察。

Q: 展望未來,BSOS 下一階段的創業目標是什麼?

A: 我會把創業至今分成三個階段,目前正在第三個階段。第一階段大約是 2018 到 2020 年,我們主要提供技術服務和中間層工具,投入大量資源在聯盟鏈及相關工具的研發,因為許多優秀的人才,我們入選了企業以太坊 (EEA) 的規格制定小組,也是全球唯一同時被三大聯盟鏈 R3、Hyperledger、Consensys Quorum 認定為技術夥伴的公司,這樣的技術力,即便放到國際上,都是領先的。

第二階段大約是 2021 年,我們建立了 Real Assets 的 Oracle,打造出 SUPLEX 這個產品,一端接鏈下系統、一端接區塊鏈智能合約,將實體資產鑄造成鏈上資產。因為我們創業最重要的目標,就是打造一套鏈下資產映射到鏈上的機制,並且創造一套遊戲規則,讓所有參與者都能在做好某件事情後,獲得具體的好處。

第三階段的目標,則是為生態系建立一套激勵系統,創造源源不絕的流通性。我們思考的還是Web3、DeFi 的方向。從 2020 年 DeFi Summer 到現在,可以看到各種 DeFi 創新百花齊放,但我覺得第一個週期大概已到尾聲了。我們現在看到所有的 DeFi 借貸協議,都是超額抵押的概念,一旦幣價下滑,就是在鏈上被清算掉,回到一個根本問題:如果有 150 元的資產,為什麼要拿去抵押借 100 元?這不是真的缺錢,而是要做資金操作、做槓桿,把借來的錢再投入資本市場去滾錢,它很好,能夠創造流通性、創造一個價值兌換的體系。

但從金融發展史的視角來看,這個模式的概念上比較類似當鋪,還是非常初期的金融模式,宏觀來看,借貸 DeFi 未來還有很大的發展空間。接下來金融的發展,應該是要借錢給真正缺錢的人,或是借錢給要去生產或創造的人,讓這些創造者把這些錢花掉,而不只是到金融市場滾一圈再回來,應該是要在產生實質價值的商品跟服務後,讓這些價值可以再回到區塊鏈的世界。這是我們努力的目標,把錢借給真正需要的人,把錢拿去做生產、創造。Real World DeFi 是 BSOS 的下一個目標,這也是激勵參與者、創造流通性的關鍵機制。國際上已經有一些協議正在萌芽,我們會善用 Web3 的 Money Lego 特性,去展開協議之間的合作與串連。

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